Place : Bardez taluk, North Goa district, Goa
Significance : A perfect holiday beach destination, famous for its midnight parties
Best Time To Visit : October - March

An attractive bay between rocky headlands with a series of small beaches to the South, Vagator -Chapora Beach is located at Bardez taluk, North Goa, 22 Km north of Panaji and 9kms from Mapusa, headquarters of Bardez Taluk. Vagator beach lying at the northern end of the Calangute beach, attained popularity because of its seclusion and the nearby Chapora Fort. Lined with coconut groves and shady palm trees, the picturesque Vagator beach is a favourite venue for mid night parties during the tourist season. The other famous beach in Goa, Anjuna lies 3kms to the south of Vagator.

Vagator, one of the most photographed beaches in Goa, is divided into Big Vagator, Middle Vagator (Tel Aviv beach) and Little Vagator (Ozran), by a few rocks. To reach the beach one has to climb down a hill. It is a pleasure walk from the Mapusa road side, as there is a lot of greenery alongside.

To get to the Ozran beach (also known as Little Vagator, mini vagator or Little Israel), one has to walk about a minute down a steep cliff by using the concrete steps or using a small path that goes downhill. A pretty secluded beach, surrounded by numerous palm trees, Ozran is divided by a rocky headway. The beach is fairly spread out and more quieter. One can find an impressive sculpture face of Lord Shiva on a rock by an unknown sculptor from the hippie era which goes hidden under the waves during high tides. Sunset view is amazing from the beach.

The Big or the North Vagator beach, 3 km away from the Ozran beach is a long white sandy beach located to the north. This northern beach is more crowded than the southern beach. Mostly visited by Indian tourists, it is by a seaside headland. The beach area has a car park and has lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, soft drinks and snacks. The famous Chapora fort overlooks the beach.

North Vagator Beach is considered safer for swimming than the Ozran Beach. Lifeguards are available at North Vagator beach, but not at Ozran Beach.

Nearby Attractions

Chapora Fort

Chapora (pronounced as Shapora) Fort located on the south bank of the Chapora River makes the entrance to the bay. Previously known as 'Shahpur', the 500 year old fort has a commanding view of the Vagator beach. Originally built by Adil Shah of Bijapur, Mughal Emperor Akbar is said to have used it as his headquarters. And the fort was built in its form by the Count of Ericia, the then Viceroy of Goa in 1717 to protect the people of Bardez from the Marathas as well as a defense to the river mouth. Now in ruins, it is a delightful place and offers breathtaking views of Vagator and Vagator-Chapora Beaches from the southern ramparts, and of Morjim Beach from the Northern ramparts. Here one can witness the seawater changing colors from aquamarine to emerald and the Goan fishermen in their traditional attire getting ready to venture into the sea or coming back with their day's catch. At the northern rampart of this fort is 'Dil Chahta Hai' point. (a popular Hindi movie 'Dil Chahta Hai' where the three leading actors were shown sharing their emotions were shot from this point).

Shopping

Since the beach is located in a rural area it doesn't boast of any big shopping malls. But there are shops selling handicrafts, clothes etc. Nearby, a market at Mapusa ( 9kms) and a flea market at Anjuna are very famous and is a must see for any tourist. From Anjuna, one can buy Kashmiri Handicrafts, artifacts like candelabras made of blue china, woven baskets and earthen pots, besides fresh fish. It is also famous for its electric items that are on sale. Flea market is held on Wednesdays and if you are good at bargaining, then you can walk away with good stuff at throw away prices. At Mapusa market, one can also buy abundance of fresh fish, vegetables, spices, earthen pots, coir mats, woven baskets, Goa's famous sausage 'chouriso' etc.

Accommodation

At Vagator beach, there is not too much of choice for stay except a few number of hotels, family run guest houses, cottages and resorts. They offer very reasonable rates during off season. Sterling resorts offers luxury cottages and rooms on the beach (Big Vagator) front. Leony Resort in Little Vagator is another option. But during the peak tourist season, it is difficult to get an accommodation here, so better book hotels in advance or seek other alternative to stay near Calangute or Baga beach. There are several seafood joints and beer parlours in Chapora village behind Big Vagator Beach, few of them serving Indian food in addition to the usual Goan specialties. Night time scene in the village is not safe as it is frequented by drunken people and junkies. Scarlet's in Chapora, Robert's place, Primrose restaurant and Nine Bar (keeps parties every night) in Little Vagator and Disco Valley in Middle Vagator are some places where you get food and drinks. Click here for more hotels in Goa

How to get there

Scooters and bikes can be rented to move around Goa. Ordinary Taxi's and Bike Taxi's are also popular.

Air

The nearest airport is at Dabolim (29 km away from Panaji), around 50 kms from Vagator. Panaji is 22 km away from Vagator. Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Spice Jet and Kingfisher Airlines operate regular flights from Dabolim to major cities in India.

Rail

The nearest railhead is at Karmali (11 km away from Panaji), 45 kms from Vagator. The two major railways stations in Goa are Margao is the Southern Central railway terminus and Vasco is the Konkan railway terminus.

Road

Vagator is at a distance of 9 km from Mapusa, and 22 km from the state capital Panaji. There are a number of buses from Mapusa, head quarters of Bardez Taluk; Panaji, the state capital; and from Calangute Beach to Vagator. The nearest bus station is at Mapusa. Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), MSRTC (Maharashtra) and KSRTC (Karnataka) operate buses from Panaji, Vasco, Margao to various towns and cities in Goa as well as other states.