According to Baglib, Majorda is the name of an Indian village and the name of an entire region in South Goa. It is a 30-kilometer strip of amazing beaches, framed by the greenery of palm groves and nestled between Mobor and Velsao. Majorda is considered to be one of the best holiday destinations in India.
It is here that those who are sincerely in love with this country go, but are looking for a calm, measured beach holiday. Here the Arabian Sea is especially gentle and transparent, and fine sand looks like placers of white gold. Tourists are drawn here by the bays with postcard views and scarlet sunsets, the opportunity to feast on seafood delicacies and discover that the Catholic Church and the Hindu temple easily become good neighbors.
The beaches of Majorda
The Majorda region includes several beaches – Utorda, Majorda itself, and part of the beaches of Sunset and Colva. All of them are public, which means they have both pluses and minuses. Among the positive aspects – free admission, among the negative – crowded. So privacy should be sought away from the center. Sun loungers and umbrellas are owned by numerous cafes (shacks), to get access to them, it is enough to make an easy order (100 INR). Hotels, as a rule, provide their guests with sunbeds, umbrellas and towels for free.
The beaches of Majorda are constantly “inspected” by crows, cows and stray dogs, which, however, are not aggressive.
All beaches are covered with fine yellowish-white sand and framed by the greenery of palm groves. The entrance to the water is gentle, which will undoubtedly please those who go on vacation with children. Adults will not be bored either: walking on the sea, water skiing and yachting, parasailing, beach volleyball. The waters of the Arabian Sea are teeming with colorful wildlife that you can admire while snorkeling or catch while going fishing. And in the evenings, noisy discos with fire shows open for tourists.
Shopping and souvenirs
There are few large shopping centers in Majorda, but there are more than enough tiny colorful shops. The sellers in them desperately increase prices by 2-3 times, the bolder tourists are just as desperately bargaining – and spices, incense, tea, local cosmetics, figurines of elephants and deities, charming trinkets made of sandalwood and silk, famous Kashmir products are brought home in suitcases.
For more serious shopping, they go to the Margao Central Market (15 minutes drive from Majorda) and Panaji (about 30 minutes drive) – there are large shopping centers and boutiques of popular world brands with quite attractive prices.
As an exclusive from Majorda, you should bring handmade silver jewelry and rum, which India is famous for, Himalaya Ayurvedic cosmetics (here it costs mere pennies), mantra discs, a bamboo flute, famous Goan carpets and fabric lamps.
Many shacks have Russian names – “At Kolya”, “At Sasha”, “At Albert”, etc. The most admiring reviews invariably receive “Kamron” (“Kolya-Kamron”) and “Mishmar”.
Cafes and restaurants in Majorda
Neither a convinced vegetarian, nor a fan of European cuisine, nor a lover of real burning Indian dishes will leave Majorda hungry. True, there are few classic restaurants here, many work at hotels. Much more popular are local cafes – shacks, located along the coastline.
In the mornings, when the fishermen return with a fresh catch, you can choose your own marine life to your taste (crabs, lobsters, shrimp, lobsters, fish), and after that it will be cooked according to all Indian science (the chef will definitely specify whether to put a lot of spices). You will have to pay about 200-250 INR for this pleasure, and the average check for a full lunch-dinner for two will be 900-1000 INR. Be sure to ask for “naan” – traditional Indian cakes with cheese and garlic or the thinnest pita bread – to be served with the dishes.
Real gourmets in Majorda are ready to surprise with shark dishes, monkfish and other underwater inhabitants. A quick and easy snack can be found in small markets and stalls, where prices start from 50 INR. The assortment includes local fruits (mango, papaya, kiwi, bananas, pineapples) and juices (be sure to try the cane drink), as well as all kinds of fast food – from burgers to curry chicken.
In earlier times, the Jesuits discovered that the sap of the local coconut trees was an excellent starter for dough, which is why local bakers are still considered consummate bakers. By the way, “feni” is made from palm juice – coconut vodka.
Entertainment and attractions in Majorda
The main thing you should go to Majorda for is relaxation. And here everyone understands it in their own way. Some, in search of relaxation, join yoga marathons or plunge into meditation right on the beach, and then contemplate the scarlet sunset. Others go to rest their thoughts and kneel at the Catholic Church of Our Lady, built in Majorda in 1588 (Dongorim, 403713).
Still others are filled with strength, inhaling the aroma of incense in the Hindu temple of the Great Mother (Calata, 403713).
For relaxation, tourists flock to the numerous spas and Ayurvedic massage rooms: it is considered good form for hotels to have them in their list of services. The price of one session is from 1500 INR, massage is a little cheaper on the beach. Boat trips and fishing are popular. And of course, tourists do not miss the opportunity to have fun at beach discos, as well as in bars and even casinos. Fireworks parties are held here several times a week, although South Goa is far from the party glory of North Goa.
On excursions, the closest thing to go to Margao. Here are the mysterious Pandava caves, carved into the rocks in the 5th-6th centuries AD. e. (Martin Dias Rd, 403601), Monte Chapel with impressive views of the city and surroundings (Monte Hill Complex, Padre Miranda Rd, Monte Hill, 403601), and Ganesha Siddhivinayak Temple (Gogol Housing Board, 403601).
Weather
Majorda has a subtropical climate, so the best time to travel here is from October to March (but you can go in September and May). The peak of precipitation falls in June-July, from June to September the rainy season lasts – showers begin and go all day long, monsoons blow, giving a strong wave to the sea. The Arabian Sea itself remains warm all year round. As for the sun, in Majorda it is very active, so the use of sunscreen is mandatory.
