CHRISTMAS IN GOA

CHRISTMAS celebrations in Goa is grand. The whole of Goa is lit up and wears a festive look. Dance shows are happening all over Goa in places like Mapusa, Panjim, Margao, Vasco, Ponda and at the Goa borders it's Pernem (North) and Canacona (South Goa).
Entrance fees to these dance events vary from place to place. Some include the table charge for two inclusive for dinner and drinks. At places like Calangute and Vagatore the fees are high and so is the quality.
Dress code is formal in places like Panjim and Mapusa but Margao is the place to enjoy the real Christmas feel in Goa..
Goa's best bands in attendance to keep your feet taping all night on Christmas eve. So look sharp and just slip into the mood as Goans are known for their music and partying habits. Steer clear off drugs and shady characters posing as Goans urging you on off beat tracks in the name of rave parties.
Goa is best enjoyed sans drinks and drugs. So folks usher in the New Year at India's best Tourist destination where global stars, sports and the film industry descend to unwind in the midst of the unmindful Goans.
Viva Goa! enjoy and be good this Christmas.

GOA IN THE SPOTLIGHT

From race issues to a spotlight on crime, cops and local pushers

By Pamela D'Mello
The write is a respected Goan journalist who has always been unbiased sticking to facts of the story.

I present her story so the world will get to know what really happened on that dreadful day.

On October 31, when some sixty Nigerian nationals erupted in
anger at the murder of their compatriot, blocking peak
morning hour traffic on National Highway 17, they projected
themselves right into the public glare. The state reacted
with shock and anger. The blockade was compounded further by
lumpen elements in the vicinity rallying around for two
further bouts of blockades, this time round demanding police
hand over Nigerians to the Goan mob.

Two Nigerian nationals straggling behind as the rest of their
countrymen left for the Mapusa police station, were thrashed
by the mobs -- the footage drawing widespread condemnation. 

In subsequent news and social media reactions, a section of
Goans, venting their anger at the cautious approach of the
police, invited allegations of racism from the national media.

In a knee jerk reaction, playing to public sentiment, Chief
Minister Manohar Parrikar ordered a verification drive on all
Nigerians in the state, exacerbating a spiraling diplomatic
row and drawing comments from Nigeria that the government was
"rubbing salt on the wounds" of Nigerians. In the propaganda
blitz launched by the Goa police the focus in the state media
stayed on the alleged "drug" connection of the West African
community and its lack of travel documents, visas and the like.

Ministers of the BJP ruled state compounded matters
with statements dubbing Nigerians as a cancerous
growth in the state (a remark the minister in
question later withdrew). "In all these
allegations, the main issue of the Nigerian who was
murdered was lost," says Advocate Raju Poulekar,
representing some of the 52 Nigerians who were
arrested for the October 31 protest. The
government further compromised its position when it
charged the rioting Nigerians under stringent
"attempt to murder" charges, while choosing to
bring no charges against members of the mob that
attacked the isolated single Nigerians that morning.

It was only when the Nigerian High Commission threatened
retaliatory action against Indians in Nigeria, demanded
justice in the murder and protested before the Indian Union
government, that two locals were arrested in the murder case.
Unfolding police investigations into the murder reveal a
gruesome episode that has since silenced public here and
reveal the cause for Nigerian anger that morning.

Gangs, police, political patronage
----------------------------------

Officially the state government has told the Centre that the
murder was a fallout of a fight for supremacy in the drug
trade in coastal areas of North Goa. Sources suggest that a
group of Nigerians, bringing in cocaine and heroin, were
seeking to expand their footprint in the distribution network
along the nightclub and party belt in North Goa, leading to
clashes with local gangs reigning in the area, that enjoy
both police and political protection.

Police and other sources suggest that several incidents of
fistfights, and knifings between the two groups prior to
October 30, had even resulted in some complaints being filed
before the police against each other.

After one such fight, police arrested two Nigerians on
October 31 at the Anjuna police station, while a local mob
waited outside apparently seeking retribution. Since the
Nigerians were unable to procure bail that night, the local
gang is believed to have ridden through the area, allegedly
indiscriminately targeting disconnected Africans they
encountered en route to neighboring Parra, where a number of
Africans are known to reside.

Nigerians present at a bar and restaurant in the
village were attacked, as was the victim who was
allegedly isolated some distance away. Police have
since said the victim had never been involved in
any prior drug related matter, while other sources
suggest he was an innocent casualty in the
violence, triggering off anger among his
compatriots, who took their protest to the street,
demanding the presence of embassy officials at the
autopsy.

Since then, sections of the media have put the focus on two
local BJP legislators with business and influence in the
Anjuna, Chapora, Vagator area, where the gang accused of the
murder operates. Unlike the urbanised areas of Calangute,
Candolim and Baga, where tourists flock in the thousands each
day and the drug trade is believed to be dissipated, with
scores of freelance players out to make a quick buck --
distribution in the rural areas around Anjuna are believed to
be within the control of local gangs, with reach within the
police and political network.

Within days, panchayats within these legislative segments,
passed resolutions banning renting of rooms to Nigerians, a
rent-a-bike association took a similar course, while banners
proclaiming "Say No to Nigerians, Say No to Drugs" went up in
some areas, steping up the heat on West Africans. The
orchestrated anti-Nigerian rhetoric scaled down under the
glare of the national and international media, but not before
the manipulation of public opinion earned Goans the tag of racists.

"It is wrong to evict anyone because of their race, colour
and creed. But any anti social activity should be
investigated and dealt with fairly," feels Ian Henriques,
Manager of the St Anthony's Hospital and Research Centre in Anjuna.

Some Nigerians are willing to admit that the
highway protest led by some 8-10 of the more
"hot-blooded" Nigerians was wrong and swung public
opinion against their community. "The Nigerians
were angry, because what happened on October 31 was
the last straw in the growing racial targeting of
all West Africans by some in the tourist trade,"
says lawyer Caroline Collaco.

Joe Prince, a Nigerian residing in Goa and engaged in
exporting apparel from Tirupur, South India, to his country,
told this correspondent that an incident at Baga's Tito lane
in 2012 had even been referred to the high commission for its
brutality and unfairness. A local "big-shot" wheeling his
car into the pedestrianized Tito's lane one night,
accidentally hit a Nigerian man, triggering an argument.

When the former sought a minister's intervention, local
police ordered to take action with the assistance of bouncers
are believed to have gone on an indiscriminate rampage
against all Nigerians on that street. "One moment I was
sitting in the restaurant talking, the next someone was
punching me. I was severely hurt and in hospital with
multiple fractures. And then they wrongly booked us for
fighting amongst ourselves. I had to pay Rs 15,000 to come
out of prison," Prince said. Now he finds it galling that
several upscale clubs indiscriminately bar the entry of all
Africans.

Alexander Shauun, Manager of Arpora's Club Cubana however
told this correspondent, "There is no discrimination on the
basis of any nationality. Across the board, we do not take
in 'stags'."

Another nightclub manager justifies the informal ban. "When
some of them so openly push drugs on the street outside, what
are we to do? We cannot risk them doing that inside the
club." Certainly tourism players in the belt openly voice
their distaste for some West Africans, accusing them of other
practices in the area.

The belief here in official circles is that Nigerians welcome
cases filed against them, as it helps them stay on longer in
the country. Since 2010, the Goa police have booked 240
Nigerians for various offences, including overstaying,
accidents, narcotic and other offences. Destruction of
travel documents is another accusation, with the Goa police
pointing out that only one person of the 52 arrested for the
recent riot had his original passport, one other had an
original residential permit issued by the Hyderabad
Foreigners Registration Office, 12 others had photocopies of
passports, while 38 were without any documents.

Under the spotlight
-------------------

Either way, the recent incident and murder has put
the spotlight not just on the Nigerians and other
foreigners working the drug trade in Goa, but also
onto local involvement and gangs operating the
peddling and distribution end of the trade in
touristic coastal Goa, as well as the local
pusher-police-politician nexus. Police say the
entry consignments of cocaine, heroin, MDMA and
Ecstasy tablets are sourced from foreign nationals
bringing them in, while charas comes from North
India. They also add that in addition to
Nigerians, persons of other nationalities including
Russian, Israelis, British and other nationals have
been found involved and have been arrested for
narcotic possession.

Even law enforcement officials have been tainted with
involvement in the trade.The Goa Police's Anti Narcotic Cell
has yet to live down the ignominy of having seven of its
officers implicated in the Yaniv Benaim (alias Atala) case of
2010, where the latter, an Israeli national, was caught on
camera boasting of his payoffs to some police. Twenty four
kilograms of charas had been found missing from the police
muddamal (seized property), apparently rerouted to dealers,
in a scandal that still casts a pall over the department.
Earlier this week, police reportedly suspended yet another
constable for his alleged role in tipping off the local gang
in the Nigerian case. Race, colour and persuasion it would
seem matter little in this game.

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER EXPOSITION

Decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier to begin in
Nov 

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE5rDF71jXeTLs-EXcd4ROpPayr8w&url=http://news.oneindia.in/india/goa-decennial-exposition-of-st-francis-xavier-to-begin-in-november-1324366.html

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN GOA

TOURIST are making a bee line for Goa as Diwali holds a lot of excitement for people coming from different socio and religious background.

The night is lit up with fire works and sweets being shared by all loving Hindus who make this festival look bigger than life.

Bus, air fares soar as tourists head to Goa for Diwali 

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEEPUh1-WIrT2Spwu-xVcQt7VjU7g&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Bus-air-fares-soar-as-tourists-head-to-Goa-for-Diwali/articleshow/24506014.cms

Popular Goa beaches to have security up till midnight

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/popular-goa-beaches-to-have-security-up-till-midnight-432498

Goa is 'Best Honeymoon Destination'

The newly weds can surely look forward to a nostalgic trip in Goa which would leave a imprint in their lives. The scenic beauty with no one actually giving you those hard stares can surely be very assuring for the newly weds in Goa.

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG5GhmcXWLAbDwPj4pnMdqDjFfkLQ&url=http://oheraldo.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/Goa-is-lsquo-Best-Honeymoon-Destination-rsquo/80890.html

Exotic beaches, sunshine and culture: It's got to be Goa


http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEDNZfXwNuDkiMGCMRlnG225qfZvA&url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/travel/437845/Exotic-beaches-sunshine-and-culture-It-s-got-to-be-Goa

Goa bags award for best beach, culture tourism

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFIlL-nCoWxIs5mcgZzUXhmH0aOag&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-bags-award-for-best-beach-culture-tourism/articleshow/23755675.cms

Schoolchildren to clean beaches in Goa



http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGBvivA1f3ClbDjkOr3qlUZMz5HDw&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Schoolchildren-to-clean-beaches-in-Goa/articleshow/23735410.cms

A song for all those who love Goa

The Goa Song (Amchem Goa) was written on a lazy sunday afternoon on Nixons Balcao while reminiscing the good old days in susegad Goa.The songwriters hoped this song would rekindle a bit of Goaness in each one of us so that we can come together and make Goa a better place to live in.The song today has become an anthem in Goa and has brought everybody who loves Goa together to save what is left of our beautiful Goa!!!! Let us come together and save Goa!!!!

Singer & Producer: Varun Carvalho (varuncarvalho.com)
Direction & Editing: Agnelo Raymond D'Souza (agnelodsouza.com)
Cinematography: Lenzyel Antao
Concept: Agnelo Raymond D' Souza, Andrew Pereira
Camera Assistants: Rajesh Dayal,Nilesh Khanaiya, Vinayak Handa
VFX & Color Correction: Atmaram Sawant
Illustration: Govit Morajkar

Song co written by Varun Carvalho and Nixon Soares
Music by:Andrew Ferrao
Lyrics by:Varun Carvalho 
Vocal arrangement: Roy Menezes
Main Vocals: Varun Carvalho
Backing Vocals: Roy, Andrew, Laura
Guitars: Nixon Soares and Ted Joshua
Keyboards: Andrew Ferrao
Tablas: Amjad

Also thanking:
Colin Dias featuring on the Lead Guitar
King's School
Apollo Hospitals
Travco Holidays
Radio Indigo - RJ Ayesha & RJ Merv

Diya D'mello, Nidhi Fernandez. Alysia Gomes. 
Myra Da Costa. Azra Da Costa.
Neha Masurkar. Hyacintha Monteiro. 
Kimberly Monteiro, Edmar Hendricks.


AMI RECORDS, UK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrfCFIBL_YA

Goa News Links

Hotel prices have dropped in other prominent States of India but not Goa.

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNF5FBs5b2tQXJf0pDoGaz_95nrRzA&url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hotel-prices-fall-in-delhi-mumbai-chennai--rise-in-goa-kochi/1175958/

Goa casino laws should emulate London, not Vegas' - The New
Indian Express

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGzlIy6YBQ8XghDZzIp7SLpil0yBQ&url=http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Goa-casino-laws-should-emulate-London-not-Vegas/2013/09/27/article1806782.ece

 India Bike Week 2014 to be held in Goa Jan 17-18 - Deccan
Herald
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG8HcDDqy9OXjPPwn1lTtaXk99Ukw&url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/359885/india-bike-week-2014-held.html

Tourism master plan for Goa - Times of India
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHSTw13eQ9mQtfC2WpEK1rpLZpYKQ&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Tourism-master-plan-for-Goa/articleshow/23217544.cms

I AM PROUD TO BE A INDIAN

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL MY INDIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE WORLD. MAY GOD BLESS OUR RULERS AND GRANT THEM WISDOM. SALUTE OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS WHO HAVE MADE GREAT SACRIFICES.
HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES WHO LOST THEIR NEAR AND DEAR ONES IN THE TRAGEDY THAT STRUCK THE SUBMARINE IN MUMBAI ON THE EVE OF INDEPENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS.

JAI HIND!!!

GOA'S SPLENDID WATERFALL--DUDHSAGAR

The Dhudsagar waterfalls in monsoons is awesome! The road drive is exhausting but the place is splendid, worth the watch. The natural surrounding with the lush green montains capped with natural water springs is a sight to behold. There are two ways to reach this place, one is by the train and the second is by the road. The train departs from Vasco station in the morning. It is advisable to check the train schedule prior to heading out to the Vasco station. During monsoons there are delays caused due to the landslides caused by heavy showers. But dont fret incase of delays or setbacks Vasco city has great attractions like the Bogmolo Beach and the Navy Musuem, just adjacent to the airport which is open to th public. Kids would love this place as the old air planes and helicopters now sit majestically having served the country faithfully during their prime stage. The drive to Dudhsagar too is good idea but it might get a bit exhausting as the train journey is much comfortable and better bet to chat and make friends along this wonderful South India route.

GOA PHOTO EXHIBITION

FACES & PLACES
A Photography Exhibition by Neil Rodrigues 
Date: 18 - 20, August 2013 
Time: 10:30am - 7:30pm 
 Venue: Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Campal, Panjim, Goa 
Preview and Opening: 17th August, 2013 @ 5:30 pm 
With 'Faces & Places' Neil Rodrigues gives character to a locality by juxtaposing it with the portraits of local people to their home environment. In doing so the viewer has the opportunity to see a space through the eyes of the person who visits it almost everyday. Neil is an Artist, Architect and Photographer from Goa, India and based currently in the Emirates. His affinity and ease in engaging and capturing people sets him apart. He is passionate in visually communicating his impressions of people, colour and texture to the world from a new perspective. He has photographed brides, musicians, crawling rural pace and urban chaos with the same passion. Above all he is a dreamer of design concepts and celebrates his journey on earth with his photography. Growing Old is a privilege enjoyed by a few Not all are fortunate to receive the same love they unconditionally gave... Not all are fortunate to be given the same time they willingly spent... Not all are fortunate to not be viewed as a 'burden' when they are financially unproductive If you feel their pain and want to reach out to them somehow, then consider buying a print at 'Faces & Places'. All proceeds from prints sold at this exhibition will go directly to the Bom Jesus Home for the Aged, an old aged home that hosts the elderly from all religions and regions. Alternatively you may send your donation at the below address: Superior Sr. Rennie Bom Jesus Home for the Aged Nachinola, P.O. Aldona, Bardez, Goa 403 508 Tel: (0832) 229-3319 Your contribution will better the lives of many who might temporarily forget their loneliness and ailments. Lastly, please tell everyone you know about this exhibition and the cause it is supporting.

GOA IN AUGUST

The weather now is perfect with patches of sunshine and rain. The hot beach  spots like Calangute, Anjuna, Baga, Vagator, Arambol, Ashviem, Keri and Tiracol in the North of Goa is perfect hunting ground for seclusion with nature this August.
Calangute is and always remain a favorite hot spot among tourists for its criss cross looks with Indian and western style pubs and restaurants standing tall in Goa's most prestigious area. The English, French and Russian tourists will surely find company in any of the dotted restaurants and shacks sprawled along the coastline. Live music and art galleries and not to mention shopping malls will surely get your attention along the well illuminated streets of Calangute. Police vigilance is 24x7 as tourists influx is always high throughout the season on this beach.

Calangute is changing. The beach users have changed, their requirements,demands and attitudes are different.  And so a new order takes over the old.  Earlier two strips of cemented road joined Betim
 ferry wharf to Calangute beach via the Saligao hill.  Then came the expansion of the last fifty meters to the beach, which ended into Rotunda. 
Meia Laranja (meaning half-an-orange in Portuguese) or the Rotunda structure has become an identification mark of Calangute beach.  This structure, recently renovated and enlarged, existed from pre-Liberation days.

The old Rotunda once contained a lot of sand in which children could run and play freely under the watchful eyes of the elders.  The Rotunda has become a part and parcel of Calangute beach.
Disco's, pure vegetarian, Chinese, Thai and Continental restaurants are all within a 5km radius in Calangute.
Vagator beach is best enjoyed at sunset . This beach is just along the coast of Calangute, so if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle dash to Vagator.
Looking for a lonely spot with your loved ones, then Ashviem or Morjim beach is a good bet. The beaches in North Goa has a unique charm with domestic as well as international tourist making the best of the place.
Hotels in various categories are available from Sinqurim, Candolim, Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna ,Morjim and Ashviem beach.
Five star hotels are more concentrated in Calangute and Candolim but South Goa has the world best chain of hotels standing in Margao,  Benaulim, and Varca.
But if given a choice head for south Goa beaches like Agonda , Cab De Ram, Cola and Paloliem. The view and untouched beaches will surely spruce up the holiday mood.
The festivals like Ganesh is largely celebrated by the Hindus in August. The strong Hindu pockets like Ponda, Pernem, Bicholim will wear a festive look.
The most interesting part is fish and meat prices normally dip during this period and so also the hotel tarrif plan rates. So its a win-win for all.

The Arambol beach is mostly dominated by the European tourist. They prefer to sing and dance and live in tents making new friends as the days pass by.

GOA HEALTH TOURISM

Those contemplating of shelfing their plan of visiting Goa due to medical reason need not fret as  monsoons is the best time to visit Goa for all health problems. Goa boast of having the best state of the art hospitals, with highly qualified doctors. All in all the amount  too is very less as one would pay in Europe or the Middle East. Treatment in a tourist infested State like Goa sounds good, but the fact is that many Europen tourist fly down to take treatment for various ailments at good hospitals in Goa.
Goa has reputed doctors who have won over their patient's confidence by their life saving acts. The Ayurveda hospital in Goa too has concessional rate during this period. Tackling obesity and other stress related problems in the proximity of the beach sounds good to the ear.
The things to do in Goa during monsoon are visit the springs and waterfalls, the Ganesh festival is just round the corner, so Goa would be wearing a festive mood. The Ganesh festival is celebrated in August with great fervour.
The churches and temples are the other attractions and not to forget the wild life at Bondla Zoo, in Ponda. The action will keep you going for a week leaving a nostalgic feeling.
So if the reason is health all the more the reason to pack your bags and head to Goa, India.

MAP OF GOA

Map of Goa

HAPPENING PLACES AND EVENTS

THE tourists who come to Goa are expected to have some information  about the place and the precautions to be taken in Goa. There is loads of information on the web, but the few that might get you interested are listed below. But, readers discretion is strongly recommended on eat out places, hotels and shopping oulets that have been floating on the internet. Food for one is poison for another, so as the phrase goes, certain links or articles might not be interesting to some, nevertheless its all about Goa. The views and comments expressed in the links below are solely by the individual writers.

TEN things NOT to do when in Goa

http://know.burrp.com/my-city/10-things-not-to-do-when-in-goa/30439

 Hangout joints in Goa

http://bit.ly/13RCdVk

Boutique hotels in Goa

http://goindia.about.com/od/wheretostay/tp/goaboutiquehotels.htm …
http://fb.me/1Iy28CtIu

WHATS UP GOA

http://www.whatsupgoa.com/uvbar

Marriage registration fee hiked in Goa for foreigners

http://bit.ly/YVyDYp

NEW BOOK RELEASES IN GOA

Toddy Tapper and His Goa (Jess Fernandes)
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/9165138482/sizes/l/
 
 History of Education in Goa 1510-1975 (PS Varde)
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/9165125228/sizes/l/
 
Cobo's Sofa and other short stories from Goa (Willy Goes)
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/9165114190/sizes/l/
 
Those Were The Days (Cyril D'Cunha)
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/9165103124/sizes/l/
 
Bash on Regardless (Lt Gen WAG Pinto)
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/9162867187/sizes/l/

GOA'S POPULAR STAR REMO

Remo Fernandes, is Goa's most popular pop-rock-Indian fusion artist and a sucessful film playback singer in India. His fusion music is his signature style. The strong influence of Goan and Portuguese music drove him to be a big Goan success  in Bollywood industry. 

His compositions in English, Konkani has always struck a socio-political issue  which  led him to popularity.

Remo's Hindi pop-rock and film songs became instant hits with the Indian masses, earning him Gold, Platinum and Double Platinum Discs. 

A famous name in Goa and India, Remo has particiapted in many music festivals around the world. He has performed with international names such as Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin and Queen, to name a few.

He now writes and sings his songs in five different languages; English, Hindi, French, Portuguese and Konkani.

Remo sings his heart out about Goa and appeals in the name of humanity to retain Goa's  identity and stop exploting the natural resources given by God.

VIVA GOA CARNIVAL!!!

The Goa Carnival begins with a bang before Lent (the Catholic religious period)  in February. The Carnival involves the locals (and of late tourist) joining the celebration forming groups who dance and party in the Carnival parade in streets of Goa.
The Carnival is traditionally held in Panjim, Mapusa and Margao. The celebrations are strognly felt in large Catholic pockets of Goa .
During Lent, no parties or other celebrations were held, and people refrained from eating rich foods, such as meat, dairy, drinks and sweets. In the days before Lent, all rich food and drink had to be disposed of. The consumption of this, in a giant party that involved the whole community, is thought to be the origin of Carnival.
European tourist joined the celebration along with the Indian film industry this year  to give the celebration a filip.The Carnival has always attracted Indian and Europena tourist alike. The party last for a week as the Carnival Parade is held in all major city's of Goa, with people from all walks of life come out in large numbers. The Goa Carnival has evolved over the years and the number of floats and participants have so also swelled along with the the prize money. The Goa Government has boosted carnival with top security measures along with elaborate tour and travel arrangements for tourist during this period. The Carnival has always impacted the  tourism related business during this festive spell.
Now savour the melting moments and make sure to be there next time.
Viva Goa!!!

GOA MOST FAVOURITE SPOT FOR SHOOTS

Mumford and sons the cave

 This group had the whole shoot done in  Goa's  famous beach areas. Check out the album, its good too!!!

Goa - Goa club mix 

This album is the latest Tamil hit on the block. The music is peppy. You will like it though you may not follow the language, but music has no barriers folks!!!
The album below is a trance track, this kinda music is in vogue in Goan clubs and shacks on the beach. 

GOA IS INDIA'S BEST HOT SPOT

Goa is the smallest State in India, with an area of 3,702 km2 and its the fourth smallest State in population. Goa is sitting in West India in the Konkan region and is bound by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south.
The Arabian Sea forms Goa's western coast.This location has catapulated Goa sky high on the tourism map.
Panjim, (Panaji) as it is officially known is the  State's capital, Vasco, where the International Airport is situated, is the largest city in South Goa. Margao  exhibits the strong Portuguese culture and it is stilll visible in old Goan houses where the house as well as the furniture are past their prime stage.  Goa has a strong Portuguese influence which dates back to  the early 16th century, when the Portuguese had landed here as merchants and later went on to conquer Goa.
The Goa  coastline of 101 km has always been the main attraction for tourists.The  rivers like Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chaporakushavati river and the Sal has been tapped by private boat operators who conduct Dolphin trips and also ferry bird watchers to rare bird sightings. The Mormugao harbour on the mouth of the River Zuari is considered one of South Asia's best harbour and on more than one ocassion have foreign vessels drop anchor at this famous place.
The Zuari and the Mandovi river are Goa's main rivers and are the busiest too . The floating Casinos and private luxury boats make a splash on this belt.
The former Portuguese province was annexed by India in 1961. Today Goa is know for its beaches, heritage sites and religious place of worship but the glorious past has always been the selling point for Goa.
Every year International and domestic tourists visit Goa in large numbers during Nov to May. Goa's rich flora and fauna, and its scenic location in the Western Ghats range is a hotspot for tourist.
The tropical monsoon climate in Goa attracts a lot of tourist during monsoon to Dudhsagar Falls on the Goa-Karnataka border. Special tours are conducted by resorts and hotels to keep the guest coming again for a refill of the Goan spirit
Goa, situated near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate through out the year but peaks in May. The monsoon rains arrive in the first week of June and last almost till end of September and this is the right time for budgeted travellers to visit Goa.
The winter season is between mid-December and February. But all in all, this former Portuguese colony has all the good things to look forward to.
Panjim, Bicholim, Mapusa and Ponda along with Tiswadi (Panjim), Bardez (Mapusa), Pernem, Bicholim, Sattari (Valpoi), and Ponda form North Goa.
Margao the headquarters of South Goa district is divided into three subdivisions Margao, Mormugao (Vasco da Gama), and Quepem. The six talukas, Mormugao, Salcete (Margao), Quepem, Canacona (Chaudi), Sanguem, and Dharbandora make South Goa complete. So there is no place like Goa where each village is deeply associated with rich history and luch green surroundings.
Goa is a best place to rejuvenate for  tourist looking to enjoy, relax or even come down for medication. The Ayurvedic Centre and the best state of the art hospitals in Goa attract the European crowd with huge discounts in monsoons.

PEN ME YOUR VIEWS

The best critic are those who know you well,  my blog too needs your valuable inputs which will be of great help to me.
If you need any  added information on a certain place or subject please feel free to pen me your thoughts. Goa has been close to my heart and I have been to all the best places  Goa  has to offer. The jungles, trekking, wild life adventure, I have done it all along with my beautiful daughters and wife. I  recommend places on this blog only after I  felt that it needs to be enjoyed by other people around the globe too.
The pictures have been taken by my daughters as well, so your  encouragement would surely give them a boost .
Having lived in Goa I enjoyed the best moments in villages and the beaches which add to the charm of this former Portugal colony. I will share all my experiences and thrilling moments in the following  months.
So feel free to write back. I highly appreciate your time and and effort and hope you reach out to me with whatever queries you have.

Warms Regards

Rajesh Keith D'silva

GOA SPRINGS

The springs are best to visit in monsoon's. Calangute spring, Pompurba spring  and Pernem spring in the north of Goa are worth visiting during  the  rains. The  Keserval Spring in Verna is situated in South Goa, it has its own charm. The road to the spring goes winding down the hill with a tiny steps leading all the way down to the gushing waterfall.
The Keserval spring has a bar and restaurant and has a resort just on the NH 17 highway. The Keserval spring  is just 7 km away from the airport. The Velsao beach too is within  20 minutes drive .  Its a win-win situation visiting this place as the beach, spring and  decent eat joints serving Goan and continental food are open even during monsoon.
The Pernem spring in the North of Goa is situated in the  village with a old temple in the surrounding. Those found of angling (fishing) get some good bait as the khareband river is a good bet to fish in Pernem.
The Tiracol Fort is along the Pernem route so the attraction gets even better enroute to Tiracol fort the Keri beach with the tiny shacks  serving Goan snacks are pitched bang on the jetty area. To reach Tiracol the ferry has to be used, so the journey has its own charm as the ferry takes you through the choppy waters to the ancient Portugal fort at Keri.
There are restaurants and "Rooms to Let" at the foothill of the fort and for those looking to spend the night in the fort there are AC rooms operated by the Tourism Department. Bookings has to be done in advance to avoid dissapointments. Bookings are done in Tourism Department office at Panjim for any place in Goa run by the Tourism Department.
Pompurba spring is just 15 km drive from Panjim but worth the drive in monsoons.
Enjoy!

GOA NEWS LINK

Goa govt plans hassle-free shootings for film producers -
Times of India

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGYwAOrPA5p3zSUlVbSHAjYhmer6w&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Goa-govt-plans-hassle-free-shootings-for-film-producers/articleshow/21302461.cms

BEST BEACHES IN GOA

Goa's most popular beach like Calangute and Anjuna are always crowded, even monsoons do not dampen some of the tourist spirits who come in big numbers during the rains. But a best place where fun and activities still continue in June to September are Calangute and Candolim beach, situated to the  north of Goa .
The Auguada Fort and the Light House in Candolim  are a good spot to go with a four wheeler. The rains in Goa have never caused serious flooding issues in the past but care needs to be taken of tress being uprooted due to incessant rains.
The Auguada Fort was once a strong fortress under the  Portuguese regime. The   Portuguese soldiers kept watch and it was a idle watering hole for their own vessels at high sea.
The lower portion of the fort now is a secured jail and of of bounce for tourist as hard core criminals are serving their sentence in this high security zone.
The church on the hilltop is the only sign of civilisation and villagers attend  Sunday mass despite it not being ideally situated .
A walk down would take you to the light house. A must see infact as the view from top is fantastic. If the weather permits you could capture some glorious moments from top of the light house.
A small fee is charged by the government office but its  worth the trip. Those interested in camping, the Auguada Fort area is a best bet to camp, but only for the day with the sea streching at the end of the hilllock with the  magnificient Hotel Taj  standing out majestically towards the right would surely make your day.
No shacks are present on the beach during monsoons but there are restaurants in the surroundings.

Agonda Beach

The beaches which are really good and worth going to are Agonda in the South of Goa and Morjim beach towards the North of Goa. But for those loking for some spunk and excitement Cola beach and Cab de Ram in South Goa is a must see.
The view at Can de Ram is divine and private as very few tourist know of these two beaches. The Cola beach is jagged rocks and a small stretch of beach but the drive and location is a bolt out of the blue.
The drive to these two beaches is almost one hour from Panjim but the view will keep you engrossed.

GOA NEWS LINKS

Solar-powered fruit carts to be run across Goa beachline -
Economic Times

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEQScAjtAX7GX9GXLUUcd021NG6qQ&url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/solar-powered-fruit-carts-to-be-run-across-goa-beachline/articleshow/21268991.cms

Goa beckons monsoon tourists - The Hindu

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFBVe3IsYHEFcsxe0ZmEGRLkX12yw&url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/goa-beckons-monsoon-tourists/article4946036.ece

GOAN FOOD

The Goan food has a strong Portuguese influence. The staple diet of  Goa is fish-curry- rice. The Kingfish (Vison) as they call it in Goa, mackeral (Bangda), shark and tuna fish is perfect fit for a complete Goan fish curry rice dish.The fish curry could either be tuna fish or prawn curry served along with fried mackeral or Kingfish. The mackeral fish is marenated in Goan masala and is slightly spicy. It goes well with boiled rice which is served in all restaurants and hotels in Goa. The price varies in season and from place to place. But a normal fish curry rice should cost around Rupees 50 to 150 per cover depending on the hotel and service charges. A decent meal for two should cost approximaely Rs 200 without drinks. Water served in restaurants are free and in most village restaurants, boiled water is available.
Goan food is mostly sea food based and beach shacks restaurants along the coast will serve you these dishes but at a premium price. Check out the restaurants along the road where you would find authentic food but the surroundings might put off a few.
Mix bhaji pau (mixed vegetabe along with fresh bread) is a quick snack which consists of cauliflower smashed along with potatoes and tomatoes. Just to give you a brief insight, the Portuguese brought potatoes, tomatoes, pineapples, guavas and cashews from Brazil to Goa. Tomatoes and potatoes were not accepted by the Hindus, until the late 20th century. The most important part of Goan spices, the chili, was introduced by the Portuguese which became immensely popular. All these above mentioned ingredients were not used in Goan cuisine before the advent of the Portuguese.
The Hindu and Catholic food preparations are prepared differently. Even the food is different. The Goan Hindu normally have vegetarian food with fish curry rice being the secondary dish. The Catholic families indulge in meat and fish and less in vegetarian dishes.
The monsoon's usher in huge demand for frozen fish and hence many restaurants have seasonal rates on their menu card. Fish eater's in Goa normally make up by fishing on weekends in the sweet waterlakes during monsoon's as fishing is banned during monsoon's by the Governmen of Goa.
Some of the popular Goan dishes are listed below to give readers a fare idea of what to look ahead on the menu card.

GOAN MEAT DISHES

Goan Pork Vindaloo

Sorpotel

Chicken Cafreal

Goan Roast Chicken

Goan Meat Curry

Chicken Xacuti

Goan Salted Pork

Goan Feijoada

Goan Mixed Meat Stew

Goan Egg Curry

Goan Tongue Roast

Beef Croquettes

SEA FOOD

Prawn and Lady Finger Curry

Prawn Rissoles

Caldine Curry

Goan Fish Curry

Shark Ambot Tik

Crab Xacuti

Prawn Balchao

Sweet & Sour Prawns

Samarachi Kodi

Bangda Curry or Goan Mackerel Curry

Recheado Masala

Bon Appetite!

GOAN HOUSES AND FLATS

The traditional houses in Goa has given way to urbanisation in some villages along the coast of Goa. The tile roof houses with the traditional sit out place called the "bolcao" has been replaced swiftly with modern bunglows and residency flats in places like Calangute, Candolim, Siolim and Seqerim in North Goa.
Tourism has always been the main source of revenue and hence all those in the tourism business take extra efforts and care to attract the European traveller.
Some houses in Goa have registered with the Goa Tourism department and are up for rent to just give a feel of a true Goan night. The rent charged is reasonable too. There are huge Portuguese houses registered with the Tourism Department . Most of these houses are along the beach front and the villagers are more than happy to rent out their places for a small sum.
Siolim, Morjim, Ashveim, Arambol and Keri are  pockets in North Goa where such rooms could be got for a reasonable rate.
Calangute, Candolim where the tourist influx is very high, have more modern houses and flats for rent. The flats have facilities like the  swimming pool attached with gyms and top class security but the rent charges differ from place to place.
For families and couples who wish to enjoy living with a Goan  family, the houses are a best bet. Language is no barrier as most of the villagers speak and write English.

So grab a bike or car on rent and hit the road amigo!