Obscure Benaulim to most developed beach of southern Goa, is undoubtedly a
fulfilling journey. There are many attractions nicely hidden in the
landscape that can be easily slipped from itinerary.
Varca And Cavelossim
Follow the upmarket beach resorts of Varca and Cavelossim, lies just south
of Benaulim. The beach resort houses some of the best five star hotels of
southern Goa. The opulence is personified in these resorts. There are
private pool, extensive private grounds and almost every pleasurable impulse
catered for. The 10km long serene beach is a nice experience. The beaches
are quite trouble free and the coastal road makes a more interesting and
enjoyable route towards Palolem than the faster National Highway.
Betul Village
Take a ferry from Cavelossim to Assolna to cross the Sal River estuary.
There you will find a board written as ' Village Panchayat Cavelossim'
before you get to Mobor, then continue on for 2km to the river. from there
you can ride to the fishing village of Betul. This calm village lure
travelers for its simplicity where village life revolves around fishing and
coir production. The village landscape is adorned with coconut palms,
banana, jack fruit and papaya canopy. The brightly colored fishing boats
stands on the bank of rivers like lone survivors. You can have a closer look
at the village activities by walking along the track that leads towards it.
Dusk is the best time to witness the village activities where people gather
around the lone church and socializing.
Cabo da Rama
The next destination is a famous Cabo da Rama fort. While traveling from
Betul to Agonda winding over a rough but picturesque places, you can drop at
old Portuguese fort of Cabo da Rama. Interestingly the fort was established
much before Portuguese invasion of Goa. This ruined fort changed hands by
many dynasties and at the end in 1763 it fell into the hand of Portuguese,
after defeating king of Soonda. The dilapidated turrets and cannons are only
remnants left.
Agonda
Back on the main road there is a turn off to Agonda, a small village with
an empty beach that might well be the gem of south Goa. This clean and
uncluttered beach actually lives up to expectations and is an idyllic
retreat for travelers wanting to escape the tourist resorts. The beach is
not so long, just 3km, fringed with palms and casuarinas and covered with
white sand. The desolate beach has no stall, few people, no restaurants. The
place is not ideal for swimming. The place is nice place for camping in the
night and enjoy the crashing sound of vast ocean.
