Baga beach in Goa

A stopover at the very popular Calangute beach is a must for all tour operators. But tourists on the lookout for something different need only walk north along this stretch of overcrowded sand to find a scene right out of a picture book. The beach at Baga is one of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the north of Goa that has been left unspoiled, thanks largely to the presence of better-known beaches. This beach is part of a 30-km stretch of coastline along the coast of Goa, that few visitors know about, because of its more well-known and congested neighbour, Calangute. And that is a good thing!

The road that leads to Baga beach has shops on either side, so the first true view you get of the beach is when you're standing right in front of it, and I must say it never ceases to amaze even the most regular visitor. Baga beach has a charm all of its own, with its clear blue waters, white sand and its own little river that flows into the sea. It is uncluttered and restful and just the place to enjoy life at its best. Lying back on this picturesque beach makes it easier to believe in heaven. The sea is the deepest of blues, and so calm, that you have to remind yourself that you haven’t left the Indian shores. But the calm is deceptive and visitors would be better of heeding the caution notices put up by the lifeguard.

Baga beach is a good spot to flaunt your adventurous side and indulge in some really awesome water sports. Locals and frequent visitors swear by the fishing at Baga, and stories about the ‘big one' abound. But if lazing in the shade and watching the world go by seems like more your style, Baga has that as well. The beach shacks provide, for a reasonable fee of course, beach beds for the entire day, on which you can lie back and enjoy the inspiring view and the royal treatment.

The tourist season in Goa generally begins by mid-September right up to mid-May. During the off-season period (monsoons) most establishments down their shutters and you would be hard pressed to find any of the shops still open for business. Not many tourists prefer to see Goa in all its glory during the monsoons so hotels offer special off-season discount packages.

The Calangute-Baga belt boasts of the best bargain stalls, curio shops, bars, discos and eateries. Starting at the Calangute circle and ending at Baga beach, the approach road is lined with shops selling Tibetan crafts, Kashmiri shawls, and an assortment of trinkets and keepsakes. The bargains are good and many a visitor has been known to walk away with a prized possession from here. Baga boasts of a variety of eateries, from shacks that serve up delicious home-cooked meals, to cafés and steak houses. While the shacks serve up some lip-smacking meals, Britto's is well-nown for its good seafood and ambience. For those willing to splurge and try out new stuff, Kamasutra, located just opposite Britto's is the place to be. A relatively new upstart restaurant, it serves an interesting mix of dishes and eclectic décor.

This area also has the best nightlife of anywhere in Goa. While the rest of the state goes to sleep by 10 p.m., the party is just starting here. Cafes and restaurants stay open late, to cater to the large number of partygoers who frequent the spots located in Baga. The most popular discos, Tito’s and Mambo’s, are well-known throughout Goa and elsewhere, for having a good party on most nights. For those into jazz and live bands, most restaurants and hotels have house bands playing, and even have dances and parties at festival time. Cavala’s at Baga has some amazing live music playing every Wednesday, and it is a treat for music lovers. Because of the presence of foreign tourists almost throughout the year, Baga has developed quite a unique charm, where the villagers, locals and tourists mix to give you a heady mix of different languages and dialects and make this place a must-see on every visitors list.

Accommodation is easily available along this belt, because of the presence of a number of guesthouses, lodges and hotels that cater to different pockets. Transport to and from Baga beach is also available in the form of local buses that will lake you either to the closest bus stand at Mapusa or to Panjim, the capital city. For those who know how to get around there are cars and bikes to be rented at the various stalls located along the road.

So for all those wanting to take the road less traveled, Baga Beach is the place to be!