BOGMALO BEACH
Area: Goa
Country: India


Location:
Halfway down the W coast of India, in the S-central part of the state of Goa. 19 miles S of Panjim. Dabolim airport 3 miles by bumpy road.

Telephone code from UK:
91 832

Website:
http://www.goacom.com (commercial site)

Position:
Nestled between lush headlands and fronting a sandy beach.

Description:
Originally a fishing village, this is now a compact tourist resort that measures about 1º by 1º miles, and owes its peaceful ambience to its position at the end of a narrow, fairly quiet, sloping loop road that runs off the busy main road. A collection of small shops, bars and restaurants forms its beachfront centre. Apart from its attractive beach, there is little to see or do, which lends the resort a rather isolated feel; this perception can be shattered by the roar of aircraft occasionally arriving at/departing from the airport, which is 1 mile as the crow _ or in this case plane _ flies. A sizeable industrial area has spread in the vicinity of the main road, but all of this is obscured by lush greenery.

Suitability:
Suitable as a handy airport stopover or for a shorter undemanding beach break. Appeals mainly to package tourists; enjoys some popularity as a conference venue.

Accommodation:
Some modest properties close to the beachfront in resort centre. A few properties inland and in the town of Vasco da Gama, 5 miles NW. One large beachfront hotel offering a variety of facilities, including a casino and bars.

Shopping:
Aside from the small local grocery and produce shops and stalls, there are a number of more tourist-type outlets close to the beach, selling a range of goods from jewellery, handicrafts, textiles, T-shirts and wooden carvings. More determined shoppers should head for nearby Panjim.

Beach:
A broad section of light, compacted sand in a sheltered, S-facing cove backed by green hills, which hide the industrial estates beyond. Relatively safe swimming; some water sports, including jet-skiing.

Entertainments:
Daytime: relaxing on the quiet beach; scuba diving and lessons (one of the few places in India where one can do PADI-approved open-water diving courses). A few water sports; trips to nearby islands. Marine, aviation and war history enthusiasts can head to the Naval Maritime Museum, 1 mile. Nightlife: a few low-key bars close to the beachfront, plus hotel-based options, many of which offer evening entertainment (live music, dancing and karaoke), mainly during high season (October_April); one with casino.

Eating:
A selection of shack-style beachfront restaurants offering fresh, locally caught seafood, complete with sea views. One larger hotel offers a variety of cuisines, such as Indian and Continental, plus barbecues.

Public-transport:
Crowded local bus to Vasco da Gama, 5 miles, with onward connections to Panjim. Plentiful taxis.

Local-excursions:
Various tours offered. See also Colva.