Mayem Lake

This is the most famous lake in Goa and also one of the most popular tourist destinations on the itinerary of all the conducted sight-seeing tours. The lake is located in Bicholim taluka in north Goa, east of the market town of Mapusa. The region in which the lake is located, is mostly unspoilt countryside full of sleepy villages.

The lake itself sits on wooded shores in a landscape of low hills. Birdlife is plentiful here, with a variety of birds making their home on the shores of the lake. The placid waters of this lake are ideal for boating. Small pedal operated boats are available for a charming boatride on the lake. The lake has in its grounds a shady park which boasts of an excellent cafeteria and several other stalls, the most popular of which are the soft drink ones.

The GTDC-run Mayem Lake Resort offers inexpensive accommodation in self-contained cottages and dormitories. A short drive away from the lake is the residence and chapel of the erstwhile count of Mayem. En route is a small water fountain built in 1927 as the plaque indicates which still supplies water to neighbouring residents.

Worth visiting nearby in the picturesque village of Mayem is the Kumbharwado where villagers belong mainly to the farming community. But they do not till the lands until after the celebration of the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. They are engaged in an activity of an entirely different kind. Most families of the Kumbharwado locality make Ganesh idols out of terracotta which are shipped all around Goa for the festival. The idol making is an art passed on from generation to generation and produces some of the most beautiful and colourful idols in the state.

Siridao

Siridao Beach is situated near Zuari estuary, 8 kilometers from Panjim. It is a rocky and sandy beach, and is popular for its mysterious caves. Siridao Beach in Goa is a shell collector's paradise. The Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth is situated in the Siridao Beach of Goa. Thousands of the devotees come to the chapel to pay reverence to Lord Jesus. 
 

Sea Condition – November to March                     
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October                          
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
At Sridao near Dempo Mansion.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Siridao is popular for its mysterious caves. You can see a wide range oysters and pearl shells on the beach and is a shell collector’s paradise. The Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth and is situated on the top of a hill, towards the right on the Siridao Beach. Thousands of the devotees come to the chapel every year.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Dona Paula

Located Seven kilometers west of the Indian state of Goa’s capital Panajim (Panaji), Dona Paula Beach is nestled on the southern side of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands that divide the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. Providing a good view of the Mormugao harbor, this beach is fringed by palm trees and casuarina groves. The proximity of the beach to the capital city makes it a popular tourist sight. Water sports is the primary tourist activity besides.Separated by a landmass on the East of Dona Paula beach lies Vainguinim beach. It is a protected beach and is primarily used by the hotels guests staying at the Cidade De Goa Beach Resort and other few resorts bordering the beach.

Sea Condition – November to March       
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located at Dona Paula Jetty.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Dona Paula's tomb is contained in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhawan. Story says that he is seen to be emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. With the story and the romance attached to it, tourists visit the Dona Paula Beach in search of the deceased beloved.

The beach is very famous for its water sport facilities. The Dona Paula Sports Club offers motorboat rides, cycles and water-scooter. Other water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, snorkelling, toboggan, ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, yachting, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and water-skiing.

The National Oceanography Institute, set up in the 1960s, incorporates all the branches of coastal and marine oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Miramar

Miramar Beach is situated 1 kilometer ahead of the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the way towards Dona Paula, about 3 kilometers from Panjim, the capital city of Goa. Miramar is also known as 'Gasper Dias'. The silver sand beds of the beach are said to sparkle in the moonlight. The beach also provides a kaleidoscopic view of the Aguada fort, which is known for its peaceful surroundings and solitude. The best time to visit is between the months of November and March. During this time, a large number of migratory birds such as gulls and plovers come to the beach.The Miramar ~ Carnazelum is the most prominent dune belt inside the estuary.

Sea Condition – November to March                     
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located besides main entry point near GTDC Park, opposite Sharda Mandir School.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The beach is famous for its migratory birds. At least three-fourths (500 plus species) of migratory birds visit the the coastal plain or the coastline into their migration routes. The migratory birds, like Plovers and Gulls return to Miramar beach in Goa each winter which gives them a relief from the harsh winter back home. At the Miramar beach, they find enough food in the form of aquatic invertebrates, seeds and insects.

Point of Contact
9272231819

Sinquerim

The first tourist beach of North Goa is also the site of Aguada Fort, one of the best preserved Portuguese coastal forts. West of Reis Magos, a long laterite Peninsula extends into the sea bringing the seven kilometers long Calangute beach to an abrupt end. Its name derives from the presence of freshwater springs-the first source of clear drinking water available to the ships arriving in Goa after long sea voyage from Lisbon.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Lifeguard Station located on the right side Vijay Malaya’s Kingfisher access road.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Fort Aguada - A stunning piece of engineering, the Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese to protect Goa from a sea based attack. If you come here, you should walk through the ruins and try and find the freshwater spring that fed the water reserves which gives the fort it’s name. In fact, the water storage capacity of this fort was among the largest in the East.

Aguada Lighthouse - Built in 1864, the Aguada lighthouse is the oldest in Asia. Today, the lighthouse complex still does a great job doing what lighthouses should, pointing a bright light towards the sea to guide ships along the coastline. It's not really a place for relaxing but is the best place for water sports.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Benaulim

Located south of Colva beach, it is a long beach stretch frequented by locals in the evening. The beach is famous for fishing.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Lifeguard Station is located at the main entrance and also near Taj Exotica Resort.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The beach is popular for Go Karting in Nuvem (slightly north of Margao). You ca also visit the Art Escape for live music performances. Morning dolphin spotting boat rides are also offered by local fisherman

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Dudhsagar Waterfall

It is perched in the high peaks of the Western Ghats and is a sight to behold especially in the monsoons when it is in full and furious flow. From a distance, the waterfall appears like streams of milk rushing down the mountainside. The exhuberent and spectacular waterfall is located in the Sanguem taluka.

Measuring a mighty 600m from head to foot, this waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border, attracts a steady stream of visitors from the coast into the rugged Western Ghats. After pouring across the Deccan plateau, the headwaters of the Mandovi River form a foaming torrent that splits into three streams to cascade down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool.

The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means "sea of milk", derives from clouds of milky foam which rises up at the bottom of the falls. Dudhsagar is set amidst breathtaking scenery overlooking a steep, crescent-shaped head of a valley pristine tropical forest, that is only accessible on foot or by train.

Like most places in Goa, the Dudhsagar waterfall too has a legend attached to its name. The legend tells the story of this powerful and wealthy king who ruled a kingdom in the Western Ghats. His lavish and opulent palace in the hills was surrounded by vast gardens which were full of deers and gazelles.

The King had a beautiful daughter, who used to enjoy taking a bath during the hot summers, in the picturesque lake near the forest on the edge of the King's palace grounds. It was her habit to finish her bath and have a jugful of sugared milk in a jug made of pure gold.

One day when she was finishing her usual jug of milk she found herself being watched by a handsome prince standing amongst the trees. Embarassed by her inadequate bathing attire, the resourceful Princess poured the sugared milk in front of her to form an improvised curtain to hide her body, while one of the maids rushed to cover her with a dress.

Thus was the legend born. The sugared milk (dudh) poured down the mountainside and continued to flow in torrents as a tribute to the everlasting virtue and modesty of the Princess of the Ghats. The Dudh Sagar (Sea of Milk) continues to flow to this day and attracts thousands of visitors to one of the most popular and famous tourist spots in the state of Goa.

A number of private operators offer special trips to the Waterfalls and the tours operated by GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corpn) also have Dudhsagar Waterfalls as one of the tour stops.

The falls can also be reached by a train journey from Vasco or Margao. At Collem, in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary near Mollem, there is a railway station where the train stops to pick up passengers for the journey to the waterfalls. There are two trains a day that stop at Dudhsagar Station and it's possible to catch a morning train up and spend several hours at the falls before taking an afternoon train back.

Near the top of the falls, the railway line from Vasco to Londa crosses the mountainside, with excellent views from the train. There also a couple of pools that you can swim in, making Dudhsagar a great place for a day full of fun and frolic. The alternate way of reaching the falls is only advisable between January and May, when the level of the water in the rivers abates enough to permit jeeps to approach the base of the falls.

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Sea Condition – April to October
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Lifeguard Beach Station


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Point of Contact

Candolim

Candolim is at the southern end of Calangute beach. Now with the increase in tourism the beach has been transformed, to some for the best, to others for the detriment.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Lifeguard Station is located at the beach entrance off the Primary Health.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Candolim beach offers various water-sports activities. From parasailing to water-skiing, wind surfing and so on. Fishing is an activity that on can enjoy in idyllic and quiet environment. Yoga & meditation has also gained popularity here because of the peaceful atmosphere.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-151

Polem Beach

Goa’s southernmost beach, ranged along a beautiful small bay, is seldom-visited but makes a fine spot for a seaside stroll or a picnic on the deserted sands, with a beautiful view of a cluster of rocky islands out towards the horizon. Tourist development hasn’t yet made it as far as Polem, and the beach retains a decidedly local feel, with a handful of fishermen bringing in their catch to the northern end and nothing much else to keep you company except scuttling crabs and circling seabirds.

Polem Beach is the southernmost beach in Goa. It is the last beach in the Canacona district before hitting the coastal town of Karwar in Karnataka. This beach is about 700 metres long and is another very serene, uncrowded beach that does not receive much tourist traffic. The shore is lined with palm trees that makes the beach a very beautiful sight untouched by commercialisation and the like. Also seen are clusters of rocky islands in the horizon.

The two things you can enjoy thoroughly is swimming in the beautiful, clean and warm waters of this beach and sunbathing on what is possibly one of the most cleanest beaches in Goa.

Sea Condition – November to March
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Post Afternoon : 

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : 
Post Afternoon: 

Lifeguard Beach Station


Beach Timings


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Point of Contact

Colomb Beach

Colomb Beach (or as it is also called Colom Beach) is located in a small horseshoe-shaped bay between the Palolem and Patnem Beaches. This is one of the most remote beaches of South Goa. This place is very suitable for those who prefer to spend their holidays quietly and solitarily and for those who are fond of privacy and comfort of small spaces.

The Beach is covered with sand of a rich golden color with some splashes of black stones, most of which are places in the water. From three sides the beach is surrounded with rock formations of different peculiar shapes and sparse vegetation. The landscape is complement with several tall palm trees. The entrance into the Arabian Sea is slow, stage-by-stage; the water near the shore is shallow, there are almost no undercurrents.

One of the most interesting Colomb Beach sightseeing is a special unique rock called Pandava's drum. Pandavas are Indian epic heroes, two brothers-warriors. If you throw a stone into the rock and hit a certain place, you can hear the sound very similar to the sound of the drum.

Sea Condition – November to March
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Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : 
Post Afternoon: 

Lifeguard Beach Station


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Point of Contact
 

Baga

10 K.M west of Mapusa is Baga is an extension of Calangute beach , It is difficult to identify where Calangute ends and Baga begins. Lying in the lee of a rocky, wooded headland, the difference between the two is that the scenery at Baga is marginally more varied and picturesque. A small river flows in the sea at the top of the village. Most of the tourist activities concentrate around the sandy square and the bus park close to the river mouth, below a broad spur of white sand.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Lifeguard Station located on the left side of the Baga Beach main entrance opposite to Britto’s restaurant.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The Baga beach is more of a fishing beach with all the tourists trying to get that big catch. The trek on the green Baga-Anjuna Hill is a must.

Baga's nightlife is the liveliest in the area and is the perfect blend of Goan and the Wester culture. 

The comparatively newer Saturday flea market of Baga Goa, is a huge success with brightly lit up with lights and paraffin lamps occasion that lasts through the night.

Backwater crocodile and dolphin spotting down the Mandovi River to the Zuari River is a favourite pastime for the travellers.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Canaguinim

Cainguinim Beach is small landlocked beach south of Betul beach . Access is through a downhill sloping pathway.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight to Rough

Sea Condition – April to October
Day: Rough to Very Rough
                                                                            
Lifeguard Beach Station
No beach lifeguard station.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The Canaguinim beach with its silver sand is safe for swimming and the greenery of sea shore makes it very photogenic. Canaguinim beach is also famous for the splendid views of the historic Cabo de Rama fort situated towards the south end of the beach. 

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

                                                    

Majorda

On this beach is the total solitude that you yearn for as you can walk for hours on end and only pass a handful of people.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station - Lifeguard Station is located near the main entrance to the beach near Majorda Beach Resort.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Majorda is famous for its finest bakeries. Its is a family beach and is one of the best beaches to relax, enjoy the sea view, shopping, swimming and sea food. If you go there then do enjoy the quietness and calmness as might not find it in North Goa beaches.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Cabo de Rama

Cabo de Rama, also known as Cab de Ram beach by the locals is a beautiful beach located in south Goa. The waters here have a pristine greenish blue hue. To the north of the beach lies a small river that is shallow enough for one to wade across. The beach is located at a distance of 28 kms. from Margao. Groves of palm trees line up the shoreline a short distance from the waves. The palm trees offers good shade to picnickers. Consequently this beach is a favorite for school and family picnics. It is relatively safe to swim here but still you must be very careful because it is possible to stumble into sharp reefs or get into strong currents.

The beach is fairly secluded owning to its distance from major towns and cities and is not particularly crowded. Behind the beach is a steep cliff having rocky flat top. A set of crude steps lead down to the beach. On the left side of the beach a little into the sea is a boulder with a single tree atop it. This boulder can be reached sometimes when the tide is particularly low. There are no shacks or restaurants at this beach.

Overlooking the beach to it's south is the Portuguese Cabo de Rama Fort. From the fort, one can see the Cabo de Rama beach and the Arabian sea. The view from the ramparts of the fort is truly breathtaking!

Sea Condition – November to March
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Sea Condition – April to October
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Lifeguard Beach Station

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Point of Contact
 

Anjuna

Anjuna is a small village in North Goa and the beach is approximately situated 18 km away from Panaji. It is one of the most popular beach in Goa. The beauty of the white waves rushing to embrace the pale golden sand on the beach can be witnessed in full form.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located near Lilliput Tower

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Anjuna is known for its sprawling flea market than for its beach. The famous market, held every Wednesday, is filled with hawkers from all over India selling everything from silver jewellery, Balinese batik and papier-mache boxes to Tibetan prayer wheels, Rajasthani mirrorwork and Kerala woodcarvings. 

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Cola

Cola beach comprises of 3 small beaches. It is landlocked with the access being through a downhill sloping pathway. It is situated south of Cainguinum Beach.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight to Rough

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
No beach lifeguard station.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Its a small stretch between two rocks well hidden from the tourist crowd. It is an ideal place to relax and watch the waves lash the rocks.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Vagator

Vagator Beach is the northernmost beach of Bardez Taluka, Goa. It is located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River from Morjim in Pernem. Vagator Beach is split into two main beaches by a seaside headland which holds the car park and lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, soft drinks and snacks. As you face the sea, on your right is North Vagator Beach (Big Vagator) and on your left Ozram Beach, more commonly known as Little Vagator Beach.It is 22 kms from Panjim, and boasts of white sand.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located 50 mtrs from North Vagator bathing area towards Mahalaxmi Restaurant.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The Saturday night flea market in Arpora, organised by a German since early nineties, is by far the largest and most vibrant flea market in North Goa. There is also a sizeable performance area which promotes local talent.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

GalgiBagh

It is the last beach of Goa in the South.An idyllically tranquil beach, still immaculate fringed by casuarinas that sway gingerly in the lilting sea breeze. One of the most treasured nesting sites for the endangered olive ridley turtle.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight to Rough

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight to Rough
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Lifeguard Station is located at main beach entry point.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
It is a breeding site for the the protected Olive Ridley turtles. The complete northern part of this beautiful beach is used for turtles nesting and hence the long stretch of this golden sand beach is often completely isolated, apart from the one-off fishermen or children from the local village chasing crabs. 

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Morjim

Morjim beach is 3.5 kms long and is the breeding ground for the Olive Ridley turtles, the breeding season is extends from November to March . It is 30 kms from Panjim and is the southern most beach of the Pernem Taluka in North Goa. Seeing the Olive Ridley turtles and their hatchlings is an unforgettable experience. This happens only occasionally. However, touching the eggs or hatchlings is a punishable offense. A signboard in this regard has been put up on the beach.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Next to Ajoba Temple

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The Morjim beach is popular as the nesting and hatching habitat of the Olive ridley sea turtle, an endangered species.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Rajbagh

Rajbagh beach is a beautiful palm-fringed cove of white sand unspoilt compared to the beaches of Salcete and North Goa. It is fast emerging as a popular spot for day-trippers from Colva and Calangute . Just west of Chaudi it is one of the most enchanting beaches in Goa relatively deserted, with backdrop of western ghats situated in Southern Taluka of Canacona.

Sea Condition – November to March
Morning : Calm
Post Afternoon : Slight to Rough

Sea Condition – April to October
Morning : Slight to Rough
Post Afternoon: Rough to Very Rough

Lifeguard Beach Station
Lifeguard Station is located right of main beach entry point.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
It is the only place in Goa, where one can still enjoy a hand powered or hand paddled ferry trip at in the Talpona River.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511