Written by: Bhushan
Galgibaga
Galgibaga is Goa’s the southernmost wisp of coastal sand. Thanks to a combination of geography and social demographics, it continues to be one of Goa’s relatively less bustling beaches. The Casurina lined beach is named after the river of Galgibaga, which flows in from neighbouring Karnataka and empties into the Arabian Sea, near Mashem in Canacona.
Weather
The weather’s sultry most times of the year, unless it’s the monsoons which lash out with fury from the latter half of May to August. The humidity is explained by the proximity to the sea. The weather stretches from 33 degrees Celsius and reaches a maximum of 39 degrees in summer. Winters are less harsh.
Best time to visit
Goa’s great is summers and winters but if beaches are not your only poison, its superlative in the monsoons. Conventionally popular visiting months are from October to March
Getting there / Route Information
The best part about beaches in South Goa is the comparatively easy access to the airport and railway stations.
Connectivity
| By Air: | Nearest airport, Dabolim, is located at a distance of 70 km approx. |
| By Bus: | Bus transport in Goa is generally poor and services wind up for the day by 7:30 pm. You will have to come to the Chaudi for a bus either to Canacona or Madgaon, which is the closest town. |
| By Train: | The Konkan railway terminus at Canacona. The main terminus at Madgaon is at a distance of approximately 45 km. |
Pictures of Galgibaga beach
|
|
|
Major attractions
The two neighbouring beaches of Palolem and Talpona. A few fringes of hillocks separate the beaches. If you are in mood for a trek, you could walk over these hills and cover the stretch in a day. There is also the picturesque ferry at Rajbag, which plies across the Talpona River. Galgibaga is famous for its Olive Ridley nesting site, making it an environmentally sensitive area. People eagerly await the flocks of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles that frequent the beach each year to lay eggs.
Events
Unlike its neighbour Palolem beach in Canacona, Galgibaga is still not on the tourist calendar, which explains the dearth of events.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Sun screen… Lots of it. Do carry your own water. Food can be easily availed of on most beaches. You could carry your own camp bed or a tent and spread out for the night.
Hotel availability
No dearth of hotels in Galgibaga. Most prefer to hop on to Galgibaga using either Canacona or Margaon as base camps.
Local Transportation
Motorcycle
The most preferred mode of transport is a motorcycle pilot, which are in effect two wheeler taxis, driven by licensed riders, who can transport one individual at a time.
Rent-a-bike
This is the latest addition to the transport modes in Goa and has become an instant hit. These self-driven yellow-letters-on-black number plate two wheelers or four wheelers can be sourced from the hotel you are put up in.
Taxis
Taxis, although are easily available during the peak season, the rates charged are exorbitant. Try hardball bargaining.
Nearest known city
Madgaon at 40 km approx.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospital(s): | Dhavalikar hospital. Tel: 0832-2643910 |
| Police: | Canacona police station. Tel: 0832-2633357 |
Bhushan, Are there any home-stays out there? I am planning to tour Galgibaga and the other south beaches. What is the best accommodation option?. Or you know any good hotel for family stay?
Hi Bhushan,
That’s an interesting write up. However, are there any Homestays around that area? My husband and I are interested in making a trip around there next month.