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Pernem And The Far North
Sandwiched between the Chapora
and Arondem rivers, the predominantly Hindu Taluka of Pernem --in the
Novas Conquistas area - is Goa's northernmost
district and one of its least explored regions.
A Coastal Attraction
Apart from the fishing village of Arambol,
which attracts a trickle of backpackers seeking a rustic alternative to
the resorts south of the river Chapora, the beautiful Pernem coastline of
long sandy beaches, lagoons and coconut plantations has few settlements
equipped to cope with visitors. However, the picturesque, if bumpy,
journey north from Arambol to
Terekol fort, on the
Maharashtrian border, provides ample incentive to spend a day away from
the beach.
HOW
TO GET THERE Boat: Heading to Pernem from
Anjuna,
Vagator, or
Chapora, one has to travel
a few kilometres inland to pick up the Main Calangute Road, as it runs
north over a low ridge of laterite hills, to the river crossing at Siolim.
Boatmen sometimes paddle tourists over the estuary from Chapora too,
although their dugouts are unstable when laden with passengers and they
can't carry motorbikes. The two car ferries that chug back and forth
across the river from the ramp at Siolim remain the only dependable link,
and one of the high points of the journey north.
Once across the river, head straight on until one reaches a fork in the
road, where a sign to "Harmal/Terekol" marks the quick route to
Arambol.
PLACES TO STAYThe nearest accommodation area from Pernem is Arambol, where tourist resorts are available at resonable rates. For better accommodation options check out the hotels at the nearby cities of Mapusa, Vasco and Panjim.
NEARBY CITIESMapusa: 32-km
Vasco-da-Gama: 34-km
Panjim: 44-km
