Goa Beaches

Goa Beaches

If there is one maverick joint in India where 'fun' is the buzzword - it is Goa! And with a 50 mile beachfront breezing with the pleasantest of weather, needless to say, you will find it swarming with humanity - multi-colored, jovial, nocturnal, and what not. Goa's reputation as one of the most-haunted beach destinations is well-deserved and the palm-fringed acres of golden sands bustling with sports, fisher-women, vendors, sun-basking vacationers, and the arresting aroma of sea-food and feni (local beverage) - all make it a brand per eccellenza (par excellence). All located at few miles distance from the Capital Panaji (or Panjim), the legion of luxurious Beach Resorts are just another slice of spice to the already simmering toast - Goa!

Two majestic Forts stand as the guarding sentinels at Goa's northern beach stretch - Tiracol and Agauda - from where the best sweep-of-vision can be had. The quaint seaside hamlets and their quainter rituals made this stretch more than a sunbathing lounge.

NORTH GOA BEACHESArambol Beach (60 km from Airport): The northernmost beachfront of Goa after Keri, Arambol is both rocky and sandy and for the best views you will have to climb up the Waghcolomb Hill, which again has the tiny Paliem beach at its foothill. Go dolphin-spotting, paragliding and kite-surfing during the day and let your hair down for the wacky jam sessions at night at one of the many ravers out here.

Vagator beach (50 km from Airport): The mammoth Fort and stark red cliffs are the landmarks to look out for. Vagator, with the fresh water springs on the north, small hamlets with pleasant bars and cafes, low budget accommodation, the 18th century Chapora Fort (shooting site for the Bollywood flick 'Dil Chahta Hai'), is the kind to head for a languid vacation.

Anjuna Beach (57 km from Airport): The Anjuna - Baga - Calangute beach-belt north of Panaji is most populous and developed. Ask any Goan and hew will load you with galores about Anjuna's Wednesday Flea Market where everything from lovely trinkets and seashells to yak cheese and sarongs can be sampled. This one is rocky and not a good bet for watersports. But for nocturnals there are trance bars and rave parties that rock the beach almost everynight.

Baga Beach (15 km from Panaji): The crescent-shaped Baga with its soft white sands is a popular joint for water-sports activities like para sailing, jet skiing, body boarding and surfing. The dolphin cruises in the sea is a rage with tourists. Nocturnals stay back for the late-night parties here.

Calangute Beach (16 km from Panaji, 48 km from Airport): The massive white dome of the Church of St. Alex announces that you have reached Goa's busiest of beaches. Right from hippies, roadside trinket sellers, Chapels, seafood eateries, to swanky Malini Ramani boutiques and exotic resorts, this is the hippest place to be. Its nickname, the Queen of Goan beaches, explains it all.

Candolim Beach (45 km from Airport, 13 from Panjim): The sequestered Portuguese Fort Aguada, the Chapel of St. Lawrence, Candolim Church - all conspire to give this beach its reclusive look. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting trips, fishing expeditions, river cruises and some exotic buys make it one of the noted names amongst the tourists.

Dona Paula Beach (32 km from Airport, 37 km from Margao): As pretty as its name is to the ears, Dona Paula is comparatively peaceful. The variegated water sports facilities like water scootering, angling create all the stir. Besides, it is a very picturesque locale commanding a grand view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour, and an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. The legend of the Portuguese Governor's daughter Dona Paula and the local fisherman's son Gaspar's love story lend the place its romantic aura.

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Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival

Fast Facts : -
Festival Time: February
Location: Panjim, Goa
Significance: Cultural Festival
Carnival Attractions: King Momo parade, dance & music competition, street play, grand feast

The beach state, Goa in India celebrates Carnival Festival every year in the month of February. It is organized by the Department of Tourism in association with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation(GTDC). The three-day celebration is popular all over the world and party-hoppers miss no chance to engage themselves in eating, drinking and merry-making. Pulsating rhythms of guitars, drum-beats and loud folk song unwind the magic of Goan culture.

Goa Carnival starts on Saturday, before Ash Wednesday, when Goans apply holy ash on their forehead. The Ash Wednesday indicates a 40-day period of penance before Easter and the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. The cultural festival beholds a number of activities, that knocks at the heart of both the participates and spectators.

Carnival History
Goa Carnival highlights the rich culture of Portugal, who ruled the state till 1961. The loud celebration was introduced with certain myths. Erstwhile rulers believe to sweep away old and dirty articles from the surrounding. And, till date many follow the custom of throwing used kitchen utensils, dirty water, lour, eggs, vegetables and fruits out of home. History has linked Carnival with many meanings. A hypothesis describes carnival as 'Carrus Navalis'- a boat-shaped carriage drawn by horses. Portuguese used it to carry participants in colorful fancy dresses. It is said that the present day parade is influenced by this past trend. Beside, some connect Carnival with 'Carnislevamen' and enjoy grand feast of meat during the event.

Carnival Celebration in Goa
Goans start preparation a month before the inauguration of the Carnival. King Momo, a King of Chaos is elected and enthusiasts start practicing programmes, to be performed before responsive audience.

Dancing troupes in fancy dress and clowns and colorful parade of King Momo are major attractions in the Carnival. Street plays, songs and dance competition are organized open air. The colorful sights appears like the pictures on the nursery rhymes. Interestingly, the cultural functions are judged by renowned figures and King Momo take the pleasure to distribute prizes to the winners. Lip-smacking sea food, meat and local feni are arranged in stacks. Besides, the lavish distribution of cakes and pastries let foodies go out of control.

The festival spirit is not bound to region or religion and apart from Panjim, a number of villages in Goa celebrate it in traditional style.

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