Sinquerim Beach: Totally Exotic!!!

Sinquerim is located at 13 kms away from Panjim and it is the first beach of North Goa. It is located at the south of the famous beaches like Baga, Calangute and Candolim. Sapphire waters and palm lined silky beaches with golden sands play a pivotal role in making Sinquerim one of the most famous tourist destinations in Goa. The famous fort Aguada is located near the beach. This beach offers a good number of water sports facilities to tourists. The Aguada Bay here is divided into two parts, the Caranzalem Bay and the Sinquerim Bay is formed by two headlands, Cabo and Aguada.

In Sinquerim Beach one can enjoy parasailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing.

One can find a number of good hotels and resorts for accommodation in Sinquerim Beach.

The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport. Also one can reach by buses and local transport.

Agonda Beach

Agonda beach of Goa is located 37 km from Margao which is a lovely, peaceful beach. The beach is long and lonely surrounded by palms and casuarinas along with a large hill to the south. The beach is 3 km long and we can not find the necessary arrangements in the beach. As there are no facilities available in this beach you have to carry all your needs to the beach.

From Colva and Cavelossim you can also make an adventure trip to Agonda Beach. It is not very safe to swim in the beach so far. Cabo de Rama fort is not very far from Agonda beach. As it is believed that Lord Rama stayed with his wife Sita here during the time of his 14 year exile.

Around Agonda beach there are many hotels available.

From Margao one can reach to Agonda beach by hiring a motor bike and cycle. As there are no bus facilities in Agonda Beach.

Benaulim beaches

Benaulim is a true natural treasure. It is one of the very few beaches in Goa which is not corrupted and commercialized. It is a very quite and peaceful beach destination. If looking for more than beaches, Benaulim is the right place. There are several famous Churches built in Portuguese style worth watching. The church of St. John the Baptist, Nossa Senhora de Merces Church, Holy Trinity church etc are the most famous ones. The activities in Benaulim are immense from Bull fighting to motor bike race, water sports to sun bathing and dolphin watch. Benaulin can be the next best thing in Goa.

June to October is the ideal time to visit Benaulim, it is just 28 km away from the Dabolim airport in Goa, and Margao is the nearest railway station, take a pre paid taxi and the 8 km ride will feel like less than half and hour. If not prepaid taxies, there are buses in every 15 minutes. It is better to stay and enjoy the experience of Benaulim plenty of hotels are available in Benaulim for over night stay.

Anjuna beach

Enjoy sun, surf and sand in the morning and party whole night long. Anjuna beach resembles of another Caribbean beach. Anjuna beach is Hippie’s best discovery they popularized this beach in 1970’s and today it is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Still we can find hippies all around the beach. The moonlight parties in Anjuna beaches are famous. There is everything a tourist needs to shop in Anjuna as long as you are good in bargaining. Goan sea food cuisines are the best in the country. Swimming, sun bathing, engaging in water sports etc are the common activities surrounding Anjuna beach. Night life is vibrant in Anjuna.

Dabolim is the nearest airport and Karmali the nearest Railway Station. Rent a bikes are available from 250-400 Rs. Price range per day you can enjoy and explore Goa. Goa is a place which should be explored rather than dictated. there are several hotels and resorts near Anjuna Beach.

Dona Paula beach: Romance with the waves

Goa is blessed with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For people who like the sea and sand, Goa will be their first choice. Dona Paula Beach is seven km from Panajim/ Panaji the capital of Goa.

The legend says that, the beach was named after Dona Paula de Menezes the daughter of the viceroy. She ended her life jumping from the cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman. The place is very romantic as well as adventure filled, suitable for all type and age group. There are opportunities to participate in several water sports like, water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting. If you are looking for a complete holiday package, Goa would be the best option where people in all age group can enjoy.

The nearest airport is in Dabolim, just 29km from the capital city. The nearest railway station is Karmali. There are beautiful resorts near by the beach.

Tourists turned landowners in Paradise

They came. They saw. They dropped sail. It may not be quite as bad as the days when the Portugese, the French and the British came calling and decided to stay on centuries ago. But the present day situation is certainly not a happy one either.

In the last few years, foreigners, mainly Britons, buying land in Goa has increased manifold. This has lead to a property crisis among the locals. Addressing this problem, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik said in a statement that Britons who have supposedly bought land in Goa has to abide by Indian property law. They also have to understand the problems of Goa and its natives, caused by such large volume of purchase by foreign nationals.

Such a response from Naik was primarily due to reports in the British media which stated that some British citizens sent a memo to Gordon Brown, PM of Britain stating that their purchased property in Goa has not been properly recognized by the administration.

He further said that Goa is the smallest of Indian states, so it is all but natural of its locals to protect their inheritance from others. However, he insisted that the Goans do not have any grudge towards foreign nationals in Goa.

According to the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 (FEMA), all the foreign nationals need to comply with the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding property purchase in India. Naik remarked that most foreigners try to find loopholes in mandatory requirements of stay for 182 days in India, and try to buy a property unethically.

Parasailing, a thrilling water sport

Parasailing is an adventure & a thrilling sport for which one would require lots of guts. Speedboat and a parachute are the minimum requirements for parasailing. A long rope is tied to the parasail tackle at one end and to the speed boat at the other. As soon as speedboat speeds off into the ocean, the sailor is pulled up in the air.

In parasailing, the sailor is firmly attached to the rope and thus has no control over the parachute. The speed boat controls the speed and height and the person flying the parasail controls the parasail sideways. The person tucked on to the parachute enjoys the sight of the sky above and water below.

Candolim Beach, Majorda Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Miramar, Calangute, Sinquerim, Mobor, Arossim and Cansaulim in Goa are the beaches where you could go parasailing.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa

The sanctuary is walk able distance from the ferry port at Chorao Island.

The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Goa, which is named after one of India’s most prominent ornithologists, Dr. Salim Ali. Thus, it happens to a great tourist attraction for bird lovers. The sanctuary also takes care to preserve and promote wildlife conservation in Goa. This highly rejuvenating bird sanctuary is also dear to many, because of its scenic and calm atmosphere.

In this Island we can find many varieties of coastal and migratory birds. You can also catch wild animals like foxes, jackals and crocodiles.

Mayem Lake

Mayem lake is situated at Mayem near Bicholim, just 14 km south-east of Mapusa and it is also 35 km from Panaji.

Mayem Lake is a paradise for bird watchers. Most of the common aquatic bird species are found on the banks of the lake. This beautiful lake is ideal for boating and is awesome spot for picnicking. One can enjoy a ride on the small pedal boats for a panoramic view of the serene landscape around.

A small park is located on the banks of the Mayem Lake. Also tourist resorts, several cottages and good restaurants are available near the lake.

Leander Paes, ace of Indian tennis

Leander Adrian Paes, is an Indian professional tennis player who was born in Goa on June 17, 1973 and brought up in Kolkata. His mother, Jennifer Paes was a basketball captain of the Indian team and his father, Vece Paes, was a hockey player.

In 1990, he won the Wimbledon Junior title and rose to No.1 in the junior world-rankings.

In 1993, he reached Davis Cup semi-finals.

He won the bronze medal in an individual medal at Atlanta Olympics in the year 1996.

Apart from his eight Grand Slam victories at doubles and mixed doubles events, he is famous for his several memorable Davis Cup performances playing for India.

In 1999, he paired with Mahesh Bhupathi to form the Indian doubles team and reached doubles finals of all 4 Grand Slam in tennis. Eventually winning the French Open and Wimbledon.

Paes is awarded by Padamshri in the year 2001 for his contribution in Tennis. And also he is honored with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, which is considered as a highest sporting award in the year 1996-97.