Vagator Beach
Barely a couple of kilometres of cliff
tops and parched grassland separate Anjuna
from the southern fringes of its nearest
neighbour, Vagator. A desultory collection
of ramshackle farmhouses and picturesque
old Portuguese bungalows scattered around
a network of leafy lanes, the village is
entered at the east via a branch off the
Mapusa Road , which passes a few small guesthouses
and restaurants before running down to the
sea.
Dominated by the red ramparts of Chapora
Fort, Vagator's broad white sandy beach
- Big Vagator Beach also known, as "Little
Vagator " is undeniably beautiful, just
like a picture postcard.
For better, then, to head to the next
cove south. Backed by a steep wall of crumbling
palm-fringed laterite , Ozran Vagator beach
is more secluded and much less accessible
than either of its neighbours . To get there,
walk ten minutes from Big Vagator , or drive
to the end of the lane off the main Chapora-Anjuna
Road , from where a footpath drops sharply
down to a wide stretch of level white sand.
At this southern end of the beach, a row
of makeshift cafes provides shade and sustenance
for a predominantly Israeli crowd. Like
Anjuna , Vagator is a relaxed, comparatively
undeveloped resort that appeals, in the
main, to budget travellers with time on
their hands. Accommodation is limited, however,
and visitors frequently find themselves
travelling to and from Baga every day to
find a suitable place to stay.
Eating Out
Vagator's many cafes and restaurants are
scattered along the main road and the back
lanes that lead to Ozran Beach . There are
also several seafood joints behind Big Vagator
Beach , one or two of which serve Indian
dishes in addition to the usual fish rich
Goan specialties. Nightlife focuses on the
Primrose café, out towards Anjuna
, which boasts a beefier than average sound
system, and a later bar.
Getting there By
Road
Buses leave Panaji (a 55- minute ride)
and Mapusa (a 30-minute ride) for Vagator
every 15 minutes. From the bus stop it is
a 1-km walk over a hill to the beach. Most
of the accommodation, restaurants and cafes
are located in this area. Panaji , Goa is
accessible by air from all the major cities
of the country. There are adequate train
and bus connections also from other cities.
Accomodation
Accommodation in Vagator revolves around a
few family run budget guesthouses, a pricey
resort hotel and dozens of small private properties
rented out for long periods. |
