Visiting Goa - Famed beaches of North Goa

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Beaches of North Goa

Water sports being undertaken at Calangute beach in North Goa

             The last day of our trip in Goa was dedicated to visiting the destinations situated in North Goa, where we had been putting up in the Trivago associate serviced apartments.  As the tour had been chalked out by me independently and we were not required to follow the schedule of any tour operator, we started our day in a leisurely fashion by getting up a bit late and had B’fast at around 9.30 A.M instead of rushing through it like other days.  We started the day with the tour of the famed Fort Auguda and by the time we reached there, the sun was already up and spitting fire. 

Fort Aguada, Goa

View of lighthouse at Fort Aguda

Fort Aguada is a perfect example of the Portuguese architecture that was built in the 17th century.    It was actually a lighthouse and fort thrown in one, perched atop a hillock on the Sinquerim Beach, about 18 km from Panjim.   Built in 1612 as a form of protection from the Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez.  The view from the fort is breath taking as it overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.   The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. 'Agua' and used to be a replenishing source of fresh water for sailors.

The Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada jail, which is now closed for Public viewing.  Now a days the Fort is seen bursting with tourist activities and happy chatter & patter of people moving around.  The Aguada Fort also has a splendid four-storeyed light house.  Built in 1864 it is the oldest lighthouse of Asia.  A bell inside the lighthouse later became a part of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji.

A short video of Fort Auguda

            Having visited the Fort and laundered around it for some time, we then headed back to visit the famed beaches of North Goa and the details are as follows as per the chronological order of our visit –

Candolim Beach

The Candolim beach

Candolim Beach is one of most frequented and popular beaches of North Goa. Because of its proximity to the famed Calangute beach, it too attracts tourists, but is comparatively less crowded.  The beach starts almost at the footsteps of the Fort Aguada, built by the Portuguese in 1612.  Comparing to its surrounding beaches, Candolim is comparatively quite, this is due to the fact that there are no resorts built in and around the beach. For the moment the village remains little more than a ribbon of development of few small hotels and cafes only.

A short view of Candolim beach

Calangute Beach

Water sports at Calangute beach

As most of distances of Beaches are available from the capital Panjim, I am also furnishing the information accordingly.  Situated 15 km from the Panjim, Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga, a huge seven kilometres sweep of sand. Due to its sheer size and popularity, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world and is also is called the ‘Queen of Beaches’.  As the sea waves mingle with sands of the beach, the Calangute Beach comes alive in all its beauty. You can also sample the sumptuous culinary fare here at Souza Lobo's, Oriental, Electric Cats or the Tibetan kitchen, all of which can offer a unique taste palette. Embark on a number of water sports at the beach or walk into a cafe and read, there is no shortage of options when it comes to Calangute Beach.  The Calangute Beach is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing.

A short video of Calangute beach

Anjuna Beach, Goa

A view of the famed Anjuna beach

The Anjuna Beach is located at a distance of 21 km from Panjim, it is among the most popular beaches in North Goa. A hippie paradise of sorts it is characterized by its rocky outcrops. A small makeshift shopping complex has come up in its vicinity and one can also sample some delicious culinary goodness at Burger Factory, Baba Au Rhums, or Basilico.  Known as the jewel of Ozran, it quickly became a favorite haunt for the hippies in the swinging 60s and still retains the some old days’ vibe to this present day.  However, one should be extremely careful during swimming here as the beach is mostly filled with rocky shores.

A short video of  Anjuna beach

Vagator Beach, Goa

A view of the Vagator beach

Rocky cliffs at Vagator beach

The Vagator beach is 21 kilometres from Panaji and is characterized by a combination of its soft white sands and imposing but beautiful rocky cliffs. The beach is divided into two major parts, namely Little Vagator, also known as Ozran Beach, and the Big Vagator. While the sweeping view of the sea from the Vagator cliff is said to be stunning, but tourists also flock to Vagator for its myriad dining options and an overall upbeat vibe at the beach shacks.  One of the most famous places to be was, of course, Thalassa - a quaint and artistic Greek themed beach restaurant with beach seating and stunning gourmet adventures, which has now shifted a bit away from the beach but still retains its sea side experience. Moreover, there are various other gourmet places serving up some quality local and international food such as Villa Blanche Bistro, Antares Beach Restaurant, and Fusion Restaurant.

A short video of Vagator beach

Enjoying lunch at the 'Thalassa' restaurant

            Having visited these four destinations, it was almost lunchtime and as per my Son’s desire, we decided to visit the famed Greek restaurant being run in the region called the ‘Thalassa’, provided we got a place to sit, since we did not have a reservation.  However, being a working day and off-season and almost past lunch hour, we could get a reservation for four and enjoyed some hearty Greek cuisine.  We had also released the driver to have his lunch and after about an hour or so we resumed our journey further to visit the remaining beaches of North Goa.

Morjim Beach, Goa

View of Morjim beach

"Home of the Olive Ridley Turtles",  the Morjim Beach is undoubtedly one of the most tranquil beaches of North Goa and is located around 12 km away from Morjim through the Duler-Marna-Siolim Road. Located a little south of Aswem beach, it serves as a nesting habitat for Olive Ridley Turtles. This earns Morjim Beach another moniker, namely Turtle Beach. The nesting season for the Olive Ridley Turtles usually begins in September, although sometimes it can be as late as January, and lasts until March.  Thus, during this particular time of the year, Morjim is a very popular amongst the tourists visiting Goa, who wish to see the nesting site of the famed turtles.  This protected nature of Morjim Beach is one of primary factors responsible for its untouched beauty. Vast vistas of sand stretch endlessly and the whole beachfront is pristine and beautiful.  One can easily go for a quick dip in the sea, experience a day by the beach sipping chilled beer, and even indulge in some shopping on the beach street. Owing to the shallow depth, kite surfing makes for an exciting activity at the Morjim Beach.

A short video of Morjim beach

Ashwem Beach, Goa Overview

A view of the Ashwem beach

Located north of the famous Morjim beach after the Chapoa River, the lovely Ashwem beach still retains the original charm of Goa.  It is the most distant beach from Panjim and is situated at a distance of more than 30 kilometres from Panjim. A hidden gem with one of the most stunning sceneries, Ashwem beach differs from the other beaches of North Goa because of its remote location. Being less crowded from the other beaches of North Goa, the long sandy shores of the Ashwem beach starts from the bank of the Chapora River to the south stretches all the way to Ashwem that forms the northern tip.   It's long shoreline and calm waves attract tourists from all over the country.  The beach offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and a fantabulous location to stay, dine and party. The long stretch is lined by beautiful palm and coconut trees that leave you awestruck.  It is also home now to many of the western back packers and tourists alike, as it is not bombarded by regular visitors.  As we too had made it a point to visit the destination, despite having to pay a higher hiring charges, just to visit this destination. 

A short video of Ashwem beach

            As it was the last destination to be visited by us for the day, we leisured around the beach side in the shacks for some time and savoured some cold drinks and as we had to leave Goa the next day, we headed back to our apartment as the sun was about to set and thus, concluded our Goa visit.

Note – I have not included the description of Baga beach, which too in located in North Goa, as I have already covered in the first blog of the present series.