Bardez Attractions

Calangute is one of Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort areas. The peaceful fishing village of Calangute was a favorite beach for the hippies traveling in the 1960s and today Calangute symbolizes Goa's reputation as a haven for coastal splendor.Some of the popular water sports activities include parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing. Local attractions in Calangute are the Kerkar Art Gallery featuring paintings and sculptures from upcoming artists of Goa. Every week the gallery hosts a night of Indian music and dance. The Church of St Alex, located away from the town center of Calangute, dates from the 18th C and greets visitors with its two towers and magnificent dome. The interior Rococo decoration includes the noteworthy pulpit and reredos, and the gold and white color scheme.

Mapusa is a small town that is best known for its Friday Market. It is also the main town for stocking up on supplies if you are staying in the surrounding area.The Friday Market in Mapusa is a prime example of a true Indian market for its colorful and lively atmosphere. Goans come to Mapusa to shop for fish, vegetables, fruit, pickles, preserves, spices and meat especially Goan sausage. The Mapusa market also carries household items, clothing, jewelry and terracotta pottery.As the market develops into a tourist attraction vendors have also started carrying curios and souvenirs.Mapusa is also home to St Jerome Church better known as Milagres Church. This small church was originally built in 1594 and restored after a fire in the 19th C. The altar is one of the most colorful in Goa.

Bardez is a popular tourist spot for the continuous stretch of beaches. The beaches are accessible from the many towns and villages that dot the coastline of Goa.The ideal beach in Bardez is a matter of personal selection but they can be found in Sinquerem, Candoloim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator.Anjuna Beach is fringed with palm trees and the soft white sand making it a vision of paradise.Baga Beach is an extension of Calangute but even the locals are unable to decide where one ends and the other begins. Baga has the best range of restuarants and the liveliest nightlife.Vagator offers a broad white sandy beach that is more secluded and much less accessible. Vagator is a relaxed, fairly undeveloped resort area.

Fort Aguada was one of the strongest forts in Goa, commanding the entrance into the Mandovi River. Built by the Portugese in 1612, it was an ideal location for land and sea defence.In its heyday, Fort Aguada boasted 200 cannons, two magazines, barracks, prisons and residential quarters. Today the well-preserved moated ruins include the thick walls, the bastion on the hilltop and the old lighthouse. The views from the old lighthouse are spectacular. A new lighthouse has also been built and can be visited daily from 4 to 5:30pm.The beaches of Candolin and Sinquerim are popular with tourists. A notable feature is the grounded tanker, the River Princess, which has been there for several years.