Goa, India

Beaches & Cathedrals

Goa known for its beaches, backpackers and mix of portuguese and indian culture. Liberated from portuguese rule in 1961 it is now the 25th state of India and a major tourist destination.

Split into North and South Goa, go north for markets and parties and south for less developed areas and the luxury hotels.

 

How to get there and Transportation

By Air - Air India flies to Kuwait and the UAE, Qatar fly in from Doha otherwise most flights come in from Mumbai.  Domestic connections to Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.

By bus - mainly from Mumbai and Punei

By Train - from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi

Getting around

Bus - cheap way to travel

Hop on Hop off - run by tourist office with english speaking guides

Car- private hire with driver - ask a hotel

TRAIN PLANE

Best time to Visit

Mid November to mid February is the best time to visit.

Where to stay

 

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

The W - Vagator

Ahilya By the Sea - Nerul

Alila Diwa - Majorda

Vivenda Dos Palhaços - private guest house

 

large and well fitted luggage storage and wardrobes at the four seasons first residence with well stocked mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities
Plenty of room for Mr Bump and his friends!
Lovely power shower for removing Cairo's dust and grime

 

toilet and bidet facilities at the four seasons first residence
Well, what can I say - the toilet and bidet
small balcony overlooking Giza Zoo, the city and pyramids beyond
small, unfurnished balcony with great views (the inset pyramids are courtesy of a very powerful zoom!)

What to See

Stunning setting for breakfast and afternoon tea- plus you can smoke INDOORS!

 

near perfect eggs benedict with smoked salmon at the four seasons first residence, cairo, beautiful dining area with amazing stained glass windows
When it comes to our favourite - eggs benedict with smoked salmon, the First Residence rated highly!

 

Churches and Cathedrals

Tom Jesus Basilica - built in 1605 and has the remains of St Francis Xavier, a patron saint of Goa

Se Cathedral - built in 1619 one of the largest churches in Asia with 14 altars.

Church of St Francis of Assisi - built in 1661 and has an adjoining seminary.

Main Beaches

Candolim and Sinquerim - north Goa - india’s answer to Benidorm

Colva - pretty but now full of trash and stray dogs

Calangute - top beach but now crowded

Morjim - beautiful preferred by russian tourists

Tanshikar Spice Farm - personalised tours of an organic working farm

Where to report animal cruelty in Goa

Rescue   Peta
 

Restaurants

Bomra - burmese food - Candolim

The Black Sheep Bistro - Panaji

Gunpowder -  Goan food - Assagao

La Plage - french cuisine - Mandrem

A Reverie - muti cuisine - Calangute

Elevar - fusion - Ashvem Beach

Palacio Do Deao - Goan cuisine - Quepem

Baba Au Rhum - cafe food - Anjuna

 

Shopping

Mapusa Market

Bebel - clothing and accessories

Jade Jagger Beach Boutique

Malini Ramini - clothes - Calangute

Artjuna - leather products

Fara - designer boutique

Beach Candy - supporting artisans

Miss Monkey - bold designer clothing

Miriam Strehlau - casual designer clothing

Sacha's Shop - Panjim

White Brick Wall - stocks designers

Janota - shoe designer

Flames - designer clothes - Thalassa

 

large and well fitted luggage storage and wardrobes at the four seasons first residence with well stocked mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities
Afternoon tea with a gorgeous, stained glass window backdrop
Shops leading to the entrance of the grand bazaar, cairo
Nearby Grand Bazaar

Conclusion

Personally I was disappointed, not what was expected and tourism has had an effect, there was a huge amount of rubbish everywhere, the beach although beautiful was covered with oil and the food was nothing to write home about. To be fair it was end of season, a lot of places has closed down, we found only one market and the hotel was not up to standard. The churches etc did not interest us so sightseeing was short and sweet. I would compare to coming to Phuket and staying in Patong which would put you off coming back for life so I perhaps would consider returning at a better time of year, in a nicer hotel and area.

Goa Tourist Board

 

 

 

Follow Debbie Allen:
Hi! Welcome to my life... travel is a lifelong hobby, bucket lists get longer... that's the whole joy of them! Originally from the UK I have now lived in Phuket, Thailand since 2008 and run a dream holiday rental agency on the island. In my free time I travel and thought it about time to share experiences, tips, do and dont's along with cherished memories and beautiful photographs - I hope you enjoy taking a digital trip alongside me and that you will emerge the other side with some new destinations in mind...

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