Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Monday, 29 July 2013
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/30439Hangout 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/
Sunday, 28 July 2013
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.
VIVA GOA CARNIVAL!!!
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!!!
Thursday, 25 July 2013
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.
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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.
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PEN ME YOUR VIEWS
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
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!
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!
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
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.
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.
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.
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| Agonda Beach |
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
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
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 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
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 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!
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.
HAPPENING PLACE PANJIM
 |
| The Governor's Palace in Panjim. |
Panjim also has the floating casino's and the Governor's Palace at Dona Paula. The Governor of Goa resides in Panjim most scenic area. The Governor's palace is situated at the tip of the Dona Paula hill overloking the sea. The view is breath taking. On Sunday's the local's are allowed to enter this highly secured area for mass in the old Potuguese church situated inside the huge fortress.
The Dona Paula jety is yet another attraction for tourist. The Dona Paula jetty was once used to ferry people across to Vasco. But journey by sea to Vasco--where the international airport is currently based-- did not appeal to all and hence it was scrapped and the road ways is being used to the fullest till date.
The park's in Panjim too are a good place to chill out with family and loved one's. The Ambedkar Park at Panjim bus stand and the Campal Park attract a lot of locals too. The Campal Park has boating with game areas for kids. There is a restaurant serving Indian cusine at the park.
The Taleigao Park is another good bet to hang out as it boast of a well maintained garden and top security throughout the day.
All in all, Panjim will surely not bore anyone. The Kala Academy which stages Konkani plays and music shows will keep you entertained in monsoon's. The cinema houses too are ideally based in tourist locations in Panjim.
Its a win-win situation to be around in Panjim as the environment is safe and friendly 24x7. The tourist police and the other government houses have a strong presence in Panjim. So feel safe and make the best of your stay in Goa.
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