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There’s so much more to Goa than sun, sand and psychedelia. The
allure of Goa stems from its distinctiveness- a heady mélange of
Indian Portuguese and Western freewheeling culture that astonishes
especially when seen in conjunction with the mainstream. Westerners
can relate to it as there are Roman Catholic remnants everywhere,
yet Hinduism is not far away. The freewheeling attitude of the
populace with the predominance of sun, beaches, feni and fun makes
your visit very comfortable.
Saunter along beaches or espy the rivers forming estuaries. Creeks
and bays limit the sandy, palm-fringed monotony. See the coastline
rising almost magically into hills. Sink your jaws into the seafood
- prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters that is sure to
tickle your palate. And if the fancy strikes, pick up real gem of
bargains in the flea markets – or just let the sun and the beach
rock and roll you over.
Goa is quite well connected. There are regular flights between
Dabolim Airport and most major cities in India. Several charter
companies also fly into Goa's Dabolim Airport direct from Europe and
USA. The 760km Konkan Railway links Mumbai Mangalore (15 hours), and
reaches you very swiftly. If you prefer languid travels, go for the
super deluxe video buses from Panjim and Margao to Mumbai (15
hours), Mysore (16 hours) and Bangalore.
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Places to visit |
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Anjuna
It is just the
place for some serious fun and frolic. The main attractions
of Anjuna Beach are the superlative Albuquerque Mansion
(flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore
tile-roof), the Mascarenhas Mansion, and the Chapora Fort.
The Flea Market on Wednesday is a haven for bargain hunters. |
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Calangute
Enjoy the fun in
the sun, sand and sea and feast on fresh seafood and feni.
The shacks and stalls under the palm shades here hawk
everything from fried prawns, beer to trinkets made of
seashells The St. Alex Church stands out nearby with its two
towers and a magnificent dome .There is a magnificent
architectural style and ornate altars within. The Kerkar Art
Complex is one of a kind. |
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Dona Paula
The romantic
legend of Dona Paula de Menzes pulls substantial numbers but
most throng the Dona Paula Beach to indulge in water sports
on the clear waters. Water sports include water-scooter,
cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports windsurfing,
parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob,
sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and
yachting. |
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Old Goa
It
forms the spiritual heart of Christian Goa. Its global fame
rests on its most famous building - the Basilica of Bom
Jesus, where lies interred the 400-year-old unspoilt body of
St Francis Xavier. The Convent & Church of St Francis of
Assisi is replete with gilded and carved woodwork as well as
murals depicting scenes from the saint's life. The
Portuguese-Gothic St Cathedral is largest and the ‘Golden
Bell' within peals thrice daily. Don’t miss the spectacular
Church of St Cajetan, which was modeled on St Peter's in
Rome, and the Royal Chapel of St Anthony. |
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Panjim
 Panaji
transports you to the Mediterranean towns with its cobbled
streets, pastel-colored terraces, flower-bedecked balconies,
terracotta-tiled roofs, whitewashed churches and innumerable
small bars and cafes. |
Unique Shopping
Goa is a treasure trove
of souvenirs. Stack your self with the local handicrafts like
brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo
work, and so on available in the Government Emporia. Be sure to pack
the famous cashew nuts in flavors like plain, salted and masala. The
Friday Market at Mapusa with stalls selling everything from curios
and old coins to dried fish and spices is a must see, whereas the
Anjuna Beach market, set by and for foreigners, is an extremely
lively spot to shop for souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and
handicrafts.
Eating Out
Goa is a
synonym for gorging on Sea food- ranging from fish to varieties of
shell fish - mussels, oyster, cockles to prawn, crab, lobster and
squid. Revel in local dishes like the spicy coconut based fish
curries, chicken xacuti and cafrael, the vinegar based fish and
prawn balchaos and rechaedo, pork vindaloo and sorpotel. Sweets like
Bebinca, Dodol and Doce made with coconut are special to area.
Discover eating places that can be restaurants in the five star
hotels or numerous personalized family run eateries and beach shacks
stocked with excellent food in both local and western styles.
Experience live music amidst fitting ambience at the Alfama at the
Cidade de Goa, the Banyan Tree at the Taj Holiday Village, Casa
Portuguesa at Baga, Riorico at the Hotel Mandovi and Planter’s
Restaurant at Calangute.
Do's and Dont's
- Do not
leave valuables and important papers (jewelry, passports, return
tickets, etc) unattended in your room. Avoid carrying large amounts
of cash.Do not keep your wallet/purse in your rear pocket.
- It is better to meet potential client or any other individual in a
public place, like a well-known hotel or restaurant.
- Do not use poorly lit streets and narrow alleys. Try and avoid
traveling alone at night.
- Do not swim in prohibited places on the beaches and stay near the
shore. Do not go for swimming after you have had an alcoholic drink. |
