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More than some exotic beaches, Goa is about throwing caution to the wind and soaking in the unconventional. This Ibiza of India is one of the hottest destinations for bohemian raves, which have thrown up some avant garde eateries. With a history as vast as the sea itself, the Portuguese influence can be felt everywhere in Goa, in the churches and chapels, and unbroken sun-soaked beaches. A fun-and-feni kind of place - Goa is the destination for a lazy yet freaky holiday. This is where ocean-lovers can really get their fill - surfing, yachting, swimming or simply reclining on the golden sands with a drink. Goa is just 600 km south of Mumbai, situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri ranges). |
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HOW TO REACH
By Air - Some airlines fly directly to Dabolim Airport at Goa, but most international flights arrive via Mumbai. Goa has daily flights to and from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune (no flights return to Pune) and has flights twice a week to Chennai and Cochin. There are international flights to Kuwait and Sharjah twice a week and charter flights to London and Germany.
By Train - Goa has train service from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mangalore, Ernakulam and Thiruvanantapuram. There is a daily express train service from Delhi.
By Road - From Goa you can take a sleeper bus (which allows for a good nights rest in the bus) to Hampi. There are normal buses to Mumbai (sleeper bus also available), Pune, Bangalore, Mangalore and other cities.
WHEN TO GO
Goa is full with with tourist round the years, but the September to March is the period when you can get best of Goa. That time so many activities happens like water sports, carnivals and festivals etc.
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| WHAT TO SEE |
| SOUTH GOA |
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Vasco Da Gama - Vasco, as it is called, is 29 km by road from Panjim and just 3 km from the airport at Dabolim. It is one of the key shipping ports in the west coast, with container vessels and iron ore barges in traffic. The town does not offer much of tourist interes.
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Bogmalo - Bogmalo is a small fishing village, 8 km southwest of Vasco Da Gama, with a small sandy beach that is relatively clean and comparatively uninhabited. The waters here are safe for swimming. This is one of the places in India where one can do a PADI-approved Open Water Diving Course. Other water sport facilities are also available at the beach. |
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Margao - Margao (also called Madgaon) is the capital of Salcete province and is the main town in South Goa. It is 30 km from Vasco and one of the few places where one can see the remains of Portuguese rule. The Church of the Holy Spirit, built in 1675 by the Portuguese, next to Largo de Igreja Square, is a fine example of Baroque architecture. Monte Hill offers a good view of the area. The De Silva House and the De Joao Figueiredo House are other interesting places to visit in Margoa. |
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Chandor - is an interesting village 20 km east of Margoa. The Menezes Braganza House here is owned by a family which has been living here since the 17th century. The antiques, chandeliers and stained glass windows seen here make the 20 km ride from Margoa worth your while. At the Candreswar Temple in Quepem, 15 km from Margao, it is believed that water oozes from the Shivalinga when the moonbeams fall on it on a full moon night (the temple has been designed to ensure that this happens). |
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Colva & Benaulim - The Beach Bonanza is held here on successive Sundays with live music, dancing and entertainment. Colva Beach is one of the more popular beaches in south Goa. Benaulim derives its name from the Sanskrit word 'Banali' - 'the place where the arrow landed'. Legend has it that Goa was created when Parasuram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, fired an arrow into the sea and ordered the sea to recede from where the arrow landed. Benaulim is 2 km south of Colva and 10 km west of Margoa. The beach here is tranquil and the sea is safe for swimming. |
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Varka & Cavelossim - Varka is 5 km south of Benaulim and Cavelossim is a further 7 km. The beach resorts here are a little upmarket and secluded. Further south of Colva (35 km) is an old fort at Cabo De Rama. It is believed that Lord Rama and his wife Sita had spent some time here during their exile, hence the name. |
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WHERE TO EAT
When in Goa, you must try its local cuisine that includes pork vindaloo, chicken xacuti, fish/prawn/chicken caldine, sorpotel, bebinca and balchao. The seafood is, of course, the freshest fare in the town. Megson's on June Road (alongside Moti Mahal) for some Goan food. Venite is a local favourite for its laid-back ambience, good music and superb seafood.The lobster and crab are recommended Nandan is for those who either are vegetarians or prefer something other than typical Goan cuisine. On the ground floor of the Rajdhani Hotel, it offers pure vegetarian food from all parts of India as well as some Chinese dishes. Miramar Restaurant at the Cidade de Goa Beach Resort is one of those posh, up-market restaurants where you get your food with a special helping of romance and entertainment. Dine on some delicious Indian, French or Portuguese cuisine in the candle light while listening to live Portuguese guitarists. |
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