Goa - The Don't s Vs. The Do's

 To say that Goa is sure to be in the top ten holiday places to visit in India would be stating the obvious. Goa is the stereotypical, quintessential vacation destination for not only the rich and famous, but the average middle class traveller too. Apart from the fact that it is also one of the top preferred places by International tourists, who find the tropical climate and the cultural scene irresistible.

Much has been written about the things to do, what to eat, where to stay ( North Goa Vs. South Goa ), what events and festivals to attend, where to party, how to have the most of your time in Goa.

However, the question remains as What not to do in Goa; in other words, the mistakes to avoid on the trip you have been planning and looking forward to all year.

Let's see the Don'ts :-

1. Go only to the famous beaches 

Everyone who has been to Goa or is planning it's itinerary is sure to add the following beaches in the must-visit list as they are hot, happening and popular - Agonda Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga, Benaulim, Candolim, Calangute, Colva, Cavelossim, Dona Paula, Galgibaga, Morjim, Mobor, Miramar, Sinquerim, Pablum.

But don't forget to add the off-beat and lesser known ones, though just as beautiful and perhaps more attractive for the traveller preferring the road less travelled. These include Butterfly Beach, Betul Beach, Galgibag, Kalacha, Kakolem, Siridao, Velsao, Vainguinim.

2. Ditch the offbeat places 

Visit the offbeat places like the backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, the ghats and the caves - 

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Butterfly Conservatory, Devil's Canyon, Rivona Caves, Arvalem Caves, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Pequeno Bat Islands, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Todo Waterfalls, Spice Plantations, Goan Backwaters, Cabo de Rama etc.

3. Miss out on the local cuisine

Goan cuisine consists of mainly Konkani food along with a few Portuguese and Catholic influences. Don't just stick to the tried and tested north or south Indian fare. Give your taste buds a change and a chance to appreciate the local cuisine especially the seafood ( Of course, not the vegetarian tourists ). There are innumerable shacks along the beaches to choose from as also the top-rated restaurants and 5 star eateries.

4. Not mingle with the locals

Don't just sit around in the resort or the hotel with your family or group. Go out and meet new people, most importantly the locals who would make for great guides regarding the offbeat things to see and do.

5. Miss out on the local festivals and events

Goans are big on celebrations, be it their festivals, occasions, heritage, culturally significant days. Goa is not only about Christmas, New Year, Music fests, Sao Joao Festival, Carnival, Feast of Saint Francis Xavier. 

There are so many more to mingle in and enjoy - 

Dahi Handi, Hanuman Jayanti, Buddha Purnima,

Brahmotsavam at Brahma-Carambolim,

Jayanchi Pooja of Mardol, Celebration of Nave in Mayem, Vaingini and Bicholim, Datta Jayanti, Jagor - A traditional Gawda folk drama, Dhalo, Bicholim celebrated 'Navo Somar, Harvest Feast of Poinguinim and Loliye, Aaitar Poojan-Sun worship, Anant Chaturdashi, Shigmo to name a few. 

Basically, Go to Goa and rather than be a regular tourist, try to be more open to adventure and new experiences. Follow the Do's as well as the Don'ts

Images - www.goaexperience.co.uk

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Butterfly Beach, Goa

Far from the hip and happening beaches, pubs, hotels and famous tourist attractions of North Goa, at the extreme southern point lies the secluded Butterfly Beach. A marvel of nature with huge rocky hills surrounding it on two sides and the third covered by a dense forest, the beach is preferably accessible from the Arabian sea. A ferry from the nearest two more well known beaches, Angoda and Palolem drops the tourists right at the beach. 

Serene, calm and crystal clear green waters of the Arabian sea attracts the type of the beach lovers who prefer the tranquility and peace of nature along with the picturesque view of the vast undulating waters, the setting sun, sightings of dolphins, butterflies, boat rides, photography and solitude specially by the honeymoon couples. 

Where is it - At a distance of 37 kms south of Mormugao

How to reach : 

By Road - 

• From Agonda via MDR49 

• From Palolem via MDR49 

There are a couple of drop points from where one has to trek through dense forest as four wheelers cannot go further due to no roadway till the beach.

Even the two - wheelers have to cross rocky and uneven trails and still stop at about a distance of 500 meters from the beach.

By Sea - Take a ferry either from Agonda beach or Palolem beach 

Minimum ferry fare - ₹ 1000 onwards per person ( Bargaining for a group discount can be done with the ferry service )

What to do - Swimming, Rock climbing, Trekking, Photography, Boating to see the dolphins, watch the beautiful sun setting in the unending Arabian sea

When to go - November to March

Seasons to avoid - Monsoon and Summer; high tide times

Hours to visit - Early morning till the sunset; only during the low tides ( 9am to 5pm ) 

Pet friendly - Yes

Named after the thousands of monarch butterflies that would appear on the hillside trees during the blooming season, the beach is among the lesser known and visited by the tourists to the extremely popular tourist state of Goa. Reaching it is a bit of a struggle as it is surrounded by rocky mountains and forest that one has to cross on foot. The four-wheelers can access only till the Channel Drive beyond which one has to climb the ramp / stairs and then climb down over the rocky terrain surrounding the beach on two sides. The third access point is via the forest that requires trekking for about one hour through a trail. However, there are no sign boards indicating the direction and one can get lost or discouraged by the presence of wildlife. Taking along an experienced trekker or a guide is recommended. There is no provision for tourists such as restrooms, eateries, lifeguards etc. However it is a delight for sea - lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, solitude seeking families and couples, adventure junkies and nature lovers. Moreover the sighting of the massive dolphins along with other sea life is an added attraction.

Pictures source - www.traveltriangle.com

Wigwam, Goa's Hidden Gem

Goa is one of the top tourist destinations in India with both domestic and international visitors making a beeline for the state on every occasion; be it the school holidays, long weekends, the monsoons, various festivals, Christmas and the New year. Of the two clearly different South and North Goa preferences, the northern part is more tourist friendly with most of the attractions to lure visitors looking for a typical fun holiday as compared to the more peaceful and subdued southern Goa. However, in spite of being heavily crowded with discos, cafes, resorts, hotels and the popular beaches there is an oasis of serenity and calm right at a 10 minutes distance from the well known and hugely popular Mandrem beach. 

Wigwamgoa is a unique place located amidst the green forests in the style of the Native American tents called Tipi literally meaning a conical cloth covered structure supported by wooden poles. Apart from the Tipis they have totally modern furnished wooden cottages and apartments with all creature comforts. The place is exceptionally designed making use of its forest location with even the bathrooms having palm trees growing inside with most furnishings made of wood or cane. The decor is mind blowingly beautiful with unique artifacts made of cane, leaves or wood , white and serene colors adorning the walls as well as the tipis and the bedsheets. The use of contrasting red and blue makes it eye pleasing. The tipis and the wooden cottages lie amongst the lush greenery with individual meandering paths. The whole luxurious set up has been cleverly designed around the natural beauty of the palm trees and other foliage with the cafe, chill out zones, yoga shala surrounded by dense trees and built using wooden planks. Yet the setting is ultra luxurious with all modern comforts and amenities to make the guest experience the best of both worlds. 

Unique Offerings include outdoor yoga shala from world renowned yoga masters, meditation, tropical gardens, health food cafe, chill out areas, healing tipi, sweat lounge ceremonies, raw food workshops, Cacao ceremonies, shared massage center, art and music festivals, breath work, home cooked organic meals, vegan meals, reiki, deep tissue massage etc 

Amenities include fully equipped kitchenette, AC apartments, king sized beds, en suite bathrooms that are open to the sky, toiletries, towels, hot showers, bathrobes, 24 hour security, WiFi, access to yoga shala, daily housekeeping, parking, cafe and workshops, cycling, nature walks etc

Accommodation

1. Tipi

2. Jungle Lounge

3. Wooden Cottage 

4. Raj Villa Apartment

5. Namaste Jungle Apartment

6. Leopards Lair Apartment

7. Captain's Corner Apartment

Tariff ( Taxes Exclusive )

Starts from ₹5000 onwards up to ₹8000 depending on various factors like the accommodation, weekdays, weekends, availability, public holidays etc

Meals are not included. No charges for extra cot. 

Food Provision ( Veg, Vegan, Non Veg ) :-

Wigwam Cafe - 8 am to 12 noon. Serves fruits, smoothies, homemade breads among other healthy fare

Wigwam Pizzeria - 7 pm to 10 pm. Serves a variety of veg and non veg pizzas

English Roast Dinner is available from 2 pm to 7 pm on Sundays with cocktails and DJ night.

Suffice to say that it is the perfect place for detoxification of the body and mind, smack in the middle of the jungle with most North Goa tourist attractions within walking or cycling distance of this uber luxury retreat.

Contact Information -

252, Dandos Wada

Pernem, Goa, India

Phone number : 7796410921

Email address : wigwamgoa@gmail.com

Website : https://www.wigwamgoa.com

Pictures source - The website

Goa - A brief History

 History of Goa:

History of Goa

In ancient literature, Goa was known by many names, such as Gomanchala, Gopakapattana, Gopakapattam, Gopakapuri, Govapuri, Govem, and Gomantak. Other historical names for Goa are Sindapur, Sandabur, and Mahassapatam.

The history of Goa dates back to prehistoric times, though the present-day state of Goa was only established as recently as 1987. ... The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture. In 1961, the Indian Army invaded and annexed Goa after a 36 hour battle.

Goa was the first territorial possession of the Portuguese in Asia. Albuquerque and his successors left almost untouched the customs and constitutions of the 30 village.

It was founded in 1543 and remained in Portuguese hands until 1961, when the territory was lost to India. Vasco da Gama, 1st Count of Vidigueira was the first European to reach India by sea.

It was ruled by the Kadamba dynasty from the 2nd century ce to 1312 and by Muslim invaders of the Deccan from 1312 to 1367. The city was then annexed by the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar and was later conquered by the Bahmanī sultanate, which founded Old Goa on the island in 1440.

Goa – The Name – In the later Vedic period (c.1000-500 BC) when the Hindu epic “Mahabharata” was written, Goa has been referred to with the Sanskrit name “Gomantak”, a word with many meanings , signifying mostly a fertile land; but however, it is the Portuguese who gave Goa its name. Before they arrived on the scene, Goa, or Gove or Gowapura, was the name only of the port town near the mouth of the Mandovi River. This was also the same site on which the Portuguese later built their capital, today’s Old Goa.

Goa area were called “Sastikars” because they settled in the eight villages of Sasti taluka. Today’s Salcete taluka derives its name from the Sanskrit word “Sassast” meaning the number 66, Tiswadi derived from the Sanskrit word for the number 30, and Bardesh/Bardez derived from the Sanskrit word for the number 12. Their settlements called as Agraharas set the pace for agriculture and development in the area in partnership with the local indigenous people, the Kumbhis. The earliest “Matha” of the Saraswat community was the “Kavle Math” founded in 740 AD and established at Kushasthali near Keloshi in Goa. This Math was subsequently destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564 but the tradition continued on elsewhere.

The Muslim era – The invasion of Goa by the Bahamini Kingdom in 1350 brought about complete destruction to Goa, its temples and its institutions.

The end of the first period of the Bahamini rule was following their defeat by the the Hindu Empire of Vijayanagar (14-15th century AD). The Bahaminis returned again in 1470 and won and with that victory, Goa became a part of the Muslim Bahmani Kingdom of the Deccan (15th century). The Bahaminis created a new city to facilitate trade on the northern banks of the river Mandovi, a city they called Ela. In 1492, the Bahmani Kingdom split into five kingdoms, namely Bidar, Berar, Ahmadnagar, Golconda and Bijapur. One of the kingdoms namely Bijapur (which was the capital of the territory) included Goa and was ruled by Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah Khan.

Portuguese expansion was rather different from their initial conquests. By the time these territories were added, their attitude had changed and their zeal for religious conversions had died down. In a strange quirk of fate they banned the order of Jesuits in 1759, because they believed them to be puppets of the pope in Rome. By 1835, all religious orders were banned, and the Hindu majority were granted the freedom to practice their religion. As a result, the “New Conquests” retained their Hindu identity, a characteristic feature that persists even today, and this is also why there is a religious/cultural/language or dialect difference existing in Goa .

The Christianity in Goa: The Portuguese introduced Christianity to Goa. One of Vasco da Gama’s goals in finding the sea route to India was to find new Christians. Upon landing at Calicut in 1498 he was surprised to find a thriving Christian community.

The next group that was more successful in propagating Christianity was the Franciscans, who arrived in Goa in 1517. 

The most successful group to arrive soon after were the Jesuits of the newly formed Society of Jesus. With the arrival of St. Francis Xavier S.J., one of its founders, the activity of the Jesuits went into overdrive. Goa became the base for Fr. Francis Xavier’s voyages to the east. 

The Portuguese also implemented the compulsory learning of the Portuguese Language under the Viceroy, Count of Alvor ( 1681-1686).

The Portuguese of Goa has a big history which will see in my next blog.

 

The Beleza by the Beach Resort

 The Beleza By The Beach Resort

 This beautiful resort is set near Colva beach along the Arabian Sea. Surrounded at length and breadth with the view of paddy fields, the resort offers a scenic pathway from within connecting guests to the pristine white sands of Colva beach. It is conveniently located close to the Colva Promenade shopping area as well as a distance covered in 25 minutes from the airport

Treat yourself to luxury in our spacious and fully furnished Superior Rooms. The charming decor and scenic views of our garden, pool, and paddy fields are sure to win you over.

Property Description 

Spread over 5 acres of land, Beleza By The Beach is located in Goa, along the sandy beaches of Colva Beach. With tastefully designed rooms and villas, it offers an outdoor pool and free WiFi.

To ensure a pleasant stay, pillow menus, 39-inch flat-screen TVs can be found in all rooms. Coffee/tea making facilities and a dining area are included. 

Beleza By The Beach is a 25-minute drive to the airport. It is also close the shopping area of Colva Promenade. 

Guests can relax in the sauna and enjoy pampering spa treatments. A separate children’s pool and a well equipped fitness centre are available. The Beach Beleza also provides free parking and concierge services.

This Resort is conveniently located close to the Colva Promenade shopping area as well as a distance covered in 25 minutes from the airport. All rooms are air-conditioned with an attached bathroom, LCD TV with satellite connection, tea/coffee maker and DVD player. Guests can choose from a wide selection of movies from our video library free of charge. Tentacao our world cuisine restaurant is an all-day dining restaurant and bar set by the pool side. Nazare our beach shack and bar, is a beautiful spot to view the sunset and sip sun downers and light snacks. Espaco Divino Our Spa facility offers a range of relaxing massages. Our conference room is picturesquely set overlooking the swimming pool and it can seat up to 35 people. We also have a garden area and a play area with swings for children.

Property amenities

Free parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Pool

Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room

Free breakfast

Beach

Game room

Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly

Location-      

Colva Beach Thondvaddo, Betalbatim 403708 India

Top Amenities

Airport transfer

240 meters to the beach

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Saunal

 

Thondwaddo, Betalbatim,
Salcette, Goa – 403708
+ 91  98 502 05647 
0832 6719200, 
0832 6719201

Places near by Beleza by the Beach

 Colva Beach

 Betalbatim Beach

Boomerang Beach Bar

Kadar mega mart

Health Sub Centre ,Betalbatim

Super medical store

Our Lady of Remedios Church

Zorro Jewellers

Dental Solutions

Sunshine Medical Store

  

                                

                      

                           

Some fun facts of Goa

 Some Fun facts of Goa.

Some fun facts of Goa which people are unaware .

Floating Casino

Goa is the only place in India where you can find Floating Casinos. It is one of the few states in India where Gambling is legal. In short, you can enjoy Vegas in Goa with all the modern gaming equipment, lounges, sundeck, restaurants, live dances, musicians, bands and what not.

Headphone party

Not a fan of loud parties? The world famous, unique Headphone parties can be seen in the Palolem beach of Goa. Grab the headphones and sway to the music which you alone can hear.

Get dual passport

Who wouldn’t love to have dual passports. Along with Indian passport, Goans can also avail Portuguese passport. This is something very unqiue right?

The number of bars

Can you even guess how many number of bars Goa has? You can’t even imagine. Goa has more than 7000 bars. Wow somany options who won't like Goa?

Olive ridley turtles

The second largest place after Orissa where Olive Ridley turtles flock up to lay eggs is Goa. You can find this amazing scene in Morjim of Goa.

 

Highest per capita income.

Boom!Boom!!Boom!!! It's a highest income city Among all the Indian states, Goa has the highest per capita income. 

Non-decomposingbody St.Francis Xavier

This is one of the best places in Goa that cannot be missed. St.Francis Xavier from Spain had come to India to spread the gospel 500 years ago. You can find the body of St. Francis Xavier kept in coffin is in non-decomposed state until now.

 

 

IIIi

IIndia's first English Medium school

Everyone loves to speak in English and English medium is standard in all the schools now. Yes, India’s first English Medium school was started in Goa.

 

Asia’s only Naval Aviation Museum.

Naval Aviation museum is something in Goa that should definitely be checked out. 15 types of aircrafts at the museum will amaze you. 

Wasn't this were some astonishing  fun facts of Goa..So Enjoy Goa have fun..