Goa’s 103-kilometre coastline is home to 25 beaches, 13 of which are in South Goa, and through time, the beaches in the south have come to be known for the quietude they offer.
The 13 beaches in the south, in alphabetical order, are: Agonda, Betalbatim, Betul, Benaulim, Bogmalo, Cavelossim, Colva, Galgibaga, Majorda, Mobor, Palolem, Patnem and Varca. The beaches in the north are: Aguada, Anjuna, Arambol, Ashvem, Baga, Bambolim, Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Morjim, Sinquerim and Vagator.
Apart from these 25, there are more that are not amongst these but are frequented by locals and tourists. Caranzalem Beach next to Miramar, Junaswada next to Ashvem in Mandrem and Sernabatim next to Benaulim are some. Cola, a beach next to Agonda, also does not find mention, though well frequented.
From among all the beaches, Galgibaga is definitely the quietest, the safest for swimming and best for relaxing.
NOTHING QUIETER THAN THIS
From among all the beaches, Galgibaga is definitely the quietest, the safest for swimming and best for relaxing. Being a turtle nesting site, noise is at the bare minimum and the Forest Department turtle guards make it a point to see that sound around the nesting site is minimal.
“This is the best beach today. Beaches were quiet before, but everything has changed. There is too much of noise everywhere except Galgibaga. The people who visit the place know to respect the turtle sites,” says Violet from the UK who prefers staying in this extreme corner of the south.
There are no shacks on the beach, a few restaurants on the sand dunes that serve food and drinks with temperate music being played. Most kitchens are run by locals, and fish and chips, tea, coffee and alcohol are available at most eateries.
The sea at Galgibaga is not rough and part of it cuts through rocks before meandering into a creek that runs parallel to the highway. Swimming is relatively safe here, confirm the lifeguards.
A few cottages are available, just behind the sand dunes and some on top – some with air-conditioning and rooms sell from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 depending upon the season.
If on a visit to Galgibaga, apart from edible items, it is advisable to carry material to read, music to listen to and games to entertain oneself. Well stocked is the best way to go when deciding on a trip to Galgibaga.
DESCEND INTO SERENITY
Between Majorda and Colva is a beach called Betalbatim that stands out because it has still not been touched by development. The way to Betalbatim Beach is lined with paddy fields on both sides. Instead of turning right to reach Martin's Corner, keep going straight and you come to it.
Being in Betalbatim is like being marooned because there are no shacks on the beach and no restaurant anywhere close by. It is a paradise for local lovers and is the best place to awaken one’s serenity.
There are a few stray dogs, and the number keeps increasing in proportion to the number of dog lovers who do not realise that puppies of their pets should not be abandoned.
The sea is serene at Betalbatim and hence makes it another safe beach to swim at. The ground is flat all over so the depth of the water grows gradually. Still, currents are unpredictable.
Betalbatim is one beach that has a ramp giving the physically vulnerable or specially-abled safe access.
NOT SWIM SAFE
Keri in the north is one beach that seems out of the way because the sea is not welcoming. It can be rough, and the depth of water confounds many. However, the village offers a silence to those wanting to be close to tranquility and far from noise.
On one end is Tiracol, and the next closest beach is Arambol, where all the action has shifted to now. If Arambol is the party spot, Tiracol is a heritage area, and Keri beach gives visitors the best of both.
Rooms and a few homestays are available in Keri. Life is very local and the fish is served fresh.
Rooms and a few homestays are available in Keri. Life is very local and the fish is served fresh. There is a ferry to cross over to Tiracol, bikes on hire and even a local bus right up to Panjim after passing through Mandrem, Siolim and Mapusa.
As you navigate your way to these beaches, please note that due respect is given to nature and the surroundings as you enjoy the peace that they offer.