Baga Beach, North Goa-

Basically a continuation of Calangute Beach, Baga beach is located around 10 kms from the city of Mapusa. Unlike Calangute Beach, Baga Beach is more scenic , unspoilt and less commercialised than its southern counterpart ,probably because , there is lesser number of buses running towards Baga beach and lesser number of tourists come here.

The Baga river flows down from one side and gives an spellbounding look to the beach as well as it is a nice diversion for children.A group of black lava rocks lie at a place where river meets the sea.The exlosion of sea currents against these rocks looks pleasant.

One of the reasons why Baga beach is so famous is because it is more varied and not just a plain beach.Nestled between a rocky and wooded headland Baga is a perfect example of a place where land meets the sea.Furthermore, it offers an astounding view of sea and wooded cliff and has been commercialised to a lesser extent than Calangute Beach.

What to do at Baga Beach?

There are various things you can do at Baga beach. The easiest thing to do is just laze on the sand and have a nice sun bath or enjoy a bottle of beer.You can also enjoy some water sports here. Infact , Baga beach is famous among western tourists because of water sports and fishing trips. Or, you can also enjoy some Goan food on beach or have a nice candlelit dinner with your spouse, family or friends.

Goa Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle-bustle found on the other beaches. Baga beach in Goa looks as if it has come alive out of a painting… majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the brown sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees.
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How to reach Baga Beach-

Buses leave from Mapusa to Baga beach but the number of buses are less and you may have to wait for a while. You may hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach here.Alternatively, you may first reach Calangute beach and then walkk down the beach to reach Baga Beach. But the walk is long and may be tirin g for some.

Places to stay near Baga Beach-

Being primarily a fishing village ,Baga doesn't hve enough places for accomodattion.Small houses on rent and some rooms ready for hire are available in around the village.During high seasons , it is difficult to find a place to stay. Reasonable budget houses and rooms for rent are also available on the quieter north side of the river.

Eating out at Baga Beach-

The beach once full off fisherman's houses has been replaced by some nice restaurants and small thatched roof eating places.Infact, Baga beach boasts of best restaurants in Goa.From standard beach shacks to swish pizzeries and terraced cafes, everything is available here at Baga.

You can get a romantic candlelit dinner at the beachside to a traditional Goan meal at the shacks and restaurants. Baga offers one of the most swanky and exotic nightlife in whole of Goa.
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Images by: Photofusion ,Prince Roy and Valliravindran

Calangute beach, North Goa-

image by jo.in.pink
Discovered by hippies in 1960s ,Calangute beach is also called as the 'queen of beaches'. Located in North Goa and around 8 kms. from Mapusa city and 15 kms from Panjim, the capital city of Goa, it is most commercialized beaches in Goa and crowded by tourists all the year round.

Why one should visit Calangute Beach in Goa:

Calangute beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa and suited for everyone.Whether you are a solitude lover or a party lover or if you love to shop or enjoy some nice cuisines, Calangute has got something to offer to you.This is why Calangute is called as 'queen of beaches'.



image by wnorrixJust take a look at how some of the websites have described calangute beach on their pages-

Once you reach Calangute beach in Goa, then you can spend your vacation soaked in the serenity of the sea, sun and sand. Goa Calangute beach is often crowded with people, children making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea,
hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands. This picture of a perfect tourist haven is completed with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells.
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image by diametrik

Fun in the sun, sand and sea along with great opportunities for feasting on fresh seafood and feni is what a day on the Calangute beach essentially means. Frolicking families, eager hands making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea, hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands are some of the images that characterize this Queen of Beaches. Source

image by diametrik

What to do at Calangute beach-

Eating out- If you are fond of eating then certainly Calangute beach has a lot to offer you. You can enjoy some very nice Goan cuisines in the restaurants and bars situated on the beach.In goa you will particularly get some good servings of sea foods.

Night life- Due to repeated crack down by Goa police the night life here at Calangute beach is somewhat calm.You won't find any rocking parties like on Anjuna Beach but you can always enjoy a bottle or two of beer in hippies hide outs. Most of the bars are closed on the beach by 10 'O clock.



image by diametrikShopping- As I have said earlier , Calangute is the most commercialized beach of Goa, so, always have a good bargain on the commodities sold here. India beaches have some good words to say about the shops around the Calangute beach, Goa.

At the Calangute beach you must check out the Saturday bazaar for some good bargains. The market offers a wide range of items from daily food items to souvenirs. Then there is the Tibetan market that offers gems and silverwork, wooden statues of the Buddha's besides Hindu deities. You may pick up the Kashmiri carpets, embroidery, and papier-mâché boxes from the Calangute beach that makes excellent gift items. For some exclusive art pieces pay a visit to the Cocoon Art Gallery.

image by diametrik

Water sports-Calangute also makes a perfect beach site if you want to indulge in some water sports activities. Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing at the Calangute beach starts in the afternoon when the wind is blowing just in the right direction and it goes on till sunset.

How to reach Calangute beach ,Goa-

Calangute beach is situated around 8 kms from Mapusa city and 15 kms. from Panjim. Regular buses can drop you to the beach and it is cost effective. Alternatively, you may hire a taxi or a motorcycle-taxi to reach here.It takes only a few minutes to reach here from Mapusa or from Panjim.



image by diametrik

Where to stay near Calangute beach Goa-

There are numerous options available when you wish to stay near this beach. There are many hotels and resorts in and around this queen of beaches. You may hire or rent a room or a house from the locals residing here.