Basically
an extension of Calangute Beach with clean white sand, Baga Beach offers a
beautiful combination of sun and serenity. Located 10 km west of Mapusa,
Baga is a small but perfect beach located between Colva and Calangute, its
two famous cousins. It's a much better place to enjoy some restful moments.
Included among fishing beaches, sun-deprived international tourists tan
their bodies in the sun here. The grove of palms comes fairly close to the
water's edge. Offering a pleasant diversion for children, Baga River flows
down one side of it. Its picturesque beauty, along with the creek, lack of
local tourist buses and the Retreat House perched on the hill - all have
contributed to its unique beauty. Vacationers from western countries use it
as a base for water sports and fishing. Baga has begun a Saturday night
market, to counter the importance of the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna.
It's very impressive but somehow lacks the charm of the Anjuna market.
Main
Excursions
Baga Beach has many excursions worth visiting. One narrow road leading past
Bom Viagem Convent along cashew-covered foothills, lead us to the springs at
Mottant. It's regarded as an ideal spot for picnics and bathing. Water here
is believed to be having medicinal qualities. Placed overlooking the village
and Arabian Sea, at Baga hilltop is Baga Retreat House. Dedicated to St
Francis Xavier, it was known as Casa de Retiros. Tourists also have a choice
to indulge in various activities including motorcycle riding, water skiing,
Para sailing, wind surfing and crocodile-dolphin spotting. You can very
easily hire a motorcycle or scooter in Panaji and Mapusa. Mandovi and Zuari
Rivers are the best places to enjoy backwater crocodile and dolphin
spotting. Banks of these rivers are densely forested with mangrove trees and
crocodiles inhabit the swamps in this area. Dolphins can also be spotted
here at the open sea at the mouth of the Mandovi River.
Adventure Activities around Baga Beach
Baga beach is not only famous for its quiet atmosphere and isolated
location but also for several water sports and adventure activities. These
adventure activities attract thousands of domestic as well as foreign
tourists from all over the world. Baga beach is more popular with western
tourists who love to use it as a base for water sports and fishing in the
area. Tourists also have a choice to indulge in various activities including
motorcycle riding, water skiing, Para sailing, wind surfing and
crocodile-dolphin spotting. Water skiing, para sailing and wind surfing at
the beach starts here in afternoon when the wind blows just in the right
direction and goes on till sunset. Mandovi River to Zuari River is a
favorite pastime for travelers to enjoy backwater crocodile and dolphin
spotting.
Where To Stay
Dotted around the fishing village of Baga, rough-and-ready places have
enough space for accommodation. You may also choose any of the reasonable
budget houses and rooms for rent available on the quieter north side of the
river. Some of the most beautiful hotels and resorts of Baga beach are:
- Sun Village Resort (4 Star)
- Maizon Star Resort (3 Star)
- Hotel Mello Rosa (3 Star)
- Cavala Resort (2 Star)
- Ronil Beach Resort (2 Star)
- Colonia Santa Maria Resort (1 Star)
- Hotel Baia Do Sol (2 Star)
Where To Eat
The
fishing village of Baga has arguably the best range of restaurants in Goa,
from standard beach shacks to swish pizzerias and terrace cafes that serve
real espresso coffee. As there is stiff competition among all of them,
prices are normally reasonable and the quality of cooking is very high. You
can try either a traditional Goan meal at the eccentric Casa Portuguese or a
splurge, splash out on a candlelit dinner at J & A's Riverside
Trattoria.
Nightlife
Baga's nightlife is the liveliest in the area as the droves of
predominantly British package tourists prefer to stay here. Major chunk of
revelers end up at Tito's. It also has the only dance floor and hefty sound
system outside a big hotel for miles. Stag entries and couples have to pay
whereas women are allowed in for free.
