Calangute, gently: a first-timer's guide
How to take North Goa's busiest beach at your own pace — mornings on the sand, lazy afternoons, and where the lanes lead after dark.
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Well-known for its unique location, culture, history, and heritage, Goa is also popular for its hippie culture, permissiveness and alcohol tolerance.…
Well-known for its unique location, culture, history, and heritage, Goa is also popular for its hippie culture, permissiveness and alcohol tolerance. This year, Ocean Palms Goa, Goa (OPG) decided to give its visitors a taste of the local culture from the saddle of a bike. We’ve charted out some Nau(gh)ticalMiles from our resort to four different destinations. Our travel desk will be happy to assist you with the Nau(gh)tical Miles map and any other detail that you may require.
This is the longest trail traversing popular beaches ending at the Fortress of Vagator. Along the way, you’ll be happy to breathe in the moist breeze of Chapora and Anjuna beaches. Known for its hippie culture, Anjuna is actually a wide-spread village where you can explore the back roads and visit St. Anthony’s Church, Mahadeva temple, and other places of interest. Vagator Fort featured in Bollywood movie “DilChahataHai” because the view it offers is priceless! Be sure to save some grub and water – there’s none available at the fort itself – for your picnic before heading back.
We’ll have an early drink and dinner waiting at OPG so that you can tuck in early.
This one is the smallest and the nau(gh)tiest! Head to Goa’s famous Casino Palms for an evening of fun and games – serious gamblers welcome – via Baga, another famous beach in Goa. Start out early in the evening and munch on tasty bites from the basket that our chef at OPG can put together for you as you watch the sun setting on the azure waters of Baga. Then spend a couple of hours at the Casino before heading back for a scrumptious dinner at OPG.
Museum of Goa (MOG)
MOG literally translated means “love” in the local language – Konkani – and that’s exactly what you will spot at the Museum of Goa. Start out early on your bike with our basket of delights by your side. Spend a lazy morning exploring Goan history through contemporary art. If you are artistic-minded, check with our receptionist for other on-going events, workshops, or lectures at the Museum.
Standing sentinel for more than four decades, this fort guards the banks of the Mondovi at Candolim. Take in the panoramic greenery as you walk around the fort. Peek into the massive water storage chamber, and the gun powder room. Aguada has one of the oldest lighthouses of Asia, which guided ships as they came in to berth. It’s best to head out around 3.30 or 4 PM from OPG to avoid the heat that emanates from the walls. Don’t forget your camera and our basket of delights!
You don’t really need any training – it’s a tour, not a race – as long as you can keep your balance on two wheels! Still, better safe than sorry so here’s a reality check -
1. You would definitely be older than when you last rode – so if you have any allergies or medical conditions, be the naughty pillion rider.
2. We’ll tune up the bikes for you – but it’s best to have a toolkit along for emergencies.
3. Pack light – you don’t need baggage on this trip.
4. Dress wisely – pants are best of course – but leggings work too. Avoid flowing garments or accessories. We have bike-wear on hire if you need it.
5. Go easy with your brakes and throttles – ride in a relaxed fashion, enjoying the sights as you go.
6. Ask for our basket of delights.
7. Get the OPG map and card – you don’t want to lose your way.
8. Be sure to carry your camera.
9. And of course! Do let our staff know in advance – lest you have a long wait for your turn.
Call us now at 8888884709 for making your booking and other arrangements at Ocean Palms Goa.
Questions about any of this — or a stay to plan around it? Our team replies within a day.
How to take North Goa's busiest beach at your own pace — mornings on the sand, lazy afternoons, and where the lanes lead after dark.
Read the guide
Two days, two moods — one for the coast and its colour, one for the churches, temples and old lanes that made Goa, Goa.
Read the guide