Panaji, Vasco and Velha- Take Your Pick For a Pleasurable Goa Vacations

One of the most whimsical tourist destinations in India, Goa attracts a large chunk of Indian and overseas travelers to its shores. The tiny Indian state is famous for its breathtaking beaches, colorful festivals, thrilling nightlife, wildlife, historic monuments and adventure sports. The three popular tourist places in Goa where tourists flock in large numbers include Panaji, Vasco Da Gama and Velha. Let's take a look on what these 3 destinations have to offer to the tourists.

Panaji Goa

The capital city of Goa, Panaji is a great place to kick start your sightseeing in this tiny Indian state. It is situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river and has several buildings designed in Portuguese colonial style. Some popular attractions in this city include the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Mahalakshmi temple and the Jama Masjid. If you love bird watching, you can visit the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located in the Chorao village near Panaji. For beach enthusiasts, the city is home to three languid beaches- Miramar, Bambolim and Dona Paula.

Vasco Goa

Named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, Vasco is the place where a large number of tourists visit to experience the scattered charm of nature in the form of sand, sea and surf. It is a famous industrialized town in Goa and home to an important sea port. The major attractions of this place include Bogmalo Beach, Mormugao Port, Pilot Point and Naval Aviation Museum.

Velha Goa

If you want to observe Portuguese and Christian influence on Goa from close quarters, Velha or Old Goa is the best bet available. The town is scattered with a large number of churches and cathedrals that offers a sneak peek into the Portuguese past. Some famous attractions of this place include Basilica of Bomb Jesus, Church of St. Francis of Assissi and Se Cathedral.

All said and written, now it's up to you to choose what suits your requirements the most for a comfortable and pleasurable travel to Goa.

For Best Accommodation Facilities, Check out the Top 5 Hotels in North Goa!

A tour to Goa is unfinished if one does not travel to North Goa. The town is known mainly for its hardcore night life and is the party zone of Goa.

With a number of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, magnificent churches, heritage forts, Trance music, Goan cuisines and warm people, the district makes for a spectacular destination for tourists.

For the accommodation of large number of tourists who visit the town each day, there are several amazing hotels in Goa that serve the travelers with all their basic needs.

With a stay in any of the hotels in this happening state of India, it is guaranteed that one will not be disappointed.

Given below is a list of 5 of the best hotels in North Goa:

1- DoubleTree by Hilton Goa

Star Rating: 5

No. of Rooms: 104

Dining: Flame (multi-cuisine restaurant), Coba (Grill food, seafood and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks), Caffeine (Coffee shop)

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Goa, located near Baga beach is one of the Best 5 Star Luxury Hotels in North Goa. The hotel  is known for offering amazing views of lagoons in Arpora area. With a stay in this hotel, tourists can go to Ingo's Saturday night market for fun and shopping activity or they can also go to Anjuna hippie market which is opened each Wednesday. OR they can simply relax at Baga beach. The hotel is ideal for lazing around, especially with swimming pool and sun terrace. Business travelers, after a tiring day at hotel’s business center, will love coming back to their modern Mediterranean style rooms.

2- Cidade De Goa

Star Rating: 5

No. of Rooms: 206

Dining: Alfama (multi-cuisine restaurant), Cafe Azul (multi-cuisine restaurant) and Laranja (multi-cuisine restaurant), Barbeque (Grill food), Docaria (Coffee shop), Taverna (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and Bar Latino (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)

This North Goa Beach hotel brags about several accolades it has won over the years including Best Live Entertainment and Best Bar in Times Nightlife Awards, Best Grills/Best BBQ and Best World cuisine in Times Food Awards and has also won the prestigious Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2013. These awards certify that hotel is excellent when it comes to offering guests an ideal holiday retreat.

3- Neelam's The Grand

Star Rating: 4

No. of Rooms: 150

Dining: Pan Global (International cuisines), Sports Bar (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar) and Coffee House (Coffee shop)

This is one of the best hotels in the district which is designed to provide tourists with a space where they can get relieved from their tensions and can simply unwind. The guests particularly enjoy at the beach resort and the free breakfast served in this hotel. And the entertainment district here is just perfect for youngsters. Hotel’s proximity to Calangute Beach, Baga Beach and Anjuna Beach, Calangute Market and Candolim Beach makes it the first choice for every tourist.

4- Vivanta by Taj

Star Rating: 5

No. of Rooms: 170

Dining: Latitude (Multi-cuisine restaurant), Morisco (Seafood Restaurant), II Camino (Italian restaurant), SFX (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar) and Martini Bar (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar)

Vivanta by Taj in Goa is located in the serene surroundings, just nearby the very famous Fort Aguada. The hotel is known for her spectacular architecture which is done in traditional Goan Portuguese style. The furnishings in the hotel rooms are pulsating and very sophisticated.  The spectacle is increased with the pristine waters of Sinquerim beach below. The stunning Balinese landscapes with tall palm trees and appealing views of Arabian Sea lures tourists from every corner to this 5-star hotel.

5- Grand Hyatt Goa

Star Rating: 5

No. of Rooms: 315

Dining: The Verandah (Grill food), The Dining Room (multi-cuisine restaurant), Chulha (Indian Restaurant), Confeitaria (Coffee Shop), Bay View Lounge (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar), Capiz Bar (Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar) and Pool Bar and Grill (Grill food, seafood and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)

28-acre living space; 314 accommodation facilities; seven dining facilities; 34,000 sq. ft. spa; numerous swimming pools; what more can one ask from his hotel in Goa. The hotel architecture is simply spectacular which is designed strictly according to seventeenth-century Indo-Portuguese Viceregal style. The sight of the hotel grounds at night with all lights glowing outside is simply spectacular. The tourists will particularly enjoy themselves at the pool or on the nearby beach where the guests can indulge in sailing, yoga and colonial sightseeing activities.

Written By Karan Saxena

Get Ready To Spend A Memorable Winter Holiday In Goa

If you talk about ultimate winter sun destination in India, Goa is an undoubted name to be mentioned on the list. The picturesque backdrop, including palm-fringed beaches, rosy Arabian Sea sunsets and coconut trees, make it the perfect destination to relax and enjoy in winter. Apart from the beaches in Goa, in the interiors of the state lies a fascinating world of Portuguese heritage, historical monuments, Hindu temples, and wildlife. Here are some of the enticing tourist attractions in Goa to allure you to get off the sun-lounger.

Beaches

Beaches mark the identity of the state. There are about 22 beaches altogether in North and South Goa. Some of the popular beaches to visit are Baga, Anjuna, Bambolim, Cavelossim, Palolem, Varca, Colva, Morjim, Dona Paula, and many more. Some of the beaches are best known for trance parties, lively shacks and water sports, etc. Additionally, Goa also features some private beaches where visitors can spend some time in solitude.

Mangrove Forests & Birds

 The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the ‘bird man of India’, Dr. Salim Ali, is a paradise for nature and bird lovers. This bird sanctuary could be reached via a short ferry ride (30 min) from Ribander, located close to Panaji. The visitors can spot beautiful birds, such as herons, black drongos, mudskippers, etc., amidst the cool, calm mangroves & marshes. The wildlife here features flying foxes and crocodiles. The winter months are the best time to visit the sanctuary as the visitors can spot various migratory and native birds in the sanctuary.

Spice Farms

Spices are the major attribute of Indian culinary delights. Sahakari Spice Farm, sprawled over an area of 130 acre, is a popular feature in tours to Goa and to know more about the pungent spices. Upon arrival, before being guided through the rows of guava, jackfruit, mango, pineapple and papaya, lemongrass tea is served for the guests. Through the guided tour, the visitors come to know about the story of how cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and curry leaves are farmed and grown. The long walks may be tiresome for little kids. There also are on-site shops that sell fresh spices and oils, which the guests can buy as gifts and souvenirs for friends and family.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit in Goa as it features botanical garden, zoo and exotic wildlife in a single platter. Among the attractions of the sanctuary, the collection of mythological Hindu sculptures on-site is also a must visit as it is said to be mysteriously discovered during the construction of gardens. There are about 100 different species of birds found along with Sambar deer, Black Giant squirrel, Indian bison, Indian Peafowl and snakes. To make the trip an exciting vacation, the guests could opt for elephant rides in the afternoon. Please note that some attractions of the sanctuary, such as Deer Park, are closed on a Thursday.

Churches

The small Indian state, Goa was under the influence of Portuguese for almost 450 years. The culture, food, people, structures, etc., all reflect the charm of old-world. Moreover, there also are numerous churches that are designed according to the Gothic style of architecture. Some of the popular churches in Goa are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Church of St Cajetan, etc. During the time of feasts and festivals, there are special mass prayers and processions carried.

A Visit To Ancestral Goa

In the inner regions of Goa, there are numerous colonial mansions, which date to the 17th century. If the guests intend to explore the old-world colonial charm of Goa, Chandor (15km from Margao) is the best village to visit. In this village, the Braganza House is open to the public and provides the glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the colonial landlords. The house features Italian marble walls & flooring, and Belgian & Chinese Porcelain chandeliers, which adorn the beauty of the house. Loutolim is again another attraction in Goa to witness the colonial charm of Goa. Here, Ancestral Goa is an open-air theme park, which was designed by Goan artist, Maendra J. Alvares. The park features a miniature of a Goan village. India’s longest laterite sculpture, Saint Mirabai, is also featured here along with different highlights depicting colonial influence in Goan culture.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969 with the motive to protect the isolated jungle forest strip. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 85 km and at a distance of 10 km east of Chaudi. The 2nd largest sanctuary in Goa features thick vegetation, which at times makes it difficult for the visitors to spot timid & rare animals, such as flying squirrel, Indian pangolin, four-horned antelope, slender loris, mouse deer, etc. Here, the visitors can also spot the tallest trees of Goa, which stretch to about 30 m. The best time to visit the sanctuary is November or December.

Shopping

For the shopping spree, Goan markets are best to be explored. Right from the street markets to upscale shopping complexes, there are numerous options to shop for some exclusive commodities from Goa. Some of the major markets in Goa are Anjuna Flea Market, MMC New Market, New Municipal Market, Mapusa Market, Glastonbury Street, Street Stalls, etc. These feature beautiful handicrafts and artifacts that could be purchased as souvenirs and gifts for those at home.   

For visitors from all parts of the globe, Goa has excellent accommodation facility to meet the personal preferences. There also are tour operators, who specialize in offering Goa hotel packages to ensure a comfortable and memorable accommodation in Goa. Along with touring, do not miss to tantalize your taste buds with authentic Goan delicacies served at various small and upscale restaurants in Goa.

To get the best deals on budget, star and luxury hotels in Goa Click Here.

Written By Neelam Talreja

Christmas & New Year Celebrations In Goa - One Crazy Week You Won't Forget!

Get ready to indulge in the great gala time, which is about to arrive. The Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Goa is said to be the most amazing time of the year. Though, right from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, there are various options to make your vacation memorable, but Goa grabs all the attention. The merriment of Christmas and New Year Parties in Goa makes the entire state become crazy. Full of fun, live music, frolic activities, parties, sea, beaches, beer, etc., are some of the unspoiled attributes of Goa.

As the safety of the guests is the major concern, various security steps are initiated. Strict surveillance is assured at popular beaches such as Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, and Baga, where a huge number of visitors flock for partying.

In the midst of tightened security, the Christmas and New Year celebration do not get affected. Here are the attractions of Goa that you should look forward to make your Christmas and New Year’s Eve memorable:

Night Parties

Goa is highly influenced by the Portuguese culture and thus, the same has gifted night parties since 1960s. Amongst the popular beaches, Anjuna is one of the sought-after Goa Beaches to enjoy the unsurpassed night parties. Each year, during the Christmas in Goa, live band shows, dance performances, traditional Goan cuisine & drinks are witnessed throughout the night at Anjuna beach. Further, to make the celebration a memorable even for the guests, the party features Konkani songs, Goa’s folk music Dulpods and Mandos, and special Goan liquor - Feni. Trance parties also make Anjuna Beach highly popular amidst the hippies. From Panaji, this beach is located at a distance of about 18 kilometers.

Sunburn

Don’t get misunderstood by “suntan”. Here, Sunburn is the most popular live music festival. For the year 2013, it has been scheduled for 27th Dec to 29th Dec, at Candolim Beach (North Goa). This music festival attracts tourists from all parts of India and abroad as it features amazing music as some of the world’s top DJs, including Brian Transeau and Ferry Corsten. As this music festival is organized at large scale, there are visitors in great numbers. Thus, online booking of the tickets is available.

Cruise Parties

Goa Cruise Parties are yet another attracting feature of Goa during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Most of the cruise liners offer special; party packages for the visitors in Goa from all parts of the world. These parties feature delicious food and drinks along with amazing music and dance on cruise. Santa Monica is one of the popular cruise in Goa, thus, GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) is featuring entertainment elements such as DJs, fireworks, dance, games, party and prizes. The special ‘Partying While Cruising’ offer is scheduled on 31st December at 10 P.M. onwards. Advance booking of the tickets is advisable to avoid last minute disheartenment.

Goa Beach Shacks

If you want to celebrate your Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a peaceful manner, you may choose to spend it at the beach shacks. Along with being peaceful, celebration here is also affordable. The guests could also enjoy the real traditional flavor of Goa. Celebration at the Beach Shacks features bonfire, Goan food, beach side barbeque, Feni, Goa trance music and natural wave sounds. Beach shakes also make an important part of the nightlife in Goa.

During the festive season, there also are Goa hotel packages available either at a discounted price or complemented with some of the attractions such as parties, gala dinner, sightseeing, etc. Goa is undoubtedly the place to celebrate a memorable Christmas and New Year’s Eve in India.

Written By Neelam Talreja

Spend a Sunny Winter at the Radisson Blu, South Goa

Radisson Blu Hotel in Goa is built on the very popular Cavelossim Beach. Located at a very convenient distance from all the major tourist spots in Goa, the hotel provides an exceptional retreat to every tourist from all over the world for enjoying an awesome vacation in Goa. The hotel is surrounded by the authentic and lovely Goan-Portuguese-inspired architecture, which is a major contributing factor to the peaceful and relaxed environment all around the hotel. The leisure travelers can stay in this hotel and have a gala time by relaxing in the swimming pools and spas. For business travelers, the business facilities of this hotel cannot be match by any other hotel.

For tourists who are planning to visit Goa this Christmas and New Year, Hotel Radisson is offering some exciting special packages. The guests can enjoy the Hotel’s special Gala Dinner Party at Christmas at a minimal cost of INR 5000 per person and at New Year at INR 7000 per person. Special discount offers are also designed for tourists between 1^st Nov and 3^rd January. Spend your Christmas and New Year at Hotel Radisson Blu!

Radisson Blu 5* Hotel in Goa

Star Rating: 5

Address: Cavelossim Beach, Salcette, Goa, GA 403731

How to Reach: Distance from Airport: 45 Km; Distance from Railway Station: 12 Km

Number of Rooms: 132

Check in/Check Out: 1400/1200

Accommodation

All of the 132 beautiful rooms in Radisson offer an exciting stay to tourists with basic modern amenities and services including Shower Area, Intercom Facility, Cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet Access, Direct Dial Phone, Tea/Coffee Maker, Mini Bar, Iron, Electronic Safe, Study Table and central Air-Conditioning. The rooms are divided into 4 different categories namely:

• Superior Rooms: These rooms offer the guests to select accommodations with lawn views, sea views or pool views. With amenities like Television and Internet, the rooms are ideal for leisure and business travelers.
• Premium Rooms: These rooms are some of the most stunning accommodations in the hotel. The rooms are spacious, housing a private balcony, giving amazing view of Goa and also redefine the meaning of style and comfort.
• Executive Suite: These rooms are especially designed for corporate guests. They offer all the comforts and amenities that are required by business travelers including a writing desk and free internet access. The amazing views outside make these rooms simply the best!
• Radisson Suites: Tourists who are looking for just that little extra in their rooms they wish to stay, the spacious and stylish Radisson Suites, with picturesque views outside, are just what they need.

Dining

For savoring the best delicacies of Goa, that have made the state into one of the most preferred culinary destinations in India, the specialty restaurants in Hotel Radisson Blu are the best establishments. All these restaurants serve lip-smacking dishes and the guests will enjoy the exotic ambience in and around these restaurants.

• Upper Deck: Coffee shop with Indian and Continental cuisines
• Lucio: Goan-Portuguese cuisine
• Lotus: Gujarati, Rajasthani and Dakshin dishes
• Sagres: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Top 10 Bars & Clubs In Goa

Get yourself drenched in the in the infamous nightlife of Goa. Delightful cocktails in simple beach shacks, jazz concerts, chic trendy lounges, dance till dawn under a starlit sky, are to name a few major attributes of Goa’s nightlife. Here are some of the amazing hotspots of Goa, best known for the hottest parties.

1.  Zanzibar

The characteristic music and unsurpassable service are the major features that make Zanzibar stand distinguished amidst the other happening shacks at Baga Beach. This is one of the liveliest spots to enjoy the amazing nightlife of Goa, where you can relax, enjoy the dusk with a refreshing cocktail.

·         Timings: 9 am till late night

·         Address: Near Mambos, Baga Beach, Goa.

·    Yummy Factor: Pre-Siesta Drink, Mojitos, Cosmopolitan, Butter Garlic Prawns, Margarita, Pork Chilly Fry, Fish Fingers, Chicken Tikka.

2.  Montego Bay

Montego Bay is perfect for the guests looking for amazing parties, away from crowds. The guests could savor upon some exotic cocktails along with enjoying the amazing view of the scintillating sunset and water. The cocktails are well-complemented by mouth-watering delicacies.

·         Address: Vithaldas Waddo, Pernem, Morjim - North Goa.

·       Yummy Factor: Roast Beef Tongue, Green Goan, Thin Slices of Beef Tongue Roasted, Asad Masala, Beef Dishes, Goan Pork, Goan Sausage Pulao.

3.  Tito’s

To enjoy a trendy nightlife, Tito’s is the right place for you. The perfect blend of music and fun is the distinguished factor of Tito’s. This is one of the sought-after destinations in North Goa amongst partygoers. Enjoy the drink and unwind and dance to the amazing music at the party.

·         Timings: All-night parties

·         Address: Tito’s Road, Baga, North Goa.

·         Yummy Factor: Dal Makhni, Paneer Chilly, Paneer Tikka.

4.  Kamaki

Kamaki is another lively nightlife hotspot in Goa. This all-night club is popular for its amazing dance parties that go on till morning wee hours. Drinks, snacks and an eccentric mix of trance, house and commercial music, make the evening relaxing and memorable for the party lovers.

·          Timings: All-night parties

·         Address: Tito’s Road, Baga, North Goa.

·         Yummy Factor: Kamikaze Shots, Margarita, Cocktails, Martini.

5.  Mambo’s

Mambo’s holds a significant position amidst the elite pubs in North Goa. Good music, extensive multi-cuisine menu, and refreshing cocktails make this a must visit. Also get ready to shake your leg on techno, house, retro and hip-hop music.

·         Timings: 6 pm - 3 am

·         Address: Next to Tito’s, Baga, North Goa.

·         Yummy Factor: Bruschettas.

6.  Primrose

If you are looking for trance music, Primrose is the place to be. Located across the Vagator beach and Vagator village, the colorful ambiance of the club attracts people from far flung regions to enjoy the unique Goan nightlife. The guests could tap their feet on trance music, away from the crowded areas.

·         Timings: 11 pm - 4 am

·         Address: Ozran Beach Road, Behind St. Anthony's Church, Vagator, Goa.

·         Yummy Factor: Goan-style pork, European-style pastas, Beef dishes, Sandwiches, Rolls, Burgers.

7.  9 Bar

9 Bar, open air club, is located on the top of the Vagator cliff. The bar is popular for its eccentric psy-trance music. The guests could also enjoy breathtaking views of dusk and dawn. The bar also provides outdoor dancing facility and an array of cocktails complemented with delicious delicacies to go along.

·         Timings: 5 pm - Morning

·         Address: Ozran Beach, Vagator, Goa.

·         Yummy Factor: Tandoori Seafood, Noodles, Fried Rice.

8.  R.E.D.

An evening in an exclusive lounge bar is all that is required to make the guests rejoice the Goan nightlife. R.E.D. is situated in the premises of the Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa. At this exclusive disco-cum-casino, the guests could savor upon an extensive cocktail menu along with some tasteful starters. With most of the drinks, Tapas is the most favored delicacy.

·         Timings: 4 pm - 1 am

·         Address: The Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa, Uttorda, South Goa.

9.  Ozone

Ozone is an upscale nightclub, earned significant popularity for being the first designer bar of India. This is the trendy nightlife joint, operated by the Goa Marriott Resort. Both, the hotel guests and walk-ins enjoy while dancing to exclusive music, playing live games, etc. This is one of the best places to see the lively Goan nightlife.

·         Timings: 7 pm till midnight

·         Address: Goa Marriott, Miramar, Goa.

10.  Aqua

Situated in the premises of the Leela in Goa, Aqua is an elite lounge-cum-nightclub. This is an appropriate place to look for a wholesome nightlife experience. This place features a cigar divan, a thumping discotheque and semi-private lounges.

·         Timings: 5 pm to 1 am

·         Address: Mobor beach, Panaji, Cavelossim, Goa.

·         Yummy Factor: Pomfret Masala, Prawns Fry, Squid Masala, King Fish Rava Fry.

                [To know about best deals on Goa hotels Click Here.]

       Contributed By:- Neelam Talreja