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

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

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

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

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

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

Arambol

Located about 50 kms from Panjim City and also known as Hamal beach is Arambol beach. At a distance of just about 200m from the sea is a small freshwater lake near the Waghcolomb Hill. Arambol Beach attracts many international tourists, mainly during the winter season between November and March. Arambol has a distinct bohemian feel which inevitably attracts many alternative travellers.

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

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

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located to the right of Main Entrane

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
During season time, the strong winds make it a perfect location for leisure sports such as Paragliding and Kite Surfing. The Tribal Dance Festival, the Indian Juggling Convention & the Goa Contact Festival take place here.

Apart from the usual run of activities, the beach provides options like body painting, t'ai chi and yoga.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Vainguinum

Located 7 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. It is flanked by the waters of the Arabian sea on one side and the steep cliffs of the Western Ghats on the other. It is truly a must visit for all the tourists visiting Goa.

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

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

Lifeguard Beach Station
Dona Paula: Located at Dona Paula Jetty Vainguinim Beach: None

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Water Sports - Windsurfing and Parasailing

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Bambolim

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. Bambolim Beach is the continuation of the Siridao Beach towards the West
 

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
At Sridao near Dempo Mansion

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For:
The view of the Goan coastline, the lush green and the calm atmosphere is to die for. The beach is also a venue for the popular events like the Goa Triathlon and the Goa Swimathon, held every year in the month of February and April respectively.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Keri

Keri also known as Querim beach, is a quiet beach located to the north of the Arambol beach. It is the northernmost beach of Goa and is backed with palms and casuarinas trees. The white sandy beach is one amongst the lesser-crowded beaches of Goa and is a serene and calm place to spend a holiday.
Across the riverbank one can also see the famous ancient Portuguese fort known as the Terakhol Fort.

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

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

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located 200 meters north of Ajoba Temple.

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The beach is famous for its tranquil surrounding. It is a beach for solitude lovers. 

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Calangute

A 45 minute bus ride from Panjim , Calangute is Goa's busiest and most commercialized beach of the Goa. The beach is walking distance from the market center. The beach comprises of steep sand shelves and is large enough to accommodate the large number of high season visitors.

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

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

Lifeguard Beach Station
Located to the right of Main Entrance

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
The beach is popular for huge showrooms filled with exquisite handicrafts from Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, Rajasthan and other exotic places, line up the main road running towards Anjuna. 

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511

Ashwem

Located south of Arambol beach, Ashwem beach is white sandy type and saved from the onslaught of commercial development. The hourly auto service to Tiracol can be used to reach the beach. Located about 30 kms from Panjim city.

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

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

Lifeguard Beach Station
Next to Ajoba Temple

Beach Timings
7:30 am to Sunset

Beach Popular For
Ashwem has quite a alot of restaurants along the streets that lead up to the beach. These range from Italian to Continental and everything in between. It is not only known for its posh food but also the shacks that serve food.

Ashwem is known for its rocks all around it carved by the shellfish. The view that the beach provides is one of the most beautiful sights ever seen. Ashwem is relatively less crowded which only adds to it beauty.

The beach is known for having groups of turtles coming up to the shores to lay their eggs every now and then.

Point of Contact
1-800-833-1511