In January (unfortunately not this year, but 2 years ago), my friends and I went on vacation to Goa, the smallest and most special state of India. And finally, here is a small photo report.
Goa is a former Portuguese colony and one of the most Europeanized states in India. It is always warm, light and peaceful here. Several years ago the place was legendary and inaccessible (especially for Russians). The image and popularity of Goa as a travel destination was influenced by the hippies who settled here 50 years ago.
Today, flying to Goa is no more difficult than flying to Egypt, and the place of hippies has been taken by ordinary tourists from Russia and signs in Russian, actively exploiting the theme of beatniks and hippies.
1. Goa is a very cozy and calm place with beautiful beaches. The photo shows Palolem beach at sunset (south Goa).
2. On Palolem that day, some Ukrainian singer was filming a video. Extras against the backdrop of the sea.
3. Palolem is a beach of fantastic beauty, surrounded by small mountains that you can easily climb.
4. The people for the most part live quite poorly, especially outside the tourist areas. The main means of transport are bicycles and scooters. Panaji, capital of the state of Goa.
5. For short trips, you can ride a motor rickshaw once. Although a regular taxi is still more profitable.
6. Motor rickshaw. Candolim city at night.
9. Chinese philosopher Lao She believed that the state of a society can be determined by how animals live there.
10. Not only cows have a good life in Goa. Only a fat Russian tourist can afford to kick a dog, just so as not to disturb him with her presence. The dog, not accustomed to such treatment, jumped up and squealed.
11. For a local resident, buying a boat, even one that is old and falling apart, is a sign of wealth and a way to make good money on fish, which tourists consume in tons.
12. In general, food in Goa is a topic that deserves a separate topic. She is amazing here - not spicy like all Indian ones, but at the same time preserving her national identity.
13. Some of the most delicious dishes: Sisler (several dishes on a sizzling frying pan), cheese nan (Indian flat bread with cheese), banana lassi (an amazingly tasty drink based on yogurt or kefir), various exotic fresh juices. On the right in the photo is the banal spaghetti corbonara (nevertheless also delicious).
14. But the main thing, of course, is the fish. Huge, fatty, deliciously cooked and at the same time very cheap. You can have a hearty dinner for $5. Pictured is Red Snapper.
15. If you are in Goa for 10-14 days, then you can go to a new beach every day. As a rule, beaches are located next to villages, and each has its own flavor and characteristics.
18. Anjuna beach has a strange pumice-shaped shore through which water seeps from below like a sponge.
19. On Wednesdays, the famous flea market takes place here, which began with hippies who sold everything they didn’t need here and thus earned money for their future life on the beach.
20. The Indians took over the baton and now it is a huge anthill designed exclusively for foreign tourists.
21. The beach, as it seemed to us, is distinguished by the most delicious food in shacks and cows, of which there are more than on other beaches.
22. Panaji is the largest city in Goa, large and multi-storey. The service here is less geared towards tourists. At the indoor market, the buyers are almost exclusively Indians, and the already low prices here are several times lower than near the beaches.
23. The Indian barber sleeps while working. Waiting for clients whose most popular service is face whitening.
24. In Panaji there are already tourists from India itself, who rarely see white people in life. Having photos with white people is considered prestigious, they ask for photos
stretched for more than 100 km. So you can choose your ideal beach here. To make it easier for you to make your choice, let’s look at photos of the beaches of Goa in India. Let's take a walk along the beaches of India in Goa, photos of which are in this article.
The Goa resort is divided into the Northern and Southern parts, which differ fundamentally in service, quality of service and prices. Budget travelers are attracted to North Goa, for example in Goa in India, a photo of which is in this article. Also popular here , photo and description will be below. And, of course, we will look at Morjim beach in Goa photos, photos and in Goa photo.
The coastline and entrance to the water at these beaches are also different, for example, on the entrance is shallow, and you can go far into the sea, and the water will be approximately waist-deep. On Anjuna Beach, on the contrary, the entrance to the water is steep and immediately becomes deep. But Anjuna attracts tourists with its parties, night market and fun activities. Baga also has its own local bar street, Titos Lane, which attracts many tourists and young people, but there are no beach parties.
In the southern part are located , photos and descriptions are also in this article. We will also look at photos of beaches in Goa - , Cavelossim and Varca.
But first things first, so, the beaches of India Goa, photos and a brief description.
Trips to Goa
Beaches of North Goa in India
Goa photo: Querim beach
Kerim Beach is the northernmost beach of Goa, next to the state of Maharashtra. There are no crowds of Hindus here, as in Calangute or Baga, it is always quiet and not crowded. Paragliding is practiced on the mountain between Kerim and Arambol. You can enjoy a quiet sunset at Kerim Beach in North Goa. If you are looking for privacy and tranquility, then North Goa Kerim Beach is the best place. Tourists rarely stay here, there are practically no hotels, and few people know about this beach, and this is its charm.
Goa Arambol Beach
Known to tourists for Baba under the banyan tree and the freshwater Sweet Lake. They say it cures any disease.
On this North Goa beach you can spend an unforgettable time near the sea under the sun and think about life. There are also several cafes nearby where you can try fresh seafood and Indian dishes. The photos from this Goa beach are simply fantastic. The only downside of Arambol is that there are always a lot of Indians here.
Mandrem Beach
Mandrem is an excellent wide and uncrowded beach in North Goa. You can walk here from Arambol along the sea in 15 minutes. Many Russians vacation in Mandrem, but there are much fewer Indians here than in Arambol.
Ashwem Beach
Another beautiful beach in North Goa is Ashwem. There are wide expanses of sand and you can see crabs in the rocks and fish in the water. There are almost no sheks on the beach, because the public relaxes in restaurants.
Goa Morjim Beach
Calm atmosphere suitable for those who want to relax and relieve fatigue. Here you can stroll along the beautiful and calm coastline. At the same time, there are quite a lot of hotels in the Morjim area, and this area is well developed for tourism. The central part of Morjim contains the highest concentration of Russian tourists and winterers, while crowds of Hindus have settled in the southern part.
Goa Chapora Beach
located next to the village of the same name under the Chapora fortress. There are not many tourists here, and prices are very low. The beach is so calm that you can take your mind off the mundane hustle and bustle of our lives. Chapora is famous among independent tourists for its juice centers, where you can drink the best and freshest juices. At the same time I ate, drank and passed the time.
Goa Vagator Beach
- an incredibly beautiful beach in North Goa. The superb rocky cliffs rising from the ocean water make this beach in Goa the best place to watch the sunset. It is also here that the famous face of Shiva, carved into the stone, is located.
Goa Baga Beach
Baga Beach in North Goa is the best beach for youngsters, one of the most recognizable beaches in Goa and a must visit for everyone! There is a developed infrastructure, many beach shacks, music, fun, and many opportunities for profitable shopping.
Goa Anjuna Beach
- perhaps the most party beach in North Goa. This is a must-visit place with friends, because the most famous clubs - Curlies, Lilliput, UV Bar - are located here. This is where the hippie movement began and where “Goa trance” was born as a musical movement.
Calangute Beach
Calangute is the most populous district of North Goa and the most crowded beach. IN a lot of hotels, a lot of budget tourists and a lot of Indians. Tourists relax here on sun loungers and on the sand. This North Goa beach is cleaned early in the morning every day. But there are so many tourists here that by evening it is already full of garbage.
Candolim Beach
is a beautiful beach in North Goa, popular among photographers. However, there are just as many people as on the neighboring beaches. In the evening there are crowds of Hindus, cows and everyone else.
Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is located 3 km from Panaji city in Goa and is very popular among the locals. This is a rather interesting beach where you can swim both in the sea and in the river. At this point, the largest river in Goa, Mandovi, flows into the sea.
Goa Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim is the southernmost beach of North Goa. Rows of coconut palms decorate this beach and give the traveler a sense of solitude from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Photos of the beaches of South Goa in India
Palolem Beach
– one of the most popular beaches. The natural beauty of the beach is off the charts, and so is the number of tourists. Here they come in droves.
Majorda
It has white sand and is considered one of the best in the resort. The area around the beach is very beautiful: palm trees and fruit trees literally surround you.
Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo Beach is another sandy beach in South Goa. India's first diving center was opened on this beach, and divers from all over the world still appreciate this place. The beach has excellent infrastructure: sun loungers, cafes, shops.
Colva Beach
Located in the center of South Goa , a photo of which you can see below. This beach is considered a high standard beach in India and attracts a large number of tourists and locals.
Benaulim Beach
Another beach in South Goa, the photo of which is very attractive. borders with other beaches - Colva and Varca. Near the beach there are a large number of hotels and guest houses, as well as developed infrastructure - cafes and restaurants.
Mobor Beach
Mobor Beach is another popular beach in South Goa. The beach is quite crowded, and this is not surprising. The picturesque picture is complemented by white sand, blue sea and green palm trees.
Agonda Beach
Compared to Palolem quite deserted. Even the air around Agonda Beach will remind you of the simplicity of life. Great place to relax.
Goa is not an island, but an Indian state. Its main wealth is 100 kilometers of beaches on the shores of the warm Arabian Sea. They have not yet been developed, so you can find completely deserted corners here.
The state is divided into two parts - North and South Goa. Two-week tourists often choose the southern part of the state because of its good hotels and pretty beaches. Winterers prefer to settle in the north - there is a lot of long-term housing for rent and better infrastructure. Today I’ll tell you about the villages and beaches of North Goa.
I’ll say right away that in Goa there will be no such Bounty beaches as on or. White sand and azure water that merges with the bright blue sky on the horizon - this is not about the Indian coast. Yes, the beaches in Goa are beautiful, but they are still far from the paradise islands in neighboring countries. Nevertheless, it is pleasant to relax in Goa, and there are many reasons to choose this particular resort for a vacation or winter stay. Firstly, it’s cheaper here than in Thailand, and secondly, Goan beaches have their own special atmosphere and flavor. Once you feel them, you will definitely want to return to Goa again.
Arambol
We lived in the northern part of Goa - in the village of Arambol. This is truly a village, not at all like a small town.
There are many two- and three-story houses built very close to each other. Pigs and cows graze in the courtyards, chickens run around, and sometimes monkeys come to eat ripe coconuts.
Arambol is considered the most interesting place in North Goa because of the nightly Sunset show. A couple of dozen musicians come to watch the sunset. They beat out the rhythm on the drums, and people dance to these simple melodies right on the beach. Sometimes there are fire shows.
Every evening, a flea market gathers near Sunset, where Europeans sell jewelry and clothes made with their own hands. If you are doing something similar yourself and are looking for inspiration, Arambol is a great place to get it.
In addition, an interesting crowd gathers in Arambol. Our neighbor, for example, is a shaman grandfather from Australia. And the guys I know practice Ericksonian hypnosis and study the influence of Qi energy on the body. Sasha says that if you are “lost” in Russia or Ukraine and don’t know how to live further, go to Arambol. Here they will put a dozen ideas into your head and tell you the meaning of life.
Yoga, enlightenment, the path to yourself, meditation, Mandala dancing, singing bowls and holotropic breathing, Qigong gymnastics, raw food and therapeutic fasting... If all this is not interesting to you, then you can spend time in Arambol in a more prosaic way. In the morning, go to the sea, have lunch in one of the sheks, dance on the Sunset in the evening, and then crash into some coastal restaurant for a live music concert.
All this will not require a lot of money. Prices in Arambol are lower than in other Goan villages. Low prices for food and drinks in sheki here allow you to not cook at home at all. Having breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cafe, we rarely spent more than 1000 rupees ($16) a day for three.
Behind the Arambol rock there is another beautiful beach - Kalacha Beach. Behind it is a freshwater lake and a banyan tree in the jungle, near which, according to legend, the Beatles meditated many years ago.
There are several posts about Arambol and Kalacha:
Kerim (Querim, Keri)
Arambol is not the northernmost village in Goa. There is also Kirim - the beach farthest from Dabolim airport, and therefore the least crowded. Instead of palm trees, there is a pine grove at the edge of the sea. The infrastructure here is not as developed as in neighboring Arambol, but there are a couple of sheks and inexpensive housing to choose from.
From Kerim to Arambol it is only a 20-minute bike ride, so finding entertainment in the evening is not a problem. In addition, very close to Kerim - a 15-minute drive - is the most beautiful and deserted beach in the area - although it is already in the neighboring state of Maharashtra.
According to my forecasts, in two or three years Kerim will become the same party place as other villages, so if you like to relax alone, you need to seize the moment.
Ashvem and Mandrem
Beautiful beaches north of Dabolim airport but south of Arambol. Wide, spacious, with a minimum number of people. If you want privacy and tranquility, you need to choose Ashvem and Mandrem.
There are not as many beach vendors here as in Arambol, so time on the beach is quieter.
In Ashvem and Mandrem there are luxury houses right on the seashore and more budget accommodation in the villages.
Morjim
Morjim is located right in the center of North Goa. From here it's a stone's throw to all the villages. The ideal location and beautiful beach have made Morjim a favorite place for Russian winterers.
I can’t say that there are more of them here than in the no less Russian Arambol, but the people here are much more wealthy. Renting housing is more expensive than in other villages. And now, during the crisis, many houses are empty. Prices in restaurants are also 30 percent higher than in Arambol. Cold drinks in sheki on the beach from 100 rupees ($1.6), dishes with chicken 250-280 ($4-4.5).
Near Morjim, the Chapora River flows into the sea, and many guidebooks write that turtles come here to lay eggs during certain months. But old-timers say that turtles have not been seen in Morjim since childhood and all these are just tales for tourists. Didn't see the turtle? You just arrived in the wrong month.
If you are in Morjim, be sure to go to the northernmost edge of the beach - to the stones. There are very unusual trees growing there, which I identified as aloe. Alternatively, you can simply wander around the rocks and watch the numerous crabs.
Siolim
Siolim is a village not on the seashore, but 10 minutes away by bike. Budget accommodation for those who spend more time working in Goa than sunbathing on the beach. Siolim has a gorgeous morning fish market - the largest in the area. And our favorite one is located there, where they prepare inexpensive but very tasty juices, and also fry medium-sized lemonfish for only 100 rupees apiece.
Chapora and Vagator
The border between these two villages is not so easy to find. Here, it seems to be famous, but just a five-minute drive from it is Vagator Beach.
There is a very interesting ancient dilapidated fort in Chapora. And there would be nothing unusual in those walls of the fortress if not for their location. stands on a high mountain and from it you can clearly see the beaches of Morjim, Vagator, and the Chapora River.
In Vagator the beach is very unusual, rocky, with many cows. I wrote a separate post about him, which contains three dozen photographs.
A stunning place for relaxation and photo shoots. Don’t forget to look for Shiva’s face in the stones, which was carved into stone here by a European sculptor
Anjuna
When we were just going to Goa and looking for a place to live, Anjuna was one of the options. At first glance, this is a great place to live. Judge for yourself, it is the closest to the airport of all the villages listed above. Good infrastructure, because in Anjuna there are supermarkets (it was in Anjuna that I bought) with European food. Proximity to Mapsa - the main city of North Goa, where there is a large market and a bunch of shops. Among other things, every Wednesday traders from all over Goa come to Anjuna for the Flea Market - a weekly fair. This is a very interesting place where you can just walk for hours, looking at unusual wood crafts, jewelry, embroidery and outfits.
Baga, Calangute and Candolim
I have not met people who would choose Baga, Calangute or Candolim as a wintering destination. These are resorts from a different story. Expensive hotels, restaurants, a lot of tourists and a whole bunch of shops. These villages are more suitable for package tourists who, back in their homeland, paid for a hotel with breakfast or even dinner.
In January (unfortunately not this year, but 2 years ago), my friends and I went on vacation to Goa, the smallest and most special state of India. And finally, here is a small photo report.
Goa is a former Portuguese colony and one of the most Europeanized states in India. It is always warm, light and peaceful here. Several years ago the place was legendary and inaccessible (especially for Russians). The image and popularity of Goa as a travel destination was influenced by the hippies who settled here 50 years ago.
Today, flying to Goa is no more difficult than flying to Egypt, and the place of hippies has been taken by ordinary tourists from Russia and signs in Russian, actively exploiting the theme of beatniks and hippies.
1. Goa is a very cozy and calm place with beautiful beaches. The photo shows Palolem beach at sunset (south Goa).
2. On Palolem that day, some Ukrainian singer was filming a video. Extras against the backdrop of the sea.
3. Palolem is a beach of fantastic beauty, surrounded by small mountains that you can easily climb.
4. The people for the most part live quite poorly, especially outside the tourist areas. The main means of transport are bicycles and scooters. Panaji, capital of the state of Goa.
5. For short trips, you can ride a motor rickshaw once. Although a regular taxi is still more profitable.
6. Motor rickshaw. Candolim city at night.
9. Chinese philosopher Lao She believed that the state of a society can be determined by how animals live there.
10. Not only cows have a good life in Goa. Only a fat Russian tourist can afford to kick a dog, just so as not to disturb him with her presence. The dog, not accustomed to such treatment, jumped up and squealed.
11. For a local resident, buying a boat, even one that is old and falling apart, is a sign of wealth and a way to make good money on fish, which tourists consume in tons.
12. In general, food in Goa is a topic that deserves a separate topic. She is amazing here - not spicy like all Indian ones, but at the same time preserving her national identity.
13. Some of the most delicious dishes: Sisler (several dishes on a sizzling frying pan), cheese nan (Indian flat bread with cheese), banana lassi (an amazingly tasty drink based on yogurt or kefir), various exotic fresh juices. On the right in the photo is the banal spaghetti corbonara (nevertheless also delicious).
14. But the main thing, of course, is the fish. Huge, fatty, deliciously cooked and at the same time very cheap. You can have a hearty dinner for $5. Pictured is Red Snapper.
15. If you are in Goa for 10-14 days, then you can go to a new beach every day. As a rule, beaches are located next to villages, and each has its own flavor and characteristics.
18. Anjuna beach has a strange pumice-shaped shore through which water seeps from below like a sponge.
19. On Wednesdays, the famous flea market takes place here, which began with hippies who sold everything they didn’t need here and thus earned money for their future life on the beach.
20. The Indians took over the baton and now it is a huge anthill designed exclusively for foreign tourists.
21. The beach, as it seemed to us, is distinguished by the most delicious food in shacks and cows, of which there are more than on other beaches.
22. Panaji is the largest city in Goa, large and multi-storey. The service here is less geared towards tourists. At the indoor market, the buyers are almost exclusively Indians, and the already low prices here are several times lower than near the beaches.
23. The Indian barber sleeps while working. Waiting for clients whose most popular service is face whitening.
24. In Panaji there are already tourists from India itself who see white people in their lives.
3
How to choose a place to relax so as not to be disappointed? The question is very difficult. After all, everyone has their own tastes and their own view of quality rest. But you can rely on the opinion of those who have already vacationed in that place. For example, if you are going to Goa, then reviews from tourists in 2018 will help you understand what is there and how. You will learn the latest news about what is happening at the resort. New photos and video materials from tourists are waiting for you so that you can visually see everything that is happening in Goa at the moment.
Victoria.
“Everyone knows what Goa is. But still, coming here for the fifth or tenth time, you understand that this is truly a beautiful place where you can enjoy your vacation and enjoy it.
The beaches here are just perfect. Of course, not all of them, but those that belong to hotels are beautiful and tidy. You can walk on them barefoot and fully enjoy your vacation.
Palm trees grow near the beaches. There are coconuts and bananas on the palm trees. But they don’t have time to ripen, as tourists quickly pick them in their prime.
It is interesting to watch in the evenings how locals gather on the beach and meditate. They make their sounds, do something, then sit in a circle and begin meditation. This is great and interesting.
The sunsets here are the best in the world. Many tourists at these moments, when the sun sets behind the horizon, specifically go to the beach to admire this beauty.
To sum it up, I’ll say that vacationing in Goa is a pleasure that cannot be compared with anything else.”
Marina.
“Why do people go on holiday to Goa? It's simple - they want to have a luxurious vacation that they will remember forever. Yes, Goa is heaven on earth. Beautiful coast, gorgeous sea, hotels and attractions. Everything is beautiful here, and I want to see it all every day.
I vacationed here in February. The weather was good and warm. And during the day it’s completely hot. The sea is such that you don’t want to leave it. The waves are not very big, but they are popular with surfers who try to ride them.
Very often we went into nature as a group. They just packed up and went to the mountains, fields, and forests. It is beautiful there. Many animals and birds. Local crops grow in the fields and are harvested by residents. They are friendly and constantly smile at us.
I've been coming here for five years now. And I plan to continue to come. As long as I can."
Nikolai.
“I really like Goa. I can’t single out anything specific, as I enjoyed the whole holiday. I like excursions. We often go to waterfalls on them. The waterfalls are beautiful - the water flies down and falls at high speed. It's scary and very beautiful. I like visiting local temples and attractions. There you can understand how the country lives and learn its history.
I like the beaches. They are something that is not found anywhere else. Large, sandy and unique. You can do whatever you want with them. You can play sports games, you can sunbathe, you can eat in a cafe. Everything is surrounded by sand. and everywhere there is sand, which is soft like starch.
I like the sea. It's big and beautiful. In the morning it is one thing, in the afternoon it is different, and in the evening it is the most beautiful. It’s very cool when the moon shines on the sea and is reflected in it. The reflection of the moon runs along the waves, and you can admire it endlessly.
To understand all this, you need to come here and get maximum pleasure!”
Oleg.
“It’s nice to remember your holiday in Goa. It seems like so many months have passed, but everything was like yesterday. And I remember it because it was great.
Gorgeous beaches. They have a lot of sand and the beaches are huge. The coastline is long and the beach itself is wide. Even a herd of elephants could fit here, but there are none on the beaches.
The sea is warm and clean. I was told that the sea here is dirty, but this is not true. Even if you go ten meters into the sea, you can see your legs and the bottom. That's why there are a lot of diving enthusiasts here. They dive underwater and swim in hopes of finding treasure.
There are waves at sea, and surfers catch these moments. I myself am afraid to ride a board on the waves, but I like to watch others. I prefer to ride a boat. You buy a ticket, get on a boat and ride along Goa all day. You can sail to the bay and explore it.
The hotels here are different. But in any case, they are all good and they have everything you need. At the same time, if you buy a tour in advance, you can save money. The weather in winter is also gorgeous. The winds are not strong, there is no rain. It's hot, especially at lunchtime. Therefore, during lunch hours it is better to stay in hotels or go on an excursion.
It's interesting to watch tourists ride an elephant for the first time. They are afraid, and yet they still climb on him.
There are a lot of interesting things in Goa and everyone will find their own holiday here. So come!”
