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Chapora Fort Aguada Fort Cabo de Rama Fort Anjuna beach Benaulim Beach
 
Majorda beach Bogmalo Beach Candolim Beach Dona Paula Beach Star Cruise
 
Pearl of the Orient Blackwater Thrills Dolphin Fantasy Cruise Water skiing Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Majorda beach

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images/shivbari.jpgMajorda Beach is located at a distance of 18 kms. from Dabolim Airport. This is the place where the Goans were first trained in the delicate art of baking European breads and the Majordans are still Goa's best bakers.

Along with the soft sand and unique marine world, Majorda beach is also well known for its bakery and toddy. Majorda beach is the first place in Goa where the tradition of baking breads in European style has started. Till date residents of this place are considered as the best bakers in entire Goa.

Majorda beach is also well known for its windy make shift restaurants, where you can enjoy endless arrays of delicacies from fresh seafood to the schezhuan specialties and steaks.

Bogmalo Beach

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images/bhaironji.jpgBogmalo Beach, one of Goa's more attractive beaches. Situated just south of Vasco da Gama and fringed by green hills on three sides, its grainy golden sand and big surf make Bogmalo an undisputedly different experience. Besides, it also sports a mixture of serenity and merchandising, splashed with natural beauty where one can happily lose oneself amidst the flavour of Goa.

The ambiance here is just right for holiday and honeymoons as you can get as much privacy and fun, as you would ever want – and more. Bogmalo Beach, Goa might not a very long stretch of the typically dreamy coast, but it is more than enough to give you a superb holiday.

The beauty of Bogmalo Beach, Goa is further enhanced by the mysterious little islands that peep at you from behind Bagmalo Beach Resort, Goa (a Hotel of the Oberoi chain) and the many silted shipwrecks around them.

Goa Carnival

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images/devikund.jpg Goa Carnaval is the most eagerly awaited event. Carnival In Goa, Goa Carnival Tour, Goa Festival The 'Carnaval’ is exclusive and unique to Goa, and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years.

Although, the three-day festival is primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition revelry, western dance forms, and turned into a pageantry of sorts. Though it started as a celebration enjoyed only by the local population, it has today crossed the state frontiers and attracts thousands of people from all over the country.

The carnival is held in February for three days and nights, when the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with music and color. Then begins the weeklong event, which is a time of unbridled festivity and merry-making, which has been celebrated since the 18th Century.

It is the starting of the 40 days of interlude of Lent period during which the asceticism from meat is enforced. Initiated in the 18th century by the Portuguese, Goa Carnival is a three-day event and is commemorated mostly by the Christians. Steadily the event riveted some of the Hindu cultures and has traversed the peripheries of the state or belief.


Benaulim Beach

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images/bhandeshwar-jain-temple.jpg Benaulim beach is less than 2 Kms south of Colva. If you hanker after the more tranquil parts of this coast-line, then Benaulim is the place to head for. It has reasonably good accommodation facilities with fine restaurants. Accommodation in Benaulim largely consists of small budget guesthouses, scattered around a radius of 1km. With the opening of star hotels this place is attracting tourists like never before. It's fast gaining popularity is turning out to be a strong competition to Colva Beach. There are hotels, that provide comfortable rooms and restaurants that serve delicious dishes. If you wish to move around on your own, than you can hire a bike, car or even take a cruise to Palolem or Bogmalo beach.

The nearest airport to reach Benaulim beach in Goa is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 70 km from Benaulim. The nearest railway station is at Karmali, 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is 41 km away from Benaulim. There are frequent buses from Colva, which is 2km from Benaulim beach, running to and from Margao from where one can take a bus to Panaji, which is 33 km further ahead.

Chapora Fort

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junagarh.jpgChapora Fort known as "Shahapura" was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur on the southern headland of the Chapora River. Later this citadel of red laterite, crowning the rocky projection was rebuilt by the Portuguese in1617 on the site of this earlier Muslim structure. It was built as a border watch post and later deserted by the Portuguese in 1892 as the empire continued to extend farther North, known as the New Conquests. This Fort is mostly in ruins now. The massive ramparts and the scattered Muslim tombstones are all that is left of Chapora Fort. It overlooks the beautiful Vagator beach and is close to Arjuna beach.

The Chapora Fort Goa dates back to 1617, is one of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture. Close to the Chapora Fort Goa lies the Anjuna Beach, the site for many rave parties. The Chapora beach, on which the Chapora Fort Goa stands, has many picture pretty fishing hamlets you can explore.

Another beach you can visit while on a tour to Chapora Fort Goa is the Vagator Beach. With craggy cliffs and dry grasslands, the Vagator is also famous for its old Portuguese style mansions, built in the colonial era.

Aguada Fort

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images/Lallgarh-Palace,-Goa .jpgA spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.

Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea, bringing the seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada Fort, which crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland, is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa. Built in 1612 to protect the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders, it is home to several natural springs, the first source of drinking water available to ships arriving in Goa after the long sea voyage from Lisbon.

Water skiing

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images/devikund.jpg The water resorts and beaches of Goa provide you with perfect setting for water skiing. For those who love to fly through the waves, splashing and swishing through the watery terrain is nothing new. Though some people may find a good resemblance between surfing and water skiing, the difference lies in the fact that in the latter your hands are not free. Water skiing is not constrained to sea only. It can be done in vast lakes too, where space is not a limitation. Water skiing is almost like snow skiing, just that here you don't have mountains but a vast expanse of water. So the trouble of finding a smooth slope does not exist.

Getting the hang of water skiing is easy if you have a keen sense of balancing. It becomes even easier if you know how to swim in the ocean, which requires more effort than swimming in the pool because of the strong ocean currents. A strong grip is a must on the towrope for getting started. Once you gain speed, you can try swishing through different angles by slightly moving your body left and right. Your feet should be firm though.

Cabo de Rama Fort

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images/GajnerPalace.jpgCabo De Rama is situated 16 km north of Agonda beach in the coast road at the south end of Colva Bay. Also known as The Cape of Rama, it takes its name from the Hindu epic Ramayana hero, Lord Rama as according the Hindu belief Lord Rama during his exile from Ayodhya stayed here.

The cape is crowned by a fort which was originally a Hindu structure and rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1763 after acquiring it from the Maratha ruler of Sonda. It had 21 guns for its defense, a chapel, military barracks and quarters for the use of the commandant under the Portuguese.

The Fort was first occupied by Hindu rulers who spread their empire all over India. The fort has exchanged hands between Hindu, Muslim and Portugal rulers and has seen some of the most gruesome battles fought in history. The Portugal rulers waged battles against the Hindu rulers and established their right over the fort around 1763. It was abandoned when the Portuguese left this place. Later, this fort housed a government prison till 1955 and was abandoned again. Today, this fort is a bit ruined but is a popular tourist attraction.

Pearl of the Orient

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images/srisadul.jpg Pearl of the Orient is a mixture of natural and cultural heritage cruise cum walking tour.This cruise takes one to the enchanting world, along the river of peace, warmth and tranquility.One can feel the beauty of the endless sights and sounds, the luring beauty of nature.These sights fascinate and captivate the tourists,completely.

It operates on every Sunday from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.one can take this journey for just Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks disembarking at Old Goa on a pilgrim trail one can visit the world famous heritage monuments like: The Viceroy's Arch, St. Cajetan's Church, Se Cathedral, Convent & Church of St. Francis Of Assisi, Basilica Of Bom Jesus, Tower of St. Augustine, Convent of Santa Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

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images/Gajner-wildlife-sanctuary.jpgBhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary covers an area of around 240 square kilometers. The sanctuary is located on the eastern border of Goa and easily reachable by both road and rail as it is well connected by a network of roads from the major cities. The sanctuary is home to many animals and birds and flourishes in rich flora. The sanctuary is home to Leopards, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons, Cobras and many more reptile species.

To experience the thrill of spotting animals in a big sanctuary such as this, it is always better to stay for a couple of days. The best time to view wildlife is either early morning or late evenings. One can hire jeeps after talking to the concerned authority and take a jeep safari into the sanctuary. It is more suitable to view wild animals from the Devil's Canyon View Point. Bird lovers may also experience their finest time over here as the sanctuary is home to many beautiful and exotic bird species.

Star Cruise

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images/kalibangan.jpgStar Cruises is a prestigious name on an international basis that provides wonderful cruise options. Even in India, they offer you a variety of cruise option to choose from. The Super Star Libra, that operates in India ( and also in the other parts of the continent of Asia) is more of a luxury resort, complete with restaurant & bars as well as sports and fitness centre. Moreover, you also have an opportunity to stay in luxury rooms - Executive Suites, Junior Suites and Ocean view Statesroom Suite. On board entertainment options include an open-style karaoke lounge, a discotheque, showlounge, cocktails and pre-dinner lounge with live entertainment.

Anjuna beach

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kashi vishvanath Anjuna beach is 8-km West Of Mapusa, North Goa. One of the main sources of Anjuna's enduring popularity as a hippy hang out is its superb beach. Fringed by groves of swaying coconut palms, the curve of soft white sand conforms more closely to the archetypal vision of paradise than any other beach on the north coast. Bathing is generally safer than at most of the nearby resorts, too, especially at the more peaceful southern end, where a rocky headland keeps the sea calm and the undertow to a minimum.

North of the market ground, the beach broadens, running in an uninterrupted kilometre long stretch of steeply shelving sand to a low red cliff. The village bus park lies on top of this high ground, near a crop of small cafes, bars and Kashmiri handicraft stalls. Every lunch hour, tour parties from Panjim pull in here for a beer, before heading home again, leaving the ragged army of sun weary westerners to enjoy the sunset.

Candolim Beach

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images/gangamuseum.jpgCandolim beach comes as an ideal beach for those who are slowly getting tired of the crowded beaches of Calangute or Anjuna. Though tourists quite often frequent Candolim beach, you can still find some quiet places for yourself. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you are welcome to do so too. Some hotels at Candolim beaches offer yoga and meditation session which will give any tourist a sense of relief from all the stress and fatigue that he has been trying to run away from by being in Goa.

There are special guides to help you through these daring water sports activites. Besides the main attraction at the Candolim beach in this Indian state of Goa is the special boating excursion especially during the evenings which offers you beautiful views of the sunset…you can really feel the sun touching its all-glory orange and then slowly sinking into the sea. This excursion is definitely worth a try.

Dona Paula Beach

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images/sungate.jpg Dona Paula is actually composed of three beaches. Walk across to the opposite side of the jetty to reach the Hawaii Beach. Just 200 m long, this stretch of pristine sands flaunts of many mind-blowing sailing activities. To do justice to Hawaii, it is important to get your priorities and planning right. And make sure that you have enough time to enjoy this pleasure paradise. Enjoy a round of water-scooter ride on the ebullient waves of Dona Paula as a starter. After relaxing for a while, go for some out-of-the-world marine experiences - water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkelling and even harpoon fishing! The jetty at Dona Paula Beach also offers great fishing opportunities and you can find agog anglers waiting for a bite.

A tourist’s paradise the Dona Paula Beach is famous for its seaside shopping, sunbathing, water sports and food shacks.

Blackwater Thrills

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images/srisadul.jpgThe cruise is called as Savoi Verem, which carries you to Dr. Salim Ali's Bird Sanctuary, Divar island covering the entire river coastline along Pilgao, Khandola, Amona, Betki and dock at Savoi-Verem village to whiff the spicy fragrance, juicy fruits, exotic trees and medicinal herbs at Savoi Verem plantation and enjoy a typical Hindu Goan lunch.

This cruise operates on every Tuesday and Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.The rates for this journey is 550/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks on the board of the launch and lunch at Savoi Verem plantation.These cruises have a minimum booking of 5 seats.

Dolphin Fantasy Cruise

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images/katariasar.jpgOne can watch the dark graceful water beauties in a ever-playful playful mood enchanting the tourists with a rhythmic dance of love. while undergoining this journey Sights of Raj Bhavan, Aguada Fort and Reis Magos and their headlands jutting out can be seen. This journey reminds us of the bygone era of wars and dominance. It is a great way to relax on a hetic Monday morning.

This cruise takes one to the magical moments of happiness. It operates on every Monday,from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.While taking the journey one is offered with snacks, cold drinks and a simple yet tasty food items. This is a economical journey for just Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks.