Main Info
“Home of the Olive Ridley Turtles”
Morjim Beach, Goa Overview
Morjim is among the most peaceful and tranquiul North Goan Beaches. It is situated towards the southern side of Ashwem Beach. The beach is the favourite nesting place for the Olive Ridley Turtles. Thus, the moniker (nick name) viz., Turtle Beach is well earned by the Morjim Beach.
Olive Ridley Turtles’ nesting season begins in September. However, at times, it might be delayed till January lasting till March. Morjim is among one of the three beaches on the Goan coastline that are used as the nesting sites by the endangered species of the Olive Ridley Turtles. The other two nesting sites are Agonda and the Galgibaga beach in the South Goa. Thus, the nesting season attracts the tourists who are fond of watching the turtles.
But, there is the flipside of the picture as well. As already said above, the Olive Ridley Turtle species is an endangered one. Thus the parties and shacks are banned so that the beach is well protected, and so are the Olive Ridley Turtles. Moreover even the few shacks that do exist are far off the beach and there is no loud music!
The beach is highly popular among the foreign tourists specifically the Russians so much so that it is called ‘Little Russia’. A huge number of Russians visit the Morjim Beach and usually extend their stay longer than a month! Thus, you would notice a number of shops with signboards specifically Russian signifying Russian cuisine etc.
The protective measures observed for the sake of the Olive Ridley Turtles have also served to keep the beach unpolluted and uncorrupted. There are large stretches of sand. Besides, the entire front of the beach looks pristinely beautiful!
However, you will enjoy your share of the fun as well. Though at a distance, there are shacks and restaurants that not only provide highly qualitative and delicious cuisine, but a beautiful ambience as well. You may have a nice time over there enjoying drinks and food.
The visitors may also enjoy a few dips in the sea. You may spend your days at the seaside with beer or shop on the streets by the beach. And the shallow depths of the waters also allow an exciting time for the kite surfers as well.
There are several places at the Morjim Beach that are a must visit. These include Lazy Dog Cafe, Beach Street, The Rice Mill, and La Plage. Besides, there are a number of eateries that offer fine cuisine and you can have an unforgettable nice time over there.
More on Morjim Beach
Olive Ridley Turtles at Morjim Beach
As already said above, the Olive Ridley Turtles being an endangered species are the protected animals. The beach is a well-known nesting ground for the turtles. The Indian Law protects them under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Only 5 of the turtle nests were traced initially in the 1997’s. They were provided protection on the beach. The number soon shot up to 8 in 1998. There was a remarkable increase in the number of nests in 2000, hitting a 32! Apart from the efforts made by the government, the local fishermen also co-operated and saw to it that no harm comes to the endangered species! It provides a highly innocent pleasure looking at the turtles enjoying themselves. Most of the tourists love to get themselves clicked with beautiful little beings!
Food at Morjim Beach
As already stated earlier, the beached is visited frequently by a number of the Russians. The eateries usually provide lip smacking Goan as well as Russian cuisine. You will discover for yourself that you may enjoy Sorpotel and Cafreal as much as Shakshuka and Broscht.
There are a number of small restaurants where you will not only get the seafood, but would be able to enjoy various other options as well including local and various other types of Indian cuisine as well. There are several places at the Morjim beach that would save a lot of your time as the service is instant. These include Bora Bora, Plannet Bollywood, HakunaMatata, Glavfish, La Plage, Dunes, Lazy Dog, Beach Street …… the list is a long long long one……
Things to do at Morjim Beach
Two of the temples at the Morjim Beach are highly famous. Shri Moraji Temple is among most beautiful of the temples and is a must visit. It is dedicated to one of the 7 sisters who are known to have come to Goa with a brother of theirs. All of the sisters settled in different Goan regions. The Goddess, Shri Morjai to whom the temple is dedicated witnesses large crowds during the holidays and the festive season. There is also Shri Bhagavati Temple, located at Mandrem. The highly famous temple is quite near the beach.
Best Time to Visit Morjim Beach
If you are an animal lover, you may visit the beach when it is the nesting time for the Olive Ridley Turtles. The beach becomes a lively site with diverse marine life activity. Apart from the turtles, you may enjoy a rich site of the marine fauna.
In case the festivities interest you more, visit the beach during the Christmas and New Year season. Apart from the cheerful festive revelries of the locals, the beautiful winter will also give you a reason to smile.
Tips for Visiting Morjim Beach
1 The visit may be a little heavy on your pocket. As the Russians form the majority of the tourists, the prices for taxis, food at restaurants, as well as accommodation and meals at various hotels are quite high.
2. The ATMs can’t be traced very frequently. But do not carry too much of cash either for doing so might not be safe.
3. Do not litter on the beach or make it dirty by any means at all. Remember, the beach is home to the Olive Ridley Turtles. Besides, it is an area protected by the Indian Law for the sake of the endangered species.
Shopping At Morjim Beach
The markets sell the usual stuff as is available at most of the Goan markets. However, if you feel like picking up Indian Spices, jewellery, or Chai, you will always be able to locate a shop for the same at the street corners.
How to Reach Morjim Beach? It is one of the northernmost beaches at the Goan coastline. It is 13 km from Mapusa and can be reached easily on the bike. The Duler – Marna – Siolim Road to Morjim is a highly convenient one. But if you follow Arambol, Ashwem, Morjim route, it is advisable to take Querim – Arambol – Agarwada Road. It would charge almost INR 400 if you hire a taxi or cab from Mapusa. But a hired two wheeler makes it the easiest to reach Goa as far as economy goes and even otherwise!