Goa is the smallest of India’s 31 states, yet one of the more popular ones. Being known for its white sand beaches and its hippie culture, it is one of the major tourist destinations of India, both domestic and international.
Arambol
Arambol
After short flight from Kochi airport and a ça. 1,5h cab drive (about 1500 INR) I made it to one of Goa’s northern most beaches, Arambol. This is a rather small beach and not very crowded. Most tourists seem to be domestic or from Russia. I stayed in a small beach Hut for 2 days and it was a perfect time for relaxation. The sea at the Goan beaches has rather strong waves. That means no clearing blue water but perfect conditions for surfins, banane boats and so on. Arambol beach hosted only few of such activities. In the north is a small hill which gives a very nice view over the full beach. It is only a short 10 minute hike to climb it, it can be strenous in the swelltering sun nethertheless. On the other side of the hill you’ll find a nice little lagoon with suprisingly warm water.
Baga
Baga
After some research for the “best” beach in Goa, I found that numerous pages list Baga as the top beach… well, coincidentally it is rather close to Arambol, so I decided to book another night there to have some variety. Arriving there around noon I realize quickly that this beach is not for me. Crowded with hundreds of people, loud and not very clean I failed to see how this can be labeled “the best”… but I guess it has appeal to some, otherwise these people would not all be there. Not my cup of tea so after spending maybe 3 hours on the beach I went to town to book a tour for the next day.
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
On the second day in Baga I avoided the beach and did a full day tour to the Dudhsagar Waterfalls in South Goa. The falls are located in a beautifull nature protectionn zone and it was possible to swim in the natural pool at the bottom of the falls. Better hide your belongins well before you jump into the (cold) water because the monkey will find and claim any unattended bags! All in all a nice excursion where we also saw a few other things, among wich a spice plantation.
Pictures of Goa as usual in the picture gallery :
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