Things to do

Sunbathing

As Goa’s largest beach, Keri Beach offers a wonderful expanse of silken sand to explore. The white sandy beach here is often uncrowded, and is quite clean, making it an ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy an afternoon of peaceful lounging.

Fort Tiracol

Across the riverbank, Fort Tiracol perches on the hillside overlooking Keri Beach. This historic fort (also known as Terekhol Fort), is located on the very northern tip of Goa and was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi. The fort was eventually conquered and expanded by Portuguese rulers and served as a strategic hold of Portuguese maritime defenses. Over its long history, the fort became the site of a rebel stronghold as well as a symbolic site to freedom fighters from Goa who protested against Portuguese rule. Today, Fort Tiracol has been transformed into a heritage hotel with beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and of Keri Beach. The historic hotel offers peaceful accommodation with modern amenities and services, as well as a delightful on-site restaurant and lounge. Guests can also admire the scenic 17th-century church located in the fort’s courtyard. Visitors can reach Terekol via a ferry service that operates every 30 minutes, except at low tide.

Sunset walks

One of the visitors’ favorite things to do at Keri Beach is to enjoy the view at sunset. As the day’s last rays color the sky, admire the scenic views by walking along the beach’s soft sands.

What to eat

Beach shacks

Unlike some of the more populated beaches, there aren’t many restaurant options available on Keri Beach. However, there are a few beach shacks selling food on both ends of the beach.

Tavern at Fort Tiracol

Across the Tiracol River on the north side of Keri Beach, visitors can check out Fort Tiracol and enjoy a meal in the hotel’s on-site restaurant, bar, and lounge, Tavern. At Tavern, guests can dine on a delightful meal that fuses influences from Portuguese, Goan, and Indian cuisine. The meals here are hand-crafted with the best of seasonal ingredients, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes traditional favorites and Portuguese-style “petiscos,” or small snacks like Spanish tapas, with options like fresh fillets of fish, pasta dishes, hearty meat entrees, or “The Board” which overflows with a sampling of cheeses, olives, bread, and vegetables. In the evening, guests can enjoy cocktails, wine, and glasses of liquor on the verandah bar. There are 16 seats in the dining room, and 24 seats on the picturesque verandah that overlooks the historic courtyard as well as Keri Beach. The restaurant is open year-round.

Garden Cafe at Fort Tiracol

Fort Tiracol also offers the Garden Café for al fresco dining options. This charming eatery serves snacks, delicatessen options, and pastries, and offers patio seating overlooking the Bay of Tiracol. Sit back with a hot drink or fresh, seasonal juice, and take in the view as you munch on items like vegetarian sandwiches, Goan fish curry, or yellow dal tadka with rice. The Garden Café is closed from June through October.

Traveler tips

Due to its secluded location, there aren’t many stores or vendors nearby. As such, make sure to bring anything you’ll want along with you for the day, including beach towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You can also bring food with you, and enjoy a lovely picnic on Keri Beach’s quiet shores.

How to get there

Located to the north of popular Arambol Beach, Keri Beach can be accessed by car, motorbike, scooter, and ferry.

By car, motorbike, or scooter

Keri Beach can also be accessed by private vehicle, but there is not much public parking available near the beach. To reach the beach, visitors can follow the route north from Arambol Beach, following signs for Keri Beach. Visitors can take the ferry across the river and park at Fort Tiracol, then take the ferry back across to the beach.

By ferry

A ferry service runs between Terekol and Keri Beach every 30 minutes, except at low tide. The ferry is free and carries both passengers and vehicles.

Keri Beach information

Keri Beach

Address: Keri (Querim) Beach, Noth Goa, Goa 403519

Department of tourism: Visit Goa