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VAGATOR, ANJUNA AND AROUND

A beautiful bay sheltered by rocky outcrops at both ends, Vagator consists of small beaches fringed by shady coconut palms. It is the perfect place to discover Goa’s unspoilt beauty. Looming above it are the red laterite ruins of Chapora Fort. Neighbouring Anjuna, known for its sprawling weekly flea market, has been a popular destination since the 1960s. Nearby are the pretty villages of Assagao, Siolim and North Goa’s largest town, Mapusa.

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Vagator, Anjuna and Around

NEED TO KNOW

prac_info Chapora Fort: Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora; 0832 249 4200

prac_info Vagator Beach & Anjuna Beach

prac_info Anjuna Flea Market: Anjuna Beach; open Nov–Apr: 8am–sunset Wed

prac_info Assagao

prac_info Mascarenhas Mansion: Assagao

prac_info Mapusa: open 8am–6:30pm daily

prac_info Blue Whale Water Park: Baga–Arpora Rd, Arpora; 0777 404 9521; adm

prac_info Siolim

Google Map

  • Take the Assagao Heritage Walk (0750 757 9072) to learn about the history of the village.
  • The Assagao Mehfil (www.assagaomehfil.com) hosts regular music concerts and dance performances.
  • Enjoy a bird watching tour with Rahul Alvarez (www.rahulalvares.com).

1. Chapora Fort

Google Map

Now in ruins, this fort was built by the Portuguese in 1717 on the remains of a bastion erected by Adil Shah. Its name is derived from “Shahpura”, or “Town of the Shah”, as the village was once known. The ramparts offer great coast views.

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Ruins of Chapora Fort

2. Vagator Beach

Google Map

Scenic Vagator's main beach is known as Big Vagator. To the south is secluded Little (or Ozran) Vagator where the main attraction is the face of Lord Shiva, carved out of the rocks.

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Palm-fringed Vagator Beach

3. Fresh Water Springs

Google Map

There are two fresh water springs in Vagator. One is close to Big Vagator, while the other is located at the southernmost cove of Ozran, which lies below a steep cliff.

4. Anjuna Beach

Google Map

With its calm waters and palm trees, Anjuna is one of the most scenic beaches of North Goa. A haven for backpackers, it is known for its rave parties.

5. Anjuna Flea Market

Google Map

This popular Wednesday flea market sells everything from Balinese batik and papier-mâché boxes to Tibetan prayer wheels and handmade leather sandals.

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Colourful jewellery at Anjuna Flea Market

6. Assagao

Google Map

Close to Anjuna lies Assagao, home to grand mansions and churches. Visitors can explore the area by taking a walk around the tranquil village.

7. Mascarenhas Mansion

Google Map

Built in the 16th century, this mansion in Assagao has beautiful balcãos (balconies) and stained-glass windows with floral designs. On the front porch there is an L-shaped wooden seat.

8. Mapusa

Google Map

The highlight here is the lively Friday market, with its tantalizing aromas of dried fish, spices and the spicy Goan sausages, chouriço. In demand are the region’s famous cashew nuts.

9. Blue Whale Water Park

Google Map

This water park at Arpora has a range of rides. Kids will love the “Finding Nemo Jumping Castle”. There are four swimming pools here as well.

10. Siolim

Google Map

Set amid pretty verdant surroundings, the riverside village of Siolim features striking colonial-era houses and the Church of St Anthony, believed to be the site of two miracles in the 16th-century.

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Magnificent façade of Church of St Anthony

YOGA RETREATS IN NORTH GOA

Goa is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a yoga retreat. Inland from Anjuna, Assagao is the heartland of yoga with numerous retreats. Some of them even run training programmes for teachers. The Himalaya Yoga Valley, the Satsanga Retreat and the Purple Valley Centre are among the most popular ones in North Goa.

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