#Baga#Beach#Goa#India

The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach .This is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa that begins at Fort Aguada continues as Sinquerim Beach, then as Candolim Beach and merges into Calangute Beach and then to Baga beach and then Anjuna Beach and then to Vagator Beach finally ending at Chapora Beach and Fort.The Baga River flows down from one side offering a pleasant for children and those who love the water but can't risk the rip currents that swirl round the mouth, where the river and the sea meet and on the far right bank, tourists at Baga beach will see a group of black rocks against which the sea crashes.

As compared to Calangute Beach , it is more quieter and also more isolated. Its scenic beauty, with the creek, the Retreat House perched on the hill and the lack of local tourist buses all have contributed to its unique beauty. It is more popular with western tourists who love to use it as a base for water sports and fishing in the area Baga Beach may be touristy and busy but for those who like action, it’s one of the most happening beaches on the coast.Beach was clean and patrolled by police. The beach has many shacks, providing good music and food. Has many discos also You'll find everything from water sports to fine dining restaurants there, along with a pulsating nightlife . 

Location

Baga Beach is located in North Goa, 9 kilometers (6 miles) from Mapusa and 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Panaji, the state capital. It's bordered by Calangute Beach to the south, and Anjuna Beach to the north on the other side of the river.Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends, although it's hard to pinpoint exactly where.

Climate and Weather

The weather at Baga is warm throughout the year. Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day or drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Some winter nights can get a bit chilly from December to February though. Baga receives rain from the southwest monsoon from June to August. The beach huts close during this time, although many nightspots remain open. The tourist season kicks off in late October, and starts slowing down around March.

How to Get There

For international travellers Goa's airport is siuated to the south, at Vasco da Gama, approximately one hour's drive away by taxi. The closest railway station is at Margao.

The closest railway station to Baga is Thivim. Expect to pay around $5 in a taxi to get to Baga from the railway station. Alternatively, Goa's Dabolim airport is located 50 kilometers (31 miles) away, and the fare in a pre-paid taxi is around $15.

Get around

Getting around Baga is very easy on foot but be careful of the chaotic traffic and wandering cows though. There is a wide range of taxis and rickshaws easily available. Buses to/from Calungute are Rs. 10.

What to See

Baga's attraction is in it's world famous beach. Interesting sights to visit close by include Portuguese forts at Aguada and Chapora. The world famous Anjuna beach flea market is great for a spot of haggling.

What to Do

Water sports are a huge attraction. You can go para sailing, wake boarding, windsurfing, kite surfing, or take a ride on a jet ski.

Dolphin spotting trips and island trips are other popular options. However, many people are simply content lazing on the sun lounges in front of the beach shacks all day and feasting on a steady supply of food, beer, and cocktails.Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. Can get busy at weekends and holidays.

What to Buy

Mackie's Saturday Night Bazaar is located by the river in Baga. Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar is a great place for bargain hunting and music, whilst nearby Anjuna's world famous flea market is ceratinly worth a visit. The Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach and Saturday night market at Arpora are both close by as well, and will satisfy even the best shopaholic As well as the usual range of tourist souvenirs, there are many shops selling made to measure suits and clothing at a fraction of western prices. Many leather ware shops offering made to measure jackets and luggage also available. Glasses also very cheap at the opticians in the centre of the adjoing town of Calangute. 

Rama's Bookshop at the Calangute junction on the road leading off to Baga offers second-hand books in a dozen European languages. You even get fifty percent back on returning the read book.

Where to Eat

A wide range from budget options to a full multi-course feast. Many interesting and cheap places along the Baga Road leading to Calangute, together with some better quality establishments. Many shacks situated on the beach offering a good choice of reasonably priced food all day from breakfast to evening meals. Some also offer occaisonal barbeque nights with freshly caught seafood.

The Cavala Seaside Resort, Baga Road hosts a superb barbeque night with entertainment which is always popular.

J & A's Little Italy, across the Baga River along Baga Creek Road. Serving superb Italian food in a relaxing atmosphere.

Lario's Beach Shack, situated at the top end of the beach.

Brito's - Known for its mix meat platter, this place serves Continental cuisine. The desserts offered are quite good.

Casa Portuguese

La Resturaunt, Baga Road - French cuisine at its best.

Mooncrest - on the road to the beach.

Christie's Cafe La Musica - is a place to relax on Bean Bags & Futons drinking beer after a swim at the beach. The Thai Food and the late night barbeque for veggie and seafood lovers is its speciality.

Redonda, Baga Junction. Mind blowing food. A must visit if you fancy non-vegetarian fare. 

Cafe Lazydays, CSM Road. Excellent food and accomodation at great prices 

Danny's Grill Kebabs and Curries, On the banks of the Baga Creek, Danny's Restaurant has a menu ranging from breakfast classics to creative innovations. For breakfast, there are fresh fruit juices and a special breakfast. For lunch and dinner, there are savory pork chops, lobster tandoori, steak amorita with apricot sauce and for dessert, bebinca with ice cream. 

Drink

All the restaurants and beach shacks above offer a range of locally produced spirits and beers at reasonable cost. Popular local brands include Kings and Kingfisher lager.

Tito's Nightclub adjacent to the beach is an infamous nightspot. Established in 1971 by an expat, Titos has attracted the likes of the Beatles, Dire Straits, Pete Townsend, Matt Damon, Richard Gere, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Sanjay Dutt, Kate Moss and a host of celebs.

Club Cubana is inland from Baga beach in the Arpora Hills about 15-minute taxi ride from Baga. Swimming pools and dance music until the wee hours.

Where to Party

Baga is well known for its commercial nightlife, most of which can be found in and around Tito's Lane -- home to the infamous Club Tito and Cafe Mambo. Both hold regular events with interstate DJs. Many people don't think Tito's is worth the money though, despite the hype (expect to pay 2,000 rupees for single guys, and 1,500 rupees for a couple).

Cape Town Cafe is widely regarded as the best place to party on Tito's Lane. Also, head to hip Cocktails and Dreams to try an astonishing variety of cocktails and shooters, and be dazzled by barmen with impressive flame juggling skills. Guys will love the Sports Cafe. For those who prefer live music, Cavala caters to an older crowd and has retro performances on many nights of the week.

Sleep

Accommodation ranges from budget priced backpacker style rooms to hire. There is a range of mid range hotels around town together with larger establishments catering for the package tourist in outlying areas of Arpora and Calangute.

Hostel Joseph's Haven, . It's a small cozy hostel with nice garden and surrounded by lots of greenery, coconut trees etc. Air-con in dormitories. Breakfast not included. Kitchen for self cooking.Free Wi-Fi in hostel premises. Huge garden with hammocks and BBQ. Laundry facilities with nominal charges. You stay six nights, then the seventh night is free. Free parking facilities for two wheelers.

Lime Holidays, Serviced apartments in Goa, for safe and convenient stay, only a 4 minute walk from Calangute beach, in a 3 star resort with access to 2 swimming pools, restaurant & bar. Fully a/c non ac flexible check-in & check-out timings, extra mattress & kitchen facilities provided. 

Get out

Baga is a great place for visiting Goa's many attractions. There are numerous agents around town offering visits to Panaji (the capital city of the state); the second largest waterfalls in India; or to spend the night in a mud hut in the jungle and wash an elephant. Trips are available to secluded beaches (ask any taxi driver). Excursions lasting several days can also be arranged to out of state attractions such as Mumbai - the home of Bollywood; the Taj Mahal and Delhi

#Agonda#Best#Beach#Goa#India

Agonda Beach is a fine 2km stretch of white sand framed between two forested headlands.Agonda is a great spot for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming, with still relatively few tourists. Agonda is a nice long pristine stretch of beach. Though the waters here might not be the most ideal place for swimming (you have better beaches with calm waters in Goa), Agonda is definitely a place for those who want to quit on a Monday morning. Agonda is generally cheaper, quieter, hassle-free and has much less "touristic" feel.

Agonda Beach basically has one long road parallel to the beach line, most rooms and bungalows for rent are located either between them or on the opposite side of the road. In the center of the beach, there is Agonda Church and even a local school/college (funny enough called Agonda University) to the right of it. Many local children go from/to there in the morning. Another road goes up from the church, crosses the river shortly after and goes through the village to the junction with a main road from Chaudi and Palolem, which are both to the right. To the left, this bigger road crosses the village until the beach road joins it near the river mouth and northern end of the beach, then continues on in the direction of Cabo da Rama.

The coast road between Betul and Palolem passes through Agonda village, while the main traveller centre is a single road running parallel behind the beach.Travellers have been drifting here for years and seasonal hut villages – some very luxurious – now occupy almost all available beachfront space, but it’s still much more low-key than Palolem and a good choice if you’re after some relaxation.Agonda’s beach is simply divine; wide, quiet and picturesque, with a turtle centre in the middle protecting precious Olive Ridley eggs. This is not, however, the place for a leisurely swim; the beach shelves steeply at high tide and the surf can be rough, but for a sunset walk or a long lazy day, Agonda encapsulates romantic Goa at its very best.Agonda beach is the perfect beach for anyone who simply wants to relax away from it all. This seemingly endless pristine beach stretches for around 3 kilometers and it's lined with simple beach shacks. Hawkers aren't allowed on the beach, so you'll be able to remain refreshingly undisturbed.

Agonda is not without things to do. 

Lots of foreigner-run yoga, meditation and ayurveda courses and classes set up in season, and local boats can take you on trips to other beaches or to spot dolphins. The surf can be a bit fierce and swimming is not as safe as Palolem, but lifeguards are on patrol. At the northern end olive ridley marine turtles nest here in winter. They’re protected courtesy of a forestry department-staffed beach shack, and the buried eggs are cordoned off for their safety.

Location

Patnem is located in south Goa, 43 kilometers (26 miles) from Marago and 76 kilometers (47 miles) from Panaji.

It's 10 minutes north of the much busier Palolem beach, south Goa's most popular beach. So, if the solitude at Agonda gets too much, you won't have far to go for entertainmen

Getting There

The closest railway stations to Agonda are Marago on the Konkan Railway, and Canacona (also known as Chaudi). Canacona is a 20 minute drive away from Agonda and the journey costs around 200 rupees in an auto rickshaw.

Marago is 30 minutes away and costs 600-700 rupees in a taxi. Alternatively, Goa's Dabolim airport is around one hour away. A taxi from the airport will cost 1,000-1,500 rupees. Head left after you've exited the airport to find the prepaid taxi counter.

Getting to Agonda

Scooters and motorbikes can be rented from lots of places on the beach road for around ₹250/350. Autorickshaws depart from the main T-junction near Agonda’s church to Palolem (₹250) and Patnem (₹300). Taxis are around ₹50 more.

Local buses run from Chaudi sporadically throughout the day (₹12), but make sure you get one to Agonda Beach, otherwise you’ll be let off in the village about 1km away.

Weather and Climate

The weather in Agonda is warm weather throughout the year. Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day or drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Some winter nights can get a bit chilly from December to February though. Rain comes from the southwest monsoon during June to August.

What to Do

A typical sun and sand holiday. 

Local Fishermen take you on dolphin rides. Bargain hard and a boat can take up to people, costing Rs 800. 

Hike on the hillocks. 

Ride through the countryside on the way to cabo de rama, cola beach with its beautiful river which is always warm. 

A meeting place for spiritually interested people. Here is Samdarshi's mediation Ashram in wintertime (Eden-Garden close to the northend) with Satsangs, and free Osho mediation techniques, dancing evenings. 

Cola Beach (or Khola Beach) is a remote, unspoilt beach for those seeking complete peace and relaxation.

Blue Planet Wellness Retreat, Agonda - Palolem road, Canacona,  there are daily yoga classes, a solar heated pool where you can have an Aquatic Bodywork session 

The Space Wellness Centre, Palolem to Agonda Road.The Space Wellness centre offers yoga, meditation, pilates, fitness workouts, and inspirational workshops, a deli, and a restaurant. 

Yogamea Yoga School, Agonda Palace, Near St. Ann's Church, Agonda Beach, Goa.

Buy

There are stores stocking basic supplies in Agonda, as well as internet, phone and currency conversion services. HDFC Bank ATM is located near the church.More shops, a Saturday market and several ATMs are a 20-minute drive away in the local town, Chaudi.

Where to Stay

Most people choose to stay in a coco hut on Agonda beach. This guide to the best Goa beach huts has some recommendations.

Alternatively, Om Sai has clean and cheap huts by the beach. Hangout, new at the northern end of the beach, has impressed its guests. At the southern end of the beach,Fusion is a funky place with 10 garden huts, live music nights and a flea market. If you're looking for something a bit more upmarket, H2O has sea view cottages on the beach. Also check out Agonda White Sands huts and villas.

For something different, if the thought of a jungle retreat a little distance away from the beach appeals, you will love Kaama Kethna.

Where to Eat

Fatima's Corner is possibly the most popular restaurant in Agonda, so much so that it can be a struggle to get a table during the tourist season. The seafood is reasonably priced and delicious!

The ambient Simrose has an outstanding position on the beach, as well as some of the best food (and beach huts) around. They grow their own herbs and vegetables, and even bake their own bread. It's the perfect spot for some romance or to sit and watch the sunset with a drink.

For super fresh and healthy food, try Nature Organic. It's easy to miss this gem of a restaurant, as it's not on the main road. However, it's well worth the effort to find it (look for the sign south of Saint Anne's Church, near the entrance to H2O resort). The local Goan owners are a young couple who have come up with an inventive menu that will even appeal to non-vegetarians.

Where to Party

If you're looking for party places on Agonda beach, you're likely to be disappointed. It's much too chilled out. However, south Goa's biggest outdoor dance club isn't far away! Head to Leopard Valley on the Palolem-Agonda Road to dance the night away.

Stay safe

Agonda is a fairly safe place. While you should retain your common sense, lock the door and windows when going out, and not to leave your valuables unattended, chances to have any problems in Agonda are very slim. Even sellers offering useless "souvenirs" on the beach are much less annoying and less frequent here than in Palolem or northern beaches.

#Tarkarli#Beach in #South of #Konkan#India

"Tarkarli in South of Konkan (100 kms from North Goa) is one of the most sought after destination for travellers other than Maharashtra and Goa for the Cuisine, homestays, Idyllic beaches, shore temples and adventure sports / activities (Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Dolphin rides, watersports etc.) Tarkarli village is famous for its Ramnavmi Utsav. Ramnavmi is celebrated every year in Mahapurush Temple of the village. Tarkarli is a small stretch of beach with Devbaug beach to its south and the Sindhudurg sea fort to its north.Tarkarli beach has the finest white sand beach in the entire stretch of Konkan beaches. Notwithstanding the proximity to Goa, Tarkarli still is one of the most popular beaches in southern Konkan. With the Karli backwaters on one side and the turqoise blue sea on the other, Tarkarli is the most picturesque destination and Tarkarli is also amongst the most popular beaches in Maharashtra.Tarkarli offers an ideal destination for a relaxed weekend away near the beach and also is a good stop over on the way to Goa if you are on a long holiday and where you can enjoy Snorkeling and S.C.U.B.A diving thanks to the clear waters and the coral reefs which spread over almost the entire coast near Tarkarli. Sindhudurg fort which spreads over 44 acres on the Kurte island to the north of Tarkarli in Malvan is another must visit during a Tarkarli Holiday.

Location

Tarkarli is 8 km south of Malvan and 546 km from Mumbai on the west coast of India, at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea.

Reaching Tarkarli

Sindhudurg and Kudal are the nearest railway stations near Tarkarli (about 30kms away) however Sawantwadi (55 kms) is the major station near Tarkarli where most of the trains stop and is the best way to Travel to Tarkarli. By road Tarkarli is about 35 Kms off the NH17 from Kasal.

Tarkarli beach

A long coastline and pristine clear waters make this beach ideal for a romantic escape. Located at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea,This place has gained prominence because of its long and narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters and water sports. On a clear day, one can see the bed unto a depth of 20 ft. It presents a panoramic view with tall 'Shuru' trees in the background. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats and the tiny hamlets situated on the riverbank, add to the picturesque beauty of Tarkarli. Sighting dolphins is not a rare event here. This place fishes throughout the year, the sea during summer and winter and back-waters during the monsoon since the sea water enters this area and also due to safety reasons.

Tarkarli is a very long stretch of beach which extends on the Devbaug beach to its south and the Wayari beach and Dandi beach up to the Malvan jetty to its north. Due to the popularity of Tarkarli beach all these lesser known beaches are also in a way considered as the Tarkarli beach from a tourist's perspective. Kolamb across the Kalaval creek also extends on to Tondavali and Achara.

Tarkarli an almost surreal beauty."Scuba Diving in Tarkarli with PADI trained divers offers a joy ride into the underwater world for the fist look at the vibrant colors and marine life under water. With the primary diving site near the Sindhudurg fort, scuba diving with Dandeshwar Scuba Diving is a must do during your holidays in Tarkarli"

Places to see

Mahapurush Temple

Khalcha Mahapurush Temple

Vitthal Temple

Boating Point & Water Sports point in Karli river

Sangam, the point 

Nivti Beach

Golden Rock

Sindhudurg Fort at Malvan

Malvan Market

Rock Garden at Malwan

malvan plateau

Kunkeshwar Temple - 46 km from Tarkarli by MSH 4. A Shiva temple on the beach

Beaches near Tarkarli

Dandi Beach

Dandi beach located to the north of Tarkarli beach is from where visitors are taken to the diving site near the Sindhudurg fort for snorkeling and S.C.U.B.A diving.

Chivla beach

Chivla beach is a small cove nestled between two rocky stretches close to the Malvan town. The Malvan rock gardens is located close to the Chivla beach and over looks Chivla coast.

Devbaug beach

An extension of the Tarkarli beach, Devbaug lies to the south of Tarkarli and extends upto the Devbaug Sangam point. Devbaug is a small fishing hamlet blessed with a fine white sand beach. Tsunami island and Devbaug Sangam are the main attractions in Devbaug.Fishing Hamlet in Transformation An erstwhile fishing hamlet Devbaug is developing into a tourist destination with a good majority of youth preferring the tourism industry. Devbaug has some of the best hotels in Tarkarli.

Bhogwe beach

Bhogwe is a very secluded beach on the opposite banks of Karli river. Bhogwe is a long stretch of beach with the Nivati fort to its south with a very clean beach and a few rocky patches.

Must Do

Boating and dolphin watch rides are very popular activities during a Tarkarli holidays. The boating operators have a few fixed routes and sightseeing points like Bhogwe beach Nivati rocks etc during boating from Tarkarli.The chances of spotting a dolphin is highest during boat rides from Tarkarli near the shores of Malvan and you could also visit islands like Nivati rocks off the coast from Tarkarli during the ride.

Tsunami island is the hub of watersports in Tarkarli 

An Island that was formed after the last Tsunami in 2004 and named after it, Tsunami island is a small piece of land which emerges only during low water levels in the Karli backwater.Tsunami island is the hub of watersports in Tarkarli with many water sports operators, and is the most frequented place in Tarkarli by tourists. Parasailing in the backwater is the latest addition to the activities in 

Sindhudurg Sea Fort

An impressive Sea fort was built in 1664 by the great 17th century Maratha King, Shivaji on Kurte island overlooking Malvan. A handprint and a footprint of Shivaji Maharaj is also embedded in one section of the fort. There is the only temple of Shivaji Maharaj in the world; the temple was built by Shivajis son Rajaram.

Jay Ganesh temple

Jay Ganesh temple is a well visted temple in centre of Malvan. Temple is built on temple architecture principles and is visited by locals and tourists alike.

Shoping in Tarkali

Iarkali is all about buying fresh and delicious cashew nuts for which the markets are popilar. One can always try Amba poli(Aam papad).Amba wadi,Kokam wadi and Karvande wadi. This are worth trying and one can buy and take this for family and friends.

Dangers and Annoyances

Care should be taken when walking between the beaches at night in the dark, and it's best not to go alone. Swimming can also be dangerous as some areas have strong currents and not swim out to far.