Morjim Beach, North Goa (Ashvem) - Little Russia of Goa

"Home of the Olive Ridley Turtles"

Morjim Beach, Goa Overview

Morjim Beach is one of the most tranquil beaches of North Goa. Located a little south of Aswem beach, it serves as a nesting habitat for Olive Ridley Turtles. This earns Morjim Beach another moniker, namely the Turtle Beach. The 3km long beach is ideal for a long walk and relishing the sunset view. Tourists mostly visit Morjim Beach to spend a lazy afternoon at the beach shacks and sunbeds.

Morjim Beach is also locally known as 'Little Russia' as a significant number of Russians visit the area and make it a point to stay here for more than a month. Consequently, the place is full of Russian signboards and shops that sell Russian cuisine. Some of the popular activities at Morjim Beach are water sports activities, dolphin sightings, diving with the seagulls and kite flying.

Olive Ridley Turtles at Morjim Beach

Morjim beach is famous for being the nesting place of the Olive Ridley turtles, which are an endangered species and are thus protected under the Indian law through their inclusion in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Initially, in the 1997's, only five turtle nests were located and protected at the beach. The number then increased to eight in the year 1998, and then to 32 in 2000; thanks to the consistent efforts of the government as well as the local fishermen. It is indeed a memorable sight to watch these little turtles enjoying themselves and to click pictures with them.

Food at Morjim Beach

Since a large number of Russians inhabit and visit Morjim Beach and the surrounding areas, the local eateries sell lip-smacking Russian cuisine along with the local Goan food. You can enjoy the Shakshuka and Broscht just as much as the Sorpotel and Cafreal here. There are many small restaurants at the beach where you can try seafood as well as meals from local, Indian and other cuisines. The most famous places to have a quick bite in Morjim are Hakuna Matata, Bora Bora, Glavfish, Plannet Bollywood, La Plage, Lazy Dog, Dunes, Beach Street and many more.

How To Reach Morjim Beach

Morjim Beach is among the northernmost beaches on the Goa coastline. Around 13 km away from Mapusa, the easiest way to reach Morjim is on a bike. If you are coming from Mapusa, take the Duler - Marna - Siolim Road to reach Morjim. However, if you are traversing the Arambol, Ashwem, Morjim route, it is easiest to reach Morjim via the Querim - Arambol - Agarwada Road. If you hire a cab or a taxi from Mapusa, the fare to Morjim would cost you around INR 400. However, the easiest way to travel in Goa is definitely on hired two-wheelers, which work out to a much cheaper cost.