Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Night life in Goa
What to do in Goa?
There are so many things to do in Goa, it is difficult to know where to start.
Firstly there is some of the most stunning buildings to visit, and a trip to Panaji will lead you St Cajetan's Church, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate, Secretariat's Building, the Se cathedral; Asia's largest church and Basilica of Bom Jesus.
If you are a museum lover, then the Rachel Museum of Christian Art is unmissable, and you can add to this list the Kerkar Art Complex, and the Cocoon Art Gallery.
For those interested in military history, you must visit Fort Aguada.
Temples are another must see' in Goa, and principally on your list should be the Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, the Shree BhagawatiTemple, the Shree Hanuman Temple, and the Damodar Temple. You should also visit the holy centre of Safa Shahouri Masjid.
There are several wildlife sanctuaries, and you must visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary which is rich in wildlife, and a definite must for birdwatchers. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls are a mighty 600 meters high, and there are few more impressive waterfalls. Finally you could if you wish take an elephant ride. The Carambolin Lake is a place to visit for bird watching, possibly a bit boring for children, so take them to the artificial Mayem Lake, where you can take them in pedal boats, and if you choose to, try the Kesarval medicinal Spring bath.
Most Goa Hotels have Ayuvedic Therapies, which are reputed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, but the most famous place for Ayuvedic Therapy is Keri village..
Why not take a Crocodile Cruise into the backwaters around Goa, and see not only crocodiles but also all sorts of wildlife. Water is so closely associated with life that a river cruise on the River mandovi is yet another option.
Finally we return to the beautiful beaches of Goa where apart from sunbathing, why not try parasailing or jet skiing.
The list whilst by no means endless will I hope help you to plan your vacation in Goa.
Planning for a Honeymoon in Goa?
Popularly known as "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located in the west coastal belt known as Konkan of India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Goa referred as the "Pearl of the Orient" personifies sun kissed beaches, lofty palms, majestic churches and spectacular monuments. Goa is much more than just beaches and sea.Goa has become the ultimate tourist destination. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. It is a tiny emeralds land with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches and temples, famous for its architecture, feast and festivals and hospitable people with a rich culture. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.Goa is also known as "Gomanchala". Gove, Govapuri, Gopakpattan, and Gomant are some other names that the region is referred to in certain inscriptions and texts such as the Puranas. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa, as 'Goparashtra' or 'Govarashtra"' which means a nation of cowherds. 'Gopakapuri' or 'Gapakapattana' were used in some ancient Sanskrit texts, and these names were also mentioned in other sacred Hindu texts such as the Harivansa and the Skanda Purana. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. So get swept away by the spectacular sunrises and sunsets and rejuvenate yourself.
Romantic honeymoon packages to Goa have become popular recently, but many are disappointed by the beach resort they choose. Why not look at a place like Majorda, but don’t look at a Majorda beach resort, instead look at the Vivenda dos Palhacos, and you won’t be disappointed.
The Vivenda dos Palhacos is hidden away down a coconut fringed cul de sac in the village of Majorda where life is very peaceful and tranquil, not at all like the hustle and bustle of some of the beaches of Goa. It is a gem of a boutique hotel, set in a restored century old Portugese mansion, and is just a kilometre from the beach, but a world away.
The hotel, and that isn’t really the best words to describe the Vivenda dos Palhacos, staying with friends in their private home would be much better, consists of two buildings are six double bedrooms.
If you can, then book the Konnagar Suite which is huge and has a verandah where you can sit for hours watching village life pass you by.
If you happen to have brought your children, although for an exotic and romantic honeymoon in this laid back part of the world, possibly children would find it less than to their taste. Anyway if there are children the small twin bedded Ballygunge would suit well, or the Chummery a self contained cottage for the whole family.
Some of the highlights of Vivenda dos Palhacos are the fixtures and fittings which are all in keeping with the history of the place.
You will love the food, and the surroundings. You eat either round a big table either set in the dining room or the garden, and the fact that it is real family style, with great hosts means great conversations, and friendships made. It would be fair to say that if your idea of a romantic exotic honeymoon is being on your own, then perhaps this wouldn’t be for you. Mind you there are at least three very good restaurants in the main street of the village only a few minutes away.
Breakfasts are outstanding because it is served when you want it, early or late, nothing seems to be too much trouble, and that is the way it is all the time. You can eat alfresco lunches by the twelve metre pool, have picnics for the beach, and of course all the beach shacks where you can eat good food for very little
The beach is about a fifteen minute walk, and that is also part of the charm of Vivenda dos Palhacos, because you get the chance to see village life. After the sterile atmosphere of a large hotel it is so much more exotic, and adds to the romantic honeymoon getaway feel to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Goa. Every day you hear the dogs bark, the cocks crow, bells ringing, neighbours talking in unfamiliar tongues, and trains passing in the night. It isn’t just the sounds and the sights it is also the smell of wood burning, incense, food cooking, that confirms Goa is exotic and wonderful when you get away from the twenty first century, and the tourist hordes.
There is a great choice of activities from the flea market at Anjuna, to fishing, boat expeditions, bicycling, riding elephants to name but a few.
Vivenda dos Palhacos is a great boutique hotel, ideal for an exotic romantic honeymoon, providing you like people, and don’t mind the sights and sounds and smells of life in Majorda Goa.
Whats Hot in Goa?
The daily life of any sunny resort place is clear- sporting activity, sightseeing, water and beach occupations and just a sound sleep...after a crazy night party in some Sardinia clubs. But, some can say - all that we have, but how to be with those Sardinia clubs and mad parties? Unfortunately, not all visitors of this Italian island know about the existence of some Sardinian clubs, which differ in range and styles. So let's visit some Sardinia clubs and discover what's hot and what's not!
Sardinia is very protective of its ancient traditions; over the centuries this island has been able to preserve its old gastronomic customs. And Sardinia clubs bear the character of the whole island - diversity of tastes, and opportunities.
Cagliari: This is the capital of Sardinia and is home to the most lively nightlife scene. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from, catering to all tastes and needs. A string of Sardinia clubs and bars are found along Poetto, this is a great place to start off a pub crawling evening.
Sardinia clubs, as well as many others differ by the public visiting them. Most open for a season only, or for exclusive members of some special club (yacht clubs, for example). If you want to fit in with the rest of the clientele of such Sardinia clubs, speak very loudly about how many "regattas" you've won this year, and how long it took you to get round Cape Horn. There are so -called billion Sardinia clubs, but the chances of getting in are very small (unless your dads a millionaire and owns a boat on the harbor).
Boa Goa, located in Oristano is known as the smartest of all Sardinia clubs. Dj's play a wide range of all the latest dance music. This is one of the best night Sardinia clubs and is very popular with a younger crowd of locals and tourists. This is the place to go if you're looking for a wild party, lasting into the early hours of the morning.
In Fabannain La Maddalena there is not much to do, except to have a walk around, enjoying an ice-cream or granite. It is still very pleasant (also because we were always exhausted at the end of the day!)
If your intentions are just to relax a bit in a free and familiar atmosphere, we offer you visit several most popular among all Sardinia clubs. One of them is the Lord Nelson Pub. This English-style pub is one of the best in town, and is very popular with tourists.
Seems that it is the only of Sardinia clubs in Porto Cervo marina, which can be found open even in the small hours. In late September, when the season is over, this is probably the best drinking of Sardinia clubs around the marina. Moreover, the there doesn't fade for a minute.
This bar is basically marketed as an English pub, complete with a darts board and an authentic "stale beer in carpet" smell. The thing is that English drinkers in the UK have long preferred the Mediterranean style of Sardinia clubs because of the infinitely more evolved form of the British boozer.
Expect the place to be empty until about 11pm. They serve a wide range of beers; wines; and spirits, and the prices are very reasonable. This is a great place to relax, have a few drinks and chat with fellow tourists. Drinks fairly cheap for the area - something about 4 euros for a beer. They cater very well to English speaking tourists. The food and drinks are excellent and reasonably priced.
A strange thing - most of the Sardinia clubs are filled with men, we do not have any idea why.
Plan to Visit Portuguese Hertiage Houses & villages in Goa
For a state that was under the domain of Portuguese for 450 years, its difficult to root out the influence. Portuguese left Goa in 1961 but wherever you set your eyes here, you can see their mark on everything. From a considerable Christian population to Portuguese architecture, everywhere you see deep rooted influence. Goa has been a holiday destination for decades but it's not just the trance parties or miles of virgin beach territories that Goa offers. The landscape of Goa is dotted with heritage houses, villas, mansions that are reminiscent of the Portuguese era. There are also some unique examples of clever blend of the Indian and Portuguese styles. At places glimpses of European and Italian styles are also available. These architectural heritages also attract a number of tourists.
Goan villages by and far are better than other villages in India. They might not fit into that mental picture which comes to your mind with word 'village'. Goa has one of the highest literacy rates in the country and education and civic sense reflects in them. Though villages in Goa these days are having the trouble with garbage disposal. Goan villages are generally densely packed with houses. Alleyways broad enough to pass a bullock cart separate the houses, however more than bullock carts you will spot scooters. The houses these days built in Goa are of concrete, the second floor is kept open for grain storage. The older houses are of laterite (red stone) though now days you will see it being used to give a decorative touch to municipal buildings. These traditional old houses were protected from rains by palm frond screens but this has now been replaced by concrete and plastic roller blinds. Though piped municipal water is available in houses but they also have traditional wells in houses and some have roof tanks also.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Which is a Better Tourist Option: South Goa or North Goa?
But if you want an opinion that which is compartively more better, then here is my opinion. It just an opinion based on my personal likings. Please discuss with as many as people as you can to make a final decision before putting up in particular district of Goa.
I think South Goa is a better option. Colva Beach is the most famous beach in South Goa & it attracts the most number of repeat tourists. Margao Market near Colva beach is developed as
one of the best market with the all the facilities like restaurants, Shops, Stalls & Shacks.
Benaulim Beach:
2 Km from Colva beach, the beach is haunt for the budget travelers. The Benaulim village is known for fishing, rice-farming, coconut groves and paddy fields. The place is a tourist haven with small guest houses and souvenir stalls.
Bogmalo Beach:
The small beach of Bogmalo came to fame when Oberoi group opened its 5 star
resort on the beach. Since then, the beach has developed a lot. There are some good cafes and shacks around the beach.
Palolem Beach:
The crescent shaped bay, lined with swaying coconut palms and hemmed by a pair of rocky crags makes Palolem beach the most idyllic beach of South Goa. The white sand beach in an arc is picture perfect. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to travelers.
Varca Beach:
The picture perfect Varca beaches have a unique feature of being preferred by those who want to spend time in quiet environs away from the crowd. The beach is 2 Km from Benaulim beach and is among the favorite haunts of those who come to South Goa for beach tourism.
Best Beaches of Goa: Love so many choices of Beaches in Goa
Goa has huge varities of water sports ranging from parasailing to windsurfing. All these add to the fascinating attraction of the Goa beaches. Here are a few of the most admired beaches in Goa:
Agonda Beach
Rambling over a stretch of 3 kilometers of blonde sand, the Agonda beach is a retreat for the recluse, the ones forever longing for seclusion. Practically uninhabited all the time, one can get pleasure from absolute privacy in the Agonda beach.
Anjuna Beach
Positioned 18 km from state capital Panaji, the Anjuna beach enjoys an iconic position for its infamous dream parties and the striking Wednesday flea bazaar. Throbbing with a huge number of activities, this palm-fringed beach draws tourists and backpackers from all over the globe. This will really make India tours a wonderful one…
Arambol Beach
Positioned about 50 km from Panaji, the long and lonely ambience of the Arambol beach provides a soothing contrast to the hustle and bustle of other Northern Goa beaches. If you are yearning for some solitude and tranquility, the Arambol beach with its serene surroundings fits the bill perfectly.
Calangute Beach
During Goa tours Calangute is Goa’s flagship beach and it plays an inimitable part in the state’s tourism draw. Stretching over a span of 7 kilometers, Calangute beach is recognized by the name ‘Queen of Beaches’ for its supremacy amongst the picturesque beaches that mark the Goan land.
Colva Beach
If you desire to run away from the hullabaloo of metropolis life and crave for a serene holiday that would calm your core and intellect, then head at once for the Colva beach in Goa. Rambling over an area of 20 km, Colva beach is one of the longest beaches in Goa.
Dona Paula Beach
One of the main famous amongst Goa beaches, the Dona Paula beach draws tourists with its lovely scenery scattered with palm trees and casuarinas groves. Natives say that the beach has got its name from Dona Paula de Menzes, who was the offspring of a viceroy during the regal repression.
Miramar Beach
Positioned 3 km from Panaji, the Miramar beach is a bustling tourist hub due to its close proximity to the town. Miramar in Portuguese translates to ‘viewing the sea,’ an apt sobriquet considering the azure waters of the mighty Arabian Sea that expands the horizon.
Palolem Beach
One of the well-known beaches in the South Goa beach course, the crescent-shaped Palolem beach is renowned for its comprehensive spread of shiny sand and heavenly environs. The picturesque prettiness of the beach fetched it a facade in the film ‘The Bourne Supremacy’ (2004) where it is revealed as the Indian dwelling of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon).
Vagator Beach
Positioned 22 km from state capital Panaji, the Vagator beach is a popular beach in Goa. The Vagator beach is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa that is home to some of the top-notch Goan beaches such as the Calangute beach and the Anjuna beach.
Bogmalo Beach
Positioned close to the airport of Goa, Bogmalo Beach can be easily reached from any part of the state. It lies at a distance of approximately 8 km from Vasco-da-Gama town. Spread over a vast expanse of land, the beach is not much visited by tourists and because of this; it retains much of its virgin charm.
Baga Beach
Positioned at a distance of approximately 10 km from Mapusa, is one of the most magnificent beaches of Goa. It is considered to be just an extension of the famous Calangute Beach, but is much less crowded than the latter.
Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach is reckoned amongst the most well-liked as well as the most visited beaches of Goa. It is positioned at a distance of roughly 10 Kms from Mapusa. One of the key draw of the seashore is its yacht building and fishing inheritance, which seems to be flawlessly fused with its thriving tourism business.
Benaulim Beach
As you shift 2 km further from the Colva Beach, you will draw closer to the outstanding Benaulim seashore. As per Hindu legends, it was here that the arrow of Lord Parshurama landed on earth, when he was creating Goa. The Portuguese sullied the innovative name ‘Banali’, in Sanskrit, and named the seashore as ‘Benaulim’.
Cavelossim Beach
One of the most well-liked beaches of Goa, the Cavelossim Beach lies at a distance of roughly 12 km from Benaulim. Not only does it benefit from enormous reputation, it is also counted among the most stunning beaches of India.
Majorda Beach
The supple sand and blue aquatic waters of the Majorda Beach entice tourists from different parts of India as well as overseas. It lies at a distance of roughly 5 km from the Colva Beach and claims as much reputation as the latter.
Varca Beach
Varca seashore of Goa is positioned at a distance of roughly 2 km to the south of the Benaulim Beach. Although the seashore is not as well-liked as the other commercialized beaches in the state, it is not less in terms of attractiveness or splendor. Hotel Booking is not an issue in Goa while India tour as there are many verities of hotels are available here to get easy places to saty.
Velsao Beach
Velsao seashore of Goa is gaining more and more standing among tourists each year. The seashore is situated on the southern coast of the state, at a distance of approximately 25 km from Panjim, its capital city.
Candolim Beach
Candolim seashore is positioned in the northern part of Goa. It is the great place for those who have come on a holiday to overlook the tensions of their every day life and aim to use their time calming and rejuvenating.
Sensuous Side of Goa
Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India as well as abroad. This tiny state of India, Goa is basically known for its stunning beaches. The gorgeous land of Goa creates a soothing ambience for the tourists. This well known land of sun, sand, surf and serenity, Goa attracts thousands of tourists from each corner of the world for Goa tours. During your Goa tour, you will be enchanted by its soothing ambience of Goa beaches. Warm, beautiful weather, chirpings of birds over your head, mind blowing murmurs of sea waves, all offer you a unparalleled charm and fascination. Goa offers you a wealth of recreation, entertainment, dinning and shopping opportunity.
GOA, where you can have fun with a group of friends on the beautiful golden sands of Goa’s beaches. Get together in a group and enjoy beach volleyball, water polo and surfing. Build sandcastles, race each other on the beach and join a pulsating beach party on Group Tours to Goa.
The balmy weather, the warm sea breeze gently blowing across the beaches, the colonial buildings, the delicious sea food, the mellow taste of cashew wine or Feni to wash it down – Goa offers tourists many pleasures and these pleasures are sure to be enhanced when you enjoy on them as a group, on Group tours to Goa.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Which is the Best Location in Goa?
Best Quite Places in Goa: Prioritise as per the order
Palolem
Benaulim
South Goa
Best Place for Party lovers in Goa:
Calangute
Anjuna
North Goa
First point in Goa:
I will call it as point zero of Goa. So if U are planning to come to goa , visit the main city Panaji first and the you can go to all the places which are short drives from here.
About Goa - A Paradise in India
Great Goa - a heaven in India
This is the right place to know about all hot stuff in Goa. I am sure you will enjoy your stay in Goa. I will make sure I provide you with information on best Goa hotels, best Goa dining places, best Goa, locations, about night life in Goa, things to go in Goa, things to remain away in Goa. Also how to get an emergency help in Goa. Hope you will like this blog. Do leave your comments & let me know what information you were expecting from this blog & will ensure that make that available as quick I can.