Goa beaches

Goa : Location of Goa in India's Map

Goa map with Sub divisions of Goa Goa is divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the headquarters of the north Goa and Margao of the south district. The subdivisions of North Goa are Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Satari and Tiswadi, the sub divisions of South Goa are Canacona, Mormugao, Quepem, Salcete and Sanguem. Headquarters of the respective sub divisions are Mapusa, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Valpoi, Panjim, Chaudi, Vasco, Quepem, Margao and Sanguem.

See also: : Downloads for more maps of Goa Beaches of Goa How to Reach Goa

There was a time when Goa had a number of ‘secret’ beaches. In other words the kind of beaches neither mentioned in the guidebooks nor marked in the maps. The scoop is shared by word of mouth among the seasoned backpackers. Not anymore. Though the intensity varies, all of the Goan beaches are now mobbed by both domestic and foreign tourists. Indians do it during their summer holidays and the western backpackers make a stampede during the winter months sandwiched by the New Year bang.

Nevertheless Goa still retains its old-world charm.

Let us explore the popular beaches of Goa. From south to north the ‘list’ goes something like this.

Querim beach
Galgibaga beach
Talpona beach
Palolem beach
Agonda beach
Canaguinim beach
Betul beach
Mobor beach
Cavelossim beach
Varca beach
Benaulim beach
Colva beach
Betalbatim beach
Majorda beach
Cansaulim beach
Velsao beach
Bogmalo beach
Dona Paula beach
Miramar beach
Sinquerim beach
Calangute beach
Baga beach
Anjuna beach
Vagator beach
Chapora beach
Mandrem beach
Arambol beach
The 150 kilometer ( 93 miles) coastal belt is lined with two dozen plus beaches. And the discovery of ‘new’ beaches still continues!
By the way when you need to take a break from the hectic beach life at Goa , think of Hampi. There is nothing in common between Goa and Hampi worth a comparison. However bacpackers have drawn a parallel between Goa and Hampi. There is even a place called the “Goan Corner” in Hampi . They marched from Goa to Hampi in search of a more laidback place than Goa. And they found it in the Virupapur Gadde of Hampi. Once you reach this area of Hampi, the bamboo hut filled Palolem beach appears as if a buzzing metro.

When you travel from Goa to Hampi , you are practically tracing the trail of the Arabian horses brought to Hampi from the ports of Goa.

Though not seen in a favorable light , there were (and still are ) attempts to replicate the Rave parties of Goa in Hampi. The Goa hangover still hangs in the air , especially the weeks following the new year eve. Though the nearest beach is a few hundred kilometers away , Virupapur Gadde is Hampi’s answer to Goa. Of course you can catch that night sleeper bus to Goa to continue your beach life.

---

© 2007 www.hampi.in All rights reserved

---