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Uncovering
stay
3594 Royal Goan Beach Club – Royal Palms
4883 Club Mahindra Varca Beach, Goa
The Many Sides Of
Goa! Well-known as a former Portuguese colony, Goa breaks away from the stereotype of the Indian scenery, but really, which Indian scenery is typical anyway?
The Chilled-Out Goa
Most travelers head straight to the sun-soaked coastlines. The Arjuna Beach is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere that exchanges tranquility with exciting parties at night. At Arombol Beach, you can kite-surf against a marvelous backdrop of sea and sky in the day and retreat to cliffside guesthouses in the evening. Vagator Beach offers the perennial explorer a series of small coves
to venture into and an excellent nightlife too. If you want something quieter, head southwards to Palolem Beach that’s not yet saturated with holidaymakers!
The Bargain-Hunting Goa
Start at the exotic Muncipal Market
in Panaji. Then explore the famous Arjuna Flea Market. Another good place to experience the Goan vibrancy is Mapusa Market where traders come from all over the state to hawk
their wares.
If you simply can’t stay away from food, then don’t miss the Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar. This outdoors food fair serves up the best dishes from the best restaurants in town with local fire-twirlers turning up the heat as you dine. Mackie’s Saturday Nite Bazaar is another delectable
food market that also offers good live music and outdoor bars set up along the Baga River. Or you can start your morning at the Siolim Market by Chapora River watching locals bargain for the freshest catch.
The Adventurous Goa
Start with the Goa State Museum
and Latin Quarter in Panaji and
then explore the famous churches
of Old Goa and the Hindu temples
in Ponda. Afterwards, head inland
and visit Goa’s highest waterfalls –
the Dudhsagar Falls. Stop by the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to see the interesting variety of animals found in Goa.
Visit the forts! Go to Bardez (near Candolim) to see the fort at Reis Magos, then hire a taxi or a scooter,
and ride up to the Corjuem Fort in the Bicholim taluka (district). Or catch a ferry from Pomburpao to Chorao Island for an idyllic day. On your way back,
visit Mayem Lake for a leisurely lunch. Finally, head out to Margao and check out the ancestral Portuguese colonial mansions at Loutolim and Chandor.
There is simply so much to see and
do that this kaleidoscopic “Ibiza of Asia” may well offer you THE greatest vacation ever!
Goa
Do’s:
• Be careful about what you eat and drink.
• Check out the smaller restaurants if you’re looking for Goan cuisine.
• Cotton clothes are adequate during the warm and sunny days.
Don’ts:
• Swimming during the monsoon season is a big no.
• Spitting and smoking are banned in public places.
• Don’t accept consumables from strangers.
ENDLESS VACATION 09