Goa Fairs And Festivals - Goa

A group of people who are deeply religious and cultural despite being modern - that's how Goans are. The people of Goa are also an enthusiastic lot who love to live every moment of their life to the fullest. These two traits of Goans together make them extremely special. And when they are so special, can their fairs and festivals be in anyway ordinary? Of course not. The fairs and festivals of Goan are infact reflective of their very religious and cultural self. And as for the enthusiasm we mentioned earlier, you need to experience it to know what it actually is.

With a majority of Hindu and Christian population, the major festivals celebrated in the state definitely belong to these two religions. However, this does not imply that festivals of people following other religion are not celebrated in the state. Moreover, there are certain festival that are celebrated only in Goa. It is these festivals that make Goa so special. Varying in their themes, these festivals lend a unique charm to the state and attract tourists in large number.

Famous Goa Festival

Goa Carnival

Other Goa Fairs And Festivals

Feast of St Francis Xavier

The Feast of St Francis Xavier is held during the month of December, in the first week itself. The venue for the feast is the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. St Francis Xavier is hugely renowned Christian saint and his feast attracts a whole lot of devotees from all over the country and even across the world. It is believed that even after his death, the body of the pious saint did not rot away like the rest of the mortals. Today, his body is preserved in a silver casket in the Bom Jesus and is displayed every ten years. After the last exposition in 1994, the authorities found out that the body is longer in a condition to be displayed, hence further exposition appears impossible in future. However, the feast is celebrated every year and if you wish to pay your respect to the saint, you can be a part of this feast.

Feast of Three Kings

This feast is celebrated in The Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount in Old Goa and is also known as the Festa Dos Reis or The Epiphany Day. The date for celebration is 6th of January. The special feature of this feast is that despite being a Christian festival, it is celebrated by Hindus with equal fervour. The Lady of Mount, as a mark of respect to whom this festival is celebrated, is believed to protect people and grant their wishes for children. The festival continues for nine days (ending at 6th Jan) and is marked by a lot of music and dance. On the last day three young boys dressed as kings reach the chapel after driving to different paths and offer the Lady of Mount everything they have. The rituals are followed by a fair where you can shop for a whole range of items ranging from meal to copper and brassware, furniture, clothes, toys, trinkets, sweetmeats, glass bangles and spices of all sorts.

Shigmotsav

This is yet another festival that is celebrated in the month of March from 11th moonday to 15th moonday. Shigmotsav is basically a festival of masses wherein people in different villages dress up beautifully and rejoice in the merrymaking of the festival. There is song on every lip as the group of people dance their ways to the temple. The highlight of the festival is the Rang Panchami during which people throw gulal (red colour) at each other.

Goa Heritage Festival

This festival is a combined effort of the Goa Heritage Action Group (an NGO based in Goa), the Corporation of the City of Panaji and the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa. The festival, now in its third year, aims to preserve and promote the built heritage of Goa. The festival is marked by performances from various artists as well as display of work of art by local artisans. The festival in short is not only meant to celebrate the cultural heritage of the state. Rather, it also makes an effort to inspire awareness and appreciation in the hearts of Goans with respect to their culture and the need to conserve it for the benefit of future generation.

Bonderam

The festival traces its origin during the Portuguese rule. Two villages on the Divar Islands, Piedalda and Sao Mathias, were constantly locked in conflict over property issues. The Portuguese stepped in and tried to resolve the issue. They introduced a manner of division of properties with flags of various nations. However, the villagers were in no mood to accept the changes and threw stones at the flags to knock them out. Today, on the 4th Saturday of August, the Bonderam festival remembers the same incident. Each section of the village has its own float and there is plenty of music to keep the entire atmosphere alive.

Sea Food Festival

As per its name, this annual Sea food festival celebrates the rich sea food of Goa. For five days at a stretch, reputed hotels and chefs hold a stall and offer wonderful sea food prepared by them. Not to be left behind, the housewives too make their contribution in turning this event into a joyful affair. The festival will be loved by all those who are fond of sea food in general and Goan sea food in particular.

Monte Music Festival

A pretty recent festival, started just few years back, the Monte Music Festival celebrates the coming together of western classical along with Indian classical form of music. The venue for the festival, which is organised by the combined efforts of Fundacao Oriente, Cidade de Goa and the Kala Academy, is Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte (Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount). Performances are usually held for four days and provides a platform to a number of artists to display their talents in front of an appreciative audience.

Kesarbai Kerkar Music Festival

This annual festival, celebrated for the past 23 years, is a joy for the lovers of music and dance. The venue for the festival is the Kala Academy complex in Panaji and the time of the year is November.

Christmas and New Year Celebrations

When Festivals in Goa is talked about, Christmas is right at top in excitement and energy. In fact, there might not be another place in India, that celebrates Christmas and New year with such enthusiasm and gala. Throughout the week between Christmas and New year, Goa is drenched in the colors of festivities with numerous parties and cultural shows. The best place to enjoy the Christmas celebrations are the churches of Goa whereas beaches are the unparalleled destinations to go for new year extravaganza.
Some More Goa Festivals

Hindu Festivals

Chovoth, Diwali, Gokulashtami, Holi, Lairai Jatra, Nagpanchami, Gudi Padwa, Raksha Bandhan, Ram Navmi, Vasco Saptah

Christian Festival

Christmas, Good Friday, Colva Fama, Margao Feast, Procession of Saints, Konsachem Fest, Sao Jaoa, Touxeachem Fest, Feast of St peter Paul.

Goan Festivals

Annual Mando festival, Fontainhas Festival of Arts

Cuisine of Goa - Goa

The Goan cuisine is a spicy blend of exotic Indian spices with the Latin love of meat and fish. Cashews play an important role in Goan food and you might get the taste of cashew in almost everything you eat there. There are many good restaurants, which serve excellent seafood.

Eating out in Goa can be a special experience. Goa is lined up with numerous restaurants offering Goan food or
any other food that you want. These Goan restaurants are usually situated by the beach and eating here with the setting sun for company can prove to be simply irresistible.

Rice with fish curry is the staple diet in Goa. Goa is renowned for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Catholics. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas. The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni; Cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms.

The cuisine in Goa has special treats stored for the vegetarians too. You will come across many restaurants in Goa, which serves unusual range of Hindu-Goan specialties. Try the Cashew Green Peas Bhaji (a tangy mixture of cashews, green peas, spices and fresh coconut), Sprouted Moong Ussal (bean sprouts with mustard seeds, green chillies and fresh coconut) and the Alsandachem Tonakh (kidney beans with a spicy Xacuti gravy)

Listed down are some of the traditional Goan preparations:

Vindaloo : A curry made with pork and marinated in vinegar, garlic and chillies.
Balchao : A fish cooked in shrimp preserve and coconut feni.
Ambottik : Baby Shark in hot and sour tamarind and chilly curry.
Xacutti : Chicken in Coconut based Masala.
Bebinca : Traditional layered sweet pancake dessert made with coconut milk.
Feni : Strong alcoholic spirit distilled from cashew nuts or coconut.
Galhina piri-piri : Fried chicken pieces marinated in a mild mixture of piri-piri and Goan herbs.
Chicken Cafreal : Fried chicken marinated in a mildly spiced green coconut-mint masala
Fish Caldine : Mildly spiced coconut and turmeric fish curry
Seafood Caldeirada : Seafood poached in a white wine sauce served with sautéed vegetables
Peixe Reachado : A fried seasonal fish stuffed with a spicy homemade Goan masala
Goenchin's Chicken Taipei : Chicken sautéed in hot green sauce
Prawns Taipei : Prawns sautéed in Szechwan sauce
Cashew Green Peas Bhaji : A tangy mixture of cashews, green peas, spices and fresh coconut
Sprouted Moong Ussal : Bean sprouts with mustard seeds, green chillies and fresh coconut
Alsandachem Tonakh : Kidney beans with a spicy Xacuti gravy
Bolo Sans Rival : A sweet cashew nut based cake with a layer of biscuit

Night Life In Goa - Goa India

Trip to Goa reveals that the nightlife in Goa is exciting and there are many ways to liven up the evening. Goans enjoy going out and it is not unusual to find families out for a night of merriment. In certain areas, almost every third house has a bar-cum-restaurant. The place may not be anything special, usually just a room in the house that has been opened to the public with a couple of chairs and a table. But the atmosphere is great - totally relaxing and extremely conducive to an enjoyable night out with friends and family. You will find on your trip to Goa that most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies and have well stocked bars. The hottest place to visit and to be seen at in Goa today is Titos which is right on the beach. There's also a new discotheque 'The Beachotheque' where you can dance the night away. Or you could check out Lidos in Dona Paula. But if you are in the mood to dance to the rhythm of the ocean, get together a group of our friends, some food and drink and hit the beach. You are sure to have a special night on your trip to Goa with the sand the moon and the pounding waves!

Restaurants In Goa - Goa

Restaurants in Goa are in abundance. Known for its excellent seafood cuisine, Goa has a plethora of multi-cuisine restaurants gracing its beaches. The Goan curry fish, the Manglorean delicacies, the Udipi style food all are available in Goan restaurants . Chinese restaurants are found serving international cuisine. There are German, Thai, Continental, Mexican, Lebanese and Italian restaurants in Goa too. Health food restaurants are also found in large numbers for health conscious tourists in Goa.


Restaurants In Goa

- Chinese Restaurants
- Continental Restaurant
- Fast Food Restaurant
- Goan Restaurant
- Thai Restaurant
- North Goa Beach Restaurants
- Indian Restaurant
- Italian Restaurant
- Vegetarian Restaurant
- Seafood Restaurant
- South Goa Beach Restaurants
- Multi-Cuisine Restaurant

Goa International Airport - Goa India Holiday

Goa Airport is one of the busiest tourists airports in India. It caters to both domestic and international flights. Tourists visit this tropical paradise which serves as a recluse hub for them far away from the stressful city life. Dabolim is the main entry point in Goa. It is situated at a distance of around 29 km from capital Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Domestic and International flights operate from Goa Airport . Indian Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, and Air Deccan are the various flights operating from Goa. Goa Hub offers you detailed information related to Goa Airport. It offers online booking facilities for both hotels and flights.

Goa Airport Facilities

Book Shop
Handicrafts Emporium
Duty Free Shop
Snack Bar
Postal Services
International Money Exchange
Restaurant
Prepaid Taxi Service
Distilled Water
Free Baggage Trolleys
Wheel Chair

Goa Airport Hotels

Many tourists prefer staying at hotels close to airports. Goa's Bogmalo beach resort. is just 4 kilometers from the Dabolim airport and 9 kilometers from the railway station and the bus stop. It has well furnished air-conditioned rooms, restaurants serving Indian, Continental and Chinese food, has conference facilities and ample recreation and health related facilities.

Contact Address:
Goa Airport, Dabolim, Goa
Telephone 91-832-540806
Fax 91-832-541610, 540907

Flight to Goa from Mumbai | Flights To Goa From Delhi | Flight to Goa from Chennai | Charter Flight to Goa | Cheap Flight To Goa | Flight to Goa from Chicago | Flight to Goa from Bangalore | Flights To goa India |

Flight to Goa from Mumbai - Goa

In spite of Goa being so near Mumbai, we hardly can make out the time to take the very needed break from the hasty lifestyle of Mumbai into the sunny beaches of Goa. Though it's just a few hours drive from Mumbai, we hardly have those hours to spare. But now, many flights to Goa from Mumbai have started that makes holidaying a lot easier by taking us to Goa in just an hour.

The flights to Goa from Mumbai run almost on a daily basis for those waiting to catch one quick vacation few kilometers away.

# Indian Airlines daily Flights
(Departure: 1440 hrs Arrival:1540 hrs)
Indian Airlines Flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
(Departure: 1600 hrs Arrival:1700 hrs)

# Jet Airways Daily Flight except Sunday
(Departure: 0630 hrs Arrival:0730 hrs)
Jet Airways Daily Flights
(Departure: 1200 hrs Arrival:1300 hrs)
Jet Airways Daily Flights
(Departure: 1230 hrs Arrival:1330 hrs)
Jet Airways Daily Flights
(Departure: 1445 hrs Arrival:1545 hrs)


# Air Sahara Daily Flights
(Departure: 1205 hrs Arrival:1305 hrs)

# Air Deccan Daily Flights
(Departure: 0525 hrs Arrival: 0650 hrs)
Air Deccan Daily Flights
(Departure: 1345 hrs Arrival: 1515 hrs)

# Spice Jet Daily Flights
(Departure: 1615 hrs Arrival: 1715 hrs)

# Kingfisher Airlines daily Flights
(Departure: 1210 hrs Arrival: 1310 hrs)
Kingfisher Airlines daily Flights
(Departure: 1450 hrs Arrival: 1550 hrs)

Flights To Goa From Delhi - Goa

If you want to take a break from the fast life in the country's capital and enjoy a short spree in the silver sands of Goa, with the sea breeze hitting your face, just go ahead. There are many flights to Goa from Delhi which makes your job a lot easier.

Here is some information of the flights from Delhi to Goa that you might need.

# Indian Airlines Daily Flight
(Departure: 1000 hrs Arrival: 1355 hrs)

# Sahara Airlines Daily Direct flight
(Departure: 1155hrs Arrival: 1420 hrs)

# Sahara Airlines daily flight via Mumbai
(Departure: 0700 hrs Arrival: 1425 hrs)

# Spice Jet Flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
(Departure: 1430 hrs Arrival: 1655 hrs)
Spice Jet Flights on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
(Departure: 1120 hrs Arrival: 1345 hrs)

# Kingfisher Airlines Flights daily via Mumbai
(Departure: 1005 hrs Arrival: 1345 hrs)

Flight to Goa from Chennai - Goa

For those living in Chennai, if you are tired of visiting the Marina beach, the Elliot Beach and the Kavalong beach, you can have a quick getaway to the many beautiful beaches of Goa for a pleasant change on a short vacation.There are a number of flights to Goa from Chennai that makes your short trip memorable and enjoyable.

The flights running to Goa from Chennai are

# Indian Airlines flight on Mondays and Fridays
(Departure:1255 hrs Arrival:1555 hrs)

# Sahara Airlines Daily Flight
(Departure:0940 hrs Arrival:1305 hrs)

However there are not many direct flights available from Chennai to Goa.But Airlines such as Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Spicejet, Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan have direct flights from Chennai to Mumbai from where traveling to Goa is not a difficult job.

Charter Flight to Goa - Goa

To enjoy one blissful holiday in the beaches of Goa, now you can also avail chartered flight services that help you make your vacation more memorable and hassle free.
There are a number of charter flights to Goa available. Travel planners and tour operators make the arrangement for these chartered planes to Goa for from all round the globe.

Chartered flights to Goa mainly run from outside between Friday and Sunday
There are not many direct scheduled flights from outside India to Goa and its better to contact chartered flights that usually have a few seats to sell.

Charter flights to Goa from U.K

Most charter flights to Goa fly from the UK and Germany in the peak season from October to April. There are a few from the Netherlands, Russia and Finland. Chartered Flights run to Goa from U.K for the Holiday goers (mainly package holidays) at a much cheaper rate than scheduled flights or airlines by offering restricted services. There are also direct holiday charter flights ( mainly from Manchester and Gatwick), Scandinavia and Holland. While some stop in the Gulf for an hour for refueling, some go non-stop.

Thomson have regular flights to Goa from Birmingham and Gatwick and First Choice from Birmingham, Manchester and Gatwick. Goa Way, Airtours, Olympic and Travel and Crown all offer cheap charter flights to Goa from Manchester and London Gatwick.

There are however not many direct Chartered Flights that fly from the U.S to Goa. The best deal would be to take a flight to U.K and then avail a Chartered flight to Goa from U.K. Air France, Lufthansa and Swiss Air also carry passengers to Goa via Mumbai. Condor will apparently start weekly flights to Goa from Germany in October-November this year.
Direct charter flights to Goa from Israel are also being considered.

Cheap Flight To Goa - Goa

Goa, the pearl of the East, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India. Its golden beaches surrounded by towering coconut and palm trees make it comparable to Gods own abode. Apart from its beaches Goa also has historical importance. Passing from one foreign hand to another, present day Goa displays a truly cosmopolitan culture attracting tourist from all over the world. The good news, for those longing to reach this heavenly place, is that cheap flight to Goa is now easily available from almost all around the world. You can easily log on to www.Indianholiday.com for further information.

Goa is located 400 Km South of the city of Mumbai (Bombay). Dabolim Airport is its main air terminus located near Vasco Da Gama. However there are no direct leading international flights to Goa. International flights fly to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai (Madras) where from the passengers board the domestic flights. However small charter flights do operate like the British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Thomsonfly.

There are innumerable domestic flights connecting Goa to the rest of India. There are the Goa cheap flights, Goa discount flights and last minute flights. Most major Airlines operate to and from Goa. The Indian Airlines, the Jet Airways, Air Sahara assures continuous connectivity with Goa. Cheap flights like the Spice Jet, Air Deccan provide lucrative prices that suit every pocket for a flight to Goa from any Part of India. Offers like low price for the first few buyers of the ticket also exist.

Flight to Goa from Chicago - Goa

Being almost on the other side of Chicago, for tourists visiting the Golden Beaches of Goa in India, flight to Goa from Chicago is one long tiring haul, though worth the exertion. As there are hardly any direct flights to Goa from Chicago passengers have to travel with a few halts in between.

Air Sahara has non stop round trip flights from Chicago to Delhi in alliance with American Airlines. From Delhi, it is convenient to take one of the many direct flights to Goa that are available. There are a number of Airlines available from Chicago to Goa that include United Airlines, Korean Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Major US Carrier, Air India, British Airways and BMI. However these flights mostly are not direct flights to Goa. One can also avail Chartered flights from Chicago to Goa that mainly fly via London.

Air India has flights that run from Chicago to Goa through connecting flights at London and Mumbai. It is better to fly via Bangkok, Thailand or Delhi, India and other major cities than to look for direct flights to Goa. Most of the international flights from Chicago, bringing tourists for a holiday in Goa, have arrangements made with their domestic counterparts in India. It is best to book your tickets well in advance to avoid any hassle.

There are abundant flights to Goa, the reservations for which can be done through Goa Cheap Flights, Goa Discount Flights, Goa Chartered Flights, Last Minute flights and a few more.

Flight to Goa from Bangalore

Goa remains well connected to almost all the major cities in India through various Airline Services.There are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines, Air Deccan, Spice Jet and Kingfisher Airlines connecting different metropolitan cities to Goa.
There are also a number of flights to Goa from Bangalore keeping Goa well connected to those living in the garden City.So, if you are in Bangalore and eager to catch a quick holiday to the golden beaches of Goa there are a number of flights you can avail.

The flights running to Goa from Bangalore are

# Indian Airlines daily flight to Goa(via Pune).
(Departure- 1130 hrs, Arrival -1405 hrs)
Indian Airlines Flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
(Departure:1115 hrs Arrival 1435 hrs)
# Jet Airways daily direct flight to Goa
(Departure- 1300 hrs, Arrival -1430 hrs)
# Air Deccan Direct daily flight to Goa
(Departure- 1300 hrs, Arrival -1430 hrs)
# Kingfisher Airlines Daily flights except Sunday
(Departure- 1330 hrs, Arrival -1500 hrs)
Kingfisher Airlines flight to Goa only on Sundays
(Departure- 1500 hrs, Arrival -1630 hrs)
# Sahara Airlines Daily Flights to Goa
(Departure- 1300 hrs, Arrival -1355 hrs)

Flights To Goa India - Goa

Goa, one of the most esteemed holiday destinations in India and the world, attracts tourists in millions. The beaches in Goa are treats to the soul. More so, because Goa flights connect Goa to most cities in India which makes travel to Goa convenient for everyone provide easy transport to Goa India. Like many important travel destinations in India, Goa is connected by air. Flights to Goa and flights from Goa make the fastest means of commuting.

Goa flights offer a wide range of options for the traveler. There are cheap flights to Goa to suit the budget. Also there are luxury flights to Goa offering proverbial comfort and luxury. Flights from Goa will land you most big cities in India and also all nearby cities. Goa flights are famous for the on board facilities.

You will find the crew always at your service on Goa flights. The comforts of Goa flights hardly give you any feeling of long air journey. Goa flights are unparalleled form the security point of view also. You can be sure that you are secure inside Goa flights.

Indianholiday.com makes booking flights to Goa as easy as anything. The choice of several options for luxury and budget flights can be availed online. You get the best of cheap as well as luxury flights to Goa India here.

Flights to Goa also give you a bird eye view of the mind-blowing beaches of Goa. The scenery from the flights is splendid, enchanting and spell-bounding to say the least. This is indeed a lifetime experience no one should miss. You can have your share of the great fun simply by booking tickets of Goa flights.

Divar Island, Indian Island - Goa

Divar boatThe Divar Island lies in the state of Goa in India. The name of Divar Island is derived from the word Dipavati or `Small Island` in Konkani. Divar Island is located approximately 10 km from Panaji (Panjim), and is approachable by ferry. The Island is connected to Old Goa on the south-east side, Ribandar,on the south-west side and Narve on the north side, all by ferry . A launch also connects Divar to the city of Panaji from further northwest, in the village of Vanxim. The Konkan Railway passes through the Divar Island and the nearest stop to the island is the train station at Karmali.

The drive to the Divar Island is scenic, with paddy fields and wooded hills lacing the roadway, very typical of the Goan countryside. Though in a manner equally typical of modern Goa, of late the paddy fields lie fallow and overrun with weeds.

The Divar Island was a famous site of Hindu pilgrimage and hosted the ancient temples of Shree Saptakoteshwar, Shree Ganesh and Shree Dwarkeshwar besides others. Portuguese zealots irreversibly destroyed these in the 16th century in their drive for Christianisation of Goa. The Current Cemetery near Church at hilltop once housed at Ganesh Temple, which was razed by the Portuguese and the Hindus had to take the Ganesh Idol and rehabilitate it in village of Khandola near Marcel. The ancient site of Hindu pilgrimage is called Porne Tirth (Old pilgrim spot-in Konkani) even today. Rui Gomez Pereira in his book Goan temples and deities writes, " The native temple (Of Shree Saptakoteshwar) was constructed in the 12th century by the kings of Kadamba dynasty. Shree Saptakoteshwar was the patron Deity of the Kadambas, however it was destroyed by the sultan of the Deccan in the middle of the 14th century and reconstructed at the same locality by Madhav Mantri of Vijaynagar at the close of the same century.

A Jesuit priest Fr Francisco Sousa documented the religious importance of "Divar Island" in his book Oriente Conquistado (Conquest of the orient) around the latter years of the 16th or early 17th century. Divar Island was as much venerated by the Hindu Brahmins as the Holy land, on account of a temple of many indulgences and pilgrimages. The linga of the temple is made of five metals, namely gold, silver, copper, iron and bronze was later relocated in Bicholim. And on the foundations of the same temple a prayer and catechism house was constructed in 1563.

The original inhabitants of Divar Island were people who once lived in Old Goa but had to desert during a disastrous plague that greatly reduced the population of Old Goa. Piedade is a small village is spread at the bottom of a small-forested hillock on Divar Island. There is the Church of Our Lady of Compassion. The island is dotted with well-maintained, elegant Portuguese villas. From the top of the hill, superb panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Old Goa, the capital of Goa, Panaji, the meandering Mandovi River, and the bridges across can be seen.

Indian Navy boat, Divar Island, Indian IslandThe famous Bonderam festival is celebrated in Divar Island on the fourth Saturday of August during the monsoon season with great fanfare and attended by thousands of tourists and locals. Bonderam Festival is a memoir to the dispute and the fury of the Villagers over the Portuguese system of resolving the disputes. The villagers on the Divar Island often indulged in some kind of fight over the matter of ownership of their lands. To terminate the disputes the Portuguese, put up flags at the boundaries. The villagers did not like this system. So they protested against the Portuguese by throwing stones at the flags. On this day a carnival ambience is created. Each section of the village has a float at the parade. Melodious music could be heard throughout the village. The gaily-colored floats accompanied by colorfully dressed youngsters make a lovely picture.

The huge bell which today adorns the Se Cathedral in Old Goa was actually donated by the master of a sinking ship who`d made a vow that, were he to survive his fate, he would donate the ship`s bell to the first church village, town, or city his boat touched. It so happened that that the island was Divar Island. In keeping with his promise, he donated the bell to the Church of Divar Island, which is located on a high hillock. Unfortunately though, every time the bell was struck, it shattered the windows of the church and the houses in the vicinity, so a deal was struck and the bell was exchanged with that of the Se Cathedral.

Divar Island boasts a plethora of fine temples; most prominent amongst them is Shri Ganesh Sateri Temple at Sateri Bhat which also houses Khapro Ravalnath along with Sateri Mahamaya. There are two more Temples of Ganesh one at Navelim and other at Hilltop near the Church. Divar Island is a peaceful retreat and an excellent place for bird watching. There are many elegant villas with Goan balconies and deep verandahs, which add to the picturesque look of this island. The famous Bonderam festival on the 4th Saturday of August is celebrated in Divar Island with great pomp and festivity. On this day, this quiet island is filled with festivities. Ferries reach every half hour to Divar Island from Old Goa. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Crocodile Habitat and the world heritage monuments at Old Goa are nearby attractions of this popular Divar Island.

Spa Hotels in Goa - Goa

Goa is famous for its thriving tourism industry. There are a number of specialty theme hotels and resorts that are attracting more and more attention these days. Spa hotels in Goa have become very popular over the last few years.

Many tourists from other parts of the country and the world come to Goa to experience the absolutely luxurious spa treatments provided by spa hotels.

Spa hotels in Goa offer all kinds of spa treatments that are ideal for relaxation and unwinding of body, mind and soul.

Spa treatments are extremely beneficial as they help to rejuvenate and revitalize the body system thereby making you feel more energetic, healthy and spirited. If you wish to get more information on spa hotels in Goa, you can go through the following list.



SwaSwara Gokarna Resort goa | Papa Jolly's Spiritual Home Goa | Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort Goa | The Grand Inter Continental Hotel Goa | Taj Exotica Hotel Goa | Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa | Leela Kempinski Goa |

SwaSwara Gokarna Resort goa - Goa

Basic Facts:
Country India
State Goa
City Goa
Location Gokarna, Goa
Rooms 27 villas
Group CGH Earth Resort

Spread over an area of 26.5 acres of land, the Swaswara-Gokarna is one of the exclusive Spa/Boutique Hotels in Goa in the enchanting little town of Gokarna, located at a distance of 5 hrs from the Paradise beach of Goa. Enveloped on either sides by the Kudle, Twon, Half moon and Paradise beaches, the Om beach gets its name for its shape of the letter 'Om'. Gokarna is a small Goan town comprising of an array of wood houses, palm trees and golden sands by the sparkling blue sea.

Accommodation at SwaSwara Gokarna :
Housing 27 villas of taste, the Swaswara-Gokarna, is built on the Konkan architectural style, interweaving the modern and the ethnic with utmost gusto. With an abundant usage of natural elements gotten from the local craftsmen, there is a classic touch of modernity to the built as well. The swimming pool has a dome shaped meditation hall furnished with blue mosaic creates a soothing and spiritual atmosphere.

The architectural form of the Swaswara-Gokarna is no less than a Konkan temple, oozing the true meaning of its name - Swaswara, meaning self vibration. It helps one to talk with the self and rediscover the self in the process.

# Doctor facilities
# Yoga - Separate for beginners and ailing patients
# Meditation
# Pranayama
# Diets
# Ayurvedic Center - Massage, Therapies.

Dining at SwaSwara Gokarna :
The cuisine at Swaswara-Gokarna exclusively reeks of freshness and quality and serves up both local and international cuisines. The main ingredients that will surely capture your heart are:

* Sea and Marine fish (No Meat)
* Fresh Fruits
* Fresh Vegetables.
* Fine Wine (No Hard Liquor)

Recreation at SwaSwara Gokarna :

* Boat rides to other beaches from the Om beach
* Visit to the Shiva temple
* Visit to the Gokarna beach
* Doctor facilities
* Yoga - Separate for beginners and ailing patients
* Meditation
* Pranayama
* Diets
* Ayurvedic Center - Massage, Therapies.

City Info :
Goa conjures up in the minds eye of an idyllic setting replete with palm fringed beaches, the roaring sea, quaint churches and Portuguese styled bungalows. The best time to visit Goa is during the carnival in winter when you get to see Goa at its colorful best.

Papa Jolly's Spiritual Home Goa - Goa india Holiday

Category: Spa Hotel camp
Number of Rooms: 12
Location: Pernem, North Goa
Address: Morjim Beach, Goa
Distance from Airport: 29 kms
Distance from Station: 10 kms
Activities: Beach activities, excursions, water sports, nature walks
Attraction: Chapora Beach, Chapora Fort, Calangute, Panjim.

Located on the quiet and spectacular Morjim beach, Papa Jolly's Spiritual Home is positioned just north of Chapora river and can be reached by the coast road from Chapora. This four-season spa resort boasts a long shoreline and a variety of room choices elegantly appointed. With the stunning scenery all around, the resort is perfect for couples, honeymooners and corporate tourists alike. There are also plenty of activities to entertain everyone including Herbal Swimming Pool, Ayurvedic Massage and Steam Bath. Make Papa Jolly's Spiritual Home your next stop when visiting gorgeous Goa.


Papa Jolly's Spiritual Home offers 12 beautifully appointed and decorated rooms. All rooms are well-equipped and offer royal European-style living. The rooms are colorful, spacious and command panoramic ocean view. Each room is designed uniquely and comes with air conditioning, direct dial telephone and arm chairs in the balconies. The bathrooms are artistically designed with running hot & cold showers and jacuzzi with all the modern bath fittings and toiletries.

Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort Goa

Category: Spa Hotel
Number of Rooms: 60
Location: Divar Island
Address: Malar, Divar Island, Ilhas Old Goa - 403403, India
Distance from Airport: 35 km
Distance from Station: 15 km
Activities: Spa, Shopping, Sightseeing, Fitness Center, Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Games
Attraction: Mandovi river, Crocodile Habitat, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Old Goa


Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort is one of the most well known spa resort in Goa. Spread over 5 acres of land, Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort is an ideal destination where you can rejuvenate, revitalize and detoxify your body, mind and senses with the help of various Ayurvedic treatments, therapies and massages. Feel yourself begin to unwind and relax as soon as you enter the resort. Listen to the swaying palm trees and watch the sun set over the beautiful green landscapes surrounding the resort. Enjoy a thoroughly relaxing and complete holiday at Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort.

Choose from 60 well appointed cottages that are equipped with all modern facilities and amenities necessary to ensure a comfortable stay for you. Each ground floor cottage is large, spacious and beautifully designed. The interior decoration of the rooms has been done using simple but comfortable furniture and fixtures. The cottages offer spectacular views of the lush surroundings and provide an idyllic setting.

The Grand Inter Continental Hotel Goa

Category: 5 Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 255 Suites, Rooms, Tents
Location: Canacona
Address: Raj Baga, Canacona, Goa, India
Distance from Airport: 70 km
Distance from Station: 15 km
Activities: Golfing, Water sports, Scuba diving, Jet Skiing, Whirlpool, Tennis, Squash, Jogging, Billiards, Pool table, Kids Corner
Attraction: Patnam, Canacona, Palolem, Agonda, Chaudi Beaches

Once you are at The Grand Inter Continental Hotel in Goa, there is little you can ask for. Spa, business center, plush rooms, and much more is laid out on its 85 acres. Its expansive golf course is Goa's only 9 hole golf course. This luxury hotel in Goa also boasts of an exclusive beachfront that spans over a kilometer. Guests can enjoy long walks, meditation, yoga and water sports in complete privacy at this beachfront lining the hotel.

The Grand Inter Continental is an all suite hotel and offers five types of suites. Luxury Suites, Garden Suites, Sea View Suites, Garden View Suites, and Presidential Suites are available for guests to choose from. Some of the in-room amenities that you can enjoy include color television, air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, individual climate control, safe, cable/satellite network, DVD player, refrigerator, minibar, wi-fi connectivity, and direct dial phone with international access.

Taj Exotica Hotel Goa - Goa

Category: 5 Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 140
Location: Benaulim
Address: Benaulim Goa - 403 716,India
Distance from Airport: 27 km
Distance from Station: 8 km
Activities: outdoor games (cricket, cycling, tennis, boating and golf), massage at the spas, swimming.
Attraction: Benaulim Beach, Church of St John the Baptist, Colva Beach and spice plantations.

Spread over 56 acres, the Taj Exotica Hotel Goa is a slice of heaven in the midst of the sandy beaches of Benaulim. The hotel overlooks the Arabian Sea. The Mediterranean architecture compliments the colorful garden and the sunny atrium. Your stay here is sure to meet your every expectation.

You have a choice of luxury, deluxe and bedroom villas. The rooms are reflections of traditional Indian hospitality. A curious blend of Portuguese and Goan décor, the rooms are havens of comfort and convenience. You can settle for deluxe rooms or villas with a view of the sea. You can also settle for a villa that overlooks the garden. The Sunset Pool Villas features a private pool. The Presidential suite, with a private pool, massage facility and separate living and dining quarters is the ultimate luxurious room. The luxury suites additionally feature a DVD player.

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa - Goa

Category: 5 Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 251
Location: Arrossim
Address: Arossim Beach, Cansaulim, Goa, India
Distance from Airport: 15 km
Distance from Station: 18 km
Activities: Spa, indoor/outdoor games, beach games, water sports, swimming, shopping
Attraction: Colva, Benaulim, Mobor, Cavelossim beaches

One of the premier spa resorts in Goa, the Park Hyatt is an excellent luxury accommodation option in the beach capital of India. The resort was voted for the "Number One Spa in the World" by Conde Nast Traveller Readers Spa Awards in 2006. Located right on the Arrossim Beach in sunny South Goa, the Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa is built like a cozy Goan village over an area of 45 acres. Manicured lawns, and fascinating landscaping make the hotel a visual delight. The spa treatments are a major draw for returning guests.

An exhaustive variety of rooms await guests at this South Goa hotel. They are categorized as Park King, Park Twin, Park Deluxe King, Park Deluxe Twin, Sea View King, Sea View Twin, Park Suite King, Vista Suite, and the Imperador Suite. The hotel also takes care of your special preferences like your request for a smoking or non-smoking room, and also if you would like arrangements for a quiet or honeymooner's room, and the like.

Intercontinental The Grand Resort Goa | Taj Holiday Village |Radisson White Sands Resort Goa | Ramada Caravela Beach Resort Goa | Vainguinim Valley Resort Goa | Clarion The Beach Goa |
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Leela Kempinski Resort Goa - Goa india

Category: 5 Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 185
Location: Cavelossim
Address: Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa India
Distance from Airport: 40 km
Distance from Station: 7 km (national)
Activities: golfing, partying, shopping, swimming, yoga and meditation.
Attraction: Cavelossim Beach, Panjim, Benaulim, Sal fishing village.

Located minutes away from Panaji, is a luxurious haven that is tucked away from the hub of city life. Enjoy your proximity with nature as you holiday by the sea and the river at the Leela Kempinski Goa. The quaint fishing village of Sal is your nearest neighbor.

The rooms at the Leela Kempinski Goa are equipped with all modern accessories to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. The 185 luxurious rooms sport impeccably fashioned contmporary décor and exude homely warmth. You can choose to stay at the Pavilion rooms, Lagoon (suite and deluxe suite), royal villas or the conservatory premium rooms. For a private holiday experience you can stay at the Club Suite. The Presidential Suites of the hotels have separate quarters for maids along with a master bedroom and two smaller ones. You also enjoy the benefits of a sun terrace, pool and jacuzzi in these rooms.

Beaches in Goa India - Goa India

The beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation destination. The first beach stop over in Goa is Anjuna beach also famous for its flea market and rave parties, then visit Baga and Dona Paula beaches that can make any beach holiday a memorable one. All in all Goa's 100-km long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites every day.

Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach, GoaWith its fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, Anjuna, 8-km west of Mapusa, is Goa at its most "alternative". Since the 7o's the one reason that lure the people to visit this beach is the dancing and lying on the beach slurping tropical fruit. While browsing in the area have a day trip to the famous flea market.

Baga Beach
If you like a little isolation to watch the sun go down, Baga beach is just the place for you. 10-km west of Mapusa, Baga is basically an extension of Calangute; even the locals are unable to decide where ends and the other begin. Lying in the lee of a rocky, wooded headland, the only difference between this far northern end of the beach with the rest is that this Goa beach is marginally more varied and picturesque.

Dona Paula
Dona Paula, GoaAt the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km from Panjim, nestled on the south side of the rocky, hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, this former fishing village and today's commercialized beach resort makes an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe.

Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach, GoaA mere 45 minute bus ride up the coast from Panjim will take you Calangute, Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort, and the flagship of the state government's bid for a bigger slice of India's package-tourist pie. During the 70's and 80's this peaceful fishing village became the favourite haunt of the hippies.

Benaulim Beach
Named as Benaulim by the Portuguese, lies in the centre of Colva Beach, 7-km west of Margao. Benaulim Beach, GoaAs this place is a like a large fishing joint tourists can easily become gourmets and try out various culinary delights of the seafood. Moreover, the sea is safe for swimming, being generally jellyfish-free, while the village area near beach side itself boasts a few serviceable bars and restaurants, serving the most succulent, competitively priced seafood in Goa.

Cavelosim Beach
Sleepy Cavelossim, straddling the coast road 11-km south of Colva, is the last major settlement in southwest Salcete: its only claim to fame. When here do plan a visit to Mabor, South Goa largest, and most obtrusive, package tourist enclave. Crammed together on to a narrow spit of dunes between the surf and estuary, the holiday inns and beach resorts combine to create a holiday camp ambience that has as little to do with Goa as their architecture.

Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach, GoaCrouched in the shadow of a Portuguese fort on the opposite, northern side of the headland from Vagator, Chapora, 10-km from Mapusa, is a lot busier than most north coast villages. Dependent on fishing and boat building, it has, to a great extent, retained a life of its own independent of tourism. The leisure purpose is very well served by the Main Street, lined with as many regular stores as travellers cafes and restaurants.

Condolim Beach
Because of good options to stay, many of them tucked away down quiet sandy lanes and offering better value, make this beach site a good first stop if one has just arrived in Goa and are planning to head further north after finding one's feet.

Bogmolo Beach
When compared with Calangute Or Colva, Bogmalo still seems a small-scale beach resort, still there's something about seclusion that one finds over here that makes one visit this beach area every time one visit's Goa. Beside this beach site is a reasonably safer site for swimming and have quite good eating joints and shopping options in Goa.

Miramar Beach
On the way to Dona Paula, 1-km ahead of the confluence of the Arabian Sea and Mandvi River, under the palm shade, is "Gasper Dias" or Miramar Beach and is just 3-km away from the capital city of Panjim.

Pololem Beach
Palolem pops up, as a favourite beach destination in Goa because its crescent shaped bay lined with a swaying curtain of coconut palms, is irresistibly photogenic. Frem accommodation point of view, there are beautiful beach huts and family room to choose from in Palolem.

Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach, GoaBarely a couple of kilometres of cliff tops and parched grassland separate Anjuna from the southern fringes of its nearest neighbour, Vagator. Yet to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of tourists, life goes on peacefully, in the background, in Vagator and Chapora. It is cool rural area, without offering the tourist any big shopping complexes.

Varca Beach
If one is staying in Benaulim, one is bound at some point to visit Varca. Do check out the row of beached wooden fishing boats 2-km south of Benaulim that belong to its community of Christian fisher folk, whose palm thatched long houses line the foot of the grassy dunes.

Varca Beach Goa - Goa India

The Varca Beach is one tourist destination that is not so famous in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The quiet resort is charming with the bountiful beauty of nature. The soft white sandy beach is a major draw for several tourists. The Varca beach is quieter and cleaner when compared with the other renowned beaches in Goa. The palm-thatched long houses dot the sandy Varca beach.

Along with the usual relaxing and rejuvenating activities like sun bathing you may indulge in Dolphin watching and boat trips. It is time to enjoy the nature at its best at the Varca beach.

Besides the fun for food there are several restaurants that offer excellent seafood at reasonable prices and good service. There are many eating joints in the hotels. Many accommodation facilities are also available on the Varca beach itself. A variety of hotels and beach resorts dot Varca. Though there is ample shelter for the budget tourists too in the form of houses that may be rented in the village. The latter offers an excellent first hand experience of the true Goan lifestyle. Though you may plan your visit of the Varca beach any time of the year though the months from November to March are the best in all respects.

The vivacious Varca beach is well connected with the rest of the places. The Dabolim airport provides the connectivity through air. For road transport there are plenty of buses and auto rickshaws. For local transport also scooters and cycles are easily available on hire basis.

In order to make the most of your holiday at the Varca beach keep away from drugs and nudity. Even though swimming is considered safe you must check out with the lifeguards for the strength of the undercurrents.

Get ready to get carried away to your dreamland at the Varca beach!

Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort nestles pretty on one of the most superb Varca Beach. It majestically spreads over 14 acres land of Goa. It boasts lush and tranquil ambience and offers private access to the Beach. All major night clubs, restaurant, snacks corner, pubs and malls are all situated near by the hotel. The hotel is the perfect place to spend some cozy time with your loved ones. It features Goan architectural style and is haven for luxury lovers with its elegant décor, luxurious comfort and picturesque surroundings.

Accommodation
Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort provides 55 air conditioned well appointed rooms. Each room is adorned with modern shower and WC, Tea/Coffee facility in room, Color Television with satellite transmission channels. All rooms in a mélange of vibrant decor & arresting colors are offered to the travelers.

Dining
The in- house restaurant serves enticing delicacies comprising of all type of sea food, mughlai, Continental and Chinese dishes and fresh garden salads. The Bar serves all types of cocktails and mock tails.

Business The hotel has a conference and banquet hall which accommodates guests and business delegates in any special occasions and gathering. The resort offers enough space for meetings along with amenities like audio video system, photocopying and secretarial assistance.

Goa Varca beach is situated 5km south of Benaulim in Goa. Varca beach in Goa is filled with soft white sands and doted with black lava rocks at certain places. Being much cleaner and quieter than most of the famous beaches of Goa, Varca Beach Goa manage to draw large number of tourists from all over. There are numerous beach shacks offering a variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices. Varca Beach Goa is a perfect hangout for the tourists who are looking for...

Varca beach in Goa offers some of the most luxurious and comfortable beach resorts in Goa. At these resorts, you will be able to enjoy various beauties of the sea. The beach here is very quiet beaches when compared to Anjuna or Calangute beaches, so one can come here to spend few peaceful moments with oneself and feel the charm of the sea.

Beach Activities : The main attraction at Varca beach is the facility available for dolphin watching, which is rare in India. There are boat trips arranged for this special event. You can book yourself and sail away into the sea to watch the dolphins and if you are lucky, you can even touch these dolphins from close quarters.

Reaching Varca Beach :
The beach is easily accessible from Margoa. There are several transportation facilities available to reach these beaches from Margao. From Varca, Margao is 18 km away and buses and autos are available easily. You can also hire taxis from Dabolim Airport (41 – 48 km) to reach the beach resorts here. To move locally, use cycles and scooters that are available on hire.

Sinquerim Beach in Goa - Goa india

When you travel to Goa don't miss the opportunity to visit Sinquerim Beach, the first tourist beach of North Goa and is also the place where the famous and best preserved of all Portuguese coastal forts, Fort Aguada is located. The Aguada Bay, which is divided into two parts, the Caranzalem Bay and the Sinquerim Bay is formed by two headlands, Cabo and Aguada. The Aguada Bay is dominated by the battlements of the old fort and tends to be more popular with affluent tourists who avail the facilities offered by the Fort Aguada Hotel Complex that is a luxury establishment.

The Fort of Aguada was built by the Portuguese to control the entry of any enemy into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from any attack. The fortification skirts the seashore, and its center lies a circular lighthouse tower. The Fort is currently the Central Jail, Goa's largest prison.

If you are planning to travel to Goa for beach holidays, Sinquerim Beach offers a clean stretch of sand and an ideal place for swimming and water sports. The Aguada Hotel complex is built around the remnants of the fort with the hotel built on the cliff.

The Aguada Beach lies at the southern end of a very long stretch of beach that extends up to the mouth of the Baga River. Individual segments of this extensive stretch of sand have been given separate names as according to the villages that lie behind them, such as Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute and Baga.

Being a prime tourist destination there are large number of hotels in the close vicinity of Sinquerim Beach. The numerous hotels and resorts near Sinquerim Beach provide the best kind of services and facilities. Moreover, there are a number of budget hotels along the Benaulim Beach catering to the needs of tourists who travel to Goa or are interested in exploring the scenic region around.

Hotels and Resorts near Sinquerim Beach, Goa

Aguada Hermitage
Taj Fort Aguada
Taj Holiday Village Hotel

Vagator Beach Goa - Goa India

Vagator beach in Goa is not very crowded and this Goa beach is proud of its talcum-powdered beaches, doted with black rocks and swaying coconut and palm trees. If you want to spend some time with yourself, then Vagator beach in Goa comes as an ideal beach to be.

When you are at this Goa beach, you will come across small villages where the fishing community resides. The fishermen set out to the sea as brightly dressed women see them off and wait for their return. When they come back with their catch, there is excitement all around, children running about to see what the Goan fishermen have caught. If you go and speak to them, they will be only eager to talk to you about the day's catch and if you are interested and they agree, you can also be a part of their team when they leave for the sea the next day.

FORT AT VAGATOR BEACH IN GOA

Besides the breath-taking beaches, Vagator has other attractions also to offer. From Vagator beach in Goa, you can see the 500-year-old Portuguese Fort. It takes you down the memory lane depicting the Old Portuguese era. If you want to hike up to this fort, you are welcome…climb up those black rocks and reach this fort, once inside the fort, you won't mind the fatigue you are feeling because The view from this fort is absolutely stunning, you get to see wide expanse of greenery and the blue sea till your eyes can reach.

SHOPPING AT VAGATOR BEACH IN GOA

The one thing that you can shop to your heart's content is fish; there is a market nearby where you can purchase them. Apart from fish, one can buy artefacts like candelabras made of exquisite blue china woven baskets and earthen pots. People with sweet tooth get the chance to enjoy coconuts, bananas "Bebinca", a Goan delicacy made from tender coconuts.

REACHING VAGATOR BEACH IN GOA

If you are planning to use flights to Goa, the nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just 22 km away from Vagator beach in Goa. If you are travelling by road, Goa Vagator beach is at a distance of 9 km from Mapusa, and 22 km far from the state capital Panaji. There are frequent buses to Panaji and Mapusa from Vagator.

STAY AT VAGATOR BEACH IN GOA

Once at Vagator beach, there is not too much of choice for staying except for a few guesthouses, or houses on rent. During the peak tourist season, one might find trouble finding an accommodation here, and so, at that time, Calangute and Baga can be a better bet.

Palolem Beach Goa - Goa India

Situted just about 2-km West Of Chaudi, Canacona District, South Goa is the Palolem Beach. The major attractions nearby this beach are Agonda and Chaudi. The best time to visit Palolem Beach is November to March.

This stretch of white sand dominates the southern coast of Goa. Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Goa. However, it couldn't escape from the eyes of the tourists. Although a few developments have taken place, the beach still has a soothing aura to it. A large area of the beach now accomodates a lot of small shacks that taper off as you move towards the south.

At the northern end of the beach is a fresh water stream. Across this stream is a tiny, undeveloped island that can be accessed by just swimming across during low tide. However, it is not very safe to do so during high tide.

The other attractions on this beach are the Dolphin cruises and the fishing trips. These are offered at quite a reasonable rate.

Palolem Beach - is also known as "Paradise Beach". This beach in south Goa is about a mile long and it provides seclusion and idyllic scenery.

TRAVEL INFORMATIONS :
This beach is 37 kms away from Margao. Just west of Chaudi, it is one of the most enchanting and gorgeous beaches in Goa. It is relatively deserted, with the backdrop of Western ghats, situated in Southern Taluka of Canacona. The silvery sand of the beach and a back drop of clean blue sky make this beach a favourite spot for the tourists.

Palolem is one of the most enchanted beaches in Goa but not that crowded and messy. Any how since a couple of years, increasing numbers of tourists have started to come to this beach, and there a good growth of cafes, stalls, hotels, etc near the beach.

PLACES WHERE YOU CAN EAT :
There are a lot of eating joints over here at the beach. Getting food is not problem at all at this beach. There is also plenty of scope for those who wants to enjoy booze at the beach. Bars are also there at this beautiful beach.

HOW TO REACH THERE :
There are Buses that run between Margao and Karwar. Number of buses come to Palolem daily from Margao.

Majorda Beach Goa - Goa India

If you want perfect silence responding to the humming of the sea, where you can sit engrossed in a book and look up to catch the picturesque scene of the sea dressed in golden orange frills sprayed by the rays of the setting sun before sinking into oblivion, then Goa Majorda beach is the place to be.

Goa Majorda beach is very famous for delicious breads. Majorda beach in Goa has a very interesting history behind it. Majorda is the village where the Jesuits, fond as they were of the good things of life, discovered the best Goan toddy (sap from the coconut palm), which they used to leaven the bread. Naturally, then, Majorda in Goa is the place where the Goans were first trained in the delicate art of baking European breads.

The Majordans are still Goa's best bakers. The delights of the beach, however, were discovered much earlier, in the mythic times when the gods above went through a lot of turmoil. There is a Goan version of Ramayana and therein Lord Rama was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later, in pursuit of Sita, he camped at Cabo de Rama-a headland further south-where the stretch of developed beaches ends.

Mobor Beach Goa - Goa India

Mobor lies on a narrow spit of sand dunes between the Arabian Sea and Assolna River Estuary. Of the full 10 km stretch, the Mobor Beach is perhaps the most happening and popular holiday destination in Goa.

Location
Mobor Beach is a beautiful beach at the end of the 10 kilometer long sand beach stretching all the way from Colva.


Key Attractions
Mobor is a beautiful beach, which is very popular among the tourists. The pristine and serene beach is ideal for those who want a break from the madness of the city. Just relax with lot of sun tan lotion and get a marvelous tan on your skin. Relish the authentic Goan cuisine and fresh seafood at the beach side joints at very reasonable prices. There are provision of beach umbrellas and reclining beach chairs for the convenience of the tourists.

Climate
Goa experiences a moderate climate throughout the year without major variations in the temperature. The temperature rises from 24°C to 32.7°C during summers and drops from 21.3°C to 32.2°C during winters. You may require light woolens for the month of December and January, but light cotton clothes are suited for summers. The season of monsoon is from June to October and receives almost 320 mm of rainfall.

Tradition and Dress Code
One thing common to all the villages of Goa is the presence of at least one church with a square in front of it. It is a place where people meet and exchange news and views with each other at the sunset. The old men and women wear dark suits and dresses and the younger women cover their heads with scarves go to church in the mornings particularly on Sundays. Everyone, dresses suitably is allowed inside the churches of Goa.

Shopping
You can look around for souvenirs, gifts antiques and handicrafts to take back home from the local beachside shops. You may also find local Goan drink Feni in these shops.

How to Reach

By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km from Panaji and 68 km from Colva Beach.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Karmali, which is 11 km from Panaji while Panaji is 39 km from Colva.

By Road
There are frequent transport facilities to reach the Mobor Beach. Private taxis and autos are available from the Airport and the railway station to reach the beach.

Dona Paula Beach Goa - Goa

The Dona Paula beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy (in colonial India), who threw herself off the cliff, when refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias. The myth says that Dona Paula is entombed in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhawan and is supposed to be seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace.

With the romance and myth attached to it—haunted by Dona Paula de Menzes—tourists throng the Dona Paula Beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap seaside goods from local vendors.

This beach has also been the location for many Indian movies, the most famous being Ek Duje Ke Liye. Given this dual attraction, Dona Paula Beach has become a popular tourist spot.

Colva Beach Goa - Goa

A hot season retreat for Margao's moneyed middle classes since long before Independence, Colva is the oldest and largest of South Goa's resorts. Its leafy outlying 'Vaddos', or wards are pleasant enough, dotted with colonial style villas and ramshackle fishing huts. The beachfront is a collection of concrete hotels, souvenir stalls and fly blown snack bars strewn around a central roundabout.

Each afternoon, busloads of visitors from out of state mill around here after a paddle on the crowded foreshore, pestered by postcard wallahs and the little urchins whose families camp on the outskirts. If, however, one wants to steer clear of this central market area, and stick to the cleaner, greener outskirts, Colva can be a pleasant and convenient place to stay for a while. Swimming is relatively safe while the sand, at least away from the beachfront, is spotless and scattered with beautiful shells.

Leisure
Although never an established rave venue, Colva's nightlife is livelier than anywhere else in south Goa, thanks to its ever-growing contingent of young package tourists. The two most happening nightspots are down in the dunes south of the beachfront area: splash boasts a big MTV satellite screen and music to match, and a late bar and disco that liven up around 10.00 pm.

A sandy plod just south of here, posier Ziggy's boast Goa's only air conditioned dance floor, a thumping Indian Ragga and Techno sound system, and a sociable terrace littered with wicker easy chairs. If one prefers to get plastered somewhere affordable and less pretentious, try Johnny Cool's midway between the beach and Colva crossroads. Men Mar, on the Vasco Road, also serves beers, snacks and Lassis until around 10.30 pm.

Eating Out
When the season is in full swing, Colva's beachfront sprouts a row of large seafood restaurants on stilts, some of them very ritzy indeed, with tablecloths, candles and smooth music. The prices in these places are top whack, but the portions are correspondingly vast, and standards generally high. Budget travellers' are equally well catered for, with a sprinkling of Shack Cafés at the less frequented ends of the beach, and along the Vasco Road.

Places To Stay
Mirroring the village's rapid rise as a package tour resort, Colva's plentiful accommodation ranges from swish campuses of chalets and swimming pools to a fair selection of good value guesthouses in between. Most of the mid and top of the range places are strung out along the Main Beach Road or just behind it. Budget rooms lie amid the more peaceful palm groves and paddy fields north of here: the quarter known as Ward 4, which is accessible via the path that winds north from Johnny Cool's Restaurant, or from the other side via a lane leading west off the Main Colva-Vasco Road.

Useful Information

Banks / Money Changers
Meeting point travel between William's Resort and the crossroads, exchanges Travellers' Cheques and cash at a little under bank rates
Library
Damodar Book store, on the beachfront, stocks a good selection of reasonably priced second hand paperbacks in English. They also do part exchange, and have the best range of postcards in Colva.

Candolim Beach Goa - Goa India

Four or five years ago, Candolim, at the far southern end of Calangute beach, was a surprisingly sedate resort, appealing to an odd mixture of middle-class Bombayites, and Burgundy-clad Sannyasins taking a break from the Rajneesh Ashram at Pune. Now, large-scale package holiday complexes jostle for space behind the dunes and the increasingly crowded beach has sprouted ranks of sun beds.

BoatPlaces to Stay

Candolim has plenty of pleasant places to stay, many of them tucked away down quiet sandy lanes and better value than comparable guesthouses in nearby Calangute, making this a good first stop if one has just arrived in Goa and are planning to head further north after finding one's feet.

BoatRestaurants

Candolim's numerous beach cafes are a cut above your average seafood shacks, with pot plants, state-of-the-art sound systems and prices to match. The main road is also dotted with restaurants serving the usual selection of fresh fish dishes, with a handful of continental options thrown in.

BoatThe Aguda Fort

Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea, bringing the seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada Fort, which crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland, is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa.

Cavelossim Beach Goa - Goa India

The Cavelossim Beach India is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Beach Capital of India Goa.

The Cavelossim is considered the most beautiful beach in south Goa.

The charming Cavelossim lies between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River.

While at the Cavelossim Beach India let your hair down and enjoy the quaint natural surroundings.

The amalgamation picture perfect paddy fields, the scintillating Sal River and the soft sands create the ambience for the unforgettable beach bonanza.

Along with the usual relaxing and rejuvenating activities like sun bathing you may indulge in Dolphin trips and sunset cruises on the River Sal.

It is time to enjoy the nature at its best at the Cavelossim beach.

The Cavelossim beach offers a complete holiday with attractive shopping opportunities. Besides the items of daily needs an amazing array of Indian crafts and gifts are also available.

Many accommodation facilities are also available on the Cavelossim beach itself.

A variety of hotels and beach resorts offer the best of facilities for a luxuries stay at the beach. Though there is ample shelter for the budget tourists too. Food goes hand in hand with at the Cavelossim beach with ample choices.

The charming Cavelossim Beach Goa India is well connected with the rest of the places.

The Dabolim airport provides the connectivity through air. For rail transport there is the Margao Railway Station.

Though you may plan your visit of the Cavelossim beach any time of the year though the months from November to March are the best in all respects.


In order to make the most of your holiday at the Cavelossim beach keep away from drugs and nudity. Even though swimming is considered safe you must check out with the lifeguards for the strength of the undercurrents.

Cavelossim Beach Goa India, Get ready to experience the most captivating holiday of your life at the Cavelossim beach!

In case you don't want to indulge in any water sport, you could go for shopping at any one of the frequently held beach bazaars. These bazaars are always abuzz with activity and full of little trinkets and souvenirs that you could take home with you.

You can indulge in any number of beach activities on any of the beaches of India, and the best part about it all is that all you need is loads of enthusiasm and you'll have an absolutely unforgettable time!

Calangute Beach, Goa - Goa India

A 45 minute bus ride up to the coast from the city of Panjim bring one to Calangute, Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort, and the flagship of the state government's bid for a bigger slice of India's package-tourist pie. This peaceful fishing village was a favourite hideout of the hippies in the 70's and 80's. Today, Calangute beach symbolise Goa's reputation as a haven for beach and coastal splendour

Shopping At Calangute Beach
The road from the town to the beach is lined with Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling Himalayan curios and jewellery. The quality of the goods - mainly Rajasthani, Gujarati and Karnatakan textiles - is generally high. Haggle hard and don't be afraid to walk away from a heavy sales pitch - the same stuff crops up every Wednesday at Anjuna's flea market.

Leisure Activities At Calnagute Beach
The beach itself is nothing special, with steeply shelving sand, but is more than large enough to accommodate the huge numbers of high-season visitors.


Head fifteen minutes or so south of the main beachfront area, towards the rows of old wooden boats moored below the dunes. In this virtually hawker-free zone, one' will only come across teams of villagers hauling in hand nets at high tide or fishermen fixing their tack under bamboo sun shakes.

Water Sports At Calangute
Calangute also makes a perfect beach site if you want to indulge in some water sports activities. Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing at the Calangute beach starts in the afternoon when the wind is blowing just in the right direction and it goes on till sunset.

Eating Out Joints & Restaurants
Calangute's bars and restaurants are mainly grouped around the entrance to the beach and along the Baga road. As with most Goan resorts, the accent is firmly on tempting seafood, though many places also serve vegetarian dishes. Western breakfasts also feature prominently at some of the restaurants in Calangute.


Nightlife & Entertainment At Calangute
Calangute's nightlife is surprisingly tamed and provide a nice break from the wild parties at Anjuna. All but a handful of the bars wind up by 10.00 pm. One notable exception is Tito's at the Baga end of the beach, which stays open until after midnight in the off-season and into the small hours in late December and January.

The other places that consistently stay open through the night at Calangute are a couple of hippy hang-outs in the woods to the south of the beach road. Pete's Bar, a perennial favourite next door to Angela P. Fernandes, is generally the liveliest, offering affordable drinks, backgammon sets and relentless reggae. Further afield, Bob's Inn, between Calangute and Candolim beaches, is another popular bar.

Attractions Around Calangute Beach

Kerkar Art Gallery: Located at close proximity is the Kerkar Art Gallery, displaying the paintings and sculptures of various talented, upcoming artists of Goa. The gallery also hosts a night of Indian music and dance, once every week.

Church Of St. Alex: As the vast tourist traffic on the CHOGM road reaches the village site of Calangute, the Church of St Alex greets the visitors with its two towers and a magnificent dome gracing the façade. The inside of the church is a display of the line and beauty of its architectural style and attractive altars.

Baga Beach Goa - Goa

Amongst the popular beaches in India is the Baga beach Goa. Baga Goa lies 10 km west of Mapusa and really speaking is an extension of Calangute. Baga Goa India is smaller than the Calangute and Colva beaches lying on either side of it. Baga Goa is the perfect getaway for those looking for a little bit of peace and quiet after the activity of the other two beaches.

Baga is a fishing beach with brown sand that sees a lot of international tourists sun-bathing in its golden sun, as a grove of palms gently sways in the wind. The Baga River flows along one side of Baga beach Goa offering a good alternative for children and those who are not too confident about swimming in the sea. On one of the far ends of the beach, lies a group of black rocks against which the sea crashes in dramatic explosions of spray.

Baga Goa has developed more rapidly than any other region in Goa. The main road running through the Baga village is lined with several bars, tandoori terraces and handicraft shops. The relatively newer Saturday flea market of Baga Goa, is a huge success and an occasion of much that lasts well into the night, brightly lit up with lights and paraffin lamps. All kinds of odds and ends, handicrafts, jewellery and snacks stalls can be found at Baga and a temporary stage is constructed for the visiting local musician. Baga Goa's nightlife is the liveliest in Goa and is the perfect expression of the Goan and Western mix of culture.

Backwater crocodile and dolphin spotting down the Mandovi River to the Zuari River is a favorite pastime for the travelers at the Baga beach. The thickly forested banks of these rivers are rife with mangrove trees and inhabited by crocodiles in the swampy regions. Dolphins can be spotted at the mouth of the Mandovi River.