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| Making tracks
Goa is well connected to Mumbai and other
major cities by air, rail, road and a limited catamaran service only from Mumbai. You can
fly to Goa's Dabolim airport or take a train on the spectacular Konkan railway. National
Highways link Goa with other cities and there are regular overnight coaches and buses.
Driving down from Mumbai is also a good idea, since its useful to have a vehicle in Goa.
On the move
The best way to get around Goa is to hire a
vehicle. There are no metered taxis and the bus service is erratic. Riding pillion on
motorcycle taxis is extremely popular and inexpensive. You can rent two-wheelers for the
day.
Best time to go
Goa is a year-round destination, but the
best time to go is in winter, October to March. The winter weather is balmy, the days are
sunny and the nights cool, especially on the beach. The summers are very hot and humid and
it rains heavily from June to August, making it unsafe to swim.
Room with a view
Accommodation options are virtually
unlimited in Goa and you can find a room to fit any budget. There are luxury hotels in
prime locations near the beach, holiday resorts, tourist bungalows, beach shacks,
dormitories and paying guest accommodation with local families. Book in advance during
season.
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From Mumbai
Fun, feni,
friends and palm fronds; sun, sand, sea spray and seafood; rave, rap, reggae and ragas;
beaches, beaches and more beaches… Goa, a little state with so much soul that your
happiest holiday memories are bound to be on the beaches of laidback, "maņana"
Goa. Goa is a merry blend of Portuguese and Konkani; the ultimate haven for the beaded and
guitar strumming, for the rave and techno beats; for families and honeymooners - for just
about everyone. Everyone wants to go to Goa and they think of Goa as one big carnival
town, rather than the small state it actually is, with many towns like Panaji, the
capital, Mapusa, the old city, Vasco, Old Goa and Margao.
All the beaches have a different character and are known by the quality of sand on the
beach and the passions of the people who groove there. Anjuna is known for its
shingle-sand and sixties-style flower culture. Peaceful Aguada, rocky and sandy Arambol,
happy and happening Baga, red sand and coconut grove Calangute, popular Vagator, untouched
Polem and Palolem and enchanting Colva are the other beaches.
The towns and beaches are flooded with shacks and restaurants where you can gorge on Goan
and Mediterranean cuisine, especially seafood, to your hearts content. You simply can't go
away without savouring pork vindaloo, xacuti, bangra, sarpotel or chourisso, and sampling
some local feni (cashew brew), port wine and passoa - liquor from passion fruit.
Though Goa is meant for a relaxed holiday, there is much to see and do. Go for backwater
cruises - spotting crocodile and dolphin - down the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, through
mangroves and forests, or go on a dolphin cruise on the high seas. Try some adventure
sports and water sports - para sailing, wind surfing and water skiing - or just throw
yourself madly at the crashing waves.
Goa is particularly lively during the Christmas and New Year holidays and during the
Carnival in February. And finally, get in touch with the spiritual - light a candle in the
old church and pray at the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the embalmed body of St. Francis
Xavier is enshrined. |
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