Goa on the map
Here we have published the most detailed, interactive Google map, in Russian, for your convenience. On it you can see exactly where the state of Goa is located in India. Using the map is very simple: using the mouse, the map can be easily moved left and right; Using the mouse wheel you can zoom in or out on the map itself. You can also look at Goa from a satellite by turning on the special mode at the bottom, in the left corner of the map. Using these simple techniques, you can see exactly where the popular state of Goa is located on the world map and India.
Map of Goa with all beaches
To see how many different beaches there are in Goa, here is a detailed map with the names of all the beaches in the state that you can visit if necessary. This is not marked on the map, but Goa is conventionally divided into North and South.
North Goa
North Goa is the most popular destination among young people. The largest number of club parties and open-air discos take place here. There are a large number of inexpensive hotels, but you can also find more expensive options. North Goa begins with Coco beach and ends with Querim beach. Detailed information about all the beaches in the north of Goa can be found in the article ““. It is in the north that the most popular ones are located, where everyone can buy the goods they like: , , , .
Tourists often have questions: “What interesting and useful things can be bought and brought from Goa.” Answering these questions, we wrote a special article, which is called ““.
South Goa
Tourists from Europe with average incomes fly to south Goa, as well as the wealthy local population. There are a large number of prestigious hotels here for a comfortable and cozy holiday on the seashore. It is not for nothing that modern SPA centers and expensive restaurants were built in southern Goa. The beaches of South Goa begin with Bogmalo beach and end with Polem beach. All the beaches in the south are described in more detail in the article ““.
Time difference in Goa
Below is the time difference in hours with the state of Goa.
Moscow - Goa = +2.30
Ekaterinburg - Goa = +0.30
Novosibirsk - Goa = - 0.30
Samara - Goa = +1.30
Kazan - Goa = +2.30
Izhevsk - Goa = +1.30
Vladivostok - Goa = -4.30
Almaty - Goa = +0.3
Perm - Goa = +0.30
Goa Photos
Goa – India's premier resort, completely different from the rest of the country. About 40 of the best beaches stretch along the beautiful sandy coast for 110 kilometers.
Goa on the world map and India
Due to its location, the Indian state of Goa is very popular among travelers from all over the world.
Where is?
Being the smallest of the country's 28 states, Goa lies in the center of the west coast. In the north it borders with the state of Maharashtra, in the south and east - with Karnataka and the mountain plateau, and the western part is a continuous coastline washed by Arabian Sea Indian Ocean.
Goa is stretched out by a continuous strip of land, separating the mountainous part of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) and the sea.
Its entire territory is cut by rivers, as well as small rivulets descending into the ocean. The largest rivers are the Mandovi, Sal, Baga, Zuari and Chapora, which are joined by 42 smaller tributaries to form the state's large inland water network.
According to tradition, this state is usually divided into Southern And North Goa- two areas that differ markedly from each other in terms of recreation, quality and quantity of beaches, as well as the availability of attractions and entertainment.
Panaji(the state capital) divides Goa into two parts, giving you the opportunity to choose the vacation option that suits you best, based on your preferences and desired cost.
North Goa- a less populated area, which is characterized by relatively cheap holidays, noisy and not always clean beaches, as well as very affordable prices for holidays and a wide variety of places to stay, located near the famous beaches of Vagator, Candolim and Anjuna.
South Goa– this is a prestigious place where travelers are accustomed to relax, appreciating, first of all, a cozy atmosphere, excellent service and many hotels with attractive prices for their vacation.
This part of the state unites several resort villages and picturesque secluded beaches that stretch along the coast, offering vacationers diverse infrastructure, peace and quiet.
In this video you will see the detailed location of Goa on the world map:
Climate
Goa's weather can be divided into two seasons: dry And rain season. The best time to visit starts at and ends at the end. Daytime temperatures reach +28-30 degrees, but at night it can sometimes be quite cool. The weather is especially beautiful, reminiscent of real summer, in. At this time, the temperature becomes stable, reaching +26-30 degrees.
You can relax in the state of Goa all year round. And to find out what the weather is like in Goa throughout the year, take a look.
By the end of May the heat intensifies, and by the middle the rainy season begins, which lasts until. During this period, high humidity and constant rainfall do not allow for a normal rest.
How to get there from Russia?
Goa is so popular among tourists from that people travel to this resort from all major cities. charter flights. All you need to do to get on the plane is to apply for a visa at the consular department or through a special website.
Especially many flights start in the winter season, when the weather in Goa is the most favorable.
They are engaged in flights several carriers, but in most cases the charter flight ticket can be obtained along with the travel package.
Regular flights of the company Aeroflot depart only to Mumbai and Delhi, from where it is possible to get to Goa on one of the trains. Many independent travelers choose this method because it gives them the opportunity to experience the special flavor of India.
To plan your flight as comfortably as possible, read how long it is to fly to Goa.
You can purchase tickets using this search form. Specify cities of departure and arrival, date, number of passengers.
Where to stay?
Due to its popularity, Goa has extensive accommodation options tourists. There are resorts, boarding houses and cottages, guesthouses and hostels, rooms and villas for rent - there should be no problems finding accommodation for the night.
Hotels
The hotel map of Goa is very diverse: in North Goa there are luxury hotels with a fairly large range of services, wellness programs and everything necessary for a comfortable stay, as well as budget options with air conditioning, internet, refrigerator, which are available in the southern part of the state.
The difference between accommodation facilities in different areas of Goa lies not only in price, but also in the fact that southern hotels are located closer to the beaches than northern ones.
The most prestigious hotels Goa that deserve 5 stars:
- Park Hyatt Resort&Spa– a luxury hotel with all the conditions for an ideal holiday (swimming pool, spa, fitness, varied cuisine);
- Alila Diwa Goa– a luxury hotel with spacious rooms, private terraces, a swimming pool and the ability to get to the beach by car;
- Ramada Caravella– a good hotel with European service, spacious rooms, green territory and direct access to the sea;
- The Leela Goa– an ideal place for a romantic getaway, located near the cleanest beach;
- Goa Mariott Resort– the hotel is a little far from Miramar beach, but has its own swimming pool, spa, fitness, restaurant and casino.
In general, in all five-star hotels you can enjoy a luxurious, spacious room with exquisite design, vast green areas, and many restaurants with traditional and European cuisine. Each of them has a swimming pool, bright and large rooms in cozy cottages and the opportunity to be on the pristine beaches of Goa.
Use the hotel search form to find the right accommodation option. Enter city, check-in and check-out dates And number of guests.
Hotels
Many 2-3* hotels are located in North Goa, this option will cost quite a bit inexpensive.
An important task that will allow you to choose a good holiday option is information about the location, reviews, as well as their rating.
The following hotels are considered very attractive in terms of cost and services:
- Michele Resort– a cozy hotel with clean rooms with working air conditioning and surrounding areas decorated in Portuguese style;
- Resort Coqueiral– an excellent hotel with an antique atmosphere, well-furnished rooms and stunning views from the balcony;
- Casa Severina– a small hotel with beautiful rooms, an excellent restaurant and a constantly empty pool;
- Ibis Style Goa Calangute– the hotel with comfortable rooms, delicious food and a swimming pool is perfect for families with children.
Most of the hotels are two-story houses, surrounded by greenery and located close to the beach. Guests have at their disposal not only rooms, but also a private pool, bath, shower and various appliances. Therefore, the low star rating of hotels does not mean that the level of service will be appropriate.
Also find out what currency is in Goa, and how much money is better to take with you.
Hostels
The opportunity to rent a bed in a Goa hostel is always available, but this type of overnight accommodation is especially in demand among young people.
Find accommodation with minimal set of comfort And low cost near the beaches of the state - it’s easy and you can do it directly on the spot.
The most attractive hostels in Goa:
- Dreams Hostel in Vagator – the colorful hostel is in demand among young people due to its cleanliness and air conditioning;
- JUNGLE in Anjuna - the hostel in a one-story building does not accommodate many guests, which is a plus for such a choice;
- Backpacker Panda– an excellent balance of cleanliness, comfort and location, as well as the proximity of the beach create ideal conditions for relaxation;
- Wonderland– another wonderful hostel in Ajuna, the highlight of which is several one-story simple houses for guests located near the beaches.
Other accommodation facilities
A very convenient type of overnight accommodation, which is suitable for large companies, is the rental of cottages and villas. For Goa, this is a fairly cheap way to stay not only for a holiday, but also for a long stay.
You can find the cottage directly on the spot, focusing on the signs with the corresponding inscription “For rent”.
Most often, cottages are located near the beaches in picturesque locations, and guests have a swimming pool at their disposal.
Beach holiday
There are many beautiful beaches concentrated in Goa, each of which is most often named after the locality in which it is located.
South Goa
In South Goa snow-white sand And purest sea water intended for married couples, newlyweds and older people, since in these places the beaches are more secluded, the descent into the sea is gentle, and the surrounding cleanliness is simply ideal - the condition of the coastline is carefully monitored.
Some of the beaches in South Goa are incredibly popular:
- Aguada– a well-groomed and well-equipped beach under the walls of the Portuguese fort;
- Miramar– a place located just 3 km from Pananji is great for sunbathing, but not for swimming;
- Dona Paula– a prestigious beach, considered a paradise for lovers;
- Majorda– the most popular 30-kilometer strip of coastline among Russians is located here;
- Palolem– a beach located in a bay, due to which there are almost no waves.
North Goa
North Goa cannot boast of a clear azure sea, developed infrastructure and natural beauty, but this place has its share of comfort, good nature and wonderful places for an eventful beach holiday.
The beaches in this part of the state stay busy even at night, with parties organized until dawn.
Most popular beaches North Goa are:
- Arpora– a small and quiet beach located near Baga and Anjuna;
- Ashvem– a sparsely populated beach intended for family or romantic holidays;
- Arambol– a picturesque and colorful beach, which creative people love so much for its exotic appearance;
- Candolim– the largest coastline of Goa with a gentle slope and the opportunity to engage in extreme water sports;
- Anjuna– a whole collection of various beaches, among which you can find youth beaches with incessant trance music, as well as secluded ones for a relaxing holiday;
- Mandrem– this beach is characterized by clean ivory-colored sand, silence and tranquility.
Other beaches also deserve attention, such as Calangute, Colva And Tiracol, but, regardless of the choice, they will all impress tourists with stunning views, velvety sand and exotic nature.
Things to do?
Holidays in Goa do not leave a minute of free time, because there is always something to do.
Attractions
A vacation to Goa would not be complete without visiting several excursion programs designed to get acquainted with the vibrant and rich culture and history of this state.
Definitely worth a visit attractions Goa:
- Fort Aguada– a fortification structure intended to protect the Portuguese colony from the British;
- Spice Plantations- a vivid example of how the famous Indian spices are grown and cared for;
- Old city- a place where the expressive architecture of the state is collected, reflecting its colonial life;
- Abandoned city of Hampi– a whole complex of architectural values that were part of the former capital of Goa;
- Dudhsagar Falls– a natural landmark, falling from a height of 310 m.
In addition, here you can find beautiful temples and cathedrals belonging to the Buddhist, Muslim and Christian religions.
Entertainment and shopping
For those who prefer an active holiday, Goa has the opportunity to do diving, parasailing, jet skiing and water skiing.
Fans of excursions can go on boats along one of the rivers to explore the state's flora and fauna or ride elephants while visiting the Spice Plantations.
Unusual shopping awaits Goa tourists - visit night markets Anjuna, Mapusa and Arpora. In these places, in the dark, you can buy traditional jewelry, souvenirs, and also try authentic, varied Indian cuisine.
Goa is incredibly popular because it has access to the Indian Ocean, has a pleasant climate, and is also ready to provide a lot of exciting entertainment and excursion programs.
These are old Hindu and Portuguese temples, these are the bright colors of the night market and an incredible palette of tastes in a plate of seafood generously seasoned with curry...
Goa is a state of delight, where whole families come “for the winter” or, having simply visited once, return again and again.
Weather
Goa is a year-round resort; the air temperature here does not drop below +20 °C. There are three main seasons: summer, winter and monsoon (rainy season). Munsun begins in June and lasts until September, winter (tourist) lasts from late October to early April, summer - from May to September.
The best time to travel to Goa is in the months from October to March. The air temperature at this time ranges from +21 to +32 °C. At this time there is no stuffiness and sweltering heat, which begins in April.
Hotels
There are many hotels in Goa of various categories - from luxury hotel complexes with a huge territory to small hostels with a single proud star. “Stars” are very arbitrary and very different from European ones. In Goa, as in Thailand, most tourists stay in two- or three-star hotels.
Hotel Features
|
Expensive hotels with a large territory and a high level of service |
A huge range of hotels - from small hostels to luxury boutique hotels. Prices for accommodation below, than in . |
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Most built on the first line(no closer than 250 m from the beach) |
Most of the hotels are built across the road from the beach. |
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The hotels are located at a distance from the villages, all infrastructure is inside hotels. |
Excellent infrastructure– there are restaurants, shops, markets near the hotels. |
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The hotel beaches are wide (there are fenced areas), the areas are cleaned, there are almost no locals. |
The beaches are public, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid, many are local. |
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Entertainment outside the hotel almost not. |
Many about discos, night bars, entertainment for every taste. |
Resorts
The state of Goa is divided into three parts - Northern, Central and. They differ greatly from each other in the level of service and range of entertainment. is considered a respectable resort where wealthy Europeans relax; chosen by budget travelers and creative youth; Central Goa combines the properties of other parts of the state and is a major transport hub: there is an airport, railway station, port, and bus stations.
North Goa
A large spacious beach, many nightclubs and bars, and an interesting flea market.
The beach is spacious and there are several bars. In the evenings there are parties. The holiday is suitable for noisy companies and active youth. Located farthest from the airport.
Distance from the sea is 1.5 km. Many expensive comfortable hotels. Suitable for tourists with children.
A wide beach with volcanic sand, separated from the village by a river. A relatively quiet resort, suitable for families with children.
The oldest resort in all of Goa. Suitable for any type of holiday. The beach is wide, a river flows nearby.
Popular with creative youth. Known for its late-night parties. There are several beaches with rocky shores.
The most famous beach in all of Goa and the most popular resort. Wide range of hotels
Quiet resort with expensive hotels. The beach is sandy, wide, and the Portuguese fort of Aguada stands right on it. Located closest to the airport.
Located between two rivers. Accommodation for tourists is mainly in bungalows.
Calm resort with good infrastructure. Popular with Russian tourists.
A small quiet village with budget hotels and a clean beach.
Small village near the airport. Very clean beaches with white sand, mid-price hotels.
Large resort with spacious beaches and a good selection of hotels. Quiet place, suitable for relaxation.
A secluded village with a very good level of hotel service. The spacious, clean beach is suitable for families with children.
A popular resort with good infrastructure and budget hotels.
Popular resort. Suitable for holidays with small children. Located closest to the airport.
A resort with good infrastructure and expensive hotels. Surrounded on three sides by water.
One of the most beautiful beaches in all of Goa. Located farthest from the airport. One of the most expensive resorts.
Small village with a beautiful beach. Very quiet resort, suitable for privacy lovers
Attractions
Tourists usually begin their acquaintance with Goa at Dabolim Airport in the city of Vasco da Gama. The city is named after the famous navigator. The Portuguese heritage is well preserved in this Indian state and tourists will always find something to see.
Both have their own set of attractions. Excursion routes are organized to all attractions; they are easily accessible from any corner of Goa.
For example, in Old Goa(city in) beautiful cathedrals, ruins of churches and narrow streets have been preserved. In Panaji, the capital of Goa, you should definitely wander through the old Fontainhas district and see the architectural complex of Largo da Igreja. The Portuguese forts of Aguada and Alorna are also at the top of the list of Goa attractions. The Aguada fortress is located on the outskirts of Candolim beach - after sunbathing and swimming, you can look at this ancient stronghold.
On Wednesdays and Fridays in Goa there are grandiose markets. On Friday you need to go to Mapusa to bargain and buy colorful items of clothing, souvenirs, painted plates, spices, incense and a lot of what your heart desires. There is a flea market in Anjuna - it opens every Wednesday early in the morning and bustles until sunset.
The largest Christian temple in Asia is the cathedral St. Catherine's Cathedral (Old Goa). The relics of the Baptist of Asia, Saint Francis, can be seen in the Basilica of Jesus, one of the most famous churches not only in Goa but in the whole of India.
The most popular excursions in Goa are in Savoy spice garden and to the waterfalls. Spice plantations are not only interesting, but also very educational, and also delicious, because every tourist is sure to be fed dishes generously seasoned with curry and aromatic herbs. There are a lot of spice plantations in Goa; Savoy is located 23 km from the state capital of Panaji. Dudhsagar Falls Throws down streams of water from a height of more than 300 meters! It is also called the “milk ocean” - for the white color of the water. The waterfall is located in the eastern part of Goa and can be reached in a few hours by bus.
In the Cotigao Nature Reserve you can wander through a multi-story jungle. The reserve is located 12 km from the beach in.
There are many centers in Goa Ayurveda, where you can create your own healing program with medicinal herbs, massage and drugs based on natural ingredients.
Transport
Most tourists rent bike and travel around the outskirts of the state. To rent, you will need to leave a deposit in foreign currency (from 60 to 200 dollars). A driver's license is rarely required. Traffic in Goa, as throughout India, is chaotic, so we recommend brushing up on your driving skills in advance and being extremely careful on the roads. There are almost no gas stations in Goa; gasoline can be bought secondhand at roadside stalls and shops (sold in regular water bottles).
Those who do not risk riding a bike in India use the services Taxi. Taxis are quite expensive, all areas are divided between taxi drivers. Almost no one has meters.
Another option for moving between Goa resorts is bus. This service is very developed in India; buses go to even the most remote villages. Travel there is very cheap (from 5 to 40 rupees), and locals enjoy using it. The fee depends on the distance of the trip. The buses are old, they have no air conditioning, and the windows are protected by bars (from monkeys).
There is no direct connection between the resorts of Goa; you need to go with a transfer at a bus station (in Mapusa, Panaji or Margao). The buses do not have numbers, the route is written in the local language, but conductors and drivers loudly announce the direction at the stops. By the way, there are no stops in the usual sense; the bus stops anywhere on demand. Bus intervals are on average once every 15 minutes.
A trip on an Indian bus is like an attraction - a bright old bus rushes through the jungle to Indian music, the conductor jokes with the passengers, women in bright saris laugh...
Bus stations in Goa
Souvenirs
Most of the souvenirs that tourists bring from their trips to Goa are ethnic. People often buy saris (national Indian women's clothing) and bloomers (loose pants), textiles (bed linen, bedspreads, towels), jewelry with gems, incense sticks, and henna. Spices, toothpaste with red pepper, and natural cosmetics from the Hymalaya brand would be a good souvenir. Sandalwood and ebony deity figurines start at $3.
Popular dishes include lamb stewed in milk with curry, meatballs in spicy yogurt, and chicken in orange sauce with herbs. famous for its abundance of vegetarian dishes, such as rice cakes and curried lentil dumplings (dosa and samba). Vegetables are served with curry and rice.
Seafood and fish are incredibly popular in Goa. The fish is fried over a fire, baked in dough, stewed in yogurt with curry... Try mailai - shrimp with the same curry and coconut. Dhai - curdled milk with spices - is a great refreshing drink in the heat. Alcohol is sold freely in Goa; local moonshine called “feni” is made here - this is fermented coconut and cashew juice.
Good to know
- All tourists fly to Dabolim Airport. The flight from Moscow takes approximately 7.5 hours.
- Goa time is 2.5 hours ahead of Moscow.
- The Indian dialect Konkani, Portuguese and English are spoken in Goa.
- Sockets in Goa are no different from Russian ones.
- The currency in Goa, as elsewhere in India, is the rupee. There are 100 paise in one rupee. In August 2017, the exchange rate of the rupee and the ruble was approximately the same: for 1 ruble they gave 1 rupee and 6 paise.
- From India to Russia, no more than 3 liters of alcohol per person over 18 years of age can be exported duty-free, up to 5 liters - with payment of a duty.
- Wash vegetables and fruits purchased at markets thoroughly. Drink only bottled water.
The beaches of North Goa have a lot in common, but still they are also very different from each other. That is why it is important to carefully choose a place to stay in Goa. The purpose of this article about the beaches of North Goa is not to add another article to the Internet, of which there are a dime a dozen today, but to help you choose the most suitable beach. Our article about the beaches of North Goa will help you navigate and outline the circle of places that best meet your requirements.
We did not simply describe the beaches of North Goa, but focused on the most important nuances and noted the main pros and cons of each resort area. Therefore, we really hope that this information will help you choose a suitable holiday destination in North Goa. Don't forget that our website also has detailed information about each beach.
Which beach to choose in North Goa
Many tourists going on holiday to Goa do not attach much importance to the choice of beach, but choosing the most suitable beach is an important component of a good holiday in this region of India. Tourists often do not want to spend precious time searching for the best resort in the north of the state or simply do not realize the importance of this choice. Often they simply select a hotel based on photographs and reviews. This approach can be the key to a ruined vacation if you end up on the “wrong” beach.Our article is dedicated to such people. Here you will find honest descriptions of the beaches of northern Goa, which are in order of resort areas from north to south. If you are expecting descriptions like “This is a very beautiful beach with clear water,” then your hopes will not come true. I will not suffer from nonsense, but will honestly tell you not only the pros, but also the cons of each beach. But do not forget that there are facts, and there is my subjective opinion, which not everyone may agree with.
Map of North Goa beaches in Russian
In order for you to see the location of the beaches, we have provided you with a map of the beaches of North Goa in Russian. It marks all the beaches that we talked about in this article. You can enlarge the map and get a more detailed diagram of the beach you are interested in. It is for this reason that we have provided an interactive map rather than a static one.Kerim (or Keri)
Can you imagine a beach in Goa where there is not a single soul and only you? Welcome to Kerim, Goa's northernmost beach that remains unknown to most tourists. Although I lied a little about the fact that you will be completely alone here, there are still very few people on Kerim. This beach stretches for 2 km and is covered with light beige sand. Its main difference from other coastal places in Goa is the presence of casuarina trees, rather than palm trees, on the shore.
Due to its location in the far north of the state, far from "civilization", Kerim remains a very sparsely populated place. Here you will, at most, meet only a few tourists hanging out in one of the few beach cafes in the southern part of the beach next to the temple. The northern boundary of the beach is the river separating the state of Goa from the state of Maharashtra, although the Tiracol fort on the other side of the river is still considered Goan territory.
Kerim Beach is quite clean; you won’t find mountains of garbage here. This is a direct consequence of the low number of tourists.
Kerim's advantages:
+ Wonderful long white sand beach
+ Very few people at any time of the year
+ Clean beach, (almost) no trash
Cons of Kerim:
- Difficult to reach (no buses, far from other places in Goa)
- No lifeguards or safety equipment
- Almost no places to stay
- Very few cafes and shops
Arambol
Arambol is a small village that has been isolated from the rest of the world for a long time. Over the last ten years it has developed its own atmosphere and nowadays you will find a multicultural mix of people visiting Arambol to find peace on earth.
Arambol Beach is a popular destination for budget travelers, so you'll find a lot of "backpackers" here. Package tourists choose this beach less often.
Although Arambol is one of the first beaches in Goa to be discovered by hippies, few of the foreigners who settle here are hippies.
The beach itself is divided into two parts: the southern part is mainly known as Arambol, and the northern part is called Kalacha or Harmal. The northern part can only be reached on foot. It's about a 20 minute walk through stunning rock formations.
Once you reach the secluded beach of Kalacha, after passing the small shopping stalls, you will be surprised by the brilliance of nature. You will discover a fairly small and relatively deserted beach and a small lake next to it. The hill in the north of Arambol is the only place in Goa where you can go paragliding.
Arambol is a great place for alternative wellness therapies like yoga, meditation, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic massage, etc. It is also one of the best places in Goa to get a tattoo and learn classical Indian singing and Tabla playing.
Party lovers should enjoy Arambol Beach for its party scene, but it still cannot be called the most party place in Goa.
Pros of Arambol:
+ Cheap accommodation (compared to the rest of Goa)
+ Cheap food and drinks (compared to the rest of Goa)
+ Atmosphere close to the real Indian atmosphere
+ Multicultural place
+ Availability of lifeguards on the beach
Cons of Arambol:
- Not the best place for girls who want to relax carefree on the beach in a bikini and not attract too much attention to themselves
- Not the cleanest place in Goa, there are visible problems with garbage
- Annoying beach vendors
- There are no permanent lifeguards on the beach
Mandrem
Mandrem Beach is known to travelers as a very relaxing place to relax. This is a clean and long beach where you will find only a few rare stones and waves of not the largest size. There is no one here to stop you from shopping and just enjoying your holiday, and you don't have to worry about someone stealing your things (theft is not very common in Goa, but cases of things being stolen on the beach do occur).
Mandrem has several high-class hotels, and Bollywood stars often vacation here.
Pros of Mandrem:
+ Clean beach
+ Relatively few people
+ Good place for a family holiday
+ There are luxury hotels, but there are also cheap accommodations
+ Ideal beach for long walks and sports
+ Waves are sometimes ideal for surfing
+ There are lifeguards on the beaches
+ Girls can relax freely in bikinis
Cons of Mandrem
- Weak infrastructure
- You often have to pay to rent sun loungers
Ashvem
Ashvem Beach is like a continuation of Mandrem, but life on it is more vibrant. Although Ashvem used to be similar to its northern neighbor and remained a tranquil place, today it is gradually turning into a party resort. Recently, famous clubs have appeared here, and Bollywood stars have begun to come here periodically. Sometimes these clubs even host fashion shows. Ashvem used to be a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, but due to poaching, too much light and sound interference, these animals began to choose other nesting sites. Now the government seems to be taking an interest in saving the turtles.
Pros of Ashvem:
+ Relatively clean beach
+ There are hotels for every taste and budget
+ Lifeguards available
+ Good place for parties
+ A good place for girls who come on vacation without men
Cons of Ashvem:
- Weak infrastructure
- You often have to pay for sun loungers
Morjim
Morjim is the last village in the south of Pernem district and one of the last relatively calm beaches in north Goa. The area is another important nesting site for the endangered Olive Turtle, which is why the government has decided to use only part of Morjim Beach for tourists.
Morjim is famous not only for its wild life, but also for being called "Little Russia". Soon enough you will realize that more signs are written in Russian and even some of the locals have learned the language well. The village of Morjim has become famous over the last 10 years thanks to the Russians and I have often heard local Russians talking about how much they love living in this part of Goa.
Pros of Morjim:
+ Relatively clean beach, although sometimes there is a lot of trash
+ Good selection of budget accommodation
+ There are lifeguards
+ Tourists from Russia will feel at home here
Cons of Morjim
- Food in restaurants and cafes is not of the best quality
- Weak infrastructure
- No real Goan atmosphere
Vagator Beach
Vagator was one of the first beaches to be discovered by foreign visitors. Surprisingly, until recently, Vagator was a very calm place, but today it has turned into one of the noisiest beaches in Goa. This is a very popular beach, but not among foreign tourists, but mainly among local tourists and Goans. Luckily, there are 3 main sections of the beach, so you can find a more or less quiet spot. The first beach, which cannot even be called a beach, is actually located in the village of Chapora and has the same name. The southernmost, rocky beach is better known as Ozran or Spaghetti (due to the large number of Italians). Between these two beaches is Tel Aviv Beach, so named because it is a favorite among Israelis. Here you will find a couple of shakes that serve quite good food. This beach is mostly visited by Western tourists. It is here that the famous Discovalley place is located, where noisy parties are held.
Many of the major parties are held in Vagator, including the SunBurn and India Bike Week festivals. Due to this, Vagator turns into the most polluted area in Goa for several days.
The best places to eat in this resort area are the Greek restaurant Thalassa and the Italian restaurant Fusion.
Pros of Vagator:
+ Lifeguards available
+ Good infrastructure
+ Multicultural place
+ Good selection of hotels and guest houses
+ Plenty of parking in the main parking lot
Cons of Vagator
- Lots of stones
- There are very annoying traders
- Dirty beach
- Often overcrowded during high season
- Not the best place for unaccompanied girls
Anjuna
Anjuna was once a beach paradise for all the enthusiasts and travelers in Goa. Not that it doesn't exist anymore, but this resort has lost some of its qualities in recent years. However, Anjuna Beach has some of the best activities in all of Goa! Outdoor parties are still popular, as is the flea market, which still takes place every Wednesday. Plus, you can catch some fun live performances by talented foreign and Indian artists at some establishments in the area. If you come to Goa mainly for partying, then Anjuna is the right place for you.
Some places to eat in Anjuna include German Bakery, Italian restaurant Basilico and Tibetan and Indian restaurant Rosegarden.
Pros of Anjuna
+ There are lifeguards
+ Well-developed infrastructure, there are various amenities
+ Authentic Goan atmosphere
+ Multicultural place
+ Abundance of cheap housing
Cons of Anjuna:
- Lots of stones on the beach
- Lots of merchants
- Dirty beach area
- There are a lot of people
- The necks are very close to each other, so there is not much free space on the beach
- Constant noise from shakes on the beach
Baga
Baga is another beach that was discovered by hippies, like Anjuna. However, these days it is more reminiscent of Ibiza. This is a commercial resort so if you love shopping and clubbing then this is the place for you. Here you can get almost anything you want for money.
Baga Beach itself is long, starts from the river of the same name in the north and smoothly turns into Calangute Beach. It is difficult to find the boundary between them. Currently, Baga is mostly visited by local tourists. There are also a lot of British people here. There are countless shakes, restaurants and clubs in Baga. Overall, Baga Beach is one of the busiest resorts in Goa with thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of visitors every year!
As mentioned above, there are many shakes on Baga, but if you want to have lunch or dinner in some good restaurant, we recommend paying attention to the French restaurant Le Poisson Rouge or the Portuguese restaurant Casa Portuguesa.
Pros of Bugs:
+ There are lifeguards
+ Long beach
+ Well-developed infrastructure
+ There is a large selection of hotels to suit every taste
Cons Bugs:
- Annoying merchants and beggars
- One of the worst places in Goa for unaccompanied girls
- Very dirty beach with mountains of garbage
- There are a lot of people
- The necks literally stick to each other
- Shakes are literally trying to drown out their neighbors with their music, so there is always a lot of noise on the beach
Calangute
The character of Calangute is very similar to Baga, but this beach is even more popular. In fact, this is the most popular resort in all of Goa, not only in North Goa. It is also the best resort for shopaholics and gourmets. Today, Calangute resembles a bustling Indian city rather than a coastal resort. This place is famous for its Tibetan market, where you can buy various goods, not only from Tibet.
In terms of the number of shakes, restaurants, cafes and other food places, Calangute has no competitors on the entire coast of Goa. Therefore, it makes sense to choose in advance several establishments that are worth visiting. I won’t even recommend anything to you, because even I have many favorite establishments in this area.
In general, Calangute can be called a paradise for clubbers, shopaholics and water sports enthusiasts.
Pros of Calangute:
+ Beach lifeguards
+ Long beach
+ Well-developed infrastructure
+ Huge selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, etc.
+ You can easily travel by bus to Panaji
+ You can easily find a rickshaw or taxi
+ The choice of hotels and guest houses is very large, so you are sure to find something suitable
Cons of Calangute:
- Very annoying traders and beggars
- A lot of garbage
- A lot of people
- It’s impossible to find a quiet place on the beach
- Relaxing on the beach is very uncomfortable due to the huge number of people
- A lot of Indian tourists
- Unaccompanied girls on this beach will definitely be harassed by Indians
Candolim
The area is known as a high-end resort in general. There are many good hotels, boutiques and decent restaurants. However, Candolim is not as crowded compared to Calangute and Baga, with the exception of the New Year period, when Goa hosts a famous electronic music festival for three days.
The main attraction of this area is a ship stuck in shallow water, which has not yet been removed.
The beach itself is quite clean and tidy, and the crowd here is more decent than on Calangute and Baga. However, there are still a lot of tourists here, including not the most adequate tourists. So don't think that Candolim is a paradise with a calm atmosphere.
Pros of Candolim:
+ There are rescuers
+ Quite a long beach
+ Much cleaner than Calangute
+ Well-developed and constantly improving infrastructure
+ Many good hotels, although there are also budget accommodations
+ Candolim can be considered the most elite area of Goa
+ Unaccompanied girls will feel more comfortable here than in Calangute or Baga
Cons of Candolim:
- Relatively expensive area (in general, prices for accommodation and food are higher than in other beaches in North Goa)
Sinquerim
This beach is mainly known for its Taj Hotel. Sinquerim is located just south of Candolim. In fact, it is difficult to make out where Sinquerim Beach begins, since there is no physical border between it and Candolim. Sinquerim is famous for the Portuguese fort of Aguada, which was used for several centuries to defend against attacks from the sea. There was also a prison here. Today you can visit the fort, but not the prison, as the latter was used relatively recently.
Pros of Sinquerim:
+ There are lifeguards
+ Pleasant light sand
+ Very little waste
+ Located close to “civilization”
Cons of Sinquerim:
- Relatively expensive area
Miramar
Miramar Beach is famous for its sunset views and some of the finest remains of Portuguese architecture in Goa. This beach attracts mostly locals and the eateries serve typical Goan and Indian dishes.
Miramar Beach itself is quite long and large, but it is not suitable for safe swimming in the water. In any case, there are lifeguards watching over visitors. Essentially, Miramar offers nothing of interest other than its stunning sunset views.
Pros of Miramar:
+ There are beach lifeguards
+ Good place to watch the sunset
+ Good place to try Indian and Goan dishes
+ Location close to “civilization”
+ There are luxury hotels nearby
Cons of Miramar:
- Not suitable for swimming
- Very dirty beach
Dona Paula
Most of the Dona Pola resort is mainly located on a cliff facing the town of Vasco de Gama. Many celebrities and famous wealthy families own villas at these heights. The infrastructure here is well developed and the entire village enjoys a special status in Goa. Some of the most famous hotels are located in Dona Paula, and each of these hotels has a small private beach and swimming pool. The village of Dona Paula has a completely different atmosphere compared to the rest of North Goa.
Pros of Don Paula
+ There are beach lifeguards
+ There are well-equipped beach areas belonging to resort hotels
+ Pleasant light sand
+ Very clean beach
+ Very good infrastructure
+ There are luxury hotels
Cons of Don Paula:
- Access to beaches is mainly limited to hotel guests
- Quite expensive area
Conclusion
As you can see, all the beaches of North Goa have many differences. But there is one thing that all these beaches (except Dona Paula) have in common - cows and dogs relaxing or roaming along the beach. After all, Goa is India! But don't worry, as cows and dogs pose no serious danger to beachgoers (although they can pose a danger to those driving a car, bike or bicycle). Many foreign tourists really like the fact that animals rest next to them, but, of course, this reduces environmental friendliness.Don't expect North Goa to be your second Dominican Republic, Cuba or Greece and don't try to compare it with Thailand because Goa has its own character and many tourists love it for that.
Tours to Goa have become extremely popular among Russians over the past few years. Everyone knows that this is a fabulous place for relaxation and travel, exploring ancient monuments and attractions. Where is Goa on the world map?
What is Goa and where is it located?
Most newcomers to tourism are convinced that Goa is a tropical island in the middle of the ocean. We hasten to assure you that this is not so, and present a short geographical information about this wonderful place.
Meet: Goa is the smallest state of huge India, located on its western coast, next to the always warm Arabian Sea. Indian Goa is turning into a Mecca for tourists every year.
There is a common cliche that in India, where Goa is located, they are not too careful about observing the rules of sanitation and hygiene. We assure you that these times in the Indian tourist states have long since sunk into oblivion.
Goa on the map
The coast of Goa, more than 100 km long, is recognized as one of the most attractive for tourists from all over the world. Magnificent hotels have been built here, standing on pristine beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flags.
Tourists will be happy to wander through the local jungle and mangroves, preserved almost unchanged. Here, ancient Hindu temples have reached our times and continue to operate, which will tell everything about the culture of this people.
Goa is famous for its Ayurvedic medical centers, where people from all over the world come for health purposes. The local casinos are also well known, where fans of gambling spend all night long.
Interactive map of Goa with hotels and attractions
So different North and South Goa
If you look at the map of the state of Goa in India, you can clearly see its division into the northern and southern parts. The same applies to the division of the local 40 magnificent beaches and a huge number of hotels.
This has happened since the 60s of the last century, when the northern part of Goa was chosen by hippies, and couples with children began to vacation in its south. And today students prefer to relax in the north, while wealthier and more respectable people prefer to relax in the south.
