Location : Mapusa, Goa
Baga Beach
The
Baga Beach is a part of the 30km long coastline along the west coast of the
Arabian sea. Situated 10 km west of the Mapusa, it is basically an extension
of the Calangute beach. The beach starts from the Fort Aguda till it reaches
the Vagator beach ending at the Chapor fort. The landscape and scenic beauty
of this far northern end of the central Calangute Beach is ravishing and
delightful.
Exotic locales surround the beach making it ideal for lying in the rocky
woodlands. The beach is frequented and loved the most by the foreign
travellers due to its isolated surroundings and peace full atmosphere. It is
suitable for fishing and water sports. The beach, located between its two
cousins Colva and Calangute, is a charming combination of land and the sea
with clean brown sand. The palm grooves come fairly close to the Baga river
with the sea hitting the black stones on the shores offering a pleasant
picture to the on lookers. The river, the retreat house on the hill and the
lack of local tourist, all create a calm environment around the beach. A
newly opened Saturday market has, of late, added yet another cap to its feat
of wonders.
Beach Activities
Apart from the pleasure of natural viewing of the beauty all around the
cool beach, the place is a hot spot for fishing. People are generally found
holding a fishing rod in their hands to catch the big cats of the sea. Also,
the small fishing boats gives the pleasure of moving around for fishing in
the boats. A lot of other water sports are available like skiing, para
sailing and rafting, that goes on till the sunset. People can be seen
paddling, walking, lying, playing, swimming on the not so risky shores of
the river. Baga's nightlife comes to the liveliest when most of the
travellers end up at Tito's, which has a good dance floor with heavy metal
sound system. The place has a dancing floor for the couples.
Nearby Attractions
» Medicinal springs - The medicinal springs is found
along the road to the beach on passing through the Bom Viagem Convent. The
spring is supposed to have medicinal values and lies at Mottant. It is also
an ideal spot for picnics and bathing, as the water is believed to be of
therapeutic use.
» The Baga Retreat House - The Baga retreat house
known as the Casa de Retiros, is situated on the peninsular end of the
Calangute shore. The retreat house is ideally used for prayer and meditation
and was built by Father Le Tellier.
» Kerkar Art Complex - The Art Complex is a centre
for exhibitions and display of arts and crafts of local artists. It is of
great attraction as the exhibition hall is on the beach. The performances of
Indian classical music, dance and concerts on Thursdays and Fridays are
wonderful break from the beach activities.
The St. Alex Church The Church of St. Alex is a tall structure with two
beautiful towers and a stupendous dome crowned on facade. The entrance to
the church displays a rich symmetry of its architecture and alluring altars.
The people of Calangute celebrates the centenary of this parish church with
lots of colours.
» Dolphin viewing - In the backwaters, crocodile and
dolphin can be spotted down the Mandovi River to the Zuari River which is a
real fest and a favorite pastime for the travellers at the Baga beach. The
thickly forested banks of these rivers are filled with mangrove trees and
inhabited by crocodiles in the swampy regions. Dolphins are seen at the
mouth of the Mandovi River.
Accessibility
» By Air - The Dabolim airport is situated 29 kms
away from Panaji, the capital city of Goa.
» By Rail - The nearest railway station is at
Karmali, 11 kms away from Panaji.
» By Road - The beach can be reached within ten
minutes from Mapusa and thirty minutes from the capital, Panaji. Buses are
available for Panaji and Mapusa from Baga. Mapusa is around 8 kms away from
Baga.
