Nestled on the southern-most tip of the 27-km shoreline that runs from the city of Vasco da Gama, the Betul Beach is a pristine, isolated stretch of land which witnesses the confluence of the Sal River into the Arabian Sea. Guarded away from the prying reach of the tourists, this beach is synonymous with calm and serenity, and if you too wish to get away from the peak tourist season influx, this is the place to be!
The Secret Shoreline of Betul
If you are a sucker for panoramic views and empty beaches, South Goa’s Betul Beach would look way too good on your travel itinerary. Separated by a distance of 20.7 km from Margao, South Goa’s biggest city, this sandy shoreline is one of the most well-kept secrets of the state.
A popular fishing hamlet among the locals, this beach is hidden from the pokes of tourists and commercialisation. Most of the people who turn-up here are those adventurous souls who explore the extensions of the nearby Mobor and Cavelossim beach, located on immediate north of Betul.
Frequented by red crabs and the best of Goa’s mussels, this place is a heaven for people who are into fishing and you will also see multiple locals from the nearby Betul village coming over to catch a good quality load. The opposite shore of Sal, Goa’s most prominent river, houses the Betul Lighthouse, which is open to the public, and you can reach here to exalt in the beauty of the golden horizon, the expansive stretch of the beach, the plenty of palm and casuarina trees and the flowing river beneath. If you are lucky, you might also catch a view of visiting dolphins!
How to reach the Betul Beach
If you are reaching here from the Dabolim International Airport, you have to take up the Dabolim-Cavelossim Road and the MDR43. This route is about 39.1 km long and it might take you over an hour and a half to reach here because of the heavy traffic. If you are coming from down south, you have to take road number 41 and 46 and pass through Quitol, Velim and Assolna. From there you have to take the Assolna-Cavesssion Bridge, cross the Sal River and get on to the narrow road to reach here.
It is a little work, but trust us, it is definitely worth it!
If you are planning to visit this place, the winter months, from October to April are the best suited. The weather is pleasant, the sea is calm and you get on for a boat ride, which is not possible in the rough-choppy waters during the monsoon. As this place is usually vacant, the shacks here are temporary and remain closed during the non-tourist season and if that’s the period you are visiting here, you will not catch anything of significance.
Pro-Traveller’s Tip
These following tips will help you get an idea on how to prepare yourself before you visit Betul Beach:
- Leave well in time. This place is located in isolation and it will take time to reach here. Account for the traffic and hit the roads accordingly to enjoy a good chunk of the day here
- Most beach shacks are temporary here, so gear yourself with food, snacks and a lot of water!
- Carry sunscreen, beachwear, sunglasses and a jacket, in case it gets windy. Also do pack your camera, for this place unfolds picturesque landscapes that you need to get on a roll!
