Difference between revisions of "Vagator"

Revision as of 22:27, 26 August 2011

Big Vagator Beach

Vagator is a village in North Goa, India.

Understand

Adjoining the famous Anjuna beach, Vagator is a little more laid back, though still pretty much steeped in the rave culture. The tourist traffic is predominantly Western backpackers, however it has also become popular with Indian tourists, who particularly come to watch the sunset from the rocks.

Get in

Vagator is located approximately a one hour drive from the Dabolim Airport. A prepaid taxi to Vagator will be about Rs. 1,250.

The nearest railway station is at Thivim. Other railway stations are at Margao and Vasco.

Get around

Scooters can be rented for Rs. 250 a day. Anywhere and everywhere you will find people trying to rent you their scooter. If you like a bike, a 350 CC Enfield would cost you Rs. 500 a day ( kick starting one of these can be an experience, learn how to do it frm the owner if you want to rent one. The recoil from the kick can break your leg ) . This is the best way to see Goa, you can go where ever you want. And getting around is easy, locals are very helpful just pull over and ask someone. In case of a taxi, going anyplace the taxi drivers will start quoting from Rs. 250 to 400. Have to bargain.

See

Big Vagator Beach

Vagator Beach has dramatic red cliffs looking down on the shore and two fresh water springs within a stone's throw of the sea. Vagator Beach is split into two main beaches by a seaside headland which holds the car park and lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, soft drinks and snacks. As you face the sea, on your right is Big Vagator Beach and on your left Ozran Beach, more commonly known as Little Vagator Beach.

Do

Between Little Vagator and Big Vagator

If you like the tranquil, 30 km north of Vagator is a beautiful pristine beach called Arambol.

The Saturday night flea market in Arpora, organised by a German since early nineties, is by far the largest and most vibrant flea market in North Goa. There is also a sizeable performance area which promotes local talent.

Buy

Bargain on anything you buy at the street vendors and people on the beach (stuff on the streets, pay 50% of quoted price).

In Vagator, you can find a 24 hour restaurant/convenience store/chill out called Robert's place near Primrose. Since 2003, a flea market is organised here every Wednesday, though it is yet to make an impression like the ones in Anjuna or Arpora.

Mapusa is the nearest town for provisions and shopping. This is where the locals shop.

Eat

• Mezcal, Vagator (opposite Vagator Football Ground, on a road to Ozran Beach). 11AM-11PM. Mexican restaurant.

• Salt n Pepper Restaurant & Guest House, (a 10-minute walk from Ozran Beach), ☎ +91 832 2273596 (nathano2@sify.com), [1]. A family-run restaurant.

• Scarlet's, Chapora. A well known place among travellers for fruit juices and fruit salad.

• Thalassa, Vagator (on top of the cliff overlooking Ozran Beach), [2]. Wonderful, authentic Greek food. This open air restaurant has amazing views of Ozran Beach and the sunset. Thalassa is almost always full. In order to have a seaview table you have to book a table in advance.

Drink

Bars

• Mango Tree Bar & Restaurant, Vagator Beach Road (a 15-minute walk from Vagator Beach), ☎ +91 832 3294464/2274703. Popular open bar with nice restaurant for breakfast and diner. Free wifi.

Open air clubs

There are a number of places playing to a dance & trance crowd during the tourist season.

• Hilltop, Vagator (a little back from Ozran Beach). Hill Top has a party every Sunday evening in the tourist season.

• Primrose, Vagator (back towards Big Vagator beach). They play different types of trance and psychedelic music from different DJ's from around the world.

• Nine Bar, Vagator (between Big Vagator Beach and Ozran Beach, just above Ozran Beach). Nine Bar has a Goa trance party every night from 7PM to 10PM. Good music, cheap booze. People start here and then go to other places.

Parties

• Disco Valley. Outdoor parties, but now only at Christmas and Sylvester.

Sleep

Little Vagator Beach

Vagator has little by way of seaside accommodation.

• Alcove Resort Goa, Vagator (Ozran Beach), ☎ +91 832 2274491 (info@alcovegoa.com, fax: +91 832 2250588), [3]. checkin: 1PM; checkout: noon. A 3-star hotel offering different types of accommodation including rooms, suites, penthouses and independent cottages. With restaurant. Rs. 1,000-4,000.

• Casa Vagator, House No. 594/4, Vozran, Vagator.

• Cochichos Resort, 325 Ozran Beach Road, Vagator, ☎ +91 832 2274777 (info@cochichosresort.com, fax: +91 832 2274748), [4]. Small resort with spacious AC rooms. With swimming pool.

• Jolly Jolly Lester, House No. 511/5, Vagator.

• Goan Clove, Vagator Beach Road, Vagator (near Mango Tree Bar & Restaurant).

• Leoney Resort, Ozran Beach Road, Vagator.

• Ozran Heights Beach Resort, (on top of the cliff overlooking Ozran Beach), [5]. Resort with 8 spacious cottages. With superb view over Ozran Beach and the sunset. Rs. 3,500-8,000.

Get out

Cope

Close to Vagator and Chapora is the Petrol Station, where you want to monitor what's happening if you don't want to be scammed.