Adjoing
the Calangute beach, Baga is basically its extension, a quite fishing
village it also has an endless line of shops, restaurants and hotels. The
palm groves and the Baga river lend it a soothing ambiance and enhance its
scenic beauty. The Retreat House perched on a hill and the lack of local
tourist buses all have contributed to its unique charm. Popular as a base
for water sports and fishing, it attracts a large number of visitors to its
shores. The lively Saturday night market here is much like the Wednesday
flea market at Anjuna, only prettier under the night sky and lit up with
lamps.
Attractions
Baga has a wide range of restaurants, from standard beach shacks to swish
pizzerias and terrace cafes serving foamy espresso coffee. The Baga Retreat
House is a short walk up the hill, established and dedicated to St. Francis
in 1953 it is rich in historical symbolism and worth a visit. The village of
Arpora, spread across the hillock nearby is where Ingo's night market is
organised every Saturday. Here stalls offer all kinds of goodies and treats,
clothes, trinkets, exotic delicacies, funky haircuts, tarot reading,
palmistry, wood carvings and live bands who lend the market a carnival like
atmosphere. Mackie's is another Saturday night bazaar and Arpora also has
one of Goa's two go-karting tracks.
Entertainment
Baga is home to some of Goa's most popular night spots, including Tito's
and Cafe Mambo. To ride around and explore the luch Goan countryside one can
easily rent a motorcycle or scooter in Panaji and Mapusa. Parasailing, water
skiing and wind surfing are also very popular at Baga. Water sports usually
start in the afternoon when the wind is blowing in the right direction and
they go on till sunset. Crocodile and dolphin spotting down the Mandovi and
the Zuari rivers is another popular pastime for tourists. The banks of these
rivers are thickly forested with mangrove trees. Crocodiles inhabit the
swamps in this area. At the open sea at the mouth of the Mandovi River,
dolphins can be spotted.
Accommodation
Nani's and Rani's
Sitting pretty at the north side of the river, it's a charming old colonial
house that offers comfortable rooms and a rich atmosphere. Rooms here are
decidedly inexpensive and cost anywhere between Rs 250-350.
Baia do Sol
The Baia do Sol has cottages set amidst lush green gardens that overlook the
beach. In this wonderful setting the rooms cost between Rs 1,200-5,000.
Cavala
At the Cavala, the rooms are unpretentious but neatly appointed, spotlessly
clean and comfortable. Twin bedded, AC or non-AC, all rooms have an en-suite
shower and bath and balcony or terrace with an unobstructed view of the
countryside. Breakfast, lunch and dinner may be enjoyed alfresco in the
charming garden restaurant here. Rooms cost between Rs 400-3,950.
Location
Baga lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea of North Goa in India. This
charming little fishing beach is just 15 km from Panajim, the capital of the
state of Goa.
Getting There
Air - The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km
away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's drive away from Baga.
Rail - The nearest railway station is at Karmali, 11 km
away from Panaji.
Road - Baga Beach is about ten minutes from Mapusa, and
thirty minutes from the state capital, Panaji. There are frequent buses to
Panaji and Mapusa. Most buses from Panaji terminate at Calangute and a few
trudge further on up to Baga.
