A
visitor can be given free entry into Addu Atoll
without the proof of having sufficient funds and a
return ticket, if a written letter is submitted to
the Immigration by a local sponsor, prior to the
arrival.
Detail
»
GLOBAL TERRORISM WARNING
You should be aware of the risk
of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in
public places anywhere in the world. Be
vigilant, and take sensible precautions.
Location: 10-km West Of Mapusa, North
Goa Nearby Attraction: Calangute Beach Best Time To Visit: December To
February
A Charming Combination Of
Land And SeaBaga, 10-km west of Mapusa, is basically an extension of Calangute;
even the locals are unable to decide where ends and the other begin. Lying in
the lee of a rocky, wooded headland, the only difference between this far
northern end of the beach and its more congested centre is that the scenery here
is marginally more varied and picturesque.
A small river flows into the sea at the top of the village, below a broad spur
of soft white sand, from where a dirt track strikes across an expanse of paddy
fields towards
Anjuna.
The old red tiled fishers houses behind the dunes have long been swamped by
gaudily lit bars, Tandoori terrace restaurants and handicraft shops, but one
doesn't feel quite so hemmed in as at Calangute.
Sightseeing at Baga - Fishing at Baga beach : This popular
fishing seashore tempts every tourist from
across the world trying to get that big
catch while getting drenched in the sun.
And, then there is the grove of palms that
comes fairly close to the water's edge at
the Baga beach.
Baga River : The
Baga River flows down one side of it
offering a pleasant diversion for children
and those who love the water but can't risk
the rip currents that swirl round the mouth.
Where the river and the sea meet, and on the
far right bank there are a group of black
rocks against which the sea crashes, a sight
not be missed. Here at Baga you will also
spot fishermen returning with their catch
early in the morning.
Medicinal Springs
: The narrow road leading past the Bom
Viagem Convent along the cashew-covered
foothills, leads to the springs at Mottant.
This is an ideal spot for picnics and
bathing, as the water is believed to have
medicinal properties.
Air : The nearest airport
is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's
drive away from Calangute.
Rail : The nearest railway
station is at Karmali 11 km away
from Panaji.
Road : Calangute Beach is
about ten minutes from Mapusa, and
thirty minutes from the state
capital, Panaji. We provide all
types of road transportation for the
travelers wishing to visit Goa.
Contact us immediately with your
transportation needs immediately.
Places to
Stay:
The rough-and-ready places dotted around the
fishing village usually have space for accommodation. Reasonable budget houses
and rooms for rent are also available on the quieter north side of the river.
Eating Out:
Baga has arguably the best range of restaurants in Goa, from standard beach shacks
to swish pizzerias and terrace cafes serving real espresso coffee. Because of
the stiff competition, prices are generally reasonable and the quality of
cooking high. For a splurge, splash out on a candlelit dinner at J & A's
Riverside Trattoria, or a traditional Goan meal at the eccentric Casa Portuguesa.
Night Life:
Thanks to the droves of predominantly British package tourists who stay here,
Baga's nightlife is the liveliest in the area. Most of the revellers end up at
Tito's, which has the only dance floor and hefty sound system outside a big
hotel for miles. Women are allowed in for free; "unaccompanied" men and couples
have to pay.
Tip: To
avoid Bombay
going north
'Poona' is the
quickest bypass
route as Bombay
is best avoided
for travelling
through
USEFUL INFORMATION
Exchange: The Bank Of
Baroda on the Mapusa Road will make encashment
against visa cards, but doesn't do foreign exchange,
nor is it a good place to leave valuables.
Post Office: The
post office, on the Mapusa Road, 1-km inland, has an
efficient Poste Restante counter.
Note: Whenever one
comes, keep a close eye on one's valuables. Theft,
particularly from the beach, is a big problem. Party
nights are the worst; if one stays out late, keep
the money and papers with oneself, or lock them
somewhere secure. Thieves have even been known to
break into local houses by lifting tiles off the
roof.
