Miramar Beach – The Golden Beach
July 28, 2008 by Butter
Filed under north goa beaches
When we planned our stay in Goa to be in Panaji, we have already made our minds to make a true visit to the famous Miramar beach of Goa. In fact, this was the main attraction which drew us to make our honey moon vacation to Goa. We can never forget our first time visit to this beautiful beach of Goa.
The location where river Mandovi opens into the Arabian Sea is an estuary and Miramar beach is a part of this. Both of us decided to explore Miramar to its maximum beauty and so we planned to go on a walk on the beach which stretched for more than 2Km. Our guide explained that the word Miramar means “viewing the sea” in Portuguese. Yes, we understood, they haven’t made a mistake in naming this golden beach. This is why we are here – to view the sea and the beach which is made more beautiful by the palm trees.
We have already heard that we should never miss out the famous sun set in Miramar beach and this is why we chose the trip to be in one of the beautiful evenings during our stay in Goa. We have earlier planned for a drive down the beach, but later changed up our minds to enjoy the beach in a walk. This decision was apt, as we started observing the grand houses during our walk. In between, we had refreshment from the stall and enjoyed a shopping too.
Suddenly he drew my attention to something across the river. This was the famous Fort Aguada and it was an excellent view from the beach across the river. Commercialism have also equally grabbed the place and due to the increasing number of tourists visiting the place regularly, everything is set ready there to bring in more and more tourists. There are colleges and institutions in Miramar.
Candolim Beach – Quiet And Peaceful
July 28, 2008 by Butter
Filed under north goa beaches
I have already visited enough beaches in Goa and thought that another visit will be a mere waste of time. It was then, our guide advised that missing Candolim in a visit to Goa will be chance of repenting later in your life as you recollect your memories in Goa. though, not whole heartedly willing, we planned to set one day aside to explore another beach of Goa, something which is plentily seen everywhere in the state.
As we were into Candolim, I immediately realized the quiet and calm environment prevailing there. Yes, we might have missed out something valuable during this journey if we haven’t made ourselves into Candolim. This beach was quite different from any other beach of Goa, for the beach is left as such without converting into resorts.
We saw some fishermen trying to bring their nets and we have a hand for help. They offered us some fish, but what we did was out of fun and thrill. This was a funny experience which we were not able to enjoy in the previous beaches. Still then, we planned to have a food from the beach for it was famous for the special dish options that are unique for Candolim. There were a large number of fishing huts on the beach which showed that a good number of people live on fishing.
The beach is seven kilometers long and guide explained that if were ready for a walk, we could move to the Calangute beach of Goa. To be frank, I was quite laze about that.
I found a few scrub covered dunes on the beach which is long and straight. I enjoyed a small walk on the sun kissed sands of the beach. As we walked through the beach, we could see some adventurous attempts being tried through water actions, by individuals. I didn’t have the courage enough to attempt one.
Bambolim Beach – The Beach Resort
July 27, 2008 by Butter
Filed under north goa beaches
When we decided to go for a trip to Goa, my friends gave me the suggestion of a stay in the Bambolim beach resort. I wondered what is so special about a stay there, yet decided to give a try.
It was only when I was into Goa, that I understood what is so special about Bambolim. The beach is beautifully converted into a resort. I was amazed at the services provided in the hotel and it was in no way lesser to that provided in a five star hotel. The main attraction of the resort is in fact the beach itself which is easily reachable from the capital city of Goa.
The extreme charm of the resort is attributed to the cottages which were fringing the beach and situated at the foot of a hillock. I enjoyed swimming in a special pool which was shaded with coconut palms. Something I have never found anywhere in my travel experience. The room which I got was unique with excellent facilities and the foreground of the room was the sandy beach, enough for a true enjoyment.
In the evenings, I loved to spend under the Banyan tree enjoying the music and sipping the Palm Feni. The place was ideal when I went for a total rejuvenation of my mind and body. Spending time was excellent being in the resort itself, for the opportunities included all my favorites like surfing and scuba diving. Another day, I simply tried a sailing and enjoyed the clear and blue water. I loved the early mornings too being in the Bambolim beach resort, when the morning breeze came to wake me up from sleep.
When I got a friend with similar taste as that of mine, we even tried a high-speed boat ride and reached the Angria Bank. The island has an amazing wealth of corals and I wished if I were an excellent scuba diver.
Baga Beach – Peaceful
July 27, 2008 by Butter
Filed under north goa beaches
It had been several days that we are in Goa. Every day was busy and hectic trying to explore the whole of Goa. We wanted a change and wished to go to somewhere away from the hustle-bustle. It was then our driver suggested for a day at the Baga beach.
The sight of the beach itself was enough to fill my heart with happiness and relief. It stood as if it came out from some beautiful painting. As we leave imprints on the sand, we can see the white waves rushing as if to wipe away those. The wind blew to shake the palm trees and it was all together a perfect beach. The beach is in between the Colva and the Calangute. This small and perfect beach had nothing in common with the noisy beaches; I have been to before in various other parts of the world, except the river.
Out of the busy days in Goa, I really enjoyed being in the calm and quite atmosphere dwelling in peace. I didn’t want to sit ideal for a long time, when I thought of helping out the fishermen in their work. Suddenly something struck me and I decided to go for fishing and was extremely thrilled when I got a bid catch. The river here has a more pleasant diversion and hence my children loved the water so much. The rip currents used to swirl round our mouth which at times was quite disturbing.
The beauty of the black rocks, as the sea crash against them is awesome at the point where the sea and the river meet. This is the perfect beach in all ways when you listen to the music of this water crashing the rocks. I was not sure, but gave a try when the localities told about the curing ability of the water of Baga. I could see many trying some water sports when I was busy myself engaged in fishing.
Chapora Beach – Busy With Trade
July 25, 2008 by Butter
Filed under north goa beaches
How many beaches in the world have a 500 year old fort presiding over its expanse, just one place on earth can take credit to a feature so magnificent, Chapora on the northern tip of Goa. The fort was originally built by the Adilshahs of Bijapur on the southern tip of the Chapora River and was known by the name of Shahpur. Time has taken its toll, and for the lack of conservation the fort is in ruins. The forts grandeur may be lost but not its position, thus it weed infected ramparts gives a commanding view of the Vagator beach and the sea as far as the eyes can see.
Nestled in the shadows of the fort, next to the Vagator beach lays Chapora beach. A unique feature of Chapora is that it is largely untouched by commerce and the number of western tourists coming to Chapora is very small.
The Beach is very busy with trade, both fishing and boat building which is the primary occupation for the locals. The few tourists who come to Chapora get to taste the best of local cuisine available at the cafes and restaurants that line up the few streets that exist in the village. Seafood is abundantly available, made with lots of coconut, Black Kokum and spices all make the fare, and the price mouth watering to all.
Chapora’s pull is not its beach or sands, which is not much to speak about but the rustic life, mud swamps and its proximity to the wild. With a transport of your own one can explore the surrounding area, or take a ferry at Siolim to cross over to the northern part of Goa.
The Chapora village is well connected to the capital of Panjim and bigger town of Mapusa by road, which is lined with bars and guesthouses for stay.
