Around 17 km from Margao, 50 km south of Panaji. Part of the main stretch of Southern Beaches of Goa, location of the most exclusive beach resort hotels in Goa and India tourism.
Down south from Benaulim, Varca, Fatrade and Cavelossim beaches adjoin each other; Mobor is further south on the narrow peninsula where the river Sal spills into the sea. This long stretch strings together some of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, much cleaner and quieter than the better known Goa beaches. It’s almost rock-free and swimming is enjoyable. Not surprisingly, some of the leading luxury & deluxe Goa hotel resorts (including Holiday Inn Goa and Leela Palace Goa) chose it as their location. The perfect place for a peaceful, deluxe Goa holiday.
A large variety of water sports are organized by the resorts (especially by Goa Renaissance Resort and the Leela Palace Goa), and The Old Anchor, an independent operator. From opposite the Holiday Inn, Goa boats embark on Dolphin watching, fishing and river trips.
There are numerous atmospheric beach shacks & cafes near Dona Sylvia, Goa, and a few on the riverbank offering a variety of dishes from Goa, India and Europe, along with exceptional seafood. The various resorts have a phenomenal choice of restaurants and cafes. Party Zone at the Holiday Inn Goa was the first disco in the South, and is today very popular with the younger crowd. The tight dance floor adjoins an outdoor seating area. Aqua at the Leela Palace Goa is a classy cigar lounge with a large dance floor, big-screen TV and casino gaming machines.
Table of Contents
Betul Beach
On most Goa Tourism brochures Betul is marked as a fishing port on the Goa map, just south of Mobor across the Sal River. But it also possesses a relatively secluded and picturesque beach overlooking the wide estuary, delightfully shaded by coconut palms and fruit trees. Headlands from the slopes of the Western Ghats protrude into the shore giving the whole area an imposing backdrop. Regular ferries and boats-on-hire take you across from Mobor.
A walk along the ‘jetty’ is an interesting experience where you can watch the colorful mechanized boats bring-in their catch. River Sal Restaurant on the riverbank specializes in delicious river fish dishes and offers a few cheap rooms, the only place to stay here.
Varca, Cavelossim beaches, Goa. Accommodation
Leela Palace Goa (Kempinski) is a landmark exclusive luxury resort of Goa and India tourism. It offers rooms in romantic villas, some with private pools, along with top-notch facilities. Goa Renaissance Resort stands in the middle of a wide-open stretch of beach and features a mini casino amongst its facilities. Both offer water sports and 9-hole golf. Holiday Inn Goa, Club Mahindra and Dona Sylvia Resort, Goa are the other well-known luxury to deluxe Goa hotel resorts here. A few ‘good and cheap’ Goa hotels lie close to the Cavelossim beach.
EXCURSIONS
- Chandor, Rachol and Loutolim
- Temples at Ponda
- Panaji (Panjim)
- Old Goa
- Savoi Spice Plantation
- Other southern beaches of Goa
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary