The first image that comes to mind when one thinks of Goa is the sandy beach extending into the blue sea. The endless stretch of sands, waves frothing as they crash onto the shore and the tall slender palms swaying in the sea breeze is what beach holidays are made of.
You’ve probably heard of Calangute and Colva, both popular beach spots with tourists. But those aren’t the only beach experiences Goa has to offer. Ask around and there are a number of small, relatively lesser known pockets of beach sand which you can explore. Pack along a mat, towels and a picnic basket and have yourself a perfect little beach picnic.
Located on the southern beach stretch where the sea waters merge with the river Sal is the beautiful and picturesque beach stretch of Cavelossim. A serene little village tucked into the southern interiors of the state, Cavelossim offers a quintessential slice of Goa. The drive to Cavelossim itself is a pleasurable experience along winding roads flaked by verdant green fields and tiled Goan houses. The beach offersvisitors an unending strip of pristine sands perfect for romantic walks, family barbeques, glorious sunsets and star gazing .
Goa’s original nude beach, Ozrant is sandwiched between the rocky beaches of Anjuna and Vagator. This secluded beach was once extremely popular with the hippies till as far back as the late eighties, when they would frolic in the buff. The only way one can get to this beach is by walking down the stony stairs along the cliff which overlooks it, which doesn’t make this an ideal spot for kids. The water here is relatively safe for swim owing to the small bay-like formation.
Located near its more popular counterpart, Bogamalo beach, Hollant is still one of those beaches popular only with the local crowd. A beautiful bay makes it an ideal place for swimming, because the currents are rarely strong. The beautiful hillock overlooking the calm waters gives the beach an exotic touch.
Located on Goa’s southern tip, Patnem is a great haunt, if you have nothing in particular to do, apart from lounging on the sand or swim in the azure sea. Located right next to the popular Palolem beach, Patnem is for the traveller who craves quite and solitude.
Reis Magos Fort
Built as a residence for viceroys in 1551, Reis Magos became a fort later to protect Goa at the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. It was then used by the British to ward off the Hindu Marathas and for awhile came to be occupied by the British army in 1799 along with Raj Bhavan and Fort Aguada in anticipation of a possible attack by the French.
After losing it's defensive role in 1900, it was briefly used as a prison until 1993, following which it was abandoned.
It was only in 2007, that a an agreement was signed between the Govt of Goa, INTACH and the UK based Lady Hamlyn Trust to restore the fort as a cultural centre whereupon it was thrown open to public on June 5, 2012. Apart from exhibition spaces, visitors can also visit a gallery of works by renowned Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda. There is also a room devoted to the history of the fort and its restoration.
