‘Where to Stay in Goa During Summer’: Some Popular Names of Goa Hotels

‘Where to Stay in Goa during summer’-this question often baffles the most discerning tourists visiting Goa. When it comes to accommodation options in Goa, there are several hotels that are available in terms of luxury, deluxe, budget and economy categories. For tourists looking forward to a luxurious experience in Goa, there is no dearth of luxury hotels in this tiny Indian state. The article will give you the description of these Goa hotels and talk about their ‘hits & misses’.

The Leela Goa Beach Resort 

Sprawled over 75 acres of verdant landscape, The Leela Goa presents a perfect fusion of South Indian architecture and Goa’s Portuguese heritage.  The hotel has tastefully designed rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants and a 12-hole golf course. If you are a hard core foodie, The Leela Goa will prove to be the best among other hotels in Goa. The staff is courteous, friendly and helpful. Don’t forget to try their breakfast buffet. However, there are three drawbacks of The Leela Goa hotel which include trash available on the beach, constant cawing of crows which tends to irritate and packs of stray dogs. Although they don’t harm people but their presence can make you a bit nervous. 

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa 

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is an award winning five star hotel located near the Arossim beach. The proximity of this five star hotel to the Dabolim Airport makes it an ideal place for business travelers. The hotel is set within 45 acres of landscaped gardens with glittering waterways and lagoons. It houses 250 pousada-style guest rooms and suites, each offering a spa-inspired bathing. The resort features a selection of exquisite restaurants which include Casa Sarita and Palms. The Sereno Spa offers holistic treatments through a blend of unique therapies. Archery sessions are also hosted in the property. 

Baywatch Resort Goa 

Located in Goa’s most serene locales, The Baywatch Resort welcomes every guest in true Goan style. The spacious deluxe rooms and elegant family suites of Baywatch Resort are equipped with a range of modern amenities. Besides guest rooms, there is a multi-cuisine restaurant and a lounge bar to treat your bellies. There is also a lifestyle spa where guests are treated with the finest range of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda treatments. The Dolphin Conference Hall offers a perfect business ambience with in-built speakers and AV facilities. The quality of food served in this hotel is above average. 

Resort De Coracao North Goa

A four star resort in North Goa, Resort De Coracao features 45 air-conditioned Suites, Super Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Rooms with an attached bathroom and flaunts elegant décor to meet the needs of the guests. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant ‘Ice & Spice’ with a display kitchen along with 24 X 7 Room Service. A team of friendly staff will make sure to cater the needs of the guests. 

Paradise Village Beach Resort Goa  

Located 18 kilometers away from the Dabolim Airport, Paradise Village Beach Resort is a laidback place, quiet and peaceful. The hotel offers accommodation in terms of Beach Cottages, Studio Rooms and Suites, each of which is divided into the living room and bedroom. The living room is simple & basic and features a leather sofa couch, a fridge and a round shaped dining table. The multi-cuisine Palm Coffee Restaurant is situated just next to the reception block and is divided into the ground floor and the top floor. Although the hotel is top-notch, guests should beware of loose tiles in the pool which often cause guests to cut foot. 

This completes the list of top-notch and high-end hotels in Goa. Each hotel is equipped with a range of modern amenities and offers world class services to the guests. Besides regular description, the article also talks about the ‘hits & misses’ related to aforementioned five hotels.

  
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Goa Carnival 2014- A Time for Joy, Celebration and Merriment

The ambience of joy and celebrations that began on 25th December, 2013 and lasted up to 1st January, 2014 will not end so soon. The merry making will resume on 1st March, 2014 with the kick start of the Goa Carnival 2014. The 4 day extravaganza of fun, frolic, amusement and festivity is one of the most awaited festivals in Goa. The Carnival is celebrated every year as a part of Goan culture and tradition in a unique way. The festivities throughout the state include a parade of colorful floats & troupes of masked revelers dressed in gorgeous costumes. You will find them singing and grooving to the lively music that is usually performed live. The best floaters are given good prizes.

The big bash depicts the soul of Goan culture and tradition. Carnival can be described as self-gratifying feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. The carnival made its first appearance in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies. The carnival is supervised by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party. The four day non-stop Carnival is popularly known as Pagan festival in Latin American countries that were colonies of Portugal at one point of time.

The Carnival is uniquely Goan and is not celebrated anywhere else in India. It is basically a typical Latin song, music and dance and pave the way for “Lent”. The highlight of the exotic festival of merriment is the arrival and appointment of “King Momo” and his subjects to the capital city Panaji on “Fat Saturday”, the eve of Carnival. It is a happy union of heritage, religion and above all the spirit of friendship that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Carnival Food & Cultural Festival starts on 28th February, 2014 at Panaji.

The opening day parade starts on 1st March, 2014 from Panaji.
The Carnival ends on 4th March, 2014.

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Comfortable Hotels in Goa- For all pocket-sizes

Placed on the Western Coast in the Konkan region of India, the beach state of Goa is the smallest one of the country. Blessed with an extended coastline of over 101 km, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations, all around the world. Its sandy beaches dotted with palm trees, captivating tourist attractions, flea markets, sumptuous seafood and drinks, lush spice plantations, opportunities for several water sports, casinos, night parties and most, are some of the major crowd pullers. If you have not planned a trip to Goa, do it now without worrying about accommodation. Here is a list of few fine accommodation options, in 5-star, 4-star and 3-star categories: 

The Leela Goa

Rating: 5-star

A luxurious paradise for holidaymakers, the Leela Goa is placed just a few minutes away from Panaji. Both leisure and business guests can have a comfortable stay in 206 guest rooms that have aesthetic décor and well-equipped with all world-class facilities. These rooms and suites have been segregated into the Pavilion rooms, Lagoon (Suite and Deluxe suite), Royal Villas, Conservatory Premium Rooms and Presidential Suites. During your stay, you can relish tasty food and drink finest of drinks at the Jamavar, the Café, the Pool Bar, Yali Lounge and Susegado. The sleepy Sal fishing village is placed quite close to this luxury property.
  
Holiday Inn Beach Resort 

Rating: 5-star
 

One of the most sought-after hotels in Goa, Holiday Inn Beach Resort lies on the Mobor beach. Offering international amenities and impeccable hospitality services, this property is just the right kind of accommodation option to enjoy a memorable holiday and avail the best that is available. You can select from 3 kinds of rooms and 2 kinds of suites, divided into Plaza Room, Deluxe Room, Kids Room, Garden Suites and Sunset Suites. An ideal vacation retreat, it has a number of fine dining and drinking venues- Whispers of the Orient, Café Mardi Gras, Cakes & More, the Village, Fish Grill, Sun Downer Bar and Patio. 

Baywatch Resort 

Rating: 4 -star

A fine 4-star hotel, Baywatch Resort is known for offering flawless hospitality services and excellent facilities to all its guests including tour assistance, wedding services, spa, fitness club and more. Tourists as well as business visitors can choose from 80 deluxe rooms and suites, which have a tasteful décor and are well-laden with modern facilities.  The hotel has an in-house multi cuisine restaurant-Pam’s Restaurant.  At Harry’s Lounge, guests can gorge on tasty light snacks and savor their favorite drink. This property provides excellent services of international standards to its guests in an elegantly decorated environment.

La Calypso Resort 

Rating: 4- star

Placed right next to the very popular beach stretch of Calangute-Baga in the northern part of Goa, La Calypso resort is just 45 km from the Dabolim Airport of Goa. This is the perfect accommodation choice for holiday makers as it lies quite close to a number of very well-known tourist spots. 56 rooms of this resort have classified into 4 categories- Super Deluxe rooms, Executive rooms, Suites and Beach Villas. Have a pleasant stay amidst flawless service and amenities. Enjoy open-air dance parties at the outdoor eatery at greatly located La Shack where you can relish tasty pizzas. There is La Bella Ciao for lounging and La Pub for refreshments and drinks.

The Goan Village Resort

Rating: 3-star

One of the best places to stay in Goa for people who wish to enjoy impeccable hospitably services, but have budget constraints, the Goan Village Resort is the right option. The resort has 45 spacious guest rooms, divided into Deluxe and Suite Rooms, well-adorned and well-equipped to offer all the guests, a pleasant stay. They can relish Indian and International delicacies at the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel- Algeria. There is a well-stocked bar as well.

Paradise Village Beach Resort 

Rating: 3-star

Bounded by Calangue beach, the Paradise Village Beach Resort has been built in a Spanish-style villa with rooms that have a traditional décor.  There are 88 studio apartments and suites, with an option of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. You can enjoy a host of modern comforts and facilities at absolutely affordable rates. This resort has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar to cater to all your food needs. 

Wish to have a comfortable stay in Goa? Now you can easily book a room in any of the above-mentioned hotels, according to your preference and budget.

You can also read about top hotels in Goa here:  http://www.goatrip.com/goa-hotels-resorts/

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.

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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