Nature/ Scenic

Varca Beach

Location

Varca Beach is a few kilometres from the Majorda-Beach and covers a stretch of around 10 km of white sand. Tourists can also see black lava rocks on the shores of the beach. Traditional palm-thatched roofs and wooden boats can also be seen on this beach. Taxis and buses are widely available to reach the Varca Beach.

Vagator Beach

Location

Vagator Beach is situated in Bardez Taluka on the banks of Chapora River and is around 4 km from Anjuna-Beach. The beach is located in the middle of rocky cliffs and is famous for its chain of beaches. The colour of water of Vagator Beach keeps on changing from aquamarine to emerald, which is the main attraction of the beach.

The Vagator Beach provides a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea, the coconut palms and the soft white sands. Farmhouses and bungalows located near Vagator Beach depict the architectural work of the Portuguese.

Dona Paula Beach

Location

Dona Paula Beach is popularly known as the 'Lover's Paradise', which is situated at around 7 km away from the state capital Panaji. It is believed that Dona Paula, daughter of a viceroy who was entombed in the Cabo Chapel, emerges from the beach waves and haunts visitors.

Calangute Beach

Location

Calangute Beach is located at the centre of the Bardez Coast, which is frequented by tourists visiting Aguada Beach. Bordered by the village of Candolim Beach on its southern side and Baga Beach on its northern side, Calangute is a hub for flea markets in Goa.

It stretches around seven kilometres, starting from Calangute going towards Baga and finally ending at Candolim. The beach is dotted with tamarisk trees, lush green bushes and golden sand dunes. Founded in the late 1960s, the beach soon became the ‘Mecca of Hippies’ close to the 1970-1980s.

The beach is known as a shopping venue, where jewellery, handicrafts and woven fabrics are available. Presently the beach is lined with nightspots, markets and numerous restaurants.

Baga River

Location

The Baga River is also known as Riviera De Goa and is often visited by tourists coming to Aguada Beach. The stream originates from the deep and dense forests of Assagao and Bardez. This 10 km long river stream is full of fish, which attracts many fishermen.

‘The Coffin Bridge’ here is a strange box-bridge located at the riverside, separating lush green paddy fields with the settlements on the north side of the river. Flowing along the sides of Baga Beach, the river finally falls into the Arabian Sea at Baga.

Baga Beach

Location

Baga Beach is a 30 km long stretch of sand along the west coast of Goa, located close to the Aguada Beach. Located in a strategic location at Bardez Taluka between Anjuna and Calangute Beach, Baga attracts thousands of visitors every year. The beach begins from Fort Aguada and finally ends at Chapora Beach.

The northern end of the beach provides views of River Baga merging into the Arabian Sea. Protected by huge black rocks, the beach experiences high white waves throughout the day.

Arvalem Caves

Location

The Arvalem Caves are located in the Bicholim taluka in the North Goa District of Goa. Represented as one of the ancient monuments of the region, these rock cut caves are believed to be constructed by the Pandavas as an abode during their exile. Often referred to as the Pandavas Caves, archaeologists have traced the origin of these caves that dates back to around the 5th or the 6th century.

Some of the caves are believed to be carved by the Buddhist monks, who travelled through the region during ancient times. The caves are constructed along the lines of Buddhist caves, which have a sanctuary at the northern end and the Buddha Vihara at the southern end.

Arambol Beach

Location

Arambol Beach, which is situated 21 km from Anjuna-Beach, is one of the famous attractions among tourists. It is located in the Arambol Village and is known for its golden sand.

There are two beaches within the Arambol Beach including Harmal Beach, which is popular among visitors. The other beach is surrounded by rocks and can only be reached on foots as it has steep cliffs on both the sides. The beach is covered with cashew trees, huge rocks and has a fresh water lagoon.

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Agonda Beach

Location

Agonda Beach is a secluded beach destination in Agonda Village. It is located in South Canacona Taluka of South Goa District in the state of Goa. Being an isolated and picturesque beach destination, Agonda Beach is famous among beach lovers.

Agonda Beach, known also as ‘the Silent Beach’ is located about 37 km from the historic town of Margao and 47 km from Karwar. It is 15 minutes away from the North of Palolem Beach, on the way to Panaji. Though it is a lesser frequented destination when compared to Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach is visited mostly by those in search of tranquility.