Would you believe that this is a beach in Goa, and there's not a soul in sight?
Gomantak Times
Some of the best things in life are free. And, when it comes to Goa, breathtaking views of the sea and the shore is just one of them! Just when you think, you’ve soaked up the sun at all of Goa’s beaches, along comes another one — but this beach isn’t directly accessible from the road. Instead, you have to enter a garden, descend hundreds of steps and enter a hole in the wall to get there. And after that, you find yourself enveloped in a blissful feeling of calm, as you stand on a tiny, clean and quiet beach.
Be prepared to walk down several steps before you reach the hidden beach, called Grandmother’s Hole Beach
PRETTY GARDENS & PICTURESQUE VIEWS
Situated atop a hill, the Japanese Garden, is one of Vasco’s best-kept secrets, and affords amazing views of the Arabian Sea yonder. The garden is built on the ruins of the St Catherine Fort (Fortaleza Santa Catarina), and offers a stunning view of the beach and sea beyond.
The garden is a short distance from the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), Vasco, while the beach down below, called Grandmother’s Hole Beach, is completely unblemished by tourists, vendors, shacks or commercial activity.
The garden, which is maintained by the Mormugao Port Trust, is largely visited by couples, or visitors in search of magnificent views. This well-manicured garden has beautiful plants, including roses and palm trees, making it perfect for evening walks with the cool breeze and picturesque sights. But, it is undoubtedly the sea views from the walkway, bordering the cliff, that will take your breath away.
The the foot of the stairs, there is an ancient wall with a small doorway
A zig zag stairway, with over 200 steps, leads downhill from the garden to the secluded, sandy shore down below. At the foot of the stairs, you’ll come across a fort wall, with a small arch or doorway, or “hole” (after which the beach is named), through which you need to pass.
According to popular lore, a grandmother would sit here, waiting for her sons to return from their sea expeditions. Go through the arch, and you finally reach the beach, well worth descending all those steps! The tiny beach is virtually empty. And, if you want to zone out here, away from the other noisy beaches, this beach just might be what the doctor ordered.
The sight of the sunset over the waters of the sea is a sight to behold!
TIPS FOR VISITORS
There are no hotels or restaurants on this beach, which means that you will need to carry your own snacks and refreshments, should you choose to visit. And, don’t forget to take all your trash back with you when you leave!
LOCATION: Near Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) colony, Vasco
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March
TIMINGS: 10 am to 5 pm
CONTACT: +91 9273028234