Aguada Old Lighthouse and Sunset Point Goa

We have already visited Aguada Fort in our earlier Goa visits, we wanted to visit Aguada Old Lighthouse which is nearby, but couldn't because of short of time. This time we don't want to miss that. After Aguada beach visit, we decided to enjoy  Aguda old lighthouse (please note old) and sunset point. If you are near Calangute or Candolim beach, this place is not too far. The drive to this place is really awesome with winding roads and green tree branches, even if you are driving on 2-wheeler.

Its worth to visit Aguada old lighthouse specially during sunset. This place can also be visited during sunrise. It is advisable to visit the place during evenings as it can be very hot during the day time. Carry enough water with you along with essentials like sun screen, hand-kerchiefs, caps during afternoon and umbrella for the monsoon chasers. This place gives amazing views of the Arabian sea and harbor. During sunset amazing photography can be explored.

Sunset point can be accessed two-ways: One way by the Taj hotels route and the other way by the actual road leading to the fort. Both the routes have something great to offer. From parking, If you take the left route towards the jail you can find footsteps trending down towards a beautiful rocky patch and the view is really scintillating from there. This is the place I came for during sunset. 

Clean, neat, nice photographic, gives you few great angles to click great pictures. You will love to capture these moments, and enjoying watching sea-side activities from top. I stayed here for 2 hours and also clicked few photographs. I wish to stay longer if sunset time just paused. There are narrow pathways which will lead you to down the sea-side to explore further. There were many couples which came here to enjoy their special moments. Don't forget to visit this place. Just be extra aware that few points are really dangerous and heart-pumping.

“When in Goa, do as the Goans do”. 

Other places to visit in Goa:
Nightlife and watersports at Calangute

Goa in a day: The Bom Jesus Church, Tropical Spice Plantation, Shree Mangesh Prashanna, Dona Paula-Panaji, Princesa Cruise

One day visit to North Goa: Calangute Beach, Dolphin Trip, An eve at Bagha Beach

Aguada Fort, North Goa

Goa Carnival: Viva Carnival

Things to do in Goa

Best Beach curves of Goa

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Best Beaches of Goa, India

Best Beach Curves of Goa

I already have hattrip to Goa, and planning again this year. Love for Goa and its beaches never diminishes. Best time to visit the beaches of Goa is between the months of September and March. The deep blue sea, soft sand, swaying palms and coconut trees, delicious seafood, water sports and night-life of the Goan beaches makes it a popular and most loved tourist destination. Star (*) mark beaches are good for one or the other reason and for photography locations. List of beaches in Goa are as below.

Best North Goa Beaches: These beaches are full of water-sports, nightlife, activities throughout the year. A visit to Baga and Calangute is must for your itinerary. These beaches are famous for their extensive curved stretches, white sands and palm fringes.

Querim Beach
Kalcha Beach
*Arambol Beach
*Mandrem Beach
Ashvem Beach
Morjhim Beach 

**Morjim Beach (Morgim Beach) - One of my favorite among all north Goa beaches, popularly known as the Turtle Beach. The Morjim Beach is special as it serves as a hatching and nesting habitat of the Olive Ridley turtles, which are an endangered species. The sight of the tiny hatch-lings, turtles and crabs makes your experience at the beach an unforgettable one. Kite surfing is another activity popular at this beach because of its shallow depth.

*Vegator Beach (Nearby Chapora Fort): It boasts of pure white sand, doted with black lava rocks and swaying coconut and palm trees and lies within the backdrop of the 500-year-old Portuguese Fort and takes the visitors down the memory lane depicting the Old Portuguese era. Vagator's broad white sandy beach - Big Vagator Beach also known as "Little Vagator" is undeniably beautiful and offers picturesque vista with the red ramparts of Chapora Fort. 

Ozran Beach
*Anjuna Beach: The beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty with swaying palms trees and soft powered white sands. Now man-made stones are also being developed at one side for cleaner look.

 
**Bagha Beach (Baga Beach): The lovely beach of Baga is one of the oldest preserved beaches in Goa. There are many shacks which are lively even during night famous all over the world. This is for sure the most happening beach in Goa. 

**Calingute (Calangute) Beach: Water Sports and nightlight at the beach. You can also try lighting up Chinese candles up over the sea, and it looks amazing during night.

*Candolim Beach: This beautiful beach begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach.

Coco Beach Dandarim
Kekdole Beach
*Miramar Beach, Panjim: It is a golden beach fringed with palm trees. The soft sands of the beach makes it the best site for evening walks. 

Caranzalem Beach
*Dauna Paula beach
Marivel Beach
Dias Beach
Vainguinim Beach
Odxel Beach
Siridao Beach

Best South Goa Beaches: North Goa beaches are the crowded ones, but if you need few idle or peaceful beaches, South Goa would be the better side to roam around and relax. Clean blue water of the Arabian Sea gives you a pristine view of sea beds.

Baina Beach
*Hansa Beach (Goa Airport Flights passing above this)
Bimbel Beach
Bogmalo Beach
Hollant Beach
Cansaulim Beach
Arossim Beach
Utorda Beach

**Majorda Beach: It is one of the marvelous beaches in Goa that is located about 18 kilometers from Dabolim Airport.

*Betalbatim Beach (Sunset Beach): For sunset and photography lovers. Each one of us has definitely been lucky enough to witness beautiful sunsets sometime but the beauty of the sunsets at the Betalbatim Beach is beyond imagination.

**Colva Beach: The beach consists of fine powdered white sand and is bounded along its coast by coconut palms that stretch from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline. 

*Varca Beach: It is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa that allows the tourists to spend some time in solitude. 

Carmona Beach
*Cavelossim Beach
*Mobor Beach: This beach is an ideal location for the adventure tourists. It is one of the most popular beaches in South Goa, which enables the tourists to indulge in adventure sports such as water skiing, water surfing, jet ski, banana and bump rides and parasailing.

*Betul Beach
Canaguinim Beach
*Cabo de Rama Beach and Church
*Agonda Beach
Butterfly Beach
*Palolem Beach: The enthralling Paolem Beach instills in us a feeling of tranquility that is one of the major attribute of this serene Goa beach.
Tapona Beach

Ref: Above maps are taken from mapsofindia.com. Keep enjoying all beach curves of Goa.

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An evening at Ganpatipule Beach

In our endeavor to explore the coastal belt of Arabian Sea, we travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri - Tarkarli (Malvan, Sindhudurg) - Devbag (Devbaug) and many other nearby places, but we didn't mind visiting Ganpatipule once again.

We started from Devrukh, and reached Ganpatipule within 2 hours. The route was full of fields of Rice, Cashew and Alphanso (Hapus) Mangoes. After that we visited Ganpatipule temple. We were lucky to get the darshan quite fast, surprisingly there were no queues! And then it was the time for our Pet-pooja (Lunch) Nearest best place for food is MTDC and there we were, for all our meals.

Ganpatipule beach is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches amongst the Konkan beaches. With the Ganapati temple on the shores rendering a peaceful atmosphere, Ganpatipule is as close as you can get to a perfect holiday destination in Konkan. Meenal and Smrati went for jet skiing at Ganpatipule beach. An evening spent at the beach gives a feel of Chowpati, a little too crowded over weekends and vendors lining the shore. The day was little hot and the best thing to beat the heat was coconut water!

Sunset at Ganpatipule: If you love watching sunset, This is one of the best place. This time we relaxed at this clean beach till sunset. The water and beach is so clean that we could take few reflection photographs as well. When the sun was about to set, I setup my tripod, and could manage a few beautiful clicks. You can explore this beach quite long by walk both sides from the temple.

Aare Ware Beach (Arey Warey Beach): We have been to this place during our last visit to Ratnagiri. The views across seaside is amazing, and you will love the drive following the seashore all the times. This route is highly recommended. Seaside Ratnagiri - Ganpatipule route passes through the twin beaches of Aare and Waare and the Aare sunset point. It is the best place to enjoy splendid sunsets, pulsating palms and wonderful waves in Ratnagiri ranges. We followed the same majestic views along-with sunset at Aare in our last visit. Many celebrities own land properties near to this beach. Certainly this beach will be a star attraction for tourist in near future.

Don't forget to visit Prachin Konkan Museum, if you are with kids or family or interested in conch. We also get to see India's biggest conch (Shankh).

Few other beaches/places to visit nearby Ganpatipule:
Malgund Beach
Nandivade Beach
Kunbiwadi Beach
Jaigarh (Jaigad) Fort and Lighthouse

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Trip To Tarkarli - Malvan

Quote of the Post: "Trip to Tarkarli is not complete without visiting Sindhudurg Fort and deep dive in the sea. " - Quote about 'Tarkarli' in Malvan, Maharashtra - Sachin Kumar Gupta

It was a nice trip to remember with Meenal, Pooja and Pankaj. We saw many bikers and groups travelling to Goa and other travel destinations over the long weekend. We travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri, and now was the time to move to the next destination --- Tarkarli in Sindhudurg district.

Tarkarli: If you are coming from Pune or Mumbai, you have to reach Kankavli. Below map will help you reaching from Mumbai and Pune. 

Mumbai - Pune - Satara - Kolhapur - Radhanagari - Phonda - Kankavali - Kasal - (Malvan - Kasal Road) - Tarkarli Road - Turn to Tarkarli Beach.

Tarkarli - Rock Garden - Chiwla - Malvan Map

We paused at a bridge near Phonda, where many birds were flocking together. It was nice photography point to stop by. As soon as we reached Tarkarli, Kingfisher bird welcomed us, and let me click some photographs quickly.

Things to do at Tarkarli, Malvan: Magnificent Tarkarli is well known for its natural beauty, and there are many prime places to visit in and around Tarkarli that attracts visitors:

Here, It is an experience to see the auction of fish catch in the evening when all the trawlers return after day’s fishing. The catch is then sold to the highest bidder. You will love to see many colorful fish. 

Go Snorkling and Scuba near Sindhudurg Fort - 05 KM 

Sindhudurg Fort - 05 KM

Devbag Sangam - 06 KM

Rock Garden, Malvan - 06 KM

Chiwala Beach - 07 KM

Kunkeshwar Temple - 40 KM

Goa - 75 KM

Tarkarli Beach: On a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea-bed up to a depth of 20 feet, This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas. At Tarkarli beach, we also saw some sea-birds flocking around. We found the birds flying at the seashores at many places at Tarkarli. There are newly built M.T.D.C. cottages with accommodation and recreation facilities nearby, which you'll have to book well in advance. Now a days, MTDC also has luxury houseboat facility available at Tarkarli. There are 2 famous houseboats, named- Hiranyakeshi (a deluxe houseboat) and Karli (a standard houseboat). We will plan for the same sometime later in Jan or Feb.  

Sunset at Rock Garden: This is no doubt to enjoy the sunset at Rock Garden point, if you are at Tarkarli. The Rock garden is situated near the Arase Mahal and on the Rocky Shore of Malvan. As soon as sun goes down, you will see the crowd increasing to enjoy the sunset glimpse. Many couples pick-up their rock stones to enjoy their loving moments. There is also a toy train, which runs till 7 pm. It is kind of 16 seaters which takes small round charging 10 INR per person. 

Chiwla Beach (Chivla Beach): If you really want to enjoy more cleaner beach, move Chiwla beach, which is just 1 KM away from Rock Garden. You will feel like being at cleaner Marine Drive of Mumbai. There are many cone shaped stones are being placed at the beach side for longer stretch. Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool waters add to the beauty of this beach. 

The best time to visit Tarkarli is Dec and Jan, Though it is magnificent most of the months other than monsoon season. It is also a seafood lovers place. Coconut, Rice and Fish assume prime significance in the Malavani cuisine. Seafood containing fish, especially Bangada (Soloman) Paplet (Pomfret), Prawns, Bombil (Bombay Duck) and Tisrya (Mussels) is very popular. Sol Kadhi (A preparation made of Sol (Kokum) and coconut milk) is famous drink, We enjoyed it many times. Varieties of Alphonso Mango (Hapus Aam) are particularly popular here. We took approx 2 boxes (5 KG) of Hapus mangoes in quite reasonable rates while returning back to Pune. 

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Destination Beaches near Devbag Mobar Sangam in Malvan

Quote of the Post: "Friends Together..Check! Lovely Drive..Check! Awesome Beaches..Check! Tasty Food..Check! Fun filled trip..Check! Rejuvenated..Check! - What else can u ask for!!!" - Quote about 'Devbag' in Malvan, Maharashtra - Sachin Kumar Gupta 

In our endeavor to explore the coastal belt of Arabian Sea, We travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri, and now was the time to move to the next destination --- Devbag (Devbaug) in Sindhudurg district.

Tip: If you are planning to visit Tarkarli or Malvan, Book hotel at Devbag area, you will feel like enjoying private beach. Much awaited trip to Tarkarli, finally came our way and here we scoot for our weekend get-away. After much of hastles and multiple discussions, we finalized our stay at 'Sea Pearl Beach Resort' at Devbag, which is considered to be one of best region in Malvan (Dist. Sindhudurg). 

Don't confuse with Devbagh in Karnataka. If you are coming from Pune or Mumbai, you have to reach Kanakavli (Pronounced as Kan-Kavli). Below map shows the route to Devbag from Mumbai and Pune. 

Mumbai - Pune - Satara - Kolhapur - Radhanagari - Phonda - Kankavali - Kasal - (Malvan - Kasal Road) - Turn to Tarkarli - Devbag Mobar Road. 

Devbag - Malvan Map

Devbag Mobar Sangam: This famous place is surrounded by water mostly and is at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. While driving from Tarkarli, you will enjoy the beautiful scenary of Arabian sea at one side, while tranquil backwaters of Karli river at the other side. It was just 5 minutes drive from our hotel, however we chose to explore this place on foot. Some of the major points can be easily seen from here. 

Mobareshwar Temple: This small temple is located at the tip of this Sangam. There is a boating point nearby named - Mobareshwar Boating Centre. You can book the boat and traverse multiple points with 6-8 people. To your luxury, Houseboats are also available in backwaters! There are so many colorful boats, your eyes will simply love those, and capture the moments. 

The same place is also the origin for the outset of boat rides covering below places. 

1. Sangam Point 

2. Island Bed (Seagull Island) 

3. Tsunami Bed: You can enjoy many water sports here.  

4. Bhogwe Beach [700 INR for 1-4 points]

5. Dolphin Point --- Must see, if you are getting up early in the morning.

6. Sea Travel [1000 INR for 1-6 points]

7. Nivati Beach 

8. Nivati Fort [1700 INR for 1-8 points]

9. Lighthouse [3500 INR for 1-9 points]

Sunrise and Sunset at Devbag Beach: It was a treat to eyes...to adore magnificient sunrise from the Karli river and eye-catching sunset at Arabian sea. Fishermen carrying their traditional boats & nets daily into the sea, is an interesting feature to watch on this beach. The first morning, we saw many colorful fishes and crabs being captured in the nets by local fishermen. Next day, I wokeup early in the morning and captured many pics with Sun rising from the horizon. Some sunrise pics taken from the hotel top. Evening was funfilled with tea/snakcs at beachside of the hotel, and later beach bath and sunset. We spend some time together in beach-swing. 

Devbag is an ideal spot for refreshing the mind and soul. The best time to visit Devbag is Dec and Jan, Though it is magnificent most of the months other than monsoon season. Magnificent Devbag is well known for its natural beauty, and there are many prime places to visit in and around Devbag that attracts visitors: 

Go Snorkling and Scuba at Tarkarli - 10 KM

Sindhudurg Fort - 10 KM

Chiwala Beach - 12 KM

Rock Garden, Malvan - 11 KM

Kunkeshwar Temple - 45 KM

Goa - 80 KM
Ratnagiri - 150 KM

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Scuba Diving at Tarkarli near Sindhudurg Fort at Kurte Island

Quote of the Post: "Trip to Tarkarli is not complete without visiting Sindhudurg Fort and deep dive into the sea. " - Quote about 'Tarkarli' in Malvan, Maharashtra - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Tip: If you are planning to visit Tarkarli for Scuba diving, avoid visiting during monsoon, as you wouldn't be able to visit Sindhudurg Fort and can't do water activities - scuba and snorkling. If you are coming from Pune or Mumbai, you have to reach Kankavli. Below map will help you reaching from Mumbai and Pune. Mumbai - Pune - Satara - Kolhapur - Radhanagari - Phonda - Kankavali - Kasal - (Malvan - Kasal Road) - Sindhudurg Killa (Fort) route by market - Kurte Island by Boat.

Sindhudurg Fort at Kurte Island

Whenever I hear the name - 'Tarkarli', scuba diving picture comes into the mind. For adventure water sports lovers, snorkeling and scuba diving facilities are available at Tarkarli. In India there are a very few places where scuba diving can be done and Malvan is one of them. Due to its relatively clear sea water, Malvan serves as a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling with surface oxygen supply. Near the outer walls of Sindhudurg fort one can see lots of live corals and colorful marine life under the sea. 

For me it was my third undersea experience - First undersea walk at Cyprus from sea-shore, Second undersea walk from the boat-ladder at Coral Island, Pattaya. This time, It was totally different experience as we did scuba diving with cylinder, and closer to Sindhudurg Fort. This is being organized by 'Om Shiv Moreshwar Scuba and Snorkeling Centre, Malvan'. They offer different services at different rates per person:

Scuba Diving with Cylinder - 3500 INR per person

Scuba Diving - 1500 INR per person

Boating Suffer - 500 INR per person

Snorkeling - 400 INR per person

Dolphin Suffer - 300 INR per person

Boating - 200 INR per person
Sindhudurg Fort  - 50 INR per person

The full package can be combined with Sidhudurg Fort visit. They also provide photography and videography for snorkeling and scuba diving for additional 100-200 INR. Try to bargain as much as you can. A boat took us to the place from Malvan pier. For novice, well-trained snorkeling coaches, guide on snorkeling and ensure safety. They ensure that one can have the first & finest ever experience of marine life. They also provide life jacket, snorkel, face mask, stretchable dress, cylinder and other stuff as per picked service. 

You will also be amazed to know that you can purchase tea, coffee, snacks while on-board at boat...from another boat! This can happen only in India. For snorkeling, they give 10 minutes of training and 20 minutes of sea-world experience with 20-30 feet depth. Whereas for scuba diving, They give 15 minutes of training and 25-30 minutes of sea-world experience with 40-60 feet depth. The overall time taken depends on waiting time, and size of your group. Meenal and I went for scuba diving with cylinder together. 

Sindhudurg Fort at Kurte Island: Sindhudurg Fort (Fort in the sea) lies on a rocky island (Kurte) just off the coast of Malvan. Sindhudurg fort, built in the 16th century by Shivaji, is the only fort which has Shivaji temple inside the fort and palm imprint of King Shivaji. Sindhudurg was built with the help of huge rocks on the ‘Kurte' island, which amazes people. One of the best preserved forts of the Marathas, the 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four kms long zigzag line of 9 meters high and 3 meters wide rampart with 42 bastions. Three sweet-water wells are present on Sindhudurg Fort. While just roaming at the circumference of the fort, we enjoyed splash of sea-waves going higher than sea-walls and talking to them. 

How to get inside the fort: The fort is approachable from the Malvan pier by a boat. The boat was swinging on the tides and moving towards the main gate. You may take a guided tour of the place. The design of main door is an enigma. The technique was so deceptive for the enemy that they could not even realize where the entrance was due to blind curves. Zigzag pattern of outer wall was built in such a way that the enemy would be visible from any point inside the fort. During monsoon, Fort is mostly cut off and no water activity like scuba and snorkling happens. 

Things to see inside the Fort:

Shivaji’s palm and footprints

Shivrajeshwar Temple

Climb at the fort top and enjoy the 360 degree views

Talk to Sparkling sea-waves near fort edges

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