Tag: Goa

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Beaches Ghoomophiro Blog North-West India Solo Women Travel

Things to do in Panjim

Goa is the holiday capital of India and Panjim is the capital of Goa. That introduction should be hint enough as it’s the enormity of attractions it has to offer.

Here is what #ghoomophiro thinks must do’s while in Panjim.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

The first in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim is a visit to the place that has become the face of the city – Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. This church that is standing here for over 400 years has not lost in its beauty and still enchants anyone and every one with its architectural brilliance.

Maruti Temple

Maruti is another name of Lord Hanumana. This beautiful saffron-colored temple grows even more beautiful at dusk when it gets it lits up and shines like a pearl in the hills. The temple is located at top of a hill and it is a somewhat hike of steps to reach there.

Adil Shah Palace or Old Secretariat

Enough with religious places, next in our list of amazing thing stop do in Panjim is a visit to the only palace in the city – that once belonged to Adil Shah. The yellow and white building is now home to some of the best art exhibitions you will see in the country.

Cabo Raj Bhawan

Cabo Raj Bhawan’s brilliant architecture of this building situated at next to the Arabian Sea makes a visit to it fourth in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim.

Residence of Goa’s governor is open to the public on the last three days of weekend – Friday to Sunday. But you must book online to be able to visit it, and the booking costs 300 INR per person and you must have a photo of with you.

The tour will let you see Aushadhi Vatika (literally a herbal garden); the helipad; the cannon point where the cannons still standing to look at the Arabian Sea willing to take on perils that might come from that way; Raj Bhawan museum, church where Dona Paula is buried, Grotta and, of course, the beach.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Okay, one more temple. But Mahalakshmi temple is the most popular temples in Panaji, we just couldn’t help but include it in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim. It is popular with the unique Deepstambh in brickwork here.

Goa State Museum

Next in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim is Goa State Museum.  There are some amazing artifacts here – including a wooden Raath (chariot); the ancient Hindu stones that honor the brave who sacrifices there loves posthumously, etc

Sunset at Dona Paula

Next in our list of amazing things to do in Panjim is watching the sunset at Dona Paula. A perfect vantage point where all you see is sea, sky, and sun, it is a perfect place to enjoy your sunset in Dona Paula. You must arrive half an hour before the time of sunset. The sunset at Dona Paula is best enjoyed during months after the monsoon (October and November) when the sunsets are even more particularly beautiful.

Miramar Beach

Included as next item in our list of amazing things to do in Panjim is a visit to Miramar Beach. Popular for its stunning sunsets, it offers you a chance to take a boat ride deeper into the sea. And there are dinner cruises available.

Fontainhas Heritage Walk

The Fontainhas is perhaps the oldest part of Panjim and is sometimes also called the Latin Quarters. It is known for its Latin architecture and colorful houses and steep staircases that connect it to the hill above making a cultural visit here one of 12 amazing things to do in Goa

Mandovi pleasures

Mandovi river and nearby areas offer a number of experiences which together form the next item in our list . To begin with it is just an amazing place for those who enjoy walking. Walk along the shores of Mandovi river and let your eyes feast on the beautiful sights it has to offer including tranquil peace of watching the sunset (particularly at Darya sangham).

You can also hire a private boat to explore the backwaters of the Mandovi river. Organized cruises mostly start in the evenings. Who knows you might even see dolphins!

You will also have a chance to go bird watching in the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary nearby which is home to a number of exotic birds. All these pleasures together form an item we couldn’t help but include in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim.

When to visit?

Panjim celebrates a number of festivals, the following ones are especially recommended at times to be in Panjim:

New Year – the fireworks at beaches are not an awesome sight to start your new year with; especially those at Miramar Beach.

Lokotsav – a folk festival when a number of artists from all over India perform at Kala academy for a duration of 10 days or so at Kala academy. The street food from all over the country also finds its ways into the city.

Viva Goa Carnival – full of joys that best carnivals can offer whether it be colorful decorations, music, dancing food and drinks, it is celebrated in the month of February.

Shigmo  – on the 18th of June every year, the streets are filled with tradional music.

Sao Joao – The onset of monsoons is celebrated by jumping into wells and well, these days into swimming pools.

Narkasur Chaturdashi – Goan version of Diwali involves children creating a demon names Narkasur which is burnt on the day of the festival.

IFFI – International Film Festival of India held in November every year turns places like Kala Academy, ESG and INOX theatres are full of cinema lovers.

GALF – Goa Arts and Literary Festival held in December every year bring literature and art lovers to ICG (International Center Goa) for 4 days in which talks, panel discussions, workshops, networking, etc are held.

Christmas

Ganesh Chaturthi

What to buy?

Panjim is center to Goa’s and, often, national and international culture so there is no dearth of souvenirs you can buy in Panjim. Some of the places you can buy you from – Mario Miranda Gallery near Panaji Church, Wendell Rodricks Boutique in Campal, 18th June Road, etc.

What to eat?

The  Zantye is where you can buy cashew and Kokum Sherbet. We recommend trying local fusion food at Black Sheep Bistro and Fish Curry at Ritz Classic. If you are into bars or cafes, Panjim has them almost everywhere.

Hotels in Panaji

Panjim has a number of both high-end, mid-range and budget hotels. The high-end hotels (Cicaade De Goa, Marriott Resort and Spa, Grand Hyatt, etc) are often next to sea beaches and offer stunning views making the price worth it. Among budget hotels, we recommend Hotel Mandovi which offers a charming view of the river.

Conclusion

Panjim is Goa in miniature, it will take you several days to take all it has to offer. We hope this article helps you in finding the best of pleasures it has to offer. J

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Group Travel wildlife

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to wildlife in a state known for its wild lifestyle

Goa is immensely popular in tourists both local as well as international. Its sea Beaches, seafood, laid back values, music and easily availability of alcoholic drinks make it heaven who want to enjoy their life in wild ways. But this wild lifestyle aside, Goa is also home to some exotic wildlife.

When we think of Goa, we are mostly thinking of North Goa – the commercialized party center with all the most popular of beaches. Compared to it, South Goa is relatively unknown to the tourist world and thus lacks commercialization. South Goa is thus more peaceful, clean and less crowded while still carrying some of most beautiful beaches, temples, Waterfalls and, also, wildlife hubs. And one such wildlife hub is what we are going to talk about this time – Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary offers a welcome break from sea beaches Goa is famous for.

Location

The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is located about at a distance of a mere 70 kilometers from Goa’s airport. Like most of the rest of the places in Goa, the best way to reach here is on a hired two-wheeler if you don’t have a personal vehicle.

The beautiful Konkan vegetation, rice fields, and western Ghar hills greet your eyes on both sides of the road when you are on your way there but the internet might not be most reliable in these circumstances. In such circumstances, we recommend asking a local about the routes to be sure.

Best Time To Visit

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is best visited during monsoon season, that is, from late June to August; when vegetation is fresh green and the air is pleasant and you have a chance to see Savari waterfall within Netravali at it’s beautiful best.

You may visit it in winter too but we won’t advise visiting it during summers (March to May)

Where to stay?

You can return to your hotel in North Goa in good time if that is where you intend to return. Otherwise, accommodation is available in forest rest houses run by the GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation). The tourism department of Goa also takes care of food, thus making it an ideal place to spot creatures of the wild in their natural habitat.

The Sanctuary

As we were visiting git in monsoons, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary greeted us with sense natural vegetation – so dense that though the day was sunny, in some parts sunlight didn’t reach the ground… Well, you are also greeted by a check post where you have to pay the entry fees.

The sanctuary is best explored in two-wheelers and, as far as possible in groups as you might not come across any other humans unless it is a working day.

Flora

This dense deciduous mixed with evergreen/ semi-evergreen natural vegetation is a common characteristic of all Western Ghats and Konkan region in particular.

The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 211 square kilometers and drives its name from Netravali (or Neturli) river – a tributary of River Zuari which originates here.

A wildlife enthusiast will find much to love in surrounding areas too – it has Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve of Karnataka on its eastern side; Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa on its southern side and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park on its northern side. All of these along with Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa and Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka together form an incredible home to protected wildlife.

Among wildlife to be found here are included is a tremendous diversity of mammals including – Gaur (Bos gaurus), Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), four-horned antelope or chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis), leopard (Panthera pardus), black sloth bear etc which are sustained by abundant availability of drinking water in the region.

The region is also a home to several aviary life forms like the rare Malayan night heron (Gorsachius melanolophus), grey-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus priocephalus, Nilgiri wood pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), white-bellied blue flycatcher (Cyornis pallipes), great pied hornbill (Buceros bicornis),), Wynaad laughingthrush (Garrulax delesserti), rufous babbler (Turdoides subrufa), white-bellied treepie (Dendrocitta leucogastra), etc.

While during our visit there, we came across a leopard, a Gaur and hornbill; the highlight of the day was some of the beautiful butterflies we came across. We won’t know names of species of these butterflies and a Google search suggested several names of butterfly species be found in here like  the Malabar banded swallowtail (Papilio liomedon), redspot duke (Dophla Evelina), Malabar banded peacock (Papilio buddha), southern birdwing (Troides minos),  Malabar tree nymph (Idea malabarica), black rajah (Charaxes solon), blue nawab (Polyura Schreiber) etc.

We spent our whole day exploring this beautiful natural paradise and only made our return journey at 5 pm.

Conclusion

If you are on a long vacation in Goa, say a week or so you will probably look for a break from its mainstream attractions and a day in this cradle of nature is your best alternative. In its own right, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has too much beauty bestowed upon it by nature for one to miss it. J

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Culture North-West India Rejuvenate Solo Women Travel

Assagao, The flower Village of North Goa

Goa is famous for its beaches and nightlife and has won the title of tourism capital of India on the back of those attractions but they do not form an exclusive list of the pleasures the state has to offer at all. Some of its lesser-known attractions its beautiful villages, a lot of which offer a serene distraction in case you have had too much of its beaches. Its traffic-free country lanes and pretty landscape with beautiful churches and pretty flowers are a welcome change from Goa’s more mainstream attractions.

Its tranquil beauty is so different from the noise of party-loving party culture of Goa that you might think that you are not in Goa anymore. But do not be deceived – Goa’s beauty is still there but just at a different, and if we might say, and even more original wavelength.

Today, Ghoomophiro will talk about their experience in Assagoa. Assagoa is also known as ‘Fullyanchem Gaon’ or the flower village of North Goa as well as several other nicknames – “Little Delhi”, “Goa’s South Extension”, ‘Artist’s village’, “The Beverly Hills of Goa”, “Goa’s Tuscany”.. Assagoa is a village in  Bardez, Goa. It is located about 4 kilometers west of Mapusa. This flower village of North Goa was ruled by Portuguese like the rest of the state and this has left very little trace of earlier cultures that had resided in it.

History

According to a local legend, the village got its name when a prince, who had lost his way on the hills of Assagao on a dark night, heard the cock crow to signal the time dawn. Overjoyed and relieved of his fears, the forlorn prince heaved a sigh, Assa re ganv. The earliest known inhabitants of Assagao were Saraswat Brahmins of the Atri gotra among some other Hindus who all had Ravalnath as their presiding deity. There was no dearth of temples back then but none survives now – after it has survived Portegeuse rule.

How to reach Assagao?

The forty-kilometer journey from Goa airport can be made on the personal vehicle or taxi or a hired vehicle. It is best visited as a one day detour from Panjim.

What to eat?

Assagao has grown to be a full-blown tourist attraction with a number of eateries offering very delicious varieties of Indian as well as western cuisine.

What to buy?

Assagao’s shops are the best in Goa if you feel like buying souvenirs. There are shops here offering anything and everything – garments, jewelry, electronic accessories, etc.

Where to stay?

Assagao offers accommodations options for people of all budgets and pockets. Some of these offer specialized services such as spa, yoga, etc.

Places to visit

  1. Villa Blanche Bistro

A quiet eatery in a quiet village tucked right inside commercial noise of holiday paradise that is Goa, Villa Blanche Bistro was our first stop. It had mouthwatering Italian and German delicacies on offer which we munched away in our breakfast. This was the reason why we visited it on Sunday – to have a taste of every dish they had to offer.

  1. Hotel Astoria

This 250-year old heritage bungalow is the perfect place to have your evening drinks or early morning snacks while sitting in shades of mango trees and coconut palms and listening to songs of bulbuls and other birds.

  1. Purple Valley Goa

There seems something absurd in talking about ‘yoga in Goa’ but you can do exactly that at Purple Valley Goa which has a large open area for meditation and reflection. You can also stay at Ganesh House, Savasana House or cottages in here. Moreover, all the food served here is organic and vegetarian – helping you experience life from an ascetic’s point of view.

  1. St. Cajetan’s Church

St. Cajetan’s Church is one of 23 churches in Bardez built by the Portuguese. The beautiful church of Assagaon is a piece of architectural genius and greets its visitors with a rich history.

  1. Project Café

The Café that has become an attracted some of the most popular artists of the country to a small village like Assagao – the café is a cafe, a retail store, an art gallery, Whether it be writers, painters, musicians etc, Project Café is fast on the road of becoming artists’ parliament of India. Pay a trip here and if you are lucky you might come across some artist you have dreamed of meeting all your life.

Conclusion

Assagao is a beautiful little village that might have been made for lovers of beauty only. It has its own exclusive pleasures to offer even within Goa. Talking in terms of luxury hotels, we prefer ones in Assagao over those in Panjim. We even recommend making a special trip just for Assagao. Though there are no sea beaches within the village, there are popular beaches like Anjuna beach in the neighborhood.  Have you been to Assagao? What has your experience there been? J

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Beaches Culture Festival Relax Travel Trends

Cashew Trail in Goa

In many ways, Goa is a fragment of West dislocated to the shores of India. The state has a culture as diverse as it’s cuisine – finding its inspiration from the Portuguese that once ruled it, Hinduism which was once prominent religion here, Christianity which has dug its roots deep inside its soil, the English speaking world which the youth here or the tourists have adopted themselves into.

There are many unique things in which this unique mixture of culture and values shows itself. One of them is increasingly popular Cashew Trail festival. If you have been to Goa, you probably would have drink feni, Goa’s national drink. Feni is made out of cashew.

Cashew Trail Festival is a 10-day festival organized by Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa. The festival celebrates cashew and drinks created from it – and their rich history.

Cashew tree was brought to Goa by Portuguese over 500 years ago. The impact of this fruit, well, technically it is not fruit but you know what I mean, Cashew’s impact on local culture has been so strong that it has inspired Thomas Abraham, general manager, Park Hyatt Goa to trademark the phrase ‘Cashew trail’ and initiate efforts to turn the harvesting time into a cultural event.

Launched in 2017 in collaboration with Vazs — Valentino, Mac, and Cedric of Madame Rosa Distillery, which Goa’s largest feni maker; Cashew festival refuses to be just another encyclopedic or museum activity. Instead, what we got to experience here was a diverse range of activity – cooking classes, cocktail lessons, cycle rides, barbeques.

You do however get to see the entire process from harvesting of cashews to the creation of Feni. The cashew orchids are a world apart from the rest of the Goa, suddenly you are in a place that doesn’t look like Goa or for that matter anywhere in India. The orchids present amazing sights of tranquil beauty to feed one’s eyes upon. And you can just pluck a fruit straight from the tree and start sucking on it! (Yummy!)

The cashew fruits are only used when ripened, they are thus picked from ground Instead of being plucked. A long stick with a pointed end is used for the purpose which is called Kanta

The feni-appreciation is probably the biggest highlight of this annual festival. With 42 percent liquor content, it tastes delicious and can easily make you tipsy if you drink too much of it which you probably will because like we said … Delicious. Just one sip of any of countless variations it comes in will help one realize that no other drink deserves to become a cultural symbol of Goa than Feni.

It is thus natural that the 10 day festival of Cashew Trail should make one forget all about everything else, the rest of world simply must lose itself to irrelevance as Goa gets high on its Feni lust.

There are two more drinks that we must mention. One of them is Urrak – formed at first distillation of Cashews. It has lower alcohol content (about 15 percent) and goes well with lime or lemonade substitute. If you were looking for a stronger drink, Goa’s special brew King’s bear beats them all.

Where to stay?

Park Hyatt Goa is a natural favorite for residence. The hotel is expensive but the experiences it offers are more than worth it, especially during this festival. The rooms are spacious, clean and full of all kind of amenities and there is also a spa facility available.

In so many ways, it has an experience you can’t put into words – a ‘you have to be there to know about it’ thing and we do hope that this article inspires you to be in Goa in time to experience this unique festival.

Conclusion

Cashew Trail festival is a uniquely Goan experience and something that, because of its amazing combination of experiences must be a part of everyone’s bucket list items. Are you already considering it to ornament your next trip to Goa or not? J

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Beaches North-West India Travel Tips

Grandmother’s Hole Beach – one of Goa’s hidden gems

Grandmother's Hole Beach

Goa’s pristine beaches are tremendously popular all over the world but this also means that are overly crowded, commercialized, chaotic and congested as is often the case with mainstream beaches of India.

If crowds get on your nerves, you might find the pleasure you drive from Goa’s enchanting beauty spoiled by these issues. But don’t worry, Ghoomophiro brings you an alternative which will get you best of both worlds.  And that place is Grandmother’s Hole Beach.

How to reach Grandmother’s Hole Beach?

A GPS powered app such as Google Maps will be needed to reach this hidden gem of Goa as you move from airport area toward Baina. About 500 meters from the beach, your path turns into a sort of maze of minor roads as if the place is being guarded by nature from crowds. But don’t worry all roads lead to Rome… Well, Grandmother’s Hole. You might need to ask people for directions and there is a petroleum refinery in the sea, seeing which will prove you are on the right track but eventually you will end up at the beach. The beach is about 220 steps down a cliff – not a very easy hike for old people.

The beach

The beach is surrounded by a semi-urban area. There is parking available on top of the cliff. On steps down the cliff, you will see a fort wall through which you must pass to reach the beach. It is the ‘hole’, after which the beach is named.

It is a narrow Sandy which that Haas jagged rocks. It is beautiful in the way the places deserted by humans to nature’s care can often be. The tranquil beauty though is only to be seen.

There are good reasons it is deserted. There are floating in seawater making swimming a risk business and there are no coastal guards.

Moreover, it is lacking in pleasures that a commercial beach would offer – no carts to buy your food from,  no beach beds. You must bring your own mats in order to picnic here.

Besides tranquil picnics, you can enjoy clicking pictures here of sea showing its majesty in brilliant tides and screeching birds that fly overhead without worrying about tourists obstructing the view.

Some tips

  1. It might be better for those who have trouble with hikes to avoid this beach or to just enjoy it from above the cliff which offers brilliant views.
  2. Keep the beach clean. Do not litter. There are very few clean beaches left in Goa as it is.
  3. If beach games and swimming is your thing, Grandmother’s Hole Beach might not be for you.
  4. You must carry your own mat, some food, and beach attire as these might not be easily acquired here.

Conclusion

Grandmother’s Hole Beach is a hidden gem of Goa, we almost feel guilty in sharing it’s secret. We hope you will appreciate the sacrifice. 🙂

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Spiritual Hubs

Mangueshi Temple and its Magnifciency

Shri Manghesi (or Mangueshi or Mangesh) temple is one of Goa’s biggest, most visited and most important temples in the state. it is located in Mangueshi village in Priol, Linda taluk of Goa and is dedicated to Hindu god Lord Shiva. It is a temple of great spiritual importance to Hindus. Today, Ghoomophiro will tell you all you need to know about it.

How to reach?

The Mangueshi temple is located at a distance of mere 21 kilometers from the capital of Goa, Panaji. Like with most other spots in Goa, the best way to commute locally is two-wheeler through other means are easily available.

Best time to visit

All temples have their festivals for which they hold special prayers and celebrations. The best time to visit Mangheushi temple too would be on the day of a festival that has special celebrations in the temple.  Special celebrations are held in this temple are held on the occasion of a lot of festivals like Rama Navami, Akshaya Tritiya, Anant Vritotsava, Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Magha Poornima Festival (Jatrotsav), Mahashivratri, etc. We recommend that you plan your trip accordingly.

If that is not possible, we highly recommend visiting it on a Monday evening when the idol of Mangeush (the chief diety) is taken out for a procession in the Palakhi accompanied by music before the evening Aarti.

Dress code

Ever since 2011, as with other temples in the region, the temple has a dress code of its own which is traditional wear.

History   of the temple

The main temple at Mangueshi is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Shiva. He is worshipped here as linga. According to a legend, Shiva had manifested into a tiger to scare his wife Parvati. Paravati, upon being frightened at the sight of the tiger, went in search of Shiva and cried out, “Trahi Mam girisha!” (Oh Lord of Mountains, save me!). Upon hearing these words, Shiva turned himself back to his human form. The words “mam girisha” thus became associated with Shiva and over time they got abbreviated to Manguirisha or Manguesh. Lord Manguesh is the kuldevta (clan god) of many Goud Saraswat Brahmins.

Another mythological legend tells us of origin of the chief idol. It says that Manghesh Linga was consecrated on the mountain of Mangireesh (Mongir) on the banks of river Bhagirathi by Brahma. From there, the Saraswat Brahmins brought it to Trihotrapuri in Bihar. They then carried the linga to Gomantaka and settled it at Mormugao, on the banks of Zuari river present day called Sancoale and established their most sacred temple there.

The less mythological continuation of history states that the Mangeushi temple this had its origins in Kushasthali Cortalim, a village in Murmugao. The village fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543. In the year 1560, when the Portuguese government started converting people into Christianity in Mormugao taluka, the Saraswats of Kaundinya Gotra and Vatsa Gotra moved the Mangesh Linga from the original site at the Kushasthali or Cortalim on the banks of river Aghanashini (Zuari)(Sancoale) to its present location at Mangeshi in Priol village of Atrunja Taluka, which was at that time still under the rule of Hindu kings of Sonde of Antruz Mahal (Ponda), to be more secure. In fact, a lot of temples in Pond have a similar history.

The original site was a very simple structure, and the current structure was only built under Maratha rule, some 150 years after the linga had been moved. In 1739, the Peshwas, who then ruled the region, donated the village of Mangeshi to the temple on the suggestion of their Sardar, Shri Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar, who was a staunch follower of Shri Mangesh.

Our visit to the temple

The 450-year-old temple stands on a hill and could be seen from far as we approached it. Its simple structure has an innocent elegance to it. There were several domes, pilasters, and balustrades.

We were attracted to three prominent pieces of architecture. First, there was a prominent Nandi Bull – but then a Nandi Bull idol is something common to all temples of Lord Shiva.

Second, and this was perhaps the best part there was a beautiful seven-story deepstambha (literally ‘lamp tower’), which stands inside the temple complex which was used to light the lamps at the temple.

Third,  the temple also has a magnificent water tank, which according to locals is the oldest part of the temple.

The Sabha Greha of the meeting hall is a really large one and has the capacity to hold up to 500 people.

Besides the idol of chief deity, the main complex has idols of other members of Lord Shiva’s family – Goddess Parvati and God Ganesha. The other deities in the temple include Nandikeshvar, Gajana, Bhagavati and the Gramapurusha Deva Sharma of the Kaudanya gotra.

There are also several important subsidiary shrines to the rear of the main building which shrines gods like Mulakeshwsar, Virabhadra, Saanteri, Lakshminarayana, Suryanarayan, Garuda and Kala Bhairav. One thing you would not want to miss the night view.

Conclusion

Goa’s temples continue to get ignored by the tourists to the state because of pull they feel for the state’s most exotic pleasures. Manghueshi temple is one of those temples that suffer most from this ignorance as it is really a temple worth visiting both for spiritual and aesthetic reasons. We hope you will consider visiting it on your next trip to Goa. J

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North-West India

Why February is the best time to visit Goa?

For someone who loves the very thought of Goa, I don’t need a season or a reason to visit this quaint little coastal state. But having said that, of all the different times of the year that I have visited Goa, I find the month of February the perfect time to travel to this exotic destination. And I have my reasons.

With the New Year parties taking a backseat, I find a much lesser crowd at this time, yet the party mood lingers on. This makes it neither too loud nor too quiet, giving you the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. But most importantly, as I experienced last year, February is the time to see Goa in its true colors.

Here are a few aspects of this Konkan state that I discovered last February on my post-New Year trip to Goa.

Lower travel costs
The effects of the season started showing from the very step of my travel when I was booking my tickets. Starting from the airfare to hotel rates and even local car rentals had dropped their prices, making my entire vacation affordable. Although it was not as cheap as the summer months, it was
definitely better than the holiday season (November to January). I even found a seamless and easy car hire in Goa for my local travel. Otherwise, as I had experienced earlier, finding a rental at a reasonable rate is a challenge in December and January.

The perfect weather
Every season of Goa feels fine to me. But to be honest, then summers are indeed harsh. And hence, when I landed in February, I was greeted with the perfect weather. The days were warm and sunny, but not too hot so I could stay on the beach and swim throughout the day, without getting sunburned. The nights were cooler with a mild breeze. The temperatures would range from 30 degrees (Celsius) to 18 degrees with an average of something around 24 degrees. The clear skies, calmer seas, and the quiet beaches made it ideal for me.


Fewer crowds, better company
With the party season just over, I found much lesser touristy crowd making the beaches emptier than what I had found earlier in my winter trips. I could easily find a quiet corner on the beach to put up my parasol, yoga mat, and laze in the late winter sun, read a book, or go swimming at any time. Thankfully, the beach shacks all worked round the clock, just like the previous months, only with a better crowd and fresher food this time. With fewer customers to serve, they would customize my food and drinks, which just enhanced by experience.


Unique festivals
I always knew that Goa is not only about New Year parties or rave parties. And I experienced that first hand once the party season was over. In February, Goa celebrates the Wine Festival and the Monte Music Festival.

The Wine Festival, also called the Grape Escapade, was interesting. It had started since 2005 and celebrated in Panjim, where people would enjoy grape stomping, sampling different kinds of wines, some of which were grown locally, and some sourced from other places, along with haute cuisine and local flavors, making it a lifestyle extravaganza.

The Monte Music Festival, on the other hand, was a cultural gala. I barely managed to be there on the last day of the event. Organized by the Fundação Oriente and Cidade de Goa, in association with the Kala Academy, the music fest was held on the courtyard of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount in Old Goa. The event saw numerous indie artists and musicians from India and abroad. Last year particularly, this musical event celebrated its 30 years and had its biggest celebrations with famous singers and musicians from the East and West, each of whom added their own touch to Goa’s culture.

The Goa Carnival
Now, this is the real highlight of Goa for the month of February and I was saving this for the last. It was precisely one of the reasons I visited Goa in this particular month. The biggest celebration of Goa and its culture usually happens around this time of the year. Last year, the Carvinal started on February 10 and lasted for four days. A smaller celebration of the worldwide Carnival, on the occasion of Mardi Gras, this
vibrant Christian festival marks the last day of merriment before the abstinence period of Lent starts. It was my first ever Carnival experience in Goa and I was awestruck by the number of floats, the colorful costumes, and the overall ambiance. I even joined a parade through the city, dancing away with the locals and realized how right I was to travel at that time. If you plan to travel in and around Goa on a 4- wheeler, always rent a car with a local vendor who has good knowledge of the roads.


And thus, I wrapped up my Goa holiday, feeling fulfilled and glad that I could see my favorite destination in its own essence.

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Adventure Corporate Outings North-West India

Kuskem Waterfall

Located in the Canacona region of South Goa, Kuskem Waterfalls is one of the most scenic falls in the state. The waterfall lies in the Kuskem village which is located at a distance of 12 km from Hathipal, the entry point of Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary. This makes for a wonderful pit stop while on the way to the sanctuary. It is a monsoon attraction though tourists need to trek a little bit to reach it. The ride to the Kuskem village itself is filled with beautiful sceneries of forests and green fields.

It is 30-meter deep waterfall which makes it a small waterfall but the fact that works in its way are that it is completely natural.

 

How to Reach:

Thought Kuskem Village is 28 km away from Canacona Bus stand, public transportation to the village is poor. It is better to have a private or rented vehicle. The route up to the Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary is on the National highway and easy to travel. We were able to see the landscape view of the waterfall even before reaching the village. The view filled us with vigor for the 2 km trek ahead through unsafe thick vegetation. There were no sign boards and no way to know the way apart from consultation with the villagers before embarking on our way ahead.

Tricky Trek

The trek is an easy walk till midway when we reached a slippery path. Since the water flows deep next to the path, it is better to stay cautious. There are few tourists nearby and no help in case of emergencies since phone networks don’t reach the area. Better to walk carefully and take care of belongings as well.

When we heard the sound of falling water and the path got a little rocky, we realized that we had reached our destination. It was a mesmerizing view of the waterfall. The water was white as milk as it slipped between the rocks plunging to the ground.

What to do:

Apart from enjoying the sights and the sound of the roaring waterfall, adventurous spirits can always stand beneath it and get drenched in nature’s gift. We took a couple of pictures and added another memorable experience to our travel memories.

Nearby places:

For those wishing to get out of the choking city noise, Kuskem waterfall is the perfect little hideout place. It is a hidden gem that is less known to tourists and thus, one can easily spend a day amidst the greenery and the fall. And once you are done here, Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary is nearby. They have many wild species as well as a beautiful butterfly garden one can visit.

Safety measures:

Since there are no boards or signs, it is better to have a talk with the villagers before proceeding. Take their advice before proceeding on foot. Since the area is not covered by cell phone towers, one must be extra-cautious. There are no safety instructions and the area near the falls is slippery. You also need to cross knee-deep water to reach the actual fall. Take all the precautions you can. Further, plan ahead in case you encounter sudden rainfall and take care of your cameras and electronics.

Kuskem waterfall is a wonderful place in South Goa for all nature lovers and once you are done enjoying the fresh water and cool breeze here, you can move further ahead to the Colva beach. This place is a delight for Trekkers, tourists, nature enthusiasts and environmentalists spending their vacation time in Goa. Since it is still mostly an undiscovered spot, you can find solitude here.

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Foodie

Goa’s best vegetarian and Vegan restaurants

Goa is most popularly known for its seafood. And though most tourists that visit here and the locals are meat consumers, with the growth of Ayurvedic centers and Yoga in Goa, vegetarian restaurants have grown in number as well. So for the vegetarians visiting Goa, you have nothing to worry about. Here are some of the best Vegetarian restaurants in Goa:

  1. Blue Planet Cafe

Address: Agonda, Canacona, Goa

Blue Planet Cafe is the one stop for all the health freaks. They have both vegetarian and vegan options and is an award-winning restaurant with all ingredients organic and fresh material used in making food. What you should absolutely try are their Crispy flaxseed noodles.

  1. Navtara Pure Veg Restaurant

Address: Chain of restaurants in Panjim, Margao, Mapusa, Porvorim, and Calangute

This is a famous chain of vegetarian restaurants in Goa that serve Continental, South Indian and North-Indian cuisines. They serve quick and delicious vegetarian food that will give you a homely feeling. Try their Idli Chilli Fry which is to die for.

  1. Bean me up

Address: 1639/2, Deulvaddo, Near AnjunaPetrol Pump, Anjuna

With the incredible “Jungle” backdrop, the place has a fantastic ambiance. They have vegan options and serve food made from organic ingredients. Additionally, there’s a retreat beneath the trees to practice meditation and yoga. The highlights would be Tofu Tempeh and Mediterranean salads.

  1. Infantaria

Address: Calangute – Baga Junction

This is one of the best breakfast places in Goa, popularly known for its milkshakes and English breakfast. Though the appearance doesn’t seem promising, the taste is heavenly.  Their fudge brownie shake’s taste would remain on your tongue for a long while. You can also get Bebinca boxes here to take back for your friends.

  1. Saraya Art Cafe

Address: Saraya House, Chogm Road, Penha de Franca, Sangolda.

The well-thought-out design of the place and the art, the food just makes this cafe the best place to unwind after a tiring day. There are many options for wood-fired Pizzas and fresh juices. Don’t forget to try their Peach and apple strudel. One meal here will instantly uplift your mood.

  1. Jalsa, Arpora

Address: Tambudki, Arpora, Bardez

This is one of the family restaurants in North Goa known for its thalis. They have options for Gujarati, Rajasthani and even Jain Thalis. They serve a special ‘Jalsa’ thali which is a must try. The food is unbeatably delicious and the Chef has some fine desserts in store for you. The ambiance of the place just makes the dining experience better. Just remember to get a reservation if you are going in a group.

  1. Villa Blanche bistro

Address: 283, Badem Church Road, Socol Vaddo, Assagao

This is one beautiful place with blue walls, plants and trees and an option for outdoor seating. The ideal time to go would be for brunch as you can enjoy their Beetroot salad with strawberries and Marinated tofu with Goan rice. But the best dish would have to be the Nutella Waffles. They also have a small place where you can buy trinkets or jewelry for souvenirs. In short, you can have an authentic Goa experience here.

Some other restaurants you can try are Marbella Beach resort (Morjim), Bay 15 (Dona Paula), Joe’s River Cove (Cavelossim), Cyrus Todiwala’s River restaurant (Baga) and Festa Grand Mercure Goa shred (Candolin).Don’t worry if you can’t try the crab dishes or fish curries in Goa since there is a lot more in store for you. Soak in the sun, enjoy the beaches and have delicious food served to you in these restaurants.

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Adventure Beaches Corporate Outings Itinerary Travel Trends

3 days in Goa is never enough!! Check out this itinerary to make sure you hit all the must-see spots

Goa is one such place where you can be for days as much as you want- a day, 10 days or month.  So if you have three days in hand for a destination like Goa, well plan your itinerary to cover most of it.

Day 1

Goa is well connected to other parts of the country by a network of rail, road, and air. Upon your arrival at Goa airport or railway station, take a taxi or avail other public modes of transportation to reach your hotel. To avoid the later hassle looking for hotels, make the prior reservation. Depending on your stay, north or south Goa, start your trip by exploring the nearby places on the first day. On your arrival, check-in to the hotel and take rest.

The best mode to go around in Goa is by renting a bike or scooter. You can start exploring from the south and eventually head towards north. South Goa is comparatively quieter than North Goa. Some of the popular beaches here are Colva, Agoda, Varca, and Benaulim. These beaches are home to some amazing shacks, discos and resorts, and ideal for honeymoon couples and those who want to spend some alone time away from the crowd. End the day with dinner at Curly’s or Mambos.

Day 2

Dedicate your entire 2nd and 3rd day for North and Old Goa, as it has a lot more to explore. Rent a bike or car to reach old Goa. Take a historical walk at the Latin Portuguese quarters, witness the grandeur of historical monuments and pay a visit to the ancient cathedrals. There are century old cathedrals such as Basilica of Bom Jesus and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. Apart from the churches, there are some famous forts from the Portuguese era. One of them is Fort Aguada that has been majorly converted into a luxury hotel.
Spend your day exploring the ancient architecture and Portuguese colonies or Fountainhas areas of Goa. Passing through the streets of brightly colored houses, makes you gaze in wonder.  After devouring on sumptuous Goan food from any of the famous restaurant Gene or Ritz, head to Dona Paula to experience the sunset.


Day 3

For all those who want to see the fun side of Goa, head to North Goa. It is lined with beautiful beaches that abound in the number of water activities, pubs, and shacks offering delectable Goan cuisine. The popular beaches here are Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute where you can get indulged in in water sports such as Parasailing, scuba diving, and water skiing. This part of Goa attracts major tourist population all year round. You can even purchase some funky jewelry, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs for your loved ones from the popular Anjuna Flea Market organized every Wednesday evening. Keep the night for the crazy trance parties that take place along the shore or at some popular clubs. Club Cubana at Arpora Hill in North Goa is a must place to be.  Another popular market is the Saturday Night Bazaar.

A 3 days trip to Goa if spent wisely can be a great one for holidaymakers to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Reach out to us for further bookings at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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