Location of Beach
Vagator
is northermost beach of the Bardez Taluka. It is located between the Chapora
river and Anjuna beach. Vagator is 32 kms away from the Goa's capital,
Panaji and just 10 kms away from major town of Mapusa.
Beach Overview
Are you looking for a place where you can relax and rejuvenate by
submitting yourself to the mother nature? If yes, then Vagator is the
perfect place for you. The magical red laterite cliffs looking down on the
sea shore, two fresh water springs and clean white sand dotted with black
lave rocks, together make Vagator an excellent destination for romantic
holiday. In fact, its palm fringed lush green landscape assures you that
there is no beginning and no end to the scenic beauty of Vagator Beach.
Dominated by the imposing Chapora Fort at its northern end and bordered by
Anjuna Beach in its south, Vagator is the place where people are either on a
roll or a real. Considered among the most beautiful beaches in the world,
Vagator will compel you to find out why film-makers and foreign tourists
have made this stretch famous.
Vagator Beach is split into two major parts by a seaside headland. If you
are facing the sea, on your right is the North Vagator Beach and on your
left is the little Ozrant Beach, also called Mini-Vagator Beach. In between
the two beaches is the Tel Aviv Beach also called the Middle Vagator Beach.
All three beaches are equally popular and draw tourists not only from India
but all over the world, especially from Israel and Britain.
Beach Attractions
Swimming : North Vagator Beach is considered safe for the
swimming. However, refrain from swimming in Ozrant beach as its not safe.
The rocks here create an unpredictable undertow. Lifeguard is available at
Vagator beach, but not at Ozrant Beach.
Leisure Activities : Shopping is the prime leisure
activity at Vagator Beach. Though big shopping complex are not available
here, still you will feel delighted shopping in its local market. In this
local market you can buy fish and other items like woven baskets and earthen
pots. If, after shopping, you are feeling hungry, then head towards any food
stall to taste sweet Goan delicacy made from coconuts.
Nearby Attractions
Vagator's
Springs : Vagator boasts of two fresh water springs, where you can take
a bath to wash the salt off your body after a swim in the sea. First head
towards the springs located at North Vagator Beach, where the beach almost
comes to its end. Just 100 m away, you will find a small beach with two
shacks and the fresh water spring at the base of the hill. Continue your
walk past the beach and the path around the foot of the hill will take you
to Chapora Village fishing jetty. Next move to the other fresh water spring
that lies at the Ozrant Beach, at the foot of the hill. It is little
difficult to locate this spring, so it is better to ask local people for
routes to this spring.
Shiva Carving : From Ozrant, head towards the south
direction. On the way you will see an impressive stone face of Lord Shiva.
The stone face was carved into a seaside rock by an anonymous sculptor of
Hippie period. The traces of fluorescent paint from raver's psychedelic
parties, can been seen in some surrounding rocks.
Chapora Fort : If you are physically fit and ready to
accept the challenge of climbing a difficult rocky terrain, then Chapora
Fort welcomes you. Erected in 1717 by Goa's viceroy, the Count of Ericia,
the fort guards the entrance to the river Chapora. It was built to save
Bardez from the attack of Marathas and the Bhonsales of Sawantwadi. In 1788,
when the Portuguese captured Pernem, Chapora Fort eventually lost its
significance. Presently, you can only see the ramparts of the fort and even
these are collapsing at many places. You can climb up the fort from the
seaside (only for the fit) and move down from the roadside or vice versa.
Once you are at the top of the fort, it will spellbind you with the splendid
views on its all sides. From the fort you will get breathtaking views of the
calm sea and the nearby beautiful Morjim Beach. Apart from these, you can
also spot peacocks, wild hare and jackals on the wooded slopes.
Chapora Village : What you expect from a seaside village
and beaches are enough opportunities for water sports, but Chapora does not
have such attractions. Still you can't stop yourself from visiting this
small fishing village far from maddening crowds of bustling cities.
Actually, tourists come to Chapora village to watch the simple rural life
and the houses of Portuguese era. Walk along the village roads and see
several pleasant bars, cafes and shops selling exotic vegetables, old books
and special breads. Further take a walk to the fishing jetty of Chapora and
see the fish being unloaded from the trawlers.
Best Time to Visit
Vagator has a consistent climate all through the year with meagre
fluctuations in the average max. and min. temperature. April and May are
hot, June to October brings heavy rain and December and January are somewhat
cold. The best time to visit the Vagator Beach is November to February, as
the weather is pleasant during this period.
Where to Stay
Limited accommodation options are available on the beach, because the
entire North Vagator beachfront is occupied by more than two dozen cottages
of the Sterling Vagator Resort. Besides Sterling Vagator Resort, other
accommodation options are Mahalaxmi Guest House, Siddeshwar Rest House,
Dolrina Guest House, Garden Villa, Alcove, Jackie's Daynite, Le Bluebird,
Leoney Resort, Olga's Guest House, Shettor Villa Guest House and Pushpa's
Palm Grove.
How to Reach
Vagator lies at a distance of 50 kms from Dabolim Airport. Flights of
Indian airlines and private operators connect the airport from major cities
of India and Gulf countries as well. From Dabolim airport you have to hire a
taxi for Vagator. Nearest railheads are located in the cities of Thivim (17
kms) and Panaji (32 kms). Buses ply from Mapusa (10 kms) and Panaji (32 kms)
but not too frequently. You have to hire a motorcycle taxi to reach the
beach which is 2 kms away from the Vagator bus stand.
