Goa [4K] Tourist Spots 2022 | Japanese Garden, Baina Beach, Pilot View Point |

BAINA BEACH:
With Zuari Nagar hills on its right and Dabolim plateau to its left, Baina Beach is situated at a perfect location, boasting of natural charm and unparalleled beauty. Just a km away from the city, this beach is in port town of Mormugao, Vasco.

Baina Beach is known for the suitable conditions and facilities that it offers, aiding a wide array of water sports. It is also popular for cultural programs. Once here, you can pamper yourself with Ayurvedic massages, which are quite famous here. Swimming here is also quite popular amongst adventure lovers, apart from various other water sports.

This beach also makes for an interesting shopping spots. Tourists can take home various kinds of souvenirs such as traditional Goan handicrafts, shell jewelry, terracotta, brass-ware, clothes, bags, etc. The areas nearby are also worth exploring. Japanese Garden, Pilot Point at Headland Sada are a few of the tourist spots.

Reaching baina beach is quite easy as the beach is well connected to rest of the Goa. There are regular buses from Panaji and other cities via Vasco. From Vasco and Mormugao, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to Baina.
This beach did not gain much popularity amongst tourists until 2004 as there was a red light around this place. As per the orders of the High Court, the then chief minister Shri Manohar Parrikar got the area cleared in the month of June 2004. Various rehabilitation opportunities was also offered to the affected people.

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JAPANESE GARDEN:
Located on top of a cliff overlooking the sea, this spot is popularly known as the Japanese Garden, With an island view as well as a narrow winding path leading down to the beach, this is one sunset spot you should bookmark.

What Makes It Awesome
An uninterrupted view of the Arabian sea and the virgin beach below, cool breeze and an ideal spot to slow down  — the Japanese Garden is one of Vasco’s best-kept secrets. Located at a distance of only about 3km from the Vasco Railway station, you can easily walk here (though remember that it’s an uphill climb), or get onto one of the local buses which go to Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) colony, or you can hire a rickshaw or a two-wheeler pilot to take you there.

Once you are on the clifftop, you’ll notice how serene and secluded the spot is. The Japanese Garden is mostly only frequented by couples and locals who come here for the spectacular sunset views. Several ornamental plants, rose bushes and palm trees frame the garden, making it perfect for an evening stroll, but it is the sea-views from the walkway at the edge of the cliff that will make your visit a memorable one.

A series of steep steps within the walls of the ruins will lead you all the way down to sand — once here you’ll notice a small arch (where, according to folklore, a grandmother used to sit waiting for her sons to return from the sea). You can cross over and head out to the beach from here. The tiny crescent beach is mostly empty, so, if you want a near-solitary beach to yourself in early mornings or for those perfect sunsets, this should definitely be on your next Goa itinerary.
If you want to make a day out of it, visit right before sunset — the sight of the sun setting in the horizon over the azure stretch of the undisturbed Arabian Sea is nothing short of spectacular.

Pro-Tip
There are no shacks, hotels or restaurants close to the beach. Just a lone guy selling tender coconuts to visitors visiting the garden. So if you’re planning to spend time there, carry your own food and drinks but be sure to carry your trash back.

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PILOT VIEW POINT:
To enjoy the calmness away from
crowded beach parties of Goa, you need to climb the Pilot Point located atop a small hillock and offering mesmerizing views of Mormugao Port and its natural harbour. It is an open space with some concrete work, promising some great moments close to the nature’s splendour. One can enjoy the postcard perfect views of the Arabian Sea, Zuari River and ships lined up at the harbour.

Arrays of coconut groves also contribute towards the eye-pleasing backdrop at the Pilot Point. It is also a treat to watch the entire city of Vasco Da Gama from here. Small benches have been placed here for the tourists to sit and relax and enjoy the enticing sights. Located nearby are some other must-visit attractions like Mormugao Fort ruins, Dripping Springs and Japanese Garden. Miss the place during monsoons as the surface becomes slippery and risky to walk on.

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