Category Archives: Goa

Top Things to Do in Goa in the Monsoon Season

If Goa is on your wish list to India, you might’ve read that this pint-sized Indian state is best visited in the winter months (October-January), when the weather is at its best, almost all tourist hot spots are open for service, some great festivals are organised adding to Goa’s verve and the general atmosphere is that of revelry.

goa

While all this is amazing, the downside is exorbitant prices to pay for average service (a bummer for budget tourists) and huge crowds almost everywhere, which might feel a little overwhelming at time, especially if you are not from India. Given all this, it makes sense for you to plan your Goa holiday during monsoon, an off-season, when most tourists stay away, prices are as low as they get here and gushing rains paint a perfect picture.
Here are Top Things to do in Goa during Monsoons:

Visit the Dudhsagar Falls

Ask any expert on Goa and they will tell you that Goa is at its most stunning when it is raining and one of the most mesmerising sites to behold in the state is Dudhsagar Falls, one of tallest waterfalls in India, standing at 600 metres. Located 60 kilometres from the capital Panaji, the falls can be seen at their mightiest during rainfall, when the water plummets onto the rocks with a roaring sound and assumes the appearance of frothy milk which is also the Hindi translation of the fall’s name. You can also check out some of the other gushing waterfalls that are equally breathtaking at this time of the year. These include Tambdi Surla falls, Chorla falls, Sakla-Vajra Waterfalls, Netravali Waterfalls.

Attend the Lord Damodar Saptah in Vasco

Every year, for a week in August, Lord Damodar Saptah (the week of Lord Damodar) is celebrated with a great zeal in the city of Vasco Da Gama. The more than 100 years old festival sees tableaux following mythological themes being brought to the main temple from different parts of the town. A procession ends with drowning the coconut used during last year’s prayer rituals in the sea and there is splashing of water amongst the devotees and the parade of tableaux takes place at night. The whole town is lined up with vendor stalls selling everything from trinkets and toys to furniture and clothing and food and the atmosphere is charged with festive spirit.

Discover All Shades of Green at Wildlife Sanctuaries of Goa

The verdant, tropical forests of Goa serve as homes to a great diversity of flora and fauna and the many wildlife sanctuaries in the state are teeming with possibilities for discovery. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the most popular ones. You can find birds like Wagtails, Fairy Bluebird, Drongo, Three-Toed Kingfisher, Great India Hornbill and Golden Oriole, animals such as Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Barking Deer, Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, Civet and Wild Boar as well as a variety of deer and snake species here.

Take a Bicycle Tour of Old Goa

Get off the beaten path and find yourself stunned at witnessing the breathtaking beauty of old Goa. Penetrate the green interiors that seem to have been frozen in time. The stunning paddy fields stretch for miles and are beautified by rains, making for a beholding spectacle. Interact with locals, drink fenny, explore centuries old churches, marvel at the quaint charm of Portuguese and French villas and relish sumptuous Goan cuisine, all this on your bicycle, at your own sweet pace.

The Unexplored India, You Need to Visit ASAP!

There are stereotypes with everything and Indian tourism is no exception. When you plan a trip to India, there are certain places that you will visit because they are common and ‘touristy’ and everyone goes there.

Sundarbans

However, if you wish to really explore the country, you should pick the road less treaded and find hidden gems along the way! We have lined up some interesting places you may want to add to your itinerary when discovering India!

Sundarbans

Famed to be one of the biggest mangroves in the world, the Sundarbans in West Bengal are the face of the rich Indian wildlife. The population of Royal Bengal tigers is said to be highest here. However you need to proceed with caution as these creatures are infamous for being man-eaters. There are several guided tours available where you will not only be able to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat, but will also be able to admire the flora and other fauna of this magnificent jungle.

Butterfly Beach, Goa

Goa is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. However, if you wish to leave behind all things chaos and commercial, you should visit this beautiful secluded beach which is nothing sort of sheer bliss. Located a little further from Palolem beach, you will have to take a ferry ride to reach there.

Majuli, Assam

This is the world’s largest river island and is surprisingly one of the least visited places in the country. It isn’t famous or crowded but is truly one of nature’s blessings to humanity. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you visit here, you will know why! The simple life, the tribal people and the aesthetically blessed vicinity, this place is called the cultural capital of Assam for a reason.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

There is nothing more beautiful than this magnanimous expanse of dessert! The colourful clothes worn by local people here, the camel rides, the art, the culture, the folklore, everything here is rich and unadulterated. The Rann of Kutcch is one of the most underrated places in terms of tourism and you should definitely explore it when in India.

Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Northeast India, in general, is not one of the top regions that people visit when in the country. It is the lesser known heaven that this country has and to unravel the astonishing experiences in these places you must venture to explore them. You can see snow-capped mountains from around this unbelievably beautiful lake in Sikkim. The view of the majestic Himalayas and with most intense hiking trails around, you can have the best times here with your friends and family.

A Peep into the Art, Food, and Architectural Brilliance of Goa, India

goaa

There’s no denying the fact that Goa is a place full of infectious energy and people from across the world visit the destination to unwind and relax in the sun, sand, and the surf. Besides, there are certain elements of this glorious place that people tend to overlook; for instance, its rich history and culture.

goa

The beautiful Portuguese heritage, the scenic perfection it so easily flaunts, and the architecturally brilliant buildings; there is so much more to Goa than what an average traveller sees.

The Art

Art has phenomenal presence in Goa. You can see the use of bold colours and paintings throughout the destination. The famous art galleries that you absolutely have to visit include The Art Chamber, Kala Academy, Kerkar art, Monsoon Heritage studio, Gallery Gitanjali, Gallery Attic, The Big Foot Cross Museum, Ruchika’s Art Gallery, and so on. Next time, you plan to visit Goa on a holiday, keep some time aside to view these works of art, because they truly are a blend of the old and the new. They will take you to a trip down the times when Goa was still a Portuguese colony and its gradual evolution in terms of culture, colour, and art, besides other things.

The Food

While you may have a blast surfing or simply sunbathing on the beaches with your drinks, don’t forget to try authentic local cuisine. You are sure to become a fan. The Goan cuisine is typically influenced by the Portuguese and the south of India.  Being a coastal destination, the food is majorly dominated by sea food. Fish and rice remains the staple food and there are also many other mouth-watering dishes to spoil you for choice. A lot of vegetables are cooked in coconut milk too because of the Maharashtra influence on the food. All in all, you need to try some of the famous delicacies such as prawn curry, Sorpotel (pork stew), Varan, and Tondak, and so on. You will surely return from Goa with fabulous food memories and perhaps also learn to prepare some of these dishes.

Architectural Finesse

The Portuguese left their mark on the architecture of Goa, something that makes the place stand out from the rest of the country. You will notice that many of the houses and other structures have sloping roofs to counter the heavy rains. The vibrant colours and bold patterns reflect the Portuguese influence. Baroque style buildings and very old Victorian influences ensured the creation of such strong and dependable architectural wonders, whilst ensuring the beauty of the same.

Top 3 Beaches in South Goa, India

Goa, being one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, entertains hundreds of thousands of tourists from all around the world who book tickets to this beach destination.

goa

Here you can enjoy at various lovely beaches, party to your heart’s content, indulge in water-sporting activities, visit historical attractions, explore jungles, and do a lot more. Also you can choose to stay either in North or South Goa; both are unique in their own ways. Have a look at three of the top beaches in South Goa.

Palolem

One of the most popular beaches located in South Goa is the Palolem Beach. The palm trees and hillocks that surround the crescent-shaped beach not only make for a stunning view of the sea, but also act as a natural bay surrounded by tall headlands on both the sides. Due to its shape, the whole beach is visible from any point. The beach is about 1.6 kilometres long and features a wide range of water-based sports and activities including snorkelling, fishing, parasailing, dolphin-watching and windsurfing among others. If you are an amateur swimmer, it is advisable to swim on the northern part of the beach as it is shallower. This beach was featured in the Hollywood film Bourne Supremacy as Jason Bourne’s (Matt Damon) residence.

Colva Beach

Colva is the largest, oldest and perhaps the most beautiful beach in South Goa. The sands of the beach are white and fringed with coconut palms. The beach extends to Cabo De Rama in the south. During the colonial period, Colva Beach was restricted to a privileged few, but today it is a public venue for fun, adventure water-sports, parties and nightlife. One of the most important highlights of Colva beach is the church of Our Lady of Mercy. This church is famous for the statue of ‘Menino Jesus’. The best time to visit the beach is from October to May when the season is favourable.

Cavelossim Beach

One of the most unique things about Cavelossim Beach is that it lies between the River Sal and Arabian Sea. It is another gem from the garland of beaches along the coast of Goa, with lush green vegetation, including casuarinas, palm trees and paddy fields. The beach attracts a large number of tourists who indulge in various recreational activities such as dolphin watching, sun bathing, sunset cruises and shopping, to name a few.  Before catching a flight back, remember to visit the colourful native bazaars that surround the beach. Cavelossim is also one of the best places to get pocket-friendly and comfortable accommodation for singles, couples as well as families.

A Heritage Tour of Panaji, Goa

Panaji, the capital city of Goa, reflects Portuguese colonial influence more than almost any other part of Goa.

Panaji-Goa

Panjim is a beautiful blend of heritage, nature, religion, and night life. This place is full of well preserved heritage sites and is very popular amongst people who love to visit archaeological and historical sites.

To experience the Old Portuguese charm you can head to Fontainhas, a Portuguese district based in the West of the Ourem River. The place is famed for its prominent Portuguese architecture. Tiny overhanging balconies of red, blue, yellow, and green houses across both sides of the narrow cobbled lanes present a colourful spectacle. Sao Tome is another such quarter, located near Fontainhas.

For most tourists, especially history buffs, the Goa State Museum is a must-visit place in Panjim. The museum is divided into 12 galleries that house wonderful historic artefacts. Another highlight is the Secretariat Building, the oldest building in Panjim. Originally built by a Muslim ruler, this building was later modified by the Portuguese into a rest house. This is a classic specimen of Portuguese architectural style. To further satiate you archaeological curiosity, head to the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilica of Bom Jesus is another amazing pilgrimage cum heritage site in Panjim. The elegantly decorated interiors of the church boast the famous portrait of St. Francis Xavier as well as lots of other beautiful paintings. The church has a wonderful art gallery on the top that exhibits the most enchanting relics of Christian art. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Statue of Abbe Faria, Houses of Goa Museum, Altinho Hill, and Chapel of St. Sebastian are other heritage sites worth visiting in Goa.

Goa Tours – Explore State’s Raw Beauty at These Unconventional Places

When thinking of a holiday in Goa, almost everyone thinks of the palm-fringed beaches and glorious Catholic churches that are extremely iconic! But have you ever thought of exploring Goa’s real charm and get into the spirit of rawness that this wonderful state exudes?  Truly, there are plenty of remote areas where you will be able to witness the real Goa in its sanctity and obtain that soul-soothing relief and enlightenment for which you have spent on tickets onboard flights for the destination. Have a look!

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar-WaterfallsThis is probably nature in its purest form! Located on Goa-Karnataka border, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is counted among the tallest waterfalls in India and features amazing scenery. The captivating beauty of the sylvan surroundings and rich flora and fauna also attract a good share of nature-lovers boarding flights for holidays in Goa. The best time to visit the place is after the monsoon season when the water-flow is high and the entire area is painted with exotic greenery.

Canacona Taluka

Canacona Taluka is one of the remotest corners in Goa and hence features the rawness of the state’s interesting culture in abundance. Unhurried lifestyle and interesting traditional practices that many people still follow here are the primary lures for international travellers who visit this region during their Goa holidays. Besides, nature-lovers are in for a treat as the area boasts an enthralling array of natural splendours, from lush forests to unspoiled beaches and from incredible springs to waterfalls.

Chorao Island

Old Portuguese homes, mist-laden meadows, a large population of migratory birds and friendly locals – this quaint little island in the heart of North Goa exemplifies the gratified way of life. Take a ferry from Pomburpa ferry point to go and delve into the Chorao’s interesting history and culture. Meet the locals and listen the fascinating stories of the island-living. Peaceful beauty of beaches and lagoons here is just soul-soothing. Furthermore, you can trek up the surrounding hills to experience more of serenity and solace, and make most of the money invested on flights’ tickets and holiday packages.

Top Literary Festivals to Attend during Winter Holidays in India

Top-Literary-Festivals-to-Attend-during-Winter-Holidays-in-India

Without a doubt, winter is the best travel season in India. The climatic condition during the season is just perfect for outdoor sightseeing in most parts of the country. But even beyond that, winter is the time when literature-lovers can find several lit fests to keep them engaged and enthralled. Attend a talk season with high-profile authors and speakers, participate in knowledge-enhancing literary workshops, or buy some souvenir booklets to bring back home – these literary carnivals are certainly worth every penny spent on travel tickets and holiday deals.

Kochi International Book Festival

Locally known as ‘Antharashtra Pustakotsav’, the festival in Kochi, a charismatic coastal city in Kerala, is fast garnering the attention of literature-geeks from far and wide. Expect some fantastic literary and art competitions, cultural evenings and book launches during the 18th Kochi International Book festival that will take place from November 29 to December 8, 2014. Keen travellers can check Kerala Tourism’s official website for info about the fest and the entry tickets.

Goa Art and Literary Festival

Goa in winter is a place of unrestrained conviviality. If you’re boarding flights for the India’s beach capital this season, then be sure to attend the 5th Goa Arts and Literary Festival being held between December 4 and 7, 2014. People interested in art and literature will surely be enthralled by various workshops and literary encounters during this 4-day carnival. After a day of interaction with country’s literary geniuses, head on to Goa’s spectacular beaches for some sun and sand experience! Winter is the peak season in Goa as well as the rest of India, so it can be tricky to find last-minute cheap deals, but you can try out your luck and look to secure air tickets for Goa, if you haven’t done so till now.

Jaipur Literary Festival

The Jaipur Literary Festival, now in its 15th year, will be held from January 21st to 25th, 2015. This one of most revered and prestigious lit events in India takes place in the historical Diggi Palace Hotel in the Pink City ‘Jaipur’ and attracts a huge number of literature-lovers from far and wide. This year, the event has a broad array of activities lined up, such as the sessions with many Indian and international writers, literary and art competitions, poet meets and music programmes. Food-lovers boarding flights to attend this event in India are also in for a treat, as Jaipur is widely famed for its culinary delights.

Important Safety Tips for an Enjoyable Holiday in Goa

goa

India’s beach capital, Goa is safe to travel around. No place, however, is completely crime-free. So people contemplating a holiday in the province should always exercise precaution to ensure a safe and secure holiday experience. Here are some basic yet important safety tips that holidaymakers’ buying tickets on Goa flights should pay heed to.

Carry Money in a Safe Place

The best and safest place, for a traveller, to carry cash is a money belt, well hidden from public sight. Besides, tourists can keep the money inside the socks or their coats to ensure it’s safe. It’s always advisable to carry debit and credit cards, instead of too much of hard cash. North Goa has plenty of ATMs from where travellers can withdraw money at a moment’s notice. But if you travel to the southern part of the state, make sure you carry enough cash to pay your bills; there are not so many ATMs in this part of Goa.

Don’t Leave Luggage Unattended

When in a foreign land, you cannot trust anyone to look after your luggage. So keep it with you at all times, especially at crowded places like beaches, railways stations and bus stands. While venturing out for sightseeing or any other excursion, it’s good to place your travel documents like return flight tickets, passport and visa in the hotel’s locker.

Check the Weather

People who have invested in flights for holidaying in this lively state of India should note that weather conditions in Goa change quite frequently. So it’s vital to check the climatic conditions before heading out for seaside fun in Goa. Don’t swim in the prohibited areas, especially during monsoon when waters in Goa can turn rough anytime. Sleeping on the beach at night is also illegal and may land you behind bars.

Respect Locals and their Customs

Be silent inside a place of worship or at a religious monument. Take permission if you want to take photos and if it’s prohibited, don’t argue. It’s good to talk politely and with smile on the face. Avoid being in an argument with any shopper, taxi driver or stranger.

Goa Sunburn 2014: Get set to be ‘Sunburned’ at India’s Greatest Beach Party!!

Goa is the craziest and most maddening party place in India! The events and festivals of the city often shout loud about its exciting culture and lifestyle. Merrymakers planning to grab flight tickets to Goa to get acquainted with the region’s colourful culture must not think anymore as the state is all set to host the Sunburn Music Festival for the 7th time in a row. Often considered Asia’s most extravagant dance and music event, Sunburn Goa is a perfect dose for adding exceptional glitz and glamour to the nightlife of the city. With stunning music performances beginning from early in the evening and going on till late evening hours, nonstop partying is the prerogative of everyone at the festival!

Goa Sunburn

This electronic dance music (EDM) festival will be held in the month of December from 27th – 29th at Vagator Beach. This year, the festival will be featuring over 7 different stages with live performances from over 90 international artists. The long list of international artists making their way to the carnival includes Afrojack, Axwell, Markus Schulz, Pete Tong, Mark Knight, Andrew Rayel along with local artists naming Dualist Inquiry, (S)haan, Lost Stories, Anish Sood, Kohra and many more. Different genres that will be played during the festival include House, Trance, Electro, Drum & Bass, Techno, Psy-trance, Experimental music, etc.

One of worlds’ greatest music and dance festivals, the event further guarantees an experience of a lifetime with wild dance parties and adrenalin gushing music which is sure to take visitors off their feet. Going much beyond dance and music, this three-day gala event is an exciting amalgamation of food, sports and shopping. For visitors who wish to party till late night, special “After Dark” parties are organized that begin post 10 pm and end with a 24-hour hangover fun and frolic. Tickets for the event are easily available online on the official website of the event i.e. www.sunburn.in. However, apart from dance and music, visitors have many other reasons to book flights to Goa. Adventure seekers may go for trekking, camping or participating in one of the many thrilling water activities offered at most beaches.

Goa’s Best Temptations – Biggest Lures of Smallest Indian Province!

It’s gorgeous, it’s divine, and it’s a place where the spirit of the soul is lifted to new heights – Goa makes up for its miniature stature with an abundance of temptations that can make any traveller want to book flights in a jiffy and land on its pristine shores.

Even though Goa happens to be the smallest state in India, it is the reason for a substantial influx of foreign tourist in the country. Thousands of people arrive on flights on the Indian soil and head straight to the welcoming beaches and frivolous surroundings of Goa.

Exploring Goa is an exquisite experience, the value of which far exceeds that of the money spent on tickets to India. And to ensure that one gets to see the best of Goa, here’s a list of the best temptations that the destination has to offer.

Calangute Beach

goa-beaches

goa-beachesaThink white stretches of velvety sand and foamy waves caressing them and that’s a fairly accurate picture of the Calangute Beach of North Goa. The beauty of the location is so sublime that its fullest potential can only be experienced by being there in person. Calangute Beach features in almost all the itineraries of travellers who book tickets to India for a perfect beach holiday.

Music and Parties

The land blessed with natural endowments also happens to be one of the merriest places in the world. Thousands of tourists book flights to Goa to be a part of numerous music concerts and parties which are hosted all round the year especially during the festive season of Christmas and New Year. For lovers of all kinds of music, from psychedelic to trance, Goa welcomes all the melodious souls with a plethora of exciting and enthralling events.

And the Food!

When it comes to food, Goa is nothing less than heavenly! From traditional Goan cuisine, which in itself is influenced by a number of global culinary techniques, to an extensive array of sea-food- the food scene in Goa is deliciously divine.

With all that it has to offer, it is no wonder that Goa holds the honour of being one of the most coveted tourist destinations of all times.