If you are visiting north Goa - a.k.a. the touristy part of the city, there's a heavy chance you have heard of, if not been to, Vagator beach. Lesser shacks compared to its neighbours Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute makes it easier to avoid the crowds and play safe in the virus-infested world. Fewer crowds translate into the bonus score of cleanliness.
The one thing that you will think when you hear Vagator could be sunsets or flea market. Umm or maybe beach cricket? But what if I told you my first image is that of a bunch of bulls. Let me explain. Picture an orange sky and the frothy waves. Add the scenic W Retreat & Spa on one side and Chapora fort walls further up. The palms on the sides make a beautiful reflection on the water. Suddenly, the reflection has more than just the palms and clouds. It has, yes you guessed it right, half a dozen bulls, engaged in a casual bullfight, taking the beach by their horns. No one else seems to care about them bulls locking horns and running amok. Perhaps, that's what they mean when they say - live dangerously? I, on the other hand, experienced first-hand what death in slow motion might feel like. Not an enemy of them bulls, but clearly, not a big fan either.
Read on to find out ways to maximise your fun at Vagator, no matter whether you are travelling solo, with friends, or with family.
Oh and before I forget, you could also enjoy the breeze and sound of the waves from the height of Chapora fort. Who doesn't remember the movie that made it famous? Besides, that's a great way to stay away from those raging bulls.
Pick souvenirs from the flea markets and stalls on your way to the beach. Jewellery, clothes, sunglasses, beach toys, shell necklaces, fridge magnets, hats, swimwear and what not. Get yourself a good bargain. Although, I'd heavily recommend saving keychains and fridge magnets for Mario Miranda stores across Goa.
If the weather's not to your liking or you don't feel like dipping your feet in sand or water, find yourself a table with a view at a restaurant, and feed all your senses at one go. Primrose, Katzensuppe, Nine Bar, Antares, Fishtail, Fusion, and Olive come to mind.
The sweet coconut water goes well with the sound of sea waves, and especially since vacations mean gluttony. If this statement doesn't make sense to you, you are too young to be liked by this author right now.
Well, of course the place has got more than just bulls. It's got stray dogs too. Alright, no in all earnest, it's a beach alright, but there are more than one way to feed all your senses at this land of colourful dreams.
Vagator is situated at the end of the Candolim, Calangute, Baga, & Anjuna stretch, and is separated from Morjim by the Chapora River. The beach itself is divided into two parts - North Vagator (also called Big Vagator, and is further north) & Ozran (or the Little Vagator).
Park your vehicle near the W parking and walk down to the North Vagator beach. Walk a little towards the end of the beach towards W and Chapora fort to get away from the crowds. While this beach is more livelier, I'd strongly recommend Ozran beach for a little quiet. The access to Ozran beach is via steep steps, which makes the access difficult and hence crowd free and clean.
Watch the sun go down, sunbathe, stroll along the beach, swim, make sandcastles, decorate them with seashells, play beach ball - whatever you do, there's no wrong answers to pick here.
If you are in the Team Bull and love to live dangerously, go for the water sports. They seem quite safe though. Parasailing, jet ski, banana boat are a regular sight and make for a colourful touch in the skies and water. You could also book yourself a trip for dolphin watching. I hear that's something folks enjoy. What do I know? I don't like playful bulls either.
Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages after the pandemic is over!