[Goa] Find me a beach - A Miramar Beach plan

For sun, sand, and sea lovers, there is grand paradise: Goa! As the Goa tourism board says, ‘Go Goa – A Perfect Holiday Destination.’  You will find out why in the next few blog posts on ReachingDelphi.

Goa has a fantastic 101km long coastline with plenty of soft cocoa-sandy beaches. Located in the Konkan region of West India, these beaches are distinguished as being on either the north or south shore with respect to their location from the city of Vasco da Gama. 

Beaches in the north include Querim, Mandrem, Candolim, Miramar and Dona Paula.  In the south, you will find more secluded ones like Bogmalo, Colva and Palolem.

Away from Miramar Beach

The beaches on both ends are lovely. The coastal areas to the north of Vasco da Gama are more developed for tourists and have more travel, accommodations and dining options for all budget ranges compared to the south. The south is less developed and a tad pricier.  However, the beaches tend to get more private and isolated as you go further north or south.   While these further-away beaches are just as stunning, you’ll spend a lot of time and money to get to the centre of the action.  Since I need to hear everyday noise, see friendly people, and feel the daily chaos, obviously I prefer the less secluded ones.

one-to-one time

If you are staying in the busier and bustling Panjim, the capital of Goa, your nearest escape to the Arabian Sea is Miramar Beach.  Miramar was known initially as Porta de Gaspar Dias among the Portuguese.  From there on the shore, you can notice the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.

Plenty of room for all

I have covered more of the picturesque Panjim in my blog post here, but for now, let’s explore the Miramar Beach.

What shall we do at Miramar Beach?

• Capture a glorious sunset. My top pick here is to see the amazing sunset over the Arabian Sea. Come a little earlier, find a shady spot, relax and wait. It’s worth every second.

Glorious!

• Enjoy swimming and water activities. Yes, this is a safe spot to swim. There are coast guards here watching and directing the swimmers accordingly.

• Do sporting activities. I noted groups and individuals exercising, doing yoga stretches and engaged in frisbee matches. Look at this guy below, he surely is enjoying the sun while his friends plan out the game strategy.

I am happy where I am

• Visit the Mahalakshmi Mandir. This is a lovely Hindu temple across the street where the beach is. 

• Have a snack. There are plenty of food vendors 100 meters away from the beach. These food operators are open for business in the evenings. They mainly sell chaats, fruits and drinks. The aroma of the freshly prepared pav bhajis is very inviting. Try it if your stomach is tough and if you can handle the mix of spices.

• Clock those steps as you take a long stroll along the beautiful firm shore. Find the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. 

The Confluence

• If you up for more challenge, you could take a brisk walk north to the Dona Paula view point. Dona Paula is the place where the Zuari and Mandovi rivers meet the Arabian Sea. 

The story of two rivers and a sea

• Make a new friend. Here is someone I met. 

Hello, show me your faces

• Have a cuppa. Naturally. 😊 This is ReachingDelphi, and the quest is to have that nice cuppa en route to Delphi. We are close by.

Reach for the Stars

Blogposts on India  from the Coffee Archives:
Panjim - [Goa] Panjim: An Ultimate Guide.
Nashik - Yin & Yan Amongst the Letters of Krishna, Godavari, Dolphins and Santas.
Tiruchi - She Glitters the flow, She Does. Cauvery!
Kovalam - Think twice, its another day, another year in Kovalam
KanyaKumari - A Poet, A Monk and the Rock-Star!!!
Thiruchendur - Dance to beat of the rain