Breath Taking Beautiful Places In India - Part 3

Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 16th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. 

Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.

Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2010, there were more than two million tourists reported to have visited Goa, about 1.2 million of whom were from abroad.
 

Beaches
Goa is very famous for beaches which cover about 125 kilometers (78 mi) of its coastline. These beaches are divided into North and South Goa.

South Goa
South Goa is the more serene half of the state, and for many travellers that’s the attraction. There are fewer activities and not as many bars, clubs or restaurants, but overall the beaches of the south are cleaner, whiter and not as crowded as those in the north.

Benaulim
Benaulim is a census town in South Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is a beach town a little south of Margao in Goa, India.  Ancient Banavalli had a magnificent temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, known as Katyayani Baneshvar ruins, of which can be still found in the village.
 

Palolem
A notable exception in South Goa is Palolem Beach which features basic accommodation and is one of the most visited beaches in Goa. Palolem beach is largely unspoiled and is inhabited by both local fishermen and by foreign tourists who live in shacks along the shore or in the main village itself.
 

North Goa
North Goa is more commercial and touristy with an abundance of mostly low and medium budget tourist accommodations.
 

Anjuna
Anjuna is a village in Goa, one of the twelve Brahmin comunidades of Bardez. Its church, St. Michael's Church, Anjuna, founded in 1595, is dedicated to S. Miguel, and celebrates the feasts of S. Miguel (September 29) and Nossa Senhora Advogada (second week of January).
 

Arambol
Arambol Beach is a traditional fisherman village, located approximately a one hour drive from the Dabolim Airport (GOI) within the Pernem administrative region of northern Goa, India. The beach attracts many international tourists, mainly during the winter season between November and March. Arambol has a distinct bohemian feel which is no longer found in other areas, such as Calangute and this inevitably attracts many alternative travelers.

 

A short walk north off the main beach is a smaller beach with a "fresh water lake" close to the sea which has invigorating hot thermals, making it the perfect place to relax. The water here is a mixture of fresh water and sea water. 

Cafe's and restaurants have mushroomed all along the shoreline, from the small "Sweet Water Lake" beach all the way to Mandrem. During the season many traders from all over India come to Arambol to sell their goods and merchandise.