Pernem

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.

27 kms. north of Panjim, is this small, colourful village of Hindu temples which is also the capital of the Northernmost province of Goa, Pernem.

The National Highway also passes through this village. The festival of Dussera which occurs almost in October each year is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals staying.

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.

Shri Bhagwati Temple
Situated off the main road at Pernem is this 500 year old temple. On either side of the entrance are two lifesize stone elephants. The statue of Goddess Bhagwati inside is carved from black basalt.

Tiracol Fort
14 kms. west of Pernem and to the extreme north of Goa is the Tiracol Fort that belongs to the 18th century and inside it is a small chapel dedicated to St. Anthony. Currently it has been converted into a hotel run by the State Tourism Department.

Alorna fort
This fort is located inland, on the banks of the Chapora River to defend against the Maratha attacks from the north. However, all that remains of it is the ruins.

Arambol Beach
Difficult to access, clean, palmfringed, where eyes can see nothing but sand and sea around, Arambol is the most beautiful beach in Goa. 1 km inland from the beach is Arambol village but does not have many accommodation facilities.

Mandrem and Morgim Beach
Lying to the south of Arambol is another favourite of beach lovers.

Getting 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.

Hotels & Accomodation
The 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 Cities
Mapusa: 32-km
Vasco-da-Gama: 34-km
Panjim: 44-km

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