Hedonistic Goa. Heavenly Goa. Tropical Goa.
Happy-go-lucky Goa. Cool Goa. Laid back Goa. Goa is a witch casting a spell
on all who step onto its silver sands and golden beaches. Travellers are trapped
forever in an enchanted world of fiesta and siesta, of fun and feni.
This former Portuguese colony lies mid-way down the west coast of India. Visitors
are drawn to Goa’s lush hills and cool blue waters, cathedrals and coconut
groves, spice plantations and paddy fields, sun, sand and sea, for its joie
de vivre and its warm and friendly people.
Goa’s easy going, relaxed air conjures up the magic to make Goa one of
India’s major tourist destinations, attracting over a million visitors
annually, three quarters of them from overseas. All you need to take along with
loads of suntan lotion is loads of holiday spirit.
History
Goa history stretches back to the 3rd Century BC when it formed part of the
Mauryan Empire. It's seen many rulers thereafter from the Satyahanas of Kolhapur
to the Chalukyas of Badami to the Shillaharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyans
of Kalyani. Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312.
In 1469 Bahmini Sultans of Gulbaga conquered Goa. When this dynasty broke
up, the area passed to the Adil Shah of Bijapur, who made Goa their second
capital. The old secretarial building in Panjim, is the former palace of Adil
Shah, and it was later taken over by the Portuguese, as their official residence.
Vasco Da Gama reached India through Goa on 18 May 1498. The Portuguese actually
arrived in Goa only in 1510, but it was not until 1961, when India, by then,
an independent republic under Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, ejected them. For a very
long time thereafter Goa was part of the Union territories of India, until
it was recently given statehood. Through all these changes Goa has retained
a lot from the previous cultures that ruled over it, which is what makes each
taluka in Goa different from the other. Goa is now made of 11 talukas.
Places to See
Goa's beaches, monuments, wildlife sanctuaries, art galleries, museums, the
carnival, beat and beach shows, casinos, live gaming and exotic food make holidays
here an experience to remember. North Goa and Panaji (the capital city) comprises
the more commercialized and urban part of Goa while South Goa is more laid back
offering its visitors the otherwise illusive luxury of relaxation and privacy.
Viceroy's Arch
The original structure was built by Francis Ad Gama (the great grandson of
Vasco ad Gama). This structure has been built in two phases, the second phase
included the addition of two tiers with a statue of St Catherine on top and
one of Vasco Da Gama on the granite façade facing the river. However,
the façade on the riverside is facetted with greenish granite.
Gateway of Adil Shah's Palace
There's not much left of the gateway apart from the basalt pillars and a lintel.
This was the entrance to the main palace of the King that also housed a prison
in one of its wings. Visit this place to check out the beautiful doorway and
the grillwork, a gorgeous example of the Indo-Muslim influence. The grill
has a Muslim look to it whereas the architrave a Hindu influence.
The tower of St Augustine.
This tall-dilapidated structure overpowers visitors with its dynamism. Even
if in ruins it retains its original height of 46 meters (150 feet) and overlooks
the entire city of old Goa. What we now see is a mere skeleton of the old
square tower and the impressive church. The place has as tall a story as the
tower itself, during construction; the high vault fell down twice. But, when
completed the Italian architect and his son stood under the vault and asked
for a heavy cannon to be fired to test the stability of the structure. A must
visit.
Museums and Memorials
Archeological museum at the Covent of St Francis of Assisi
This was established in the convent in 1964. What's interesting is the eclectic
collection of 60 portraits of Portuguese viceroys and governor's of Goa. What
it also now houses is the statue of St Catherine from the Viceroy's arch.
What's worth a view here are sati scones, coins and wooden Christian iconography
not to forget the stones with Marathi and Persian inscriptions on them. The
best parts of the museum are the grey basalt stone statues of Vishnu and a
standing Surya both from the Kadamba period.
Then there is Goa State Museum was opened in 1973 and has on exhibit a rich
collection of arts and artifacts divided into various sections. The museum
is open Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Religious Places
Goa has a bit of everything from churches to temples and mosques and gurudwara.
The Reis Magos Church
Built in AD 1555, was once a mission centre of the Franciscan Order of Monks.
It's better known as the Church of the three kings.
The Church of Mae de Dens or Mother of God.
This ones' in Saligao, and stands amongst picturesque surroundings. The statue
after whom this church was named once occupied a convent, which no longer
exists, and was known for its miraculous powers. This church is a fine instance
of Gothic architecture.
The Church of St. Anne
At Talaulin Iltias, affectionately called Santana by the people, is dedicated
to the Mother of Mary. It is situated on the right bank of the Siridao River.
While these Catholic institutions have survived the ravages of time, a visit
to the ruins of lost churches, of which there are many, would help to discover
further the truths of a remarkable period of religious activity on the shores
of our country.
Church of Immaculate Conception
Stands bang in the centre of Panjim city. Apart from the church, the largo
da Igreja. The Largo da Igreja - (Church Square) is an impressive dazzling
white-balustraded stairway
The cathedral in Old Goa
is a mighty 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule of Goa under
the Portuguese. Its huge Golden Bell is amongst the biggest in the world.
It has 14 side chapels; the last chapel, in Mauresque style, preserves a cross
upon which a vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1919.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
One of the largest churches of Old Goa, it is open 9 am to 12.30 pm and 3
pm to 6.30 pm. It houses a respected relic. The mortal remains of St Francis
Xavier who in 1541 was entrusted with the task of spreading Christianity within
the Portuguese colonies in the East. The remains are entombed in this basilica.
The remains of St Francis are brought out for public display every few years.
Tambdi Surla Temple
It is the oldest temple in the whole of Goa and is located at a place called
Tambi Surla, which is approximately 65 kms from the Panaji. The temple itself
was built in Jain style in the twelfth century.
Mangueshi temple
No visit to Goa is complete without a visit to this famed temple. This is
one of the best places to spot Lord Shiva's beard! India's famous singing
Mangeshkar sisters come here often. This temple has a large courtyard and
the largest ablution tank Goa has seen. What's beautiful here is the seven-storey
deepmala that's lit up on Dasheera and Diwali days. Not everyone can enter
right up to the lingam here, you need to be of a particular caste.
Laxmi Narsihma temple at Velinga
is a temple that's not really as yet on the tourist map, but it is beautiful,
in the midst of woody settings this is an 18th century temple. Set to the
hill side is a beautiful gateway that's fringed with palms, there's also the
gaily painted manapam that has stout carved pillars with elephants and tigers
riding on it. That's an interesting feature of all temples in Goa, the ceilings
of each of these are beautifully coloured and carved.
Shree Damodar Temple
on the banks of the river Kushavati is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and
Christians alike. The waters of the river near the temple precincts are a
cure for all ailments. Shree Damodar is known simply as Danubab by the faithful
and he is, till today, the patron deity of Margao
Safa Masjid at Ponda
Yet another relic from the bygone days, the Safa Shahouri Masjid located at
Ponda is among the biggest and the oldest mosque in Goa. It is the only remaining
one in Ponda Taluka among the 26 mosques that were built by Ibrahim Adil Shah
of Bijapur in 1560.
Gurudwara at Betim
Situated just opposite the fishing village is this lovely gurudwara that has
a magnificent view of Panjim across the river.
In and around
Mapusa is 13 kms from Panaji and is famous for its Friday market. If you like
to shop, make sure you have a Friday to spare in Mapusa. It is a small town
in north Goa.
Margao (Madgaon)
Is the second largest city in Goa and is very much a commercial metropolis
with a city circle where all roads meet. Margao has a lovely 18 km stretch
of silvery sand: Palolean, Betul and Colva. For the religiously inclined,
a trip to Chandreshwar Bhutnath temple and the Rachol Seminary here are a
must.
Vasco-Da-Gama :
Earlier Sambahji, this town is now called Vasco by the locals. This well planned
city, is the railway terminus for passenger service coming from the south.
Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4 km from Vasco, at the other end. The
Marmagoa port is very close to here, you can catch cruise liners docking here
occasionally. The town has developed because of the nave ships that bank here.
Old Goa
No visit to Goa is complete without a visit to Old Goa, the Golden Goa of
the 16th century when it was the "Rome of the Orient". Magnificent
churches sumptuous buildings, stately mansions and narrow streets once characterized
the 3sq miles of old Goa. Today it's a small village surrounded by the huge
churches and convents built during its heyday, and which attract visitors
from many parts of the world. Old Goa is only nine kilometers east of Panaji
and was founded by Alfonso de Albuquerque.
Beaches
please do not try to get into the water on any of these beaches during the monsoons.
The waves, soft spots and underwater currents are very unpredictable.
Arambol Beach
Arambol's best beach is the tiny Paliem beach at the foot of the Waghcolomb
hill, about 200 mts from here is a fresh water lake that could meet all your
fishing requirements. Arambol itself has a long beach stretch, both rocky
and sandy. Its main attractions are the nearby hot water springs, paragliding
and relative serenity.
Mandrem Beach
Head here to stay in one of the stilt homes. It's a great way to see the waves
come in. Another beach close by is the Junas beach, access to this however
might be difficult as a creek runs close to it, but its great if you do not
mind walking through at low tide
Vagator beach
This beach is split into two halves, one the north Vagator beach and the other
the Ozrant beach, also called as mini-vagator beach. Head here to go to the
fresh water spring that's at the foot of the hill 100 metres from the beach.
It's also a stones' throw away from Charpora fort. A lot of good Israeli food
dots the area here.
Anjuna beach
One of the better travelled to beaches, this one got famous because of the
Wednesday day flea market. The beach itself is beautiful, but can be quite
deserted on any other day of the week.
Calangute beach
Calangute is a vast sandy beach that stretches to Baga on one side and Candolim
on the other. The sea can be very rough. This is Goa's most crowded and most
commercialised beach. This beach is always completely packed with shacks in
the season time and the sands are dotted with loungers full of people tanning
themselves brown.
Candolim beach
A quiet beach to come to watch the sun sink into the water. This is where
you will also see River Princess a sinking ship that's been in shallow waters
for the last few years. There are many inroads from the main road that lead
to the beach, find your own way here.
Miramar beach
This is Chowpatty of Goa, you have fast food racks right across the main road
towards the beach. A lot of locals frequent this beach. During the IFFI (film
festival, end Nov) open-air movie screenings are carried out on this beach.
Bogmalo beach
This is one of Goa's most picturesque beaches, you can see planes take off
and land from here, it is bounded by green hills on three sides, and you can
see the Grande island a few metres away from you into the sea. It is a small
and almost deserted beach though about 8 km south from Vasco Da Gama, and
4 km from Goa's airport.
Colva beach
This is one of the bigger beaches in South Goa, second to Utorda beach where
the famous Zeebop stands. This beach is practically a shopper's paradise;
it is South Goa's equivalent to north Goa's Calangute, only a quieter version.
Palolem beach
The far end of Goa, this is the most peaceful beach Goa has, the waters are
not rough at all, and swimming here can be quite relaxing. This beach has
quite become a tourists paradise, the food, people, living accommodation that
are close to the beach too have been created keeping their clientele in mind.
It is sometimes referred to as the Goa's 'Lost Paradise'. Don't forget to
walk on this beach at night.
Forts
Tiracol fort
At the extreme north tip of Goa stands Fort Tiracol, this has now become a
historic fort hotel, but has retained its old structure and looks, the statue
of Jesus in the church square inside the fort is a great one to see.
Chapora Fort
This one's been made famous by the Hindi blockbuster Dil Chahta Hain. It's
a great fort to go too if you do not mind climbing up to the high walls, no
cars, bikes go up to the fort. But the view from this fort is simply beautiful,
you can see the long stretch of the sea and the entire neckline of Goa's beaches
from here
Aguada Fort
This is one fort that is divided into two halves, there is a lower Aguada
and an upper Aguada, both ends about 500 meters apart. The Portuguese built
the fort in 1609-1612. It was built to protect the city from potential attacks.
A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there.
The fort presently houses the Central Jail.
Cabo Fort (Raj Bhavan)
About 9 km from Panaji, the Cabo Fort lies on the peninsula at Dona Paula,
and is now the Governors residence. Years ago this fort used to be a Franciscan
Convent, but was later attached to the fort. This is one fort you really can't
get into!
Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries in Goa
Away from the gleaming sun kissed beaches, into the mainland, Goa goes green
and alive with the beauty of her flora and fauna. The little state has four
wild-life sanctuaries that can be visited all year round. They are the Bhagwan
Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Cortigao Wild Life
Sanctuary and Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary.
Situated along the northeast border (Panaji-Belgaum Highway) at Molem, 60
km from Panaji is the 240sq.ft Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The biggest
of the three sanctuaries in the state, the sanctuary is rich in wildlife,
geological and historical features. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife and
is a paradise for bird watchers. The Dudhsagar waterfalls lie in the southeast
region of the park.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Is one the smallest preserves in India, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is 10
kms northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north Goa. It houses animals such
as the black-faced langurs, Indian bison, jackal and wild boar are commonly
found here. Various species of deer can also be spotted. Besides being home
to animals, this preserve is also a treat for bird watchers and butterfly
spotters. It also has a tiny zoo. You can go for elephant rides in this park.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the Western tip of the island
of Chorao along river Mandovi near Panaji. This is Goa's bird watcher's paradise.
Spread over 1.78sq.kms and is covered with mangrove species. Varieties of
local as well as migratory birds frequent the area. The Sanctuary can be visited
throughout the year with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest
Department, Junta House, Panaji - Goa. It can be reached on foot after crossing
taking the ferry from Ribandar to Chorao.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
is the second largest of the three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa located 60 kms
from Panaji and 3kms from the Panaji - Mangalore Highway It is covered with
dense forest and is home to varied wildlife including, birds and reptiles. The
Kunbi and Velip tribal communities inhabit the area. Guides are available in
this park and may be helpful in locating various animal and plant species. The
ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math, noted for Vedic studies, lies in the vicinity
of the sanctuary.
For Adventure Freaks
Goa offers various distractions for those who seek. You can go to Betul or
Agonda for angling, but if you prefer to be a lounger, go to Betul where divers
will bring back clams for you from the sea. All you need is a good camera
and some imagination to take your 'clam-hunting' or 'angling at sea' photographs
to show back at home. At Anjuna you can bungee jump from a 25-meter crane.
You can at least pump all the adrenalin back to your brains for later use.
If you feel there are too many people around you, go on one of the crocodile
trips or the dolphin-watching trip. You can take a half-day cruise and watch
them from the deck or swim with them. Your trip to Goa will not be complete
without a hike along nature's own course. There are quite a few trek routes
that start from Molem. Enjoy the peace and tranquility as you hum to the bird's
tune or admire the greenery. Windsurfing is a unique blend of surfing and
sailing, which requires the surfer to adjust his strength and balance to the
changing patterns of wind and water try it out at Dona Paula jetty. Most places
that offer windsurfing also offer services of water scooter, another fun sport
if you do not venture to far into the sea. Water skiing is a new sport that's
taking shape in Goa, you can ski anywhere across the northern beach belt in
Goa. And for those who want a different high, there's also paragliding that's
offered right across all beaches of Goa, the rates vary depending on where
you take your trip from, anywhere close to a five star property and you will
end up paying at least 200 more.
Excursion
Goa has everything to charm and comfort you but if you want a change
from the sucegado culture take a break, and come back for more, or just proceed
onwards back to where you belong. Abouttwo to five hours away from Goa are
interesting places to visit.
Ponda
The administrative headquarters of the taluka, this place boasts of the Safa
Masjid, one of Goa's best preserved Muslim monuments. It is about 17 kms north
east of Margao and about 28 kms south east of Panaji on the National Highwaynumber
4.
Dudhsagar Falls
Slightly away, on the border with the State of Karnataka is the Dudhsagar
Falls. One of the tallest falls in the country; it is also one of the most
impressive. But reaching here is bit too tough as the roads become inaccessible
soon after the monsoons.
Ganpatipule is a small town situated a little over 4 hours away from Goa
in the Ratnagiri district of southwest is a very quiet, secluded stretch of
virgin beach. The local say that the Hindu scriptures describe Ganpatipule
as the western deity. This locale has a 400 year old idol of Ganesha found
by a villager seeking refuge from the skirmishes around his tiny village.
The impressive Thebaw Palace was constructed in 1910-11, for the exiled king
and queen of Burma (now Myanmar). They lived in this palace from 1911 till
their death in 1916 and were buried here itself
Belgaum situated two hours away from Margao, Goa on the border of Maharashtra,
Goa and Karnataka, at a height of 2,500 feet, enjoys a salubrious climate.
It is an important Indian army training centre and houses some interesting
monuments including a Fort built in 1519. It is also an important educational
centre. There are several waterfalls, dams and forts to visit here. The Masjid-I-Sata
mosque inside is beautiful. Remnants of the old colony, Kamala Basti, are
still found, as is a black Neminatha stone sculpture. There is a lot of Jain
architecture in Belgaum. Just outside Belgaum is Kapileswara, which has one
of the oldest Hindu temples
Chiplun, located on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, over fives hours away from Goa
is the perfect place to stop and take a breather. This locale lies on the
banks of the river Vashishti. To the east are the Western Ghats, and to the
west lies the Guhagar Beach. Chiplun is well known for the Riverview (formerly
the Taj Getaway).Perched atop a hill in the Western Ghats overlooking the
calm Vashishti, the place is an ideal retreat and offers a breath taking view
of the river
Dining Out
Gastronomical delights galore! That, in a nutshell is what dining in Goa is
all about. Some say it's the water, others, the vinegar, whatever the secret
ingredient, it guarantees that every meal served is simply delicious. Goa
is famed for its meat and seafood dishes of Portuguese origin such as Sorpotel
(pork) Vindaloo (pork), Xacuti (chicken and beef) and Reshado (fish). A must
have are the rava fried mussels, usually listed under starters in every menu.
The best place to relish these dishes are at the beach shack restaurants where
you can watch the sun set and enjoy the sea breeze while you sip a chilled
glass of beer, wine or feni.
St Anthony's at Baga, beach (North Goa) and Johnny’s at Benaulim, beach
(South Goa). An interesting feature of most of Goa's restaurants is the effort
they make to serenade you while you eat. Locals display their talent, strumming
a guitar or performing with a live band.
Casa Portuguesa, at Baga, Calangute, is set in an old Goan house. The bar
is fashioned the old Western style with swinging doors. It is owned by Francesco
Souza, an attorney who moonlights as a Chef. The restaurant serves a good
selection of food including mussels in wine, roast sliced suckling pig, tender
duck, juicy steaks and rich sorpotel.
Souza Lobo, at Calangute beach, has been drawing crowds since in opened in
1935. It has a very airy indoor and outdoor section (on the beach) and an
enormous menu catering to all kinds of tastes - Goan, Chinese, Indian, and
Continental in both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties.
J&A's, at Baga River, Baga, is a charming garden restaurant which has
an Italian menu that consists of had made pastas, sea food lasagna, strong
flavoured beef stew, and pizzas. The list goes on.
Mum's Kitchen, at martin's Building, D Bandodkar Marg, Miramar, Panaji, is
a modern restaurant that serves authentic Goan meals from the Hindu and Goan
kitchens all over Goa. It is noted for its Prawn hoonam, Chicken and Pork
Girem-Mirem and haren mas. The specially marinated Goa sausages served here
are quite legendary. The Crab Xec here is terrific.
The Promenade, at Rua de Ourem, patto, Panaji is a two tiered restaurant
comprising the Gazebo (Continental, Italian and Goan food) on the ground floor
and the Dragon (Chinese food) above it. Gazebo recommendations are the tuna
salad, chickpea salad, sea food sizzler and sea food lasagna. Try out the
spare ribs, crispy wantons and dragon tail prawns at the Dragon.
Florentine's near, CIE, off CHOGM Road, Saligao, Bardez, is an eatery of
every Goan foodie's list. Its Chicken Cafreal is awesome! Florentine cooks
the way Goan food has to taste, so there are no concessions on spice here.
The ordinary Goan fish curry rice and fried fish is best tasted here.
Joets at Bailichall, Bogmalo, serves the tastiest food in Bogmalo. Prawn
curry rice, prawn balchao, rava fired prawns and tandoori appetizers, besides
other dishes make up the menu.
Martin's Corner at Bimvaddo, Betalbatim, which started out as a small shack
is rated as one of the best places to eat in South Goa. Great ambience, good
food, enjoyable music. It has the extra ingredients to pep up your appetite.
Martin's Corner makes good fish caldin, (cooked with coconut and spices),
fresh lobster, red snapper, Goa sausage chilly fry, King Crab Special, among
other dishes.
Joecons Garden Restaurant, Nr Taj Exotica, Benaulim, Great ambience, good
food and friendly service in a beautiful garden area, is what makes this restaurant
a great place to eat at. (Complimented by a small indoor seating area). The
food portions are large and the lobster is not to be missed. While sea food
hogs the menu, the restaurant also has a full range of Indian dishes including
a special selection of vegetarian delicacies and some continental dishes as
well.
Nightlife
The best nightlife establishments are in North Goa and Panaji. Except for a
few, the nightclubs in South Goa are mostly confined to the five-star resort
hotels, which all have their own discos, bars, sometimes gaming rooms. The Leela
Palace and Holiday Inn Resort in Mobor, and the Goa Renaissance Resort and Club
Mahindra in Varca are worth checking out, if you're staying in the vicinity.
The choice of nightclubs in North Goa is vast - there is Bom Sucesso at Candolim
beach, which has karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Saturdays. East Meets West at
Baga has a band playing every evening from 6.30pm, and jazz on Saturday nights.
The Flying Dolphin Beach Bar in Calangute has karaoke, a barbeque and fireworks
every evening. There is also Ozone, at Mariott Hotel, Panaji, On the Rocks,
Dona Paula, Trafalgar Chowk, Porvorim and Aqua, Cavallosim.
Club Cabana on Arpora Hill, ten minutes from Calangute, is
a multi level nightclub that hosts special parties on certain days of the week.
This 'night club in the sky' that greets you with a big golden lips signboard
at the foot of the hill and cat-eyes embedded in the dirt track on the path
towards it , is quite the spot to hang out.
The Log Cabin, at Porba Vaddo, Calangute, Bardez run by Leslie
and daisy is one of the few places that are open during the monsoon. It has
the genial atmosphere of an English styled Pub and is known for its exotic cocktails
and fine Liqueurs. The club leans more towards karaoke and tends to draw the
English tourist. It also has a big screen TV where you can watch football.
Friends' Pub, at Arambol beach is run by Dominic Mendes. Party
time here starts at 5 in the evening. The pub is known for its
imaginative cocktails. The best selling mix here is Domingos.
Club Tito's, at Baga, is a regular hang out for expats. It
is also the most talked and written about Pub in Goa, as it used to be the hub
of the hippie and flower power culture. Every night has a special theme. There
are fire shows and ghost parties. The DJ spins a whole range of music from retro,
to hip-hop, rap and reggae.
Mambo's, at Tito's Lane, Baga, has a large open bar with a
huge TV screen that shows football matches and music videos. The entrance fee
depends on the day of the week. Tony and Debbie pep up the red hot salsa nights
here.
Shopping
Central to all shopping in Goa is how skilled you are at bargaining. And the
best place to shop is on Goa's streets close to the Beaches. Shopaholics will
find exciting deals from handicrafts, sarongs and beach wear to high fashion
dressing, accessories, antique jewelry and home decor! Goa's shopping outlets
comprise cosmopolitan department stores, designer boutiques and the makeshift
stalls at the very popular flea markets.
The main up market shopping area is on Panaji's 18th June Road, where you
will find branded products and plush department stores. Wendell Roderick's
Designer Space, near Louis Gama Garden, Campal, Panaji and Souza's, at Roua
Do Ourem, Fontainhas Panaji are famous for clothes.
Most of the lifestyle shops are housed in renovated old Goon homes and are
usually found in Panaji and North Goa. To name a few there are: Goa Velha,
near Panaji Inn, Fountains, and Panaji, known for exquisite hand painted tiles.
The Attic, at Mapusa, Casa Goa, Opposite Milky Way, Baga Road, Calangute.,
Manthan, near Taj Exotica, Benaulim, Sangolda, off CHOGM Road, Sangolda, Bardez.
Goa's handicrafts are great souvenirs to take back home. They include brassware,
silverware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work,
paper-mache, etc. These are available in the Government Emporia and also at
the street shops. The local craftsmen make showpieces out of natural stuff
like coconut husk or palm leaves. Craftsmen from Cuncunolim, South Goa make
wooden articles which are lacquered in festive colours These colourful items
are called chitaris. Skilled brass workers at Corlim, Mapusa, specialize in
the exquisite candelabra-like brass oil lamps called samai. These range from
the foot-high, four-branched avatar to many-branched items. The silversmiths
and goldsmiths of Goa are known the world over for their craftsmanship, which
is why you will find very unusual gold jewelry designs in the local gold shops.
You can bargain over the rates quoted.
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation
Limited (GHRSSIDC), provides marketing outlets for Goan handicrafts at the
following outlets:
GHRSSIDC, Crafts Complex, Neugi Nagar, Rue De Ourem, Panaji.
Bicholim: Pottery Production Centre, D 2/7, Bicholim Industrial
Estte, Bicholim.
Calangute: Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Resort, Calangute.
Mapusa: Handicrafts Emporium, Mapusa Residency, Mapusa.
Margao: Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Margao.
Panaji: Handicrafts Emporium, Panaji Residency, Panaji.
Handicrafts Emporium, Interstate Bus Terminus, Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji.
Vasco-Da-Gama: Handicrafts Emporium, Goa Airport, Dabolim.
Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Swatantra Path, Vasco Da Gama.
Other places to shop are the Gulf Supermarket at Panaji; Handicrafts &
Silk Emporium, Maganlal Changi at Panaji. For crochet and embroidered items,
there is the Institute of Nossa Senhora de Piedade, at Panaji. Apart from
this, there is the Magsons Supercentre at Miramar; Treasure Trove at Panaji;
Velho & Filhos Shopping Centre at Panaji and Hotel Silver Sands at Colva
Beach. The Mapusa Friday Market is where stalls sell everything from curios
and old coins to dried fish and spices. The Anjuna Flea Market on Wednesday
is a major attraction for people from all over. It's a blend of Tibetan and
Kashmiri trader wares, colourful Gujarati tie and dye and mirror work products,
ethnic wear and Indian handicraft items.
For food items check out Infantaria Bakers and Confectioners, just beyond
Calangute market, that makes and sells Goa's best bibinca, (the traditional
40-egg-Goan cake), pinag (black jaggery and rice flour sweet), as well as
a variety of other cakes, croissants and cookies The Goan Bazaars are a medley
of sight sounds, aroma and colour. The Mapusa and Margao markets are where
you can pick up the best Xacuti Masalas, Kashmiri Chillies, Kokum, Black jaggery,
goan sweets (Dodol, Bibinca, Pinag, and Dosh), salt fish, Pickles, Spiced
Goa Sausages, Cashew nut and wines. The rates of everything including alcohol
are cheaper in Margao than in North or Central Goa.
Zantye's cashew nuts are of the best quality and can be found in shops all
over the state. Mapusa's Pedro Vincent Vaz produces good Port Wine. The Goan
liquor stores have a variety of alcoholic beverages, but the varieties in
wines are the most popular.
Goa's own brews Feni and Urak are popular buys as these are available only
in Goa. Feni is made both of Palm and Cashew and is available in liquor stores
all over.
The best known super market in Margao is Kitchnette near the Margao Petrol
Pump, where you can get everything from Goan flavours to imported food brands.
The best home-made bath cake (coconut cake) and light beef pattis are available
at the nondescript Bonzil Bakery in Varca, South Goa. The famous Goa Vinegar
is made by the locals and sold in the smaller grocery stores. Good home made
Goa sausages are delivered at your doorstep by Domnic Fernandes, Dovendem,
Margao, Goa. Don't forget to pick up the well known rubber slippers and the
sturdy black Goa Bags from either the Mapusa Market or the Margao market to
put all your goodies in!
Visiting
Goa is basically a round the year tourist haunt because its varying seasons
appeal to different people differently. Some find the Goan winter months of
November February quite pleasant.
To others Goa is beautiful during the monsoon months of June to September. And
many more rush to Goa during the Indian Summer months of April and May where
they beat the heat with dips in the pool or the sea and cool beverages.
How to get there
By Air : Goa has an international airport at Dabolim, 30 km
from the capital, Panaji. Several overseas charter companies as well as most
domestic airlines have flights to Dabolim. The regular domestic connections
are from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai. From the airport to your
hotel or to any of the towns, catch a cab, a metered taxi, city buses or airline
coach to their city offices.
By Train : The two main railway stations are Margao (Madgaon)
and Vasco da Gama. Rail travel to Goa from most parts of India is now vastly
improved with the commissioning of the Konkan Railway, the linking of Mumbai
and Mangalore along the coast, as well as conversion of the track from metre
to broad gauge. The major connections are to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Rajkot
and Thiruvananthapuram. From other places in the north, east and southeast you
can travel to Londa Junction and then transfer to a connecting train to Margao/Vasco
da Gama.
By Road : Goa is also well connected through bus services,
there are a lot of AC, sleeper, slumberette Volvo's that travel every night
connecting Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune. Smaller destinations are connected with
non-ac buses and non-Volvo buses too. For those who wish to drive, the roads
connecting Goa are great drives. Bombay-Goa highway is beautiful and very picturesque;
but the road is full of ghats (curves, you drive through some eight hills),
so keep your Avomine's handy if you do not take road travel well.
