Goa
Anjuna-Vagator-Calangute
The three famous beaches of North Goa of Anjuna-Vagator-Calangute
have a prominent place on Goa's tourist map. The small state of Goa,
lying on the coast of Arabian Sea, boasts as lengthy, impressive coastline
which stretches over to more than 100 km.
Goa is split into 2 districts-North and South, the north Goa being
situated up the confluence of River Mandovi with the sea. The three
beaches, however are not continuous, but seperated by rocky barriers.
Lying at the mouth the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada, was built by the
Portugese in 1612. Sinquerium, the beach below the fort, and Candolim
are popular with package tourists. Calangute is however the most popular
among all the beaches. The long and sandy beach is a bit overcrowded
too. There are lots of places to stay and eat. Baga, another beach,
is located up the mouth of the river.
There is a line of hotels for about 3 km along the main Calangute-Baga
road and between the road and the beach.
After Baga, the sea beach is lined with rocky cliffs on one side of
it, lies the Anjuna beach-famous all over Goa for its Wednesday flea
market. Once the favourite meeting place still holds its charm for
foreign tourists. But drug offences are subject to rigorous punishment.
Anjuna is still a more relaxing place to stay than Calangute, Baga
or Colva package tour doesnot suffice for exploring the place Anjuna
is quite spread out and most of the land behind the beach is still
a farm land. The beach cannot be viewed fully from the place from
where it is owned as part of the package tour. You have to descend
to the sands below to feast on the unending charm of the place. The
huge cliffs on the south hangs precariously over the sea. Below it,
there are romantic places of relaxation, tucked behind the scattered
rocks lying amidst the turbulent sea. The package tour is so inadequate
for visiting this charming place that the tourists barely get a chance
to relax on the beach and in the warm sunshine.
North of Anjuna comprises of one of the most beautiful and interesting
parts of Goa's coastline-Chapora and Vagator. Nestled cosily under
a canopy of thick coconut palms, the village of chapora is dominated
by a rocky hill on top of which is situated on old Portugese fort,
from which you can catch a breath-taking view of the beach.
Vagator is a bit scheduled. But little Vagator, the beach to the south,
the beach to the south, is quite popular and quite rocky, dotted with
sandy coves. Crossing the chapora river by vehicle ferry, you will
arrive at Arambol-a relatively deserted beach. Those who are staying
at Calangute, or any other northern coast, can reach there by changing
buses at Mapusa. Foreigners are seeing roaring through Calangute in
their bikes.
How to go
Frequent buses to Panaji (3.5 minutes) and Mapusa are avalaible from
the bus stand opposite the main market at Calangute. A cab from Calangute
or Baga to Panaji takes about half an hour and charges somewhat between
Rs. 150 and 200. Boats leave regularly from Baga beach for the Anjuna
flea market every Wednesday. The bus-service from Calangute to Anjuna,
Vagator is not very relaible. So, it is better to take an auto-rickshaw,
or go via Mapusa. Earlier, one had to cross the Mandovi River on a
ferry to take the bus from the other side of the river. But things
have been made a lot more easy with the construction of a bridge across
the river.
Accomodation GTDC's Tourist Resort at Calangute (# 276024) charges
double beds for Rs 450 (Non-AC) and Rs 800-1000 (AC). The rates of
private hotels fluctuate according to the season.
Rs 300
to 500
Angela Guest House (# 277269), La Bamba Beach Resort (# 276108), Meera
(# 277342), Rodrigves' Cottage (# 276966), Sunset Cottage, Alipha
Guest House, Hotel A Canoa (# 276082), O Camarao (# 276229), NV Guest
House (# 279749).
Rs 400 to 750
Calangute Beach Resort (# 276063), Santiago Resort (#276684), Resort
De Santo Antonio (# 276445), Conch Beach Resort (# 2766351).
Remember
There are quite a number of good hotels rates (Rs. 250-400) near villages
adjoining the Anjuna-Vagator beach. But most of them are crowded during
the peak season by foreign tourists. So, if you want a descent accomodation,
you have to constraintly on the watch. After putting up at any hotel
in Calangute, try to get into a lodge far away from the madding crowd,
if you plan for a long stay in Goa. It is not a wise decision to put
up at Anjuna or Vagator if you plan for a short-trip, because then,
the access to the rest of Goa becomes quite cumbersome. You would
then have to take the route via Mapusa and Panaji. Instead, from Calangute,
the package-tour buses of North Goa and south Goa are readily avalaible.
Did you Know?
Once a Mecca for hippies, Anjuna is still famous throughout Goa for
its Wednesday flea market was earlier popular among locals as a place
where discarded clothes and accessories of foreigners could be bought.
The hippies-culture is well past its prime, but the market is still
immensely popular for intricately worked handicrafts, fabrics, eateries
etc., which are sold every Wednesday. During winter, it is exceptionally
crowded, especially during the afternoon. You can have a gala time
roaming about and browsing through the knick-knacks.
Remember
You will a number of hotels in the roads lining Sinquerium, Candolim,
Calangute and Baga. Since the travel agencies take care of booking
as part of the package tour. There are plenty of family guest-houses
and resorts around the village, and finding a place will not be a
difficult task. Goa also boasts of innumberable beach-side restuarants
serving decisions and spicy coastal cuisine. |
