Besides being famed for lively beaches, monolithic churches, artistic temples and fabulous flora and fauna, Goa is also popular for its Grand Carnival. Carnival at Goa resides at the top among the many and various colorful feasts and festivals celebrated in Goa.

This unique and exclusive Carnival was introduced by the Portuguese. It is held in February when the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with music and color. Goa Carnival is a non-stop three days festival of color, song and music, enjoyed by people of all age groups. Although, the three-day festival is primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition revelry, western dance forms, and turned into a pageantry of sorts. Though started as a celebration of the local population, today it has crossed the state boundaries to attract 1000’s people from all over the country.

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Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is the nearest beach from the capital of the Goa, Panaji. The beach is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea.

A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees, Miramar is one of the most popular beaches.It was originally known as the “Gasper Dias Beach”.From here one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the river . If you wish to watch the sunset from Panaji then the best location would be this beach, which is fifteen minutes’ walk along the riverfront avenue called Dayanand Bandodker Marg.It is not a safe beach to swim. There is a strong undercurrent.

One can have an excellent view of Fort Aguada. Apart from its proximity to Panaji, it is very much commercialized and a large number of hotels and exclusive homes of Goa’s rich and famous stud the area. The beach is crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days.

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The Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is also known as “Paradise Beach”. This beach in south Goa is about a mile long and it provides idyllic scenery. The most idyllic beach of Goa, Palolem beach has a sweeping crescent of white sand, fringed by a sandy rim of coconut palms. It has a crescent shaped bay lined with swaying coconut palms hemmed by a pair of rocky crags. The white sand beach in an arc is picture perfect. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers and vacationers who arrive in droves on sightseeing tours of the beaches. The beach still looks very virgin. Its unlike the beaches of North Goa, which are more or less full with dirt, filth and visitors.

Some of the major activities on Palolem beach can be Dolphin watching, beach activities, swimming and shopping. The resorts and other agents can book a good trip to the sea on a boat for dolphin watching. Shopping on the sea side markets of Palolem can be a fun, and the road side eateries offer a sumptous meal at a reasonably low price.

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Arambol Beach

Arambol a small remote fishing village in Goa, lies 50kms from Panaji. The place has two beaches, more popular is the main beach (Harmal beach), the northernmost beach in Goa with clean sand, some bays and fresh water pools good for swimming. The beach is beautiful and the village is quiet and friendly, with just a few hundred locals mostly fishing people. The rocky headland or the cliffs near the beaches are popular for paragliding. The second, more picturesque beach lies beyond the rocky headband and can only be reached on foot and is bordered by steep cliffs on both sides.

Every tourists dream, the beautiful beach is secluded and has a primitive, untouched feel to it. The place is ideally peaceful allowing you to have a close experience of local life and culture. The relaxed environment coupled with peace and tranquility attracts many vacationers from other beaches of Goa.

Arambol is along the Goa border with its fresh water lagoon. Due to its isolation, some tourists has been unable to reach this beach.It is the 16-km-long sea beach. The main beach has adequate body surfing and there are several attractive bays a short walk to the north. Beyond an idyllic, rocky-bottomed cove, the trail emerges to a board strip of soft white sand hemmed in on both sides by steep cliffs.

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Major Attractions

Chapora Fort

The Chapora fort is situated at a walking distance from the beach. It is a 500 years old fort, built by the Portuguese. The fort is sitated on a small hillock and is all built in red stones. The hilltop gives a splendid view of the Arabian sea, Vagator beach and the nearby villages. The fort utters the reminiscence of the old Portuguese times and promises a superb view of the sea and hills covered with coconut trees and rice fields. The remaining battlements and fortifications takes one down the historic era, into the times when Royalty ruled the Vagator hue.

Chapora Village

The Chapora village near the Vagator beach is delight to see. The village is true representative of the traditional life of the Goans. The main source of earning in the village has been Fishing. Life goes on peacefully in Chapora: with salty fishermen carrying home their heavy fishing nets and kids playing among the dry docked boats.

Shopping

Vagator is a very small village and as such doesn’t have much to offer by way of shopping except for a handful of shops selling handicrafts and clothes and a few other amenities. Apart from fish, one can buy artefacts like candelabras made of exquisite blue china woven baskets and earthen pots. People with sweet tooth get the chance to enjoy coconuts, bananas “Bebinca”, a Goan delicacy made from tender coconuts.

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Vagator Beach

Location

Vagator beach is 25 Km from Panjim in North Goa.

The Vagator Beach

The picturesque Vagator beach, also called Vegator Beach, is a prime attraction in North Goa. The beach attracts visitors because of its pristine beauty, white sands and the nearby Chapora Fort. The nearby Chapora village is another attraction, as the rural life here reflects the real charm of Goa. Yet to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of tourists, life goes on peacefully in and around Vagator Beach. Vagator is attractive little bay between rocky headlands with series of small beaches. Vagator beach is perfect for those who want to spend some silent moments with there loved ones in a secluded place. For the honeymooners, Vagator is a perfect place, due to its aloof locations and beautiful beach resort near the beach.

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Anjuna Beach

The Anjuna Beach is rightly referred to as the Freak Capital of the World and happens to be one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa.

The Anjuna Beach is rightly referred to as the Freak Capital of the World and happens to be one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The swaying coconut palms and the soft white sand add to the holiday mood on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The hippy hang out of the sixties is still a major draw. Tourists from the younger generations as well as the flower generations flock to Anjuna Beach. Thus, even if you seek nirvana or just want to enjoy the magic of the nature you must head to the Anjuna beach. Take a plunge into swimming the most relaxing water activity that can be pursued at the Anjuna Beach. It is safe as the sea is calm. Sun bathing is the most favored activity of the sun starved European tourists. The more adventurous of you may even try out bungee jumping.

Besides enjoying the natural at its best at the Anjuna beach you may even check out the monumental Mascarenhas Mansion. The Mansion is a must visit owing to its woodwork and the finest floral etchings on glass. Anjuna beach the spot for hippies, parties and techno also boasts of the amazing Albuquerque Mansion. The structure was built way back in 1920. The structure has a beautiful border made up of the octagonal towers. Even the Mangalore tile-roof of the mansion is marvelous.

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