GOA
- Beach Lovers Paradise
Goa. Mention the name and a flood of sensual
delights rush through the minds eye. Endless
beaches with white sand, fringed with
coconut palms. Shacks along the ocean
edge that serve mouthwatering sea food
delicacies along with the ubiquitous drink.
Some of the time goan favorites include
dishes such as the Crab, King Prawns,
Chicken rechado or Xacuti. Churches and
Temples nestle amongst the swaying paddy
fields, and the locals have a lifestyle
that places celebration and festivity
at the heart of living.
Goa is a unique blend of western mores
and Indian tradition. The western ethos
is present in the architecture, with its
distinct Portuguese influence.
Goa today is India's most popular international
tourist destination. Every season hordes
of British, Russians, and German tourists
arrive by charters to enjoy its salubrious
charms.
Amongst the many attractions for tourists
are water sports, visits to the Old Goa
and its famous churches - such as the
Basilica of Bom Jesus, the grand traditional
hindu temples such as the mangueshi temple,
and the famous Flea Markets of Goa.
Some of the more popular Goan beaches
include Calangute, Vagator & Anjuna.
The combination of the "sosegădo" or laid
back lifestyle, balmy tropical weather
and Goa's carnival-like nightlife has
been known to lure many tourists and fun
lovers.
Visit some of the beach resorts and eateries
frequented by foreign tourists and you
will find it hard to believe you are in
India! The smells, the sounds, the languages
spoken - everything is a mix of the international.
Goa - it is a place you must experience.
It is truly like no other destination
in India.
Goa has come a long way from just being
a panaromic beach paradise with its charming
stretches of snowy velvety white sands
and surf beaches by the crystal clear
Arabian Sea. The wonderous aroma of seafood,
the magnificent colours of light at sunset
into the sea definitely consumes one's
heart and creates a mystical illusion.
Goa obtained its unique identity and a
great blend of East and West culture from
the 400 years of Portuguese influence
on its towns and villages. This place
truly encompasses scenic charms, tourist
spots, intricate churches and temples,
evergreen hills and mountains and historical
forts that have kept the legacy of Portuguese
alive. Take the opportunity to experience
this mystical location and discover exotic
and varied culture.
Highlights of Goa
Take a coach to Ponda where you will visit
the famed and beautiful Shantadurga Temple
(dedicated to Goddess Parvathi & Lord
Naguesh) and Mangueshi Temple (dedicated
to Lord Shiva). Next take a scenic drive
to Old Goa where you can visit the Basilica
of Bom Jesus, which besides its splendour,
houses the body of St Francis Xavier.
Head to SE Cathedral which took eighty
years to build and was only consecrated
in 1640,here you will be able to view
its many altars and unique bells. Continue
your tour as you go to Panjim for some
shopping before heading back to the ship.
Mandovi Cruise
The thriving combination of sun, sand
and sea makes Panjim the perfect spot
for some fun and adventure. So, start
your tour with a drive to Panjim Jetty
where you will board the local boats for
a cruise along the Mandovi River. As you
enjoy this scenic cruise, you will be
entertained by a performance of Goan folk
dancers bearing a tradition of thousands
of years. Browse around the local market
for some last minute shopping before returning
to the ship.
Waterfall Wonder
For nature enthusiasts, commence your
tour by boarding the coach to Collem,
stop along the way for some light refreshments.
Then board a four-wheel drive safari jeep
to the waterfalls. Where you will be able
get close to nature as you to take part
in a short trek on foot to the base of
the falls over boulders and bridges fashioned
from slender logs. Enjoy a refreshing
swim in the cool clear waters of the waterfall.
Continue your trek back to the waiting
jeeps and subsequently board the coaches
for the journey back to the pier.
Mangrove and Spice
Tour
For those who love a little excitement!
Drive to Cortalim Jetty and cruise through
the mangrove-fringed banks of the River
Zuari in search of the crocodiles that
make their home here. The same waters
are also habitat to migrant birds, wild
fowls and are fishing grounds for local
fishermen. Drive along the scenic route
to the Spice Plantation where you will
be welcomed with the traditional art of
Kumkum and a drink of fresh coconut will
be served. Take a tour of the plantation
with an experienced guide. The plantation
is home to a vast variety of exotic species,
medicinal herbs and fruits
Beach Tour
Arrive at Vagator Beach which is a popular
destination adjacent to the Chopora Fort,
built in red st one. Head on next to Calangute
Beach which is the most popular beach
in the North of Goa. This once peaceful
fishing village, then a haven for hippies,
is now Goa's busiest and most commercialised
resort. For a good time - Goan style,
head to the pubs (Kamaki, Mambos or Titos
etc). Drinks purchased are on your own
account. Please note that children will
not be allowed into these premises.
Market Madness
Drive over to Anjuna, a small village
in North of Goa and shop at the famed
Flea Market along Anjuna Beach. This flea
market is a haven for hardcore shoppers,
to bid on wonderful blends of trinkets,
handicrafts and carvings. This ex-hippie
hangout is still popular with travellers
here. Stopover for a quick photo session
of this beautiful place before heading
to a local traditional bazaar known as
Mapusa Market. Here you may shop for items
such as spices, pottery and jewellery.
Make your way to Panjim, the capital city
of Goa for some shopping before returning
to the pier.
