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Goa
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Strung along Goa’s 60-mile (100km) coastline, like a lace frill on the edge of a colorful, skirt are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world- dazzling stretches of golden sand edging the aquamarine expanse of the Arabian Sea. Goan beaches are magnificent and you will find them extremely difficult to leave. The only problem is which one to head for. An unbroken four-mile (7km) crescent of sun-drenched sand marks the twin beaches of Candolin & Calangute, north of Panjim and the Aguada headland. Calangute became almost a traveler’s cliché in the '60s and early'70s and tourist literature is fond of referring to it as the 'Queen' of Goa's beaches’. Baga, a little further north, is a better beach and a more relaxed place to stay. Despite the concentration of resorts, hotels, beach huts, bars, restaurants, and souvenir stalls, there is innocence here, a freshness of childhood mornings. Farther north, past estuaries of the many streams that gurgle through the land, are a series of secluded beaches. In South Goa at a distance of mere two kilometers are the Colva and the Benaulim beaches. The slow paced beaches are breathtakingly beautiful. The Dona Paula beach, Vagator and Chapora are other beaches worth visiting Anjuna Beach - A popular beach area adjacent to Chapora fort. In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tile-roof. Vagator Beach - A popular beach dominated by Chapora fort to the north, on its imposing headland. To the south of Vagator is Calangute beach. Arambol Beach(50 Km) - A unique beach in the North Goa, it is both rocky & sandy beach & much sought after by foreign tourists. It has a sweet water tank right on the shore. A raw beauty characterizes the beaches of the southern coast of Goa. Siridao Beach - near the Zuari estuary, is a shell collector’s haven with its assortment of oyster and a mother of pearl shells. Palolem Beach - About 37 Km from Margao - Just west of Chaudi one of the most enchanting beaches in Goa and relatively deserted, with backdrop of Western Ghats, situated in Southern most Taluka of Canacona. A crescent shaped beach offers safe swimming, while village life merges harmoniously with limited tourism. Colva Beach - If any beach deserves the title of 'Queen' it is Colva, as this beach is without equal in India. It's nothing short of paradise, with 40 Km of uninterrupted white sand fringed with coconut palms along the whole of its length and a warm, calm sea. Go a little way in either direction from Colva village and you will find the nearest thing to a deserted beach. The other main beaches at Aguada and Bagmalo are largely for the jet set and sport expensive five-star resorts. It’s silver-gray, powder-fine sand that has been the inspiration for many folk tales and songs. Dona Paula Beach - An idyllic picturesque spot. Command a fine view of the Zuari estuary and Mormugao Harbor. Dona Paula beach resort is a boating paradise, with speedboats and pedaloes for hire. Water Scootering facilities are available here. Miramar Beach - (Gaspar Dias) 3 Km A lovely golden beach of soft sand griddled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji. Benavali Beach - A tiny, relaxed resort a few miles South. It has a handful of budget hotels, excellent seafood restaurants& a verdant village inland. Next south is Goa’s pricey paradise, Varka continuing into Kavlesi (Cavelossim) also known as Leela Beach. The idyllic fishing village of Betul with a particular quality of remoteness is the picturesque Betul Beach, all but unmarked by the footprints of tourists. Farther south still are magnificent, pristine beaches. These beaches are a stuff of dreams for the traveler. Its powdery white sand and undeveloped hinterland offer a much more rewarding experience of Goa. |
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