Goa is the fourth smallest populated and one of the richest state in India. It is a land of fun and frolic and is also famous for its beaches, historical forts, churches and temples. It possesses the ethnic beauty of Indian Konkani and also the reminiscent of Portuguese. We find most of the people speak Konkani, Portuguese, Marathi, English and Hindi in Goa. Religions like Hinduism, Islam and Catholism are followed in Goa. It is a land of exotic beaches where we can observe the sun, sand and the sea conjugate. The people can enjoy their holidays during the cooler months i.e., from November to March.
The beaches of Goa are divided into North Goa and South Goa for the purpose of tourism. The North Goa beaches provide fun and activity and the South Goa beaches provide solace and isolation i.e., the South beaches are crowded less when compared to the North beaches of Goa. People from different parts of the world, irrespective of caste, color and creed visit this paradise of beaches to spend their vacation with their families. There are also some hotels which have their own beaches used by their guests only.
In Goa, the beaches are ideal for adventure. They offer water sports like swimming, dinghy sailing, parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, water scootering, windsurfing, jet skiing and banana boat riding. Beaches like Anjuna, Vagator, Baga,Dona Paula and Bambolim offer great relaxation and recreation to the tourists and are very famous in Goa. Beaches in Goa are the perfect place to celebrate New Year or Christmas and politicians, celebrities and models from different parts of the world usher the spirit of festival here. Many a times doubts raised that which beach is the best beach in Goa, but it is very difficult to name one because each beach is unique, best and beautiful. Hence it is very difficult to select the best from the best.
Beaches in North Goa are: Anjuna Beach, Arambol Beach, Ashwem Beach, Baga Beach, Candolim Beach, Calangute Baga Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Keri Beach, Morijim Beach, Mandrem Beach, Miramar Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Siridao Beach, Vagator Beach and Vainguinim Beach.
Beaches in South Goa are: Agonda Beach, Arossim Beach, Bogmalo Beach, Benaulim Beach, Betalbatim Beach, Betul Beach, Cabo Da Rama Fort Beach, Canaguinim Beach, Cola Beach, Colomb Beach, Colva Beach, Fatrade Beach, Galijbaga Beach, Hollant Beach, Majorda Beach, Mobor-Cavelossim Beach, Palolem Beach, Patnem Beach, Raj Baga Beach, Utroda Beach, Varca Beach and Velsao Beach.
Vagator Beach: The Vagator Beach is divided into – North Vagator, Ozrant Beach and Tel Aviv beach. It cares much about the Israeli and British tourists. There is a carved statue of Lord Shiva in Ozrant Beach. It provides beachfront cottages, resorts, guest houses and rest houses for the tourists. It is known as swimmer’s paradise.
Baga Beach: It is situated south down to Anjuna Beach. It offers all types of cuisines like Goan food, international cuisine north Indian food. It has plenty of hot spots, handicrafts shops and restaurants. People enjoy swimming, paragliding, speedboat rides and jet-skiing in this beach.
Anjuna Beach: Anjuna Beach is located in a village named after Anjuna with an area of 13 sq. kms in Bardez Taluka. It is the most popular beach in Goa and stands for its beauty of white waves. Tourists enjoy its pleasant climate throughout the year though there is heavy rainfall during the months of June and October. Moreover, November to February is the best time for the tourists to visit this place. We find monks, ex-hippies, artists, seers, researchers or tourists in this place. One can enjoy the delights of the flea market, funky music, beach parties, and strolls on a moonlit night here. Anjuna offers western seafood, simple and delighting food with chilled beer. It also offers fresh fruits like watermelons, pineapples and local coconuts.
Accommodation is not at all a problem for tourists in Anjuna. There are a number of guest houses and hotels for tourists coming from different parts of the world. Rave parties were arranged on every full moon night and swimming is prohibited in Anjuna beach because of the fatal undercurrents. Shopping on every Wednesday is synonymous here. There are also sightseeing tours, yoga centers, Ayurveda centers and restaurants from Italian to German and Goan to Indian food are found in Anjuna.
Aguada Beach: The Aguada Beach is known specially by the Fort Aguada which was built by the Portuguese in order to protect Goa from the foreign attacks. Many tourists visit the beach and soothe their eyes with wonderful views of Aguada beach.
Betalbatim Beach: It is situated in the north to Colva and stretches towards the Arabian sea where the sound of swaying palms and shimmering waters relax the people nearby.
Baina Beach: It is located in the port town of Mormugao. People enjoy evening walk, water sports or swimming here. It is really a tourist spot in Goa. Everyone who visits this beach experiences the underwater sea walk and enjoys unique experience to explore the sea.
Bogmalo Beach: This beach is situated away from Vasco lined with coconut trees on three sides. It is an ideal place to spend evenings here. Fishing and diving is also one of the main attractions. Tourists can enjoy Goan food here. Transportation facility and accommodation is not at all a problem here.
Dona Paula Beach: It is situated 7kms from Panaji and bus transportation is available to this place from Panaji. It is the main location for film makers. It provides facilities for water sports, safer swimming, and scuba diving. The sculpture of couple facing each other is a worth seeing thing. Sea food, fast food and good accommodation are available here.