Patnitop is a scenic beauty located at the height of two thousand and twenty four meters above sea level. From Jammu Patnitop is at a distance of one hundred and twelve kilometers on the Jammu Srinagar Highway. The peace and landscapes of this simple plateau are just heavenly. This is the right place for you if you wish to steal some moments away from chaotic city life and stay in solitude. The views offered by Patnitop include vast pieces of land covered with freshly stemmed grass blades in summers and peacefully dozing trees in winters. Patnitop gets heavy snowfall that blankets the town in white during winter season. This provides the tourists with ample of opportunity to enjoy winter sports like skiing.    

Patnitop has innumerable beautiful walking paths that provide astounding views of the lofty mountains in the Chenab basin. These paths are hikers delight as they provide some amazing excursion option to the close by locations such as Sanasar as well as Sundarani. With the upcoming aero sports this town has been attracting thousands of adventure sports freaks every year. There is no better time to visit this town, it is open to tourists all year around. The time to visits Patnitop actually depends on your interests, if you are all about adventure sports then winter it is, however, you wish to enjoy the peace and solitude then you must plan during summers or spring time. You must check the weather with your tour coordinator as to how many woolen clothes you need to carry.

What to see: Patnitop is a scenic beauty, however, it does hold some amazing attractions that are not to be missed.

1. Naag Temple: This temple is located on a hilltop and is said to be more than six hundred years old. This temple is the oldest and most well preserved shrine in the town. Large number of devotees flock this temple to offer prayers, however, the numbers increase manifold during the festivals. During the festivals huge fairs are organized as well.

2. Skiing: Patnitop is famous for the skiing opportunities available here. December, January and February are gala months for ski enthusiasts. If you are an amateur then you can even become a ski pro by taking lessons in Patnitop. The snow clad slopes in this town are slightly steep and less rocky which makes it all the more easy for beginners to practice with ease. Experienced skiers must visit Madhatop, which is at a distance of just five kilometers, to enjoy the thrill of skiing through steep valleys with lot of hurdles.    

3. Paragliding: Aero sports such as paragliding have gained popularity in Patnitop in recent years. If you visit Patnitop then you must go parasailing, hot air ballooning as well as Para-gliding. The months of May, June, September and October have clear sky and are hence the best to enjoy aero sports. 

How to reach Patnitop:
Air: The closes airport is at Jammu. From Jammu it takes about four hours to reach Patnitop by road.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi which is again in Jammu.
Road: Patnitop is well accessible by road from most of the cities of Jammu and Kashmir. You can even plan a trip to Patnitop from major cities in north India by car.

Jorhat is situated on the north eat corner of Assam in Eastern India. A tributary of Brahmaputra River runs parallel to this lesser known town. Jorhat is an excessively important farm town of Assam and is also reckoned as the Tea Capital of the world. The vast tea gardens stretching for miles and miles are a delight for the eyes. Jorhat is not just famous for its tea gardens but also for manufacture of jewelry. The jewelry manufactured here has managed to retain its traditional ethnicity. Jorhat is also popular for Majuli Island which is the biggest river island in the entire world.

What to see here: The following attractions are major crowd puller and has been attracting tourists from far and wide.

1. Majuli Island: This Island is located at the heart of Brahmaputra valley at a distance of about twenty kilometers from Jorhat. It covers an area of about one thousand and eight square kilometers. This island is quite populated but it still manages to provide the tourists with ample of picturesque landscapes. A large number of monasteries are located on this island and you can visit them to get to know and enjoy the traditional way of living of the locales. The major monasteries in Majuli are Kamalabari, Auniati and Garmur. This island is however prone to floods hence you must avoid going there in rainy season. Apart from the monasteries you will also get to see some unique flora and animals, some of them are endangered species. A three day Ras Purnima festival is also organized here. 

2. Dhekiakhowa Bar Namghar: This place is again closely located to the Majuli Island and is a major place of worship for the Hindus. This ancient religious place was built in the year 1539 by Saint Madhavdeb. The construction took about forty two years to complete. A book kept inside the hall on a throne is worshipped by thousands of Hindus all year round.

3. Gymkhana: This is the third oldest golf club in the world which is still under use. This is also the oldest golf club in India. To build this gorgeous building the raw material had to be imported from Kolkotta and the construction was concluded in 1885. This gymkhana is popular for its annual pony race. 

4. Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary covers an area of approximately nineteen hundred hectors. The varied primates found here are worth planning a trip to this small town in Assam. You may easily spot a tiger, however, if you spot a primate you are very lucky. Visiting the park in the early hours will increase your chances of spotting a primate as they are out in search for food. This sanctuary is at a distance of about fifteen kilometers from Jorhat.

Where to stay: Accommodation will not be a problem in Jorhat. This is an important city in Assam with all kinds of facilities. You can easily find a hotel or guesthouse to suit your budget.

How to reach:
Air: Jorhat has its own airport. Daily flights from Guwahati and other important cities in the east are available.
Rail: A small railway station is situated in Jorhat with connecting trains from major towns in Assam.
Road: It is well accessible by road. One can reach this town from Guwahati in seven hours by road. Buses are also available from several towns in Assam to Jorhat.

Orissa is a lesser known and visited destination in India. Saying this, the number of tourists visiting Orissa is keeps rising every year. Orissa offers picturesque beaches, historical marvels and a chance to get to know the tribal life of India. Orissa is also famous for its silver jewelry and traditional handicrafts. Here are the best five destinations in Orissa that will tempt you to include this less frequented state in your itinerary next time.

1. Konark Sun Temple
This temple is designed in the shape of an immense chariot of Lord Surya, the Sun God. This beautifully carved Temple was built in the thirteenth century. It is about thirty meters high with twelve gigantic wheels to support it on all sides. The carvings on this temple are quite similar to the exotic carvings seen on the walls of the Khajuraho temple. If you are in Puri or Bhubaneshwar you can plan a day’s trip to explore this historical wonder. However, if possible try and stay overnight at Konark, the temple radiates an altogether different aura in the late afternoon that will simply blow your mind away. Moreover, the temple is less crowded in the late afternoons. Note: A huge festival is organized every year from first to fifth December every year. 

2. Bhubaneshwar, Capital city of Orissa
The capital of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar is a mix of old and modern. The largest temple in Orissa, The Lingraj Mandir, is in this city. You will also find several cave cuts on the outlying areas of the city into the hillside. Jain aesthetics once dwelled in these caves. The most intriguing ones of all the caves are located at Udayagiri or the Sunrise Hill. For more historical and architectural wonders you must explore several other temples that are scattered all across the temples. You can enjoy a city tour on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Service. This tour service will take you to the most important sites in the city including several museums, parks as well as the popular handicraft market. Note: If you can wake up early one morning than you must head to Udayagiri for sunrise viewing.      

3. Chandipur Beach
This beach is famous for the sand dunes, Casuarinas and tidal waves that retreats out for miles. This beach offers serenity and peace of mind to the visitors. This beach is simple yet unique. Tiny puddles with small fishes, shells as well as crabs are a common site here. Note: Don’t forget to stroll down on the large stretch of sea floor when the tide has receded.  

4. Puri
Puri is a beach town. But it does not offer the regular beach activities. Puri is a holy town and is one of the chief pilgrimage town in India. The magnificent Jagannath Temple is situated in Puri and is the main reason for the popularity of this town. O While in Puri do make it a point to go on tribal tours as well as a day trip to the famous Chilka Lake. 

5. Tribal settlements
Orissa is also famous for its tribal communities. Visiting the tribes is an enamoring experience. You can visit some of these tribes but you must go on guided tours. Do not wander off on your own as the language may be a barrier. Note: The weekly tribal markets must not be missed.

Amritsar came into existence in the year 1577. It was founded by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. This is the most important spiritual place for the Sikh community. It is also called the Holy pool of Nectar after the water body that surrounds the main Golden Temple.

How to reach:
By Air: The Rajasansi Airport in Amritsar has direct flights from chief Indian cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar. But do check the whether if you are flying out to Amritsar in winters as it tends to get extremely foggy causing delays in flying schedules.
By Train: In coming from Delhi, the Amritsar Shatabdi is the best alternative. The journey takes about six hours. Amritsar Railway Station has direct trains from several Indian cities.
By Road: Regular tourist buses to Amritsar are also available from several North Indian cities. It takes about ten hours to reach Amritsar by road from Delhi.

Best time to go to Amritsar:
Amritsar gets extremely hot in summers and extremely cold in winters. The best months to plan a trip to Amritsar are February, March, October and November. If you are fond of the winter chill then December or January are also good months for you to visit. The temperature starts rising from the month of April till July when monsoon strikes Amritsar. 

More about Amritsar:
Amritsar is known for its exquisite Golden Temple. This religious place pulls pilgrims from all across the globe. People do not just come here to offer their prayers but also take part in voluntary services. It is hard to fathom but the number of people who visit the Golden Temple is about the same as those who visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. The temple is so beautiful to look at at night, when its golden dome is even more illuminated by lights. The temple is open to visitors from six in the morning till two in the middle of the night. If you plan to stay overnight in Amritsar then do visit the temple at night as well.

Note: Make sure you cover your head and remove your footwear before entering the temple complex.

Festivals:
Amritsar can be righteous called a city of festivals. All the major Indian festivals are celebrated with much vigor such as Diwali, Lohri, Holi and Baisakhi. Baisakhi is the start of new year in April as per the Sikh traditions. This particular festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and the spirit of the people taking part in the festival and the cultural events is noteworthy. Most of the celebrations take place at the Golden Temple with great street processions on the street outside. Other important festivals celebrated in Amritsar are the Guru Nanak Birthday and Ram Tirath Fair.

Important places around Amritsar:
If you are in Amritsar then you must plan a trip to the Wagah Border (The border between Pakistan and India) which is at a distance of about twenty eight kilometers from Amritsar. Every evening during sunset the retreat of troops and the positioning of the next batch of troops take place. This energy exuberated by the troops during this ceremony is a must see.

Amritsar Info:
The Golden Temple is situated in the old Amritsar which is very close to the Railway Station. There are several bazaars in this part of Amritsar. If you visit the temple during the day you can enjoy a free meal from the Temple’s kitchen referred to as the Guru Ka Langar.

Delhi, the Indian capital, has an extremely rich historical background. Delhi has innumerous forts, monuments as well as mosques of historical importance left behind by the great Mughal kings that once ruled upon the northern India. It will take you more than a week to really experience and live the history behind Delhi through many such great monuments. Here are some of the most intriguing and mystifying historical attractions in Delhi.

1. The Red Fort:
The Red Fort is the most significant historical monument in Delhi. It is one of the most interesting architectural marvels left behind by the Mughal kings who once ruled over major part of India. The Red Fort was built in the year 1638 to keep the city safe from the encroachers. The walls of this fort stretch for more than 2 kilometers. Although the sturdy walls of this fort were enough to keep the city safe, however, the enemy was stronger. The Sikhs and later the British were successful in capturing the fort. To bring history to life an hour long ‘light and sound’ program is held at Red Fort every evening.

More Info:
It is situated right next to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi
There is an entry cost.
It is closed every Monday.
The Sound and Light Program is held in English as well as Hindi.
The Red Fort can be reached through the Delhi Metro. One can get down at the Chandni Chowk metro station and walk to the Red Fort. 

2. The Jama Masjid
This is another fantastic Mosque of historical importance situated in Old Delhi. Jama Masjid is the biggest mosque in the whole of India and its courtyard can accommodate upto twenty five thousand devotees at any given time. The construction of the mosque was finished in the year 1650 and it took about thirteen years to build this mosque. A tiresome climb up the head of the tower in the south will reward you with an astounding view of the terrace and rooftops of the house and buildings in Old Delhi.    

More Info:
You have to be dressed properly in order to visit the mosque. Your head, legs as well as shoulders should be well covered. Clothes are also available for rent at the entrance of the mosque. It is always better to be fully dressed else you will not be allowed to enter at any cost.
It is situated next to Chandni Chowk, near the Red Fort.
The Jama Masjid can be reached through the Delhi Metro. One can get down at the Old Delhi or the Chandni Chowk metro station and walk to the Jama Masjid.
No entry fees
Anyone carrying a camera has to pay fees at the entrance.
The mosque is closed before sunset everyday. Entry is restricted between 1215pm till 1345pm as this is the daily prayer time.

3. The Humayun’s Tomb
The Humayun’s Tomb reminds everyone of the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. It is because the architecture of Taj Mahal was inspired by this famous tomb in Delhi. The construction of the tomb was finished in the year 1570. This tomb is the final resting place of the second Mughal king Humayun and his body lays in rest inside this very tomb. This was the first magnificent Mughal architecture built in India. After its completion the Mughal kings were highly inspired to build more monuments of such kind all across India. The tomb of the King Humayun is housed amidst breathtaking gardens.

More Info:
It is situated in Nizamuddin in New Delhi. The Nizamuddin railway station is close to this monument.

Dalhousie is a small hill station in the Chamba District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a peaceful hill town with almost no night life. This town is well suited for those who wish to steal couple of days away from their hectic lifestyle. The serene and natural atmosphere of Dalhousie can revitalize and rejuvenate even the most tired of all souls. This hill town exudes a different kind of old world charm and it seems that has not really caught up with the fast paced metropolitan cities yet. This old world charm is what attracts thousands of tourists every year to this town.

This town is named after Lord Dalhousie who founded this town in the year 1854. This was a summer retreat for British officials in India. Most buildings and bungalows are built in English style in Dalhousie. 

Weather:
Summer: Early mornings and late evenings are quite chilly and one must carry appropriate woolen clothes. However, the day hours are pretty warm.
Winter: The winters are extremely chilly and the temperature tends to drop below freezing point.
Rainy season: The whether can get very cold during the rainy season.

Places to See:
1. Khajjar: A beautiful valley with a refreshing spring in the center. This place is famously known as the Switzerland of India for the hayfield look. Though this place is extremely breathtaking, however, this place gets quite cluttered in the months of June and July.
2. Dainkund Walk: This is a pretty little walking path that leads to a temple. It is situated close to the Air Force base.
3. Upper Bakrota: This is the highest location in the hill town. This area houses many estates, a school and an Army barracks. A road circling this area called the Bakrota Walk leads to the Alah Water Tank.
4. Kala Rope Rest House: This is a pretty picnic spot. It is situated at the toll barrier enroute Khajjiar.
5. Ganji Pahadi Walk: If you are in a mood to hike then Ganji Pahadi Walk is just right for you. It is a hill summit with no trees. The hike takes about an hour to reach the Ganji Pahadi Walk.
6 Church: This is a famous local church situated opposite to the post office in GPO. 
7. Kalatop wild life reserve: This wildlife reserve is situated at the extreme north west Daula Dhar between Dalhousie and Chamba.

Things to do while in Dalhousie:
1. For treks you can go to Panchpula. A nice place with waterfalls, trekking paths, places to rest and relax. You can go there by taking a cab but a hike will help you come closer to nature’s beauty.
2. You can visit the Tibetan market to shop for cheap clothes, accessories and knick-knacks.
3. If you are in Dalhousie than you have to go for long walks. They are just so calming but do not forget to carry an umbrella in case it is cloudy.
4. If you are here with your family then go for a fun filled picnic and if you are here with your better half then romantic picnic is perfect for you.
5. If possible then ask your guesthouse or hotel to organize a barbeque for you.
6. The sky is exceedingly clear in Dalhousie, hence, star gazing can be enjoyed to the fullest here. 
Whenever you go to a hill station make sure you talk to couple of locals for lesser known hiking spots, view points and beautiful places in Dalhousie.

Manali, surrounded by the soothing Himalayas, offers the perfect mix of serenity and thrill that makes it one of the most preferred hill stations of North India. You can just laze around doing nothing or experience the most spine chilling adventure sports of all over there. It is a mystical destination surrounded by pine trees and the tempestuous Beas River.   

The Location: Manali is situated at the north corner of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh in India. It is at a distance of about six hundred kilometers from Delhi.

How to reach: The nearest railway station from Manali is about three hundred and twenty kilometers away in Chandigarh. To reach Manali one has to travel by road for a long distance but it is worth all the effort. The Himachal Tourism operates several buses and coaches from nearby cities as well as Delhi. Many people who stay in the nearby cities prefer traveling to Manali in their personal vehicles this gives them the freedom to explore this lovely hill station on their own and comfortably. From Delhi it takes fifteen hours by road to reach Manali. Many Volvos with sleepers make overnight journeys; hence, booking a sleeper in Volvo ensures that you sleep through most of the journey.

Best Time to Visit Manali: Manali is best visited in the months of March till October. The winter chill starts in the month of November and by December end Manali is covered in a thick layer of snow. It gets excessively crowded in the months of May and June as the schools in north India are closed for summer vacations and most families flock to the Kullu Valley to beat the summer heat.

Manali Thrill: Anyone who is an adventure freak will love this hill station. Hiking, rafting, fishing, skiing, parasailing, mountain climbing … you name it and you can experience it in Manali. Many tour operators organize adventure camps and tours in Manali. If you are in a mood to explore then you can even take a road trip from Manali to Leh. Some tour organizers also organize holistic camps and monastery tours where you can experience spiritual connection and better health with Yoga, Ayurveda as well as Reiki.

Hadimba Temple Festival: this festival is held in Manali every year in the month of May. This festival is a very good opportunity to experience the cultural heritage. The deities from villages are dolled up and carried to the temple in an enthusiastic manner while the local artists perform traditional dances. A carnival for small children is also organized.

Around Manali:
Vashist, a small village, is at a distance of only three kilometers from Manali. This village has amazing views around and a hot mineral spring where you can take a dip and lose all the tiredness. Another interesting place nearby is Solang, where the snow covered valleys with several waterfalls offers several trekking opportunities. Rohtang pass is another extremely commended place for a day trip. You can hire a cab from Manali to visit these nearby places. The views are unbelievable with amazing glaciers, deep valleys, the snow covered Himalayas. Warm coats and boots advised! 

Places to stay in Manali: Manali has some amazing luxury resorts and hotels. There are plenty of hotels and motels of all kinds to suit ones pockets. 

The history of Fatehpur Sikri feels like a fairytale. When nothing else seemed to work, the great Mogul Ruler Akbar visited this place to find and seek blessings from Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti to fulfill his wish for having a son to carry on his legacy. His efforts and prayers worked and soon he was blessed with a boy. The king named his son Salim after the Sufi saint and promised to establish a new city with magnificent architecture. Hence, the city of majestic Fatehpur Sikri came into existence on the hilly terrain at a distance of forty kilometers from Agra. For sixteen unforgettable years it was the marvel of visitors from across the globe.     

As of date, this city stands isolated. The inner structure is impeccably conserved. The walls, castles, bathes, courtrooms and lawns are still standing the way they did centuries ago. The palace complex welcomes you into a different era. Its like reliving history all over again. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is still visited by thousands of pilgrims who offer flowers as well as tie holy threads in the interlaced frames to fulfill their wish for a son.         

Structure:
Fatehpur Sikri is rightly said to be the most elegant examples of the Mughal architectures. Although the city is very old, but it is a must visit place if you are in or around Agra. It is a place where time spent is well spent. Especially the sunset from the ruins is a view to be treasured. Fatehpur Sikri is an excellent example of the apogee of Muslim as well as Hindu architecture. It is said that the Mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is a replication of the Mecca mosque and has patterns influenced by the Hindu architecture as well as the Persian architecture. The grand entrance of the mosque is called the Buland Darwaza. The Buland Darwaza was initially built in the Indian state of Gujrat and later on transported here. It is fifty four meters high. The dargah of the great sufi saint is to the north of the mosque. The construction of this dargah dates back to 1570. Several parents hoping for a child come here to seek blessings. The finest lattice work can be seen in the dargah, said to be the finest in India.      

Important Places in Fatehpur Sikri

Diwan-I-Khas: Also called the Jewel House. In this jewel house the Akbar’s best jewel experts inspected the royal treasure. This magnificent structure seems to be double storied from outside but from the inside it is a huge single chamber. It is surmounted by four cubicles and is situated in the center of the court.    

Buland Darwaza: This huge entrance was built to celebrate King Akbar’s glorious win in Gujarat. The gateway is built in marble and adorned with colored stones.

Panch mahal: The most breathtaking structure in this city is the Panch Mahal. This is a five tiered palace. The first two floors are same sized whereas, the following two are graded. There is an open pavilion on the top.  

Khwabgah: This is a pretty chamber on the first floor where the private room of Akbar once stood. This room was made such that the attendants from the harem could meet King Akbar at ease. Akbar also used this room to meet important officials and rest during afternoon. 

Anup Talao: This was the refreshment place for the king. It is said that Tansen entertained Akbar and his royal guests over here.

In the Part 1 and Part 2 of Goa Beach Guide you read about several beaches in Goa. Well that’s not all, there are some more to go.

Colva Beach
Where: This is located on Southern Goa. It is at a distance of ten kilometers from Marago and about forty kilometers from Panaji. The nearest railway station is at Marago.
What: The Colva beach is quite popular amongst the local Indian travelers. Day trippers come here in buses during the day. The locals can be found enjoying themselves at this beach during weekends. This beach is also popular amongst the religious minded because of the famous Colva church here. In the month of October the beaches is visited by thousands of pilgrims and that is when it is most crowded. In this area you will find plenty of accommodations to suit your budget with several small hotels, beach bars and shacks, food shops and simple restaurants in this area. The nightlife is quite minimal here, only few bars play in-house DJs during the night time, apart from this the beach remains silent. This beach is less popular amongst the foreigners and is more favored by the locals.

Mandrem, Morjim, and Asvem Beaches
What: The Morjim and Mandrem beaches are the most isolated beaches of all with very few of none visitors. They have very few facilities and no exciting activities to attract visitors. Apart from few beach holiday resorts, makeshift places to stay and camping gear there is not much to be found at this beach. Some tourists who wish to stay for longer durations are able to rent out homes or rooms from locales at low prices. These beaches are more popular for turtles rather than tourists. The turtles are well protected here by the government. Some land in and around Asvem and Morjim has been purchased by foreigners especially Russians who wish to settle here. Those who enjoy long walks must hike from Mandrem to Arambol and the other way around.    

Palolem
Where: It is situated in South Goa, at a distance of forty kilometers from Marago and seventy kilometers from the capital of Goa. The nearest railway station is at Marago.
What: The Palolem Beach is a semicircular beach with beautiful view lined with shady palms and clean soft sandy beaches. It has been a backpacker’s paradise since the day it was discovered. With every passing year this beach welcomes more and more travelers. The absence of any lasting structure on this beach is what makes it a backpacker’s delight. Staying on this beach in a rented coco hut which has to be rebuilt every year is an heavenly experience. Hotels and resorts can be found a short distance away from this beach. The southern side of this beach is where the night scene happens.     

Patnem
Where: It is located in Southern Goa at a distance of about forty five kilometers from Marago and seventy kilometers from the capital of Goa. The nearest railway station is at Marago and the local station is at Canacona.
What: It is just a twenty minute walk from the quiet Palolem Beach, but it is quieter than Palolem. This beach, housed between two cliffs, is a very nice place to stay. For the nightlife you can simply walk to Palolem. You can stay in a graceful hut here which comes with attached washrooms.

As promised here is the second part of Goa Beach Guide. You can read the Goa Beach Guide first part here.

Baga and Calangute
Where: It is located on the north Goa, hardly nine kilometers away from Mapusa and sixteen kilometers from Panaji. The nearest railway station is at Thivim.
What: This beach is the most popular beach in Goa and highly commercial too. At any day you will find rows of foreigners lazing on a beach chair getting the perfect tan and Indians roaming here and there in a carefree manner. Baga beach and Calangute beach are kind of Siamese twins; it’s hard to tell where one ends and where the other begins. Baga beach is slightly more peaceful and more developed and organized than Calangute. If you are a water sport freak then you will have an amazing time on these beaches. There are several sophisticated and high class restaurants around these beaches where you can enjoy fine dining and exclusive wines. Baga beach has an exciting nightlife with famous clubs like Tito and Mambo. These beaches are quite awake at night and safe as well, but that does not mean you go roaming alone.      

Benaulim
Where: Located in southern Goa. It is at a distance of seven kilometers from Marago and forty kilometers from Panaji. The closest railway station is at Marago.
What: Benaulim Beach is very close to Colva Beach, but it is no way similar to the latter. It is popularly known for the fishing activities. It is a very pretty and relaxing beach. Water sports are plentiful here with Dolphin sightseeing. Do not expect any crazy night scene. The only month when it gets really crowded is in December as that’s when the other beaches are also over booked. The south end of this beach is serene and peaceful. 

Candolim
Where: Located in North Goa. It is at a distance of mere ten kilometers from Mapusa and thirteen kilometers from Panaji. The nearest railway station is at Thivim.
What: Candolim is a long stretchy beach surrounded with simple and neat bars or shacks. It is comparatively cleaner than the other beaches with peaceful days and rocking night life. It is a nice alternative to the highly crowded beaches like Baga and Calangute. Here you will find several yummy food joints and fashionable nightlife, which includes Butter at Sinquerim. This place remains open till wee hours of the morning and boasts of several best DJs performances over the years. This beach neighbors Aguada Fort, which has a beautiful view from the top. A tip: do not go to the fort at night, the steep climb up the hill is quite slippery and highly risky.

Chapora and Vagator beach
Where: These beaches are located in North Goa at a distance of ten kilometers from Mapusa and twenty kilometers from Panaji. Nearest railway station is at Thivim. 
What: Vagator Beach is the hub of Goa’s trance parties. The location of the beach itself is so intriguing. The beach is situated at the base of a steep cliff in Goa, it is separated in three parts known as Big Vagtor (prime beach stretch), Little Vagator and Ozran. The Disco Valley is situated close by. Many tourists stay at Vagator beach for longer durations. The accommodations are not on the beach rather they are inland.