Butterfly Beach in Goa is one that is possibly frequented more by tourists than locals. Yet, if not for social media, it would have been a paradise to the few aware of its existence.
Falling in Agonda village in the south, the road to this beach is treacherous. One needs to travel around 7 km on a mud road through forested area to reach the sands.
Those who opt for four-wheelers, have to park at a designated spot – there are parking fees of Rs 100 for four-wheelers and Rs 200 for six-wheelers – then walk 2.5 km to kiss the beach.
Going to Butterfly beach is an exercise by itself, and is not advisable for those not in the best of health as there is no proper access for ambulances, and paramedics will not be able to reach in time if need be.
“Excuse me,” says a lady as she and her friend stop on the mud road leading to the beach. “Will we be able to return on this scooty? The slope looks so steep.”
She wants to be reassured by a couple of foreigners on their way back from the beach.
As one goes to Agonda Beach, a nondescript board along the way directs guests towards Butterfly Beach. On the way, there are rooms in a place called Leopard Valley.
There is a canteen at the spot where four-wheelers and six-wheelers are parked and another at the spot where two-wheelers are stationed. Being in a forested area that kisses the sea, one has to pay to use the temporary washrooms.
There is a canteen at the two-wheeler parking bay, where snacks are available and even alcohol, though the prices make many uncomfortable. There is a key maker, and of course, a stall that sells beach-related items.
Butterfly Beach is not about the insect; it is small and the forest that descends on it looks like a V, and hence, the imagined butterfly.
Despite the obstacles on the way to the beach, it is an enchanting experience to those who make it there and back.
“It looked frightening on the way, as all along, with no one in sight, we were not sure whether we were on the right track. But, once we got there, I felt like a butterfly!” exclaimed Cindy from the United Kingdom.
“We get a lot of guests who normally come to take pictures and then, go. Once in a while, we erect tents on the beach for guests who wish to spend the night in solitude,” explains Raj as he oversees activities on the beach.
“The sea here is not very safe for swimming because of the steep gradient; but, if one takes a boat ride to the Honeymoon Beach, it is beautiful,” he assures. “The sand is smooth and hence safe to swim.”
Raj and a group of fishermen, from the village, take guests around in their canoes from Butterfly Beach to Honeymoon Beach for a fee of Rs 1,000 per trip.
“The full trip takes around 40 minutes as it involves watching a few rock carvings along the way. One can reach Honeymoon Beach only by boat as the terrain is inhospitable,” says Raj.
The sea appears calm, and for those who enjoy kayaking, the wind is just fine. “We come to this beach to kayak as, apart from these four canoes, there is no other activity around,” says Bipin as he pulls his kayak ashore.
A trip to Butterfly Beach is worth it if one comes prepared with plenty to drink, something to eat and friends to keep one busy because here, the butterfly can take no flight!