Written by: Bhushan
Siridao Beach
The village of Siridao, which hosts the famous Siridao beach, continues to beguile folks with intrigue. On the superficial side this small fishing village located on the northern banks of the Zuari River, has a very sleepy stupor to it. But it has a slightly gray avatar too. Take for example the walls of the church in Siridao are thick, wide, but extremely hollow. It is said that it is a part of a network of tunnels linked to other churches in Goa. Some say the walls were built hollow so that people could sneak into the church for confessions without being seen. The village also boasts of a trio of statues carved in stone with a dog alongside. According to village lore, these were erected in memory of a priest who slipped into the tunnel once. While the person vanished never to return, his dog that had also gone along with him, resurfaced. But let us not scare you. The sunny beach always helps when it comes to clearing the dark cobwebs of memory.
Weather
In Goa just as time comes to a standstill, so does the weather. Summer never seems to leave Goa’s shores and winter is hardly around for a bit. Temperatures range from 33 decreed Celsius to 39 degrees Celsius. But the only time the sun goes for a toss for a long, long time, is when the majestic Monsoons hit the state, sometime between mid May and mid September.
Best time to visit:
Conventionally popular visiting months are from October to March. Some try to avoid Goa in the rains. But it’s worth a visit then too, to see the monsoons in their uninhibited glory.
Getting there / Route Information
By Bus
Because of its proximity to the capital, Siridao is very well connected by bus. All you need to do is board a bus to Siridao from the Panaji bus top. Do not choose a bus to Margao or Vasco, as they merely skim through Siridao village and it’s a pretty long walk to the beach. The buses which leave from the Panaji Kadamba Transport Corporation take you straight to the Siridao beach.
By Train
A train to Siridao isn’t exactly a good idea because the nearest railway stations aren’t exactly too close to comfort. Your best bet would be to alight at the Karmali railway station and either hire a cab, auto or a pilot (if you are a single passenger to Siridao beach, which is a distance of about 15 km).
Pictures of Siridao Beach
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Major attractions
Once you are done with the swimming at Siridao beach (you’ll love swimming here, because the waters are safe and the sea bed even) there are several places in and around Siridao that you can visit. But before that, have your share of sea shells which lie scattered at the beach. Siridao is renowned for the litter of shells, which the sea brings to its bosom every day.
Siridao is also a village steeped in religion. Therefore it comes as no surprise that you have a couple of churches and crosses, which people from far and about come to visit.
The first is the Siridao Church which has several legends associated with it. The other is the chapel of the Holy Souls, which was sanctified by 10 lakh chants of Hail Mary’s. The third monument worth visiting is the Cross of Flowers, which is proclaimed as one having miraculous powers.
Located on the banks of the Zuari River, Siridao is flanked by the river’s estuary and has several mangroves around it. A couple of wildlife groups run a crocodile spotting tours along the river, which is fascinating as you ride in a motor powered boat hunting the crocs down.
Dona Paulo located at a distance of about 12 km adjacent to Panaji has excellent water sports facility. You can actually Jet Ski all the way to Siridao and head back to Dona Paula.
Nightlife
One of the most enchanting parts about Panaji (which is about 8 km from Siridao) is the boat cruises along Mandovi River. Tourists throng to this place like bees to a hive. Its best though that you do you bookings well in advance to skip the serpent like queues for tickets.
One of the newest fascinations that’s catching on fast is the floating casino called Caravela. You can play here roulette or try your luck at blackjack. Several starred hotels also have the facility of slot machines, where you could try and hit the jackpot too.
Shopping
Panaji is the nearest shopping destination. Try and walk around the 18th June road for trinkets of every possible sort. The state government handicraft shop called Apart also offers a wide range of handicrafts at decent prices.
Vital Tourist Information
Hotel availability
Although tourism is picking up of late at Siridao, it would not be wise to bank on staying here. The best bet for you would be to stay put in Panjim and cover the beaches in the area.
Motorcycle
The most preferred mode of transport is a motorcycle pilot, which are in effect two wheeler taxis, driven by licenced riders, who can transport one individual at a time.
Rent-a-bike
This is the latest addition to the transport modes in Goa and have 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: Panaji, 8 km approx.
Contacts in case of contingency:
| Hospitals/Clinics: | Goa Medical College. Tel: 0832-2458700/16 |
| Police: | Agasaim police station. Tel: 0832-2278284 |
intresting info never heard of this beach bf