Drive or take a canoe ride across the river to one of Goa’s most secluded beaches, untouched by excesses of tourism. Quiet, serene and clean, the beach is across from the property, and is the southernmost point of the 27-km stretch of beaches that begins in the port city of Vasco da Gama and ends at the confluence of the Sal River and the Arabian Sea. Betul beach’s white sandy shores, which remain secluded throughout the year, are adorned with rocky structures and many palm and casurina trees. Stand on the big sand bar at the confluence to see the unique site of the river on one side and sea on the other.
Immediately north of Betul is the Mobor beach, followed by the popular Cavelossim beach with beach shacks and trendy restaurants.
Immediately north of Betul is the Mobor beach, followed by the popular Cavelossim beach with beach shacks and trendy restaurants.
Ask the Neemrana team to organise a boat or car to spend the day or picnic at Canaguinim beach that is situated to the south of the Betul beach. The beach has a low wall around it and also has some rocks and a river inlet at the end. It is a sandy and stony beach. Near the Canaguinim beach one can find a number of smaller Goan beaches. Before reaching Canaguinim one comes across a beach called Zorint beach that can be reached from a fresh water stream via a small valley situated to the south of a stony plateau. After the Canaguinim beach is the small and beautiful Nuvem beach that is a tiny beach which has red and black stones. Butterfly Beach, is another very private beach near Neemrana’s Three Waters. As the name suggests, Butterfly beach is the abode of numerous beautiful butterflies. But what the name doesn't tell us is that during low tides, when the seashore widens, the beach is littered with crabs and goldfishes. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and even redfish are common sights here. Cola beach or ‘Khola’ beach is another remote beach suitable for those seeking a lovely place for complete peace and relaxation. It's a completely unspoilt beach that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and it is also much cleaner and quieter than the better known Goa beaches.
Churches in Goa are a testament to Goa’s long tryst with the Portuguese. There are quite a few churches near Betul Beach, for an architecture or history buff. The Holy Cross Chapel on Baradi Hill is about a 10 minutes drive from Neemrana’s Three Waters. Enveloped in the lush greenery of paddy fields and thick coconut groves and with breathtaking views of the ocean, the chapel and its miraculous vibrancy create a mystical atmosphere. From this point, you can see the River Sal flow across the mainland to cut a broad swath before finally flowing down the sea. Other churches to visit are St. Francis Xavier, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and St. Sebastian Church.
Just beyond the Betul village on the east, past the small Holy Cross chapel, a lighthouse rises sharply on top of a small hill. Painted red with bright white stripes, the lighthouse is a coastal landmark in South Goa. Climb the top of the hill for some panoramic views of the coast on one breathtaking side and verdant greenery on the other and if you visit in the evening you will experience a sunset.
Take an evening boat cruise as the sun sinks down the horizon over the Sal River. Experience an all-inclusive package with a barbeque, drinks, music and a meal while you enjoy the river breeze, lush greenery and the slow-moving river and catch a glimpse of Goa’s treasured fauna, over the sky and in the river.
Take a day boat cruise to explore the backwaters of the river Sal and discover Goa’s lesser-known terrains, including the island with fruit bats and saltpans.
Take a day boat cruise to explore the backwaters of the river Sal and discover Goa’s lesser-known terrains, including the island with fruit bats and saltpans.
Just about 100 metres from Neemrana’s Three Waters are ruins of the Betul Fort, on the edge of the Sal River with the sea on the other side. This small fort was erected in 1676 by the Hawaldar of Balli on the orders of Shivaji Maharaj. In fact, this fort, constructed to guard the mouth of the river was the only fort in Goa that interested this great Maratha King. However, the Portuguese took control of the fort in 1764 and held it until 1961 when Goa became a part of India. This sequestered fort on a hillock makes for a peaceful retreat and offers stunning views of the nearby beaches.
Apart from the river, several water bodies traverse this village of about 60 colourful houses. As dusk settles, children and women gather to chat, play games and enjoy their community. It is a real opportunity to experience the traditional Goan way of living where most people are still employed in fishing and boating.
The Cutbona jetty, on the banks of Sal River, is just a few kilometres from Neemrana’s Three Waters and is one of Goa’s busiest fishing harbors. Hundreds of deep-sea trawlers leave the jetty for the Arabian Sea and return with a bounty of fish. This is a great early morning trip over a couple of hours where you get to see fresh catch of a variety of species as well as see how the fish being packed, loaded into vehicles and transported to the markets.
This spring, with an inscription, ESTAÇÃO BALNEAR 1933 is one of the few sweet water springs in Goa that abuts saline waters and is just about 50 metres from Neemrana’s Three Waters. Its medicinal waters, known to relax the body and mind are frequented in summer by people from across the state.
A short drive from the south of Neemrana’s Three Waters is Cabo de Rama Fort which the Portuguese claimed after defeating the Raja (King) of Soonda and subsequently renovating it. In the past, the fort has switched hands between Hindu, Muslim monarchs and the Portuguese and had witnessed many battles in history. The present rickety structure with turrets and rusty cannons is a leftover of the Portuguese. The Portuguese equipped it with 21 guns and military barracks, as well as commandant quarters and a chapel. It was abandoned when the Portuguese left the place. Later, this fort housed a government prison till 1955 and was abandoned again. Today, this fort is in ruins but is a popular tourist attraction in Goa.
Inside the Cabo de Rama Fort, there is the church of Santo Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still used by devotees. The white church and the black fort provide a photographic picture of stark contrast. People come here to pray and just enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the fort. Cliffs drop steeply to the sea provide a panoramic outlook of the surrounding areas, at the western side of the fortress. The fort provides breath-taking views of the entire length of Colva beach and the Canacona stretch.
A short distance away from Neemrana’s Three Waters are the famous villages of Assolna, Velim, and Cuncolim which are a real treat for those who love History, and Indo-Portuguese architecture and know the village life in Goa. Assolna has a long and vast history, from Pre-Portuguese Goa, to its settlement by the Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries. A blend of cultural and historical traditions creates a colourful village with many festivals and events. This Village on the bank of the river Sal provides a uniquely Goan experience.
To experience a relaxed Goan lifestyle, this is a must-visit place for the traveller who enjoys taking in the slower pace and capturing a rare Goan scene. The village has one of the few unique churches in Goa dedicated to Our Lady of Martyrs. Built-in 1616 on the ruins of the original Portuguese Fortress that stood on the bank of the river Sal Bank. The Fortress was one of the earliest establishments of the Portuguese in Goa. If you are lucky, you may get to see the cells of one of the oldest prisons located under the Church. The Assolna village market is also popular for the Sea and Sweet water fish which makes it distinct from other village markets in Goa.
We can organise cycling and trekking trips on the winding roads that pass through the most scenic villages of South Goa for those who love trekking or cycling. The beaches and the hills near Neemrana’s Three Waters are graded as some of the best places to trek or cycle and observe mind blowing panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the coconut plantations around the place.
For those who are into angling, line fishing or trawl fishing, Betul is one of the most favourite areas for amateurs as well as professionals. For those who want to explore the deep seas, we can organise trawl fishing with all the security and fishing gadgets.
