Goa

….. Rajesh Deshpande © 2018. Based upon several personal visits to Goa, latest being in October 2018.

Destination Type – Beach. Trip Type – Leisure.

Shimmering beaches, swaying palms and turquoise waters are the quintessential elements that attract more than two million visitors to Goa’s laid back shores each year. Goa (Panaji city) is about 580 Kms south of Mumbai.

Baga beach, Goa

Goa is a popular international holiday destination. With a lineage of beaches from Keri in the north to Polem in the south, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, cathedrals, temples, forts, spice plantations, river cruises, floating casinos, carnivals and the Goan cuisine, Goa has plenty of choice for tourists.

Goa is the smallest state in the union of India with two districts viz. North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the state capital and district headquarters of North Goa. Madgaon is the district headquarters of South Goa.

Arambol beach, Goa

How to reach?

By Rail – From Mumbai, Konkan Railway has many trains to Goa. The fastest trains to Goa from Mumbai are the Dadar Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Express and the CST Karmali Tejas A/C Superfast Express. Mandovi Express is a good train for a day long journey. Konkan Kanya Express is a good train for an overnight journey to Goa. Many south bound trains such as Matsyagandha Express and Netravati Express stop at important stations in Goa. Long distance trains to metros and major cities start from Madgaon and Vasco.

By Road – From Mumbai, the national highway NH-66 (old NH-17, Panvel Kochi highway) is the old way to reach Goa, this toll free route has spectacular scenery with winding roads, ghats and greenery all the way. It takes about 12 hours to reach Goa from Mumbai through this route with 2 – 3 halts. Another option to reach Goa is the toll route of Mumbai Pune expressway till Pune connecting ahead to NH-4 passing through Katraj, Satara, Karad, Kolhapur and Nipani. Little ahead of Nipani a right turn leads to Sawantwadi in the Konkan region through the small towns of Ajara and Amboli. It takes about 10 hours to reach Goa through this route with 2 – 3 halts. Tolls on this route sum up to about Rs. 840/- till Goa including Rs. 250/- toll of Goa govt. collected from cars and tourist vehicles at entry points in to Goa (at Dirghalim and Chorla ghat). Many private and state run buses ply daily from Mumbai to Goa. Paulo, Canara Pinto, Naik, Kaloji, Neeta and the state run Kadamba buses operate daily. Recently Maharashtra’s MSRTC has started the daily Shivneri A/C Volvo service from Mumbai to Panaji.

By Air – Goa International Airport at Dabolim is the nearest Airport. Direct flights are available to Goa from all metros and major cities of India. Indigo, Spicejet, Air India, Vistara, Jet Airways operate daily flights. Air Arabia, Air Asia, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and some seasonal charters from UK, Russia and Ukraine also fly to Goa.

Where to Stay?

Being a full service tourist destination, Goa has abundance of Hotels and Resorts to choose from that can suit every pocket. Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has good hotels and resorts at all major destinations across Goa. Some popular hotels in North Goa are Belmonte (Vagator), Curlies guest house (Anjuna), Double Tree Hilton (Arpora), Keys Ronil Resort (Baga), Resort Terra Paraiso, Goan Heritage Resort, Paradise Village Beach Resort, Supreme Grande (all at Calangute), Country Inn and Suites, Victor Exotica (at Candolim) to name a few. Most of them are boutique hotels having a three star rating. The super swanks can rejoice at the many luxury hotels and resorts like Novotel (Candolim), Vivanta by Taj (Fort Aguada), Taj Holiday Village (Candolim), Cidade de Goa (Dona Paula), Goa Marriott Resort and Spa (Miramar), Grand Hyatt Goa (Bambolim) to name a few. All are five star properties. In South Goa, some popular three star or equivalent hotels are, Majorda Beach Resort (Majorda), Nanu Resort, Beleza by the Beach (both at Betalbatim), Baywatch resort (Sernabatim) to name a few. The swanky ones like Ali la Diva (Majorda), Taj Exotica Beach Resort (Benaulim), Ramada Caravella (Varca), Novotel Dona Sylvia Beach Hotel, Radisson Blue, Karma Royal Haathi Mahal, Holiday Inn Resort (all at Cavelossim) and The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort (Rajbag) are five star hotels.

Almost every hotel in Goa has package deals which include Airport or Railway station transfers, accommodation in well-appointed rooms, meals as per plan, half or full day sight-seeing and free use of resort facilities like swimming pool, gymnasium and Wi-Fi connectivity. The swanky hotels have multi cuisine restobars, Spa and Ayurvedic treatments, discotheques and live performances. Typically, a 3 nights, 4 days package turns out to be economical.

Tip – if the purpose of visiting Goa is a laid back holiday and if most of the time is to be spent in the resort or on the beach, it’s wise to opt for a swanky resort with MAP (breakfast and dinner) or AP (all meals) meal plan. But if the holiday idea is to stay outdoors most of the time for sight-seeing, going on excursions or shopping, it’s wise to opt for an average hotel with CP (bed and breakfast) meal plan.

Ashvem beach, Goa

Things to do?

Goa is a paradise for beach buffs. The beach culture of Goa is open and barring nudity, liberal beach wear is a custom. After a refreshing dip in the sea, relaxing and rejuvenating with a pint of beer on a sunbed at a quaint beach is a must do thing while in Goa. The foodie can satiate the taste buds with Goan style seafood at the beach shacks. The thrill seeker can venture in to the sea for water sports (snorkeling, jet skiing, water scooter, banana tube, parasailing or Dolphin safari).

The party animal can indulge in to the extravagant nightlife Goa has to offer. Boozing in the beach shacks all day long, intoxication, gambling at floating casinos, trance music and rave parties are few of the many options to experience buoyancy and high spiritedness.

The avid traveler can go for an excursion to a wildlife sanctuary, temples and cathedrals, forts, river cruise and spice plantations. 

Agonda, Goa

General Info, Safety and Travel Tips

Beaches in Goa are steep, although lifeguards are available at popular beaches, it is good to be careful about the undercurrents during the change of tides, especially at the confluence of river and sea. It is advisable not to go farther in to the sea typically up to the point where water rises above the waist level.

Goa is a blend of cultures with Hindus on one hand and Catholics on the other. Barring the beach culture, society in Goa is conservative. For being the king of good times, be responsible and observe limits of dressing and drinking. Although the law in Goa is liberal for alcohol consumption, it cracks down severely on illicit drug trade and be careful about such indulgences.

Tourists, especially women are advised not to get out alone after dark or stay back on beaches or on the lonely village streets.

Goa has a fairly large geography, with rivers like the Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari and Sal crisscrossing the landmass. There are several bridges over these rivers which experience traffic jams during rush hours. Start well in advance if travelling from South Goa to North Goa or vice versa.

Goa has good public transport system with intercity and interstate bus service to neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Bicycles, Scooters and Cars are available on Hire throughout Goa. Taxi and Auto Rickshaws are also available for local travel. Taxis typically charge Rs. 2500/- for a sightseeing day trip in a hatchback car and more for sedans depending upon the choice of vehicle.

Konkani is the official language of the state with Marathi having equal status and are thus the most widely spoken languages. The locals also speak in English and Hindi while many can understand and speak in Portuguese, French, German and Spanish.

Goa has a tropical climate and remains humid throughout the year. Winters (Nov. to Feb.) are pleasant while summers are very hot. Goa experiences moderate to high rainfall and the atmosphere during monsoons (June to Oct.) is enchanting.

Places to see

Beaches – Goa is an international holiday destination because of its shimmering beaches and scenic beauty. The beaches of North Goa are one of the most ‘Happening’ places in Goa and are the epicentre of tourism. Keri and Harmal (Arambol) are the northernmost beaches of Goa, they are infamous for being a place for trance music, rave parties and illicit nudity. These idyllic beaches are a haven for souls looking for solitude out of hallucination. Down south lay the beaches of Mandrem, Ashvem and Morjem where expatriates from Russia have settled down (many illegally) and some have been found to indulge in drug peddling making these places infamous as well. Further down are the beaches of Vagator, Anjuna and Baga. At Anjuna, there are a number of beach shacks like Curlies and Shiva Valley playing to a dance & trance crowd during the tourist season around New Year. The tourists are predominantly Western backpackers. Anjuna has a weekly market every Wednesday (was known as the flea market few years ago) where local vendors and expat Russians, Brits and Hippies descend to haggle the day over artefacts, souvenirs, imitation jewellery and apparel.

Baga is the most happening beach in Goa, it has night clubs, discotheques, restobars, water sports and everything that’s required for a good time on the beach with family and friends. The night life at Baga goes on till 3 AM.

Adjacent to Baga is Calangute beach, popular amongst Indian tourists. The beach has everything that is needed for a fun filled holiday – shops, hotels, shacks, sunbeds, water sports and lifeguards. Calangute is flanked by the Candolim beach to the south which is also a hub of tourist activity.

South Goa beaches are less charming but they are more picturesque and tranquil. The beaches are lined up from Bogmalo, Velsao, Uttorda, Majorda, Betalbatim to Colva. Colva in South Goa is what Calangute is to North Goa. Colva beach is the epicentre of tourism in South Goa having all that’s needed for an ideal holiday. Down south Colva are the beaches of Sernabatim, Benaulim, Varca, Fatorda, Cavelossim, Mobor, Betul, Agonda, Palolem, Rajbag, Talpona, Galgibag, Molem and Polem. Most of these beaches are desolate for long stretches and are totally unspoilt.

Places of worship – The spiritually inclined can go for a sightseeing tour of the many Cathedrals and Temples, the prominent ones being the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Teeswadi, famous for the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi opposite to the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Church of Immaculate Conception at Panaji. The Mangeshi, Mhalsa Narayani and Shanta Durga temples at Mardol, Ponda are the most popular Hindu temples in Goa visited by devotees from neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Cruises – Goa has lot more, a river cruise on the Mandovi river is an enthralling experience with live performances of traditional Goan dance forms – the Dekhni and Fugdi accompanied with melodious Konkani songs. The cruise can be taken at the Panaji jetty adjacent to the Mandovi river bridge. From the same jetty, a day-trip can be taken for cruising along the backwaters of the Mandovi river to the Chorao and Divar islands, the boat also docks at the spice plantations at Savoi and Keri. While on the cruise there are good chances to spot crocodiles sunbathing over an afternoon siesta on the banks of Mandovi. The cruises are operated by GTDC and private operators separately, however, it is highly recommended to opt for the GTDC cruise. As an independent excursion, bird watchers can visit Dr. Salim Ali’s bird sanctuary on the Chorao Island. In South Goa, Cris cruise and Julio cruise in Cavelossim are popular for their sunset cruise along the scenic Sal river. They serve popular liquor brands and scrumptious food on the cruise.

Casinos – Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is legal. Casinos can be found around many of the five star hotels and on boats docked to the Mandovi River. Most of the action takes place on the floating casinos. Goa’s largest and most popular floating Casino, Casino Royale is located on a huge boat anchored to the Mandovi River. Deltin Royale, Casino Goa and Casino Carnival are also popular.

Waterfall – Goa has a majestic waterfall called Dudhsagar, 11 Kms from Kulem Railway station on the Madgao – Hubli rail link, it is a spectacular sight to see water plummeting from a height of few hundred feet creating a foamy delusion akin milk, hence the name.

Wildlife Sanctuaries – Goa also has wildlife sanctuaries with diverse species of wildlife. The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary at Molem is in Darbandora taluka in East Goa region whereas the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary is in Canacona taluka of South Goa.

Forts – Goa also has some well-preserved forts. Fort Tiracol at the northernmost tip of Goa is a Goan toehold in Maharashtra. The fort has a chapel of St. Anthony and a deluxe hotel overseeing the confluence of the Keri creek and the Arabian sea. Fort Aguada is another magnificent fort flanking the Candolim bay with an old lighthouse, part of the fort is now converted in to the 5-star Vivanta Luxury hotel of the Taj group. 25 Kms down south of Madgaon is the Portuguese built Fort Cabo-de-Rama, now in ruins but has stunning view of the sea.

Other Places – A little away from Panaji is Dona Paula, a shrine of lovebirds. Some scenes of the popular Bollywood movie ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ were filmed here. On the road uphill to Fort Aguada, there’s a fork that leads to the jetty from where boats leave for Dolphin spotting.

Carnivals – The Goa carnival is the most colorful and spectacular carnival of Goa amongst others held in the month of February every year in many towns of Goa with the center of attraction and activity being the capital city of Panaji.

Where and what to eat and drink?

The Goan cuisine can be categorized in to two distinct food cultures, the Portuguese influenced coastal cuisine and the traditional Gomantak cuisine. The beach shacks, hotels and resorts on the coastline of Goa primarily dish out the Portuguese influenced cuisine. Fish, Chicken or Veggies cooked as Caldin, Vindaloo, Peri Peri, Balchao, Recheado, Xacuti and Cafarel are some of the quintessential dishes of the coastal cuisine eaten with Pao (bread). Teesryo Sukke, Crab masala, Lobster Masala, Bangda, Rawas or Surmai Fry, Goan Fish Curry, Vade Sagote, Bhakriv, Appam, Solkadi and Kokam Sherbet are some of the traditional Gomantak dishes. Bebinca and Dodol are popular desserts often served with a dollop of vanilla ice-cream. Perad made from guava is a popular candy.

Feni is the most popular Goan liquor. It is made from Cashew fruit and has a pungent odour. Many local home grown liquor brands are available and are cheap due to the liberal alcohol policies and low rate of taxation in Goa.

Goa has abundance of restaurants and eateries serving authentic Goan, Indian, Continental and Oriental cuisines. Popular food chains like Dominos, McDonald, Café Coffee Day and Kamath are present everywhere in Goa. The popular places to dine in Goa are Brittos in Baga, famous for its seafood and seaside dining experience. Night clubs like Titos and Cafe Mambos also have good restobars. House of Rogues on the Baga road is popular for continental cuisine, wood fired pizzas and live band. Palm Groove restaurant in Vagator serves lip smacking seafood. Their King fish thali should not be missed. Martins Corner at Betalbatim in South Goa is known for its authentic Goan seafood. Martins is a famous eating joint popular for being a favorite hangout of Sachin Tendulkar. Florentines restobar in Saligao is popular for the best chicken cafarel in Goa. Beach shacks like Zanzibar, Andrews and Marins at Baga serve scrumptious seafood, cocktails and liquors. Curlies beach shack and Shiva valley beach shack on south Anjuna beach provide accommodation and have a nigh club in addition to their multi cuisine restaurant, liquors and hookahs. Black Sheep Bistro, Konkani Canteen, Casa Bhonsle, Desbue and Fisherman’s Wharf are popular fine dines, eateries and restaurants in Panaji. Mikes Place and Robins Ark at Cavelossim are popular fine dine multi cuisine restaurants. For authentic Portuguese cuisine, the old Latin quarter of Fontainhas in Panaji has many restaurants and bakeries. Fontainhas has maintained the Portuguese influence to this day with narrow streets, old villas and colourful art deco buildings reminiscent of the era bygone.

Shopping in Goa

Goa is a paradise for shopping freaks. There are plenty of night markets, flea markets, malls and supermarkets to shop for provisions, beachwear, spices and masalas, fish, liquor, cashews, apparel, arts and crafts, imitation jewellery and electronics. Anjuna Wednesday flea market, Mapusa Friday bazaar and Arpora Saturday night market are happening weekly shopping events. Madgaon market and Calangute market are popular shopping places. There are plenty of shops at all popular beaches selling everything that a tourist could look for. The most popular shopping item on the shoppers list is undoubtedly liquor for which Goa is most popular due to the heavily discounted liquor price in the state.

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Rajesh Deshpande © 2018