SRIDHAR D IYER
A walk along Goa’s 105-km long coast that overlooks the vast Arabian Sea is a treat indeed for trekkers and tourists. It cannot be done in one go, nonetheless.
It would, in all probability, take over three to four days since the terrain may not be entirely accessible, or in the very least would prove challenging to tackle.
The captivating landscape has been shaped by millions of years of evolution and has influenced Goa’s history, climate and economy as it has changed. One need not be a geologist or a geographer to marvel at the various geomorphic features Goa has to offer.
The 3,702 sq km area of Goa broadly has three geomorphological regions.
Through the geological times, the coastline had submerged and emerged.
In the east are the mighty Western Ghats/Sahyadri, in the west is the coastline from Keri (Pernem Taluka) in the north to Polem (Quepem Taluka) in the south, and between these two areas are rolling hills and plains.
Through the geological times, the coastline had submerged and emerged. The former is evident from drowned river valleys (ria) present at the river mouth ie, where a river meets the sea.
For example, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Talpona, Galgibag and Sinkeri.
The emergent coastline occurs as terraces of a few metres in height along the river banks. Beach ridges and beach rocks (Anjuna and Polem) indicate ancient shorelines which are now exposed due to sea-level changes.
There are several lateritic mesas (flat-top mountains) and plateaus that have a gentle slope and are 40 to 100 m above the mean sea-level. The flora and fauna of these features are unique and would interest nature lovers.
Do not miss the sea caves at the base of the cliffs at Baga.
Cliffs, headlands and promontories at Terekhol, Chapora, Vagator, Harmal, Anjuna, Aguada, Dona Paula, Cabo de Rama and Mormugao provide an awe-inspiring view of the countryside and the Arabian Sea.
Do not miss the sea caves at the base of the cliffs at Baga. Marvel at the sea arches (eroded pillars of rocks) that are exposed during low tide at Sinquerim, Harmal and Chapora.
Walk on the basaltic dykes along the Aguada and Anjuna beaches. The dykes were emplaced during the Deccan volcanism ie, 66 million years ago, the time when dinosaurs were becoming extinct!
At Canacona (South Goa) are Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite which are the oldest rocks on the earth! These are about 3 billion years old while the universe is 4.5 billion years!
Trekkers will observe that sandy beaches make up over 70 km of the 105-km long coastline and are 30-200 m wide.
BEACHES AND SANDS
Trekkers will observe that sandy beaches make up over 70 km of the 105-km long coastline and are 30-200 m wide. The beaches are arc to semi-arc shaped (Sinquerim and Miramar), straight (Colva) and as coves (Dias Beach at Dona Paula).
At the rivers’ mouth sand bars form because of deposition of eroded and transported sediments from the hinterland. Sand bars are present at Miramar, Mobor and Betul beaches. Sand bars are dangerous as these obstruct shipping and fishing vessels.
One can come across sand spits, which are linearly deposited sediments attached at one end to the coast.
The hook-shaped spits form when currents flowing southwards and parallel to the coast deposit the transported sediments. Spits occur at Terekhol, Calangute, Harmal, Keri and Morjim beaches.
The beach sands are mostly white, but at places may lean towards black due to certain dark coloured minerals that are of industrial use and economically beneficial.
The beach sands are mostly white, but at places may lean towards black due to certain dark coloured minerals that are of industrial use and economically beneficial.
Such sands are along Keri, Harmal, Morjim, Vagator, Polem and Canaguinim beaches and their quantity changes before, during and after monsoon.
Sand dunes are the result of deposition of sand from waves and wind. They are the first lines of defense against the fury of the sea. The dunes are stabilised by vegetation that host endemic and exotic flora and fauna.
Dunes are present at Sinquerim, Calangute, Baga, Morjim and Harmal (North Goa) and from Betul to Cansaulim (South Goa). When compared to some few decades back, several dunes have disappeared thanks to tourism-related activities and rampant construction.
Admire the islands of Pikene, Grande, Kambariam, St Jacinto, St George and Kanko.
ISLANDS
During the trek, admire the several offshore islands which are detached parts of the mainland. Admire the islands of Pikene, Grande, Kambariam, St Jacinto, St George and Kanko.
Goa’s geomorphic features, which are a combination of rocks and sediments, are congenial sites for corals, reef fishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sponges, jelly fishes and many more. One can take a leisurely stroll here and observe nature in all her glory.
TIPS FOR TREKKERS
Professional trekkers would know how to prepare themselves, but novices need to take precautions. The best months to trek are between November and March, when the weather is pleasant. Avoid trekking during monsoon.
Start early in the morning to cover as much distance as possible before noon. Wear anti-skid boots that will help to walk on loose lateritic granules along hill slopes and on rocks. Carry adequate water and nourishment and clean up after yourself.
Stay safe while taking pictures and videos to create memories.
Stay safe while taking pictures and videos to create memories. Do not risk your life by standing on rocks with the roaring sea waves behind you! If you are tired or do not want to continue a stretch of the trek, it is better to return. In Goa, coastal villages and roads are accessible from the trekking sites.
The next time someone yells “Go, take a hike” at you, follow their advice, come and walk the stunning landscape of Goa!