ABS

TRA
CT

REGIONS OF GOA

North Goa (Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda,

Sattari, Tiswadi)
The northern talukas.
South Goa (Canacona, Mormugao, Quepem,
Salcette, Sanguem)
The southern talukas.
By Indian standards, Goa is a very small state
with only two districts -North and South Goa.
These districts are together further divided into
11 talukas. These divisions, however, don't
make much sense for a traveller. North and
South Goa are similar, and each has its own
"coastal" and "interior" areas. The major
division in Goa is actually between the central
coastal areas where the beaches are located
and the hinterland. The coastal areas were
under colonial rule for longer, reflecting more of
Portugal's influence, including having a
relatively larger Christian population. The
interior is more Hindu, and has more protected
forest areas, mining zones and villages.
Contrary to popular perception, Goa is not an
island, though parts of what was considered

"Goa" in the past were cut-off from the

mainland by the many rivers this region is

known for.

CITIES
Panaji (Panjim, also referred to a Ponn'je in
Konkani, and earlier called Pangim and Nova
Goa during Portuguese rule) the state capital
Margao
Vasco da Gama
Old Goa, home of famed sixteenth century
churches, convents and monuments
Mapusa
Goa also has a number of other smaller,
charming and sometimes crowded towns such
as those along the beach belt (Calangute,
Candolim), and in the interior (Chaudi in
Canacona, Sanvordem-Quepem, Bicholim,
Pernem town, etc). Some of these are
gateways to the nearby touristic areas. In
addition, Goa has some nearly 350 villages,

often scenic and each having a character of its

own.

Goa Beach Map

WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES AND OTHERS
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary has sambar, gaur
(Indian bison) and wild boar, amongst other
animals. Elephants have also been spotted
here at times.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Dudh Sagar Waterfall
Abyss Aquarium Verna

GET AROUND
First thing to bear in mind is that when you are
visiting Goa, you are visiting a whole state, not
a city. So there are several towns spread out
with considerable distance between them and
so it is essential to prepare, or at least have an

idea of, what kind of local transportation you

will be using while there.
High resolution maps are not available for Goa.
For example, some popular isles are not shown
in many maps.
Parts of Goa lack sign boards, so finding your
way around could be challenging. When in
doubt just ask - usually people are friendly and
helpful- but don't expect precise answers (a socalled 'five minute drive' could take a good
twenty minutes).
When driving, expect surprises like domestic
animals and little children darting across the
road and unmarked speed breakers / speed
bumps.
By Motorbike
Choice of geared and un-geared motorbikes
and scooters can be rented (typically without
helmets). Those planning to stay long may
consider buying one instead. Rentals are
around 300 a day (200 in non-peak season)
for a Honda Activa scooter and a little more if
one is looking for a geared motorcycle (you buy
the gasoline as needed). Many small roadside
shops sell gas at 75 a litre, while the going
rate at a station (these are hard to locate in the
coastal areas) is around 59 a litre.
For the motorbikes, always ask for a discount if
renting long-term (one month or more). You
should not have to pay more than 100 per
day. Ensure that you have all the ownership
documents of the bike. Also, avoid taking
motorbikes with yellow plates out of Goa, as it
is a punishable offense. Hiring a bike with white
plates is ok for local travel in the immediate
vicinity but if you want to travel further afield
then always rent a bike with yellow plates.
Wearing a crash helmet is compulsory when
you go on any major roads (there is 100 fine
for not wearing one). Foreigners will need an
International Driving Permit (Convention 1949);
this is the first thing police will ask you for if
stopped. You should also carry your normal
driving licence with you.

By Bus
Fares: 8-10. Buses are an inexpensive and
great way to travel and see the state. 10-15
will often get you a 30-40km ride.
By Car
There are lots of cars for hire all over Goa. The
best place to start inquiring for the service is
with your hotel. In general, you are required to
book a daily package of 8 hours or 80km at
around 1,000-1,500 depending on the
vehicle's model and whether it is air-con or not.
Extra charges are usually around 100 per
extra hour, or 10 per extra kilometre. This is
usually the most effective option to explore the
region, as there is no taxi you can hail off the
street.
Mahindra, Willys or Maruti Gypsy makes are
similar to the long wheel base version of the
Suzuki Jimny. Some of these jeeps are open
roof. Expect to pay around 1,000-1,200 a day.
There are many car rental companies available
such as Carzonrent, Clear Car Rental, Avis and
Hertz
taxiGUIDE.in (Goa Car Rental), +91 888
023 4455 (support@taxiguide.in), Inquiry: 7am
to 11pm.
CabsinGoa.com (Goa Taxi),
(cabsingoa@gmail.com),
Goa Travel (Goa Travel), +91 984 604
5001 (info@goa.travel)

attractive point. There are around more than

100 's of restaurant in the beach. There are live
music options also. The water is shallow and
good for swimming. Arambol is not what it used
to be, there are plenty of shops, eateries and
places to stay. It has in-fact become huge and
not as peaceful as it used to be, but it has
turned into a cultural hub. It is like goa within
goa now.
Anjuna Beach - Close to the Chapora Fort,
its key attraction is a magnificent Albuquerque
Mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal
towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof.
Anjuna was the second home (and main
location) of the hippies in Goa in the 1960s and
1970s, after other destinations like Calangute
got too "crowded" for them. It is still the venue
of a (vastly-changed and more mainstream)
flea market held each Wednesday. In the
nearby village of Arpora, two colourful Saturday
night bazaars are held in the non-monsoon
seasons. This is still part of "alternative" Goa,
though charter and other tourists also visit in
increasing numbers to "get a feel of the hippy
years".
Palolem Beach - a scenic beach in extreme
south Goa with scenic rocks and islands off its
shores. Good eating options. It is becoming
pricey (by local standards) and getting a bit
crowded, but still less crowded compared to
other popular beaches.

BEACHES
Goa is famous for its beaches, ancient temples
and churches, and the Goan carnival.
Arambol Beach - A quiet and virgin beach in
North Goa. The nature has gifted it a lot of
beauty. There are many water sports available
like paragliding, parasailing, many massage
options, a very big beach market.
The sweet lake is one of the miracle wherein
the sweet water lake is touching the sea. The
deep forest behind sweet lake is also the

Patnem Beach - a small and quiet beach in

Canacona Taluka.
Vagator Beach - a beach in Bardez,
neighbouring Anjuna.
Morjim Beach - a beautiful beach, inhabited
by Russian tourists. This place is popular
among kitesurfers due to the shallow depth of
the sea and a very wide beach. Prices are
high, with many restaurants offering Russian
cuisine. Nightlife is vibrant here.

 Asvem Beach - a quieter beach in extreme

north Goa's Pernem Taluka.
Mandrem Beach - another beach in extreme
north Goa's Pernem taluka
Candolim and Sinquerim Beaches in North
Goa's Bardez taluka. Once humble fishing
villages. Now the crowded concretised coast of
North Goa. Goa's Benidorm. Or quickly getting
to be as crowded.
Colva Beach - This beach's spectacle of sea,
sand and sky blend in an enchanting natural
harmony, weaving their magic spell on the
visitors. Known for its scenic beauty. This is
part of Salcete, Goa's only Catholic majority
sub-district. Once a very hospitable area, now
relations are getting monetized thanks to
tourism. Beware of mountains of trash on the
beach and nearby locations, stray dogs and
bad odours.
Calangute Beach - aka Queen of all
Beaches in Goa. Once highly rated. Now
crowded. Expect traffic jams along the main
crowded street. Beach is full of Indian tourists,
a lot of noise, a lot of souvenirs and water
sports beggar. You won't get peace here. Many
famous clubs are located here. Nice eating
options.
Baga Beach - A family-beach and charter
tourist destination just outside Calangute. Don't
fall prey for Oil Massages. They may deceive
you, agents found commonly in baga beach.
Chapora Home of the Chapora fort. Close to
Vagator and Anjuna beaches. Also site for a
fishing jetty where trawlers (introduced into
Goa in the 1960s and 1970s, amid protests
from traditional fishermen, who were affected
by them) bring in their catch. Dil Chahta Hai
Movie's one song was shot at this fort.
Although in pretty damaged state, Chapora fort

offers mesmerizing views of sea and both

beaches. It's a bit difficult to find the way to the
fort, but bikers won't mind it. Built on a hill top,
fort offers some resistance for climbing up.
Chapora village offers an interesting mix, a
small street market with lots of eateries, juice
centre and rooftop restaurants and cheap
accommodation. A few places to note would
be, Seaview Guest House, Ganesh Juice
centre, and Baba rooftop restaurant.
Polem Southernmost beach of Goa.

CHURCHES AND CATHEDRALS

It is no exaggeration to call Goa, a city of
churches which are a proof of the rich history of
the beach city. During the initial stages of the
Portuguese rule in the city, building of church
building was a favoured activity, mainly
because they wanted to spread Christianity
and convert as many people as was possible.
These churches are world-renowned as they
have kept intact the old-world charm and thus
are famous as tourist attractions. They are an
indispensable part of the culture and society of
Goa that have helped in the spread of
education also. Here is a list of 5 churches you
just cannot miss in Goa.
Bom Jesus Basilica - built in 1605, this
Basilica has the mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier, one of the patron Saints of Goa. It is
known for its distinctive baroque architecture
that has a display of architectural pieces in
wood, stone, gold and granite. Francis Xavier
died while aboard a ship and his body was
taken to Malacca but it was decided that he
should be buried in Goa. After 2 years, it was
noticed that his body had not decomposed, that
was no less than a miracle. After every 10
years, his body is put for public display in a
silver casket designed in the 17th century.
Se Cathedral - built in 1619, one of the
largest churches in Asia, which took around 80

years to get constructed, Se Cathedral is

dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. It was
built to remember the victory of the Portuguese
over the Muslim rulers in the city. The building
has a Golden bell that can be heard in the
whole of Goa. Located in old Goa, one of the
bell towers of the church was destroyed during
a lightning storm. The structure also consists of
14 alters inside, with each being beautifully
carved.
Church of St Francis of Assisi - built in
1661, located on the back of the Se Cathedral,
this church is a beautiful piece of ancient
workmanship. The structure has striking
painted panels showcasing the life of St.
Francis of Assisi on the walls. The adjoining
seminary has been converted into an art
museum, which preserves the painting that
was previously kept at the Panaji Secretariat.
The church also has an octagonal tabernacle
decorated in an ornate style.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate
Conception -built in 1541, a famous landmark
of Goa, it is the oldest church situated in
Panaji. The towers of the church have a statue
of Mother Mary at the front. Around 450 years
old, this church was built to welcome sailors
home. This church is largely visited even today
by Catholic devouts and has been beautifully
preserved. The bell of the church is 2nd largest
in the world.
Church of St. Catejan - built in 1700, Church
of St. Catejan has a striking resemblance St.
Peters Basilica in Rome. It was built by a group
of Greek and Italian priest to initiate a contrast
to the other churches built during the
Portuguese times. On the left, there three
altars dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady
Of Piety and St. Clare and the right-side altars
are dedicated to St. Agnes, St. Cajetan and St.
John. Though the building is 300 years old, but
has been beautifully preserved.

On the Calangute beach, there is a widerange of aqua-sports - and a ticket counter

where you can purchase so-called tickets (they
write the amount on a piece of white paper!).
Paragliding is a great experience - the offical
ticket rate at the counter says Rs.600/- for a
double (covers one ride - for two people
harnessed together to one paraglide). A motor
boat will transport you from the beach to
another parasailing boat - but mind you, the
motor boat will wait at the shore, till they get a
minimum 10 members, viz 5 couples). Once
they transfer you from the motor boat to the
parasailing boat, they'll take further inside the
sea. The main guy will now try to convince you
that the Rs.600/- that you paid will only fetch
you a 45 second ride - take off from the boat
and after abt 40 secs they'll pull you back onto
the boat. If you want to experience the REAL
fun, then pay up another Rs.400/- and he'll
"dip" you into the water, a couple of times and
will take you to a higher altitude. But it's worth
the extra Rs.400/-, if you want to try. They even
have smaller sized harnesses for kids!
Dudhsagar Plantation A guided tour takes
you into the world of exotic spices and
medicinal plants. The tour is followed by tasting
of locally brewed cashew fenni and a Goan
lunch buffet. Visits to the plantation can be
combined with a trip to the Dudhsagar Waterfall
at Rs 600.
Relax at the beaches. Goa has an almost
unbroken 70 km coastline of beaches. Don't
forget to carry suntan, towels and chappals
along when hitting the beach. Beach beds can
be hired for 100 per hour, bargain for a free
beach bed if you are ordering snacks from the
shack.
Chill out at the discos and pubs
Checkout Anjuna flea market

WHAT WE RECOMMEND YOU TO DO

 Visit libraries: Central Library in Institute

Menezes Braganza (Panjim) and Mapusa's
Athaide Library. Other research institutions with
good collections include the Xavier Centre of
Historical Research at Alto Porvorim, the alsoJesuit run Thomas Stevens Konknni Kendra
next door at Porvorim, the Goa University, and
a quaint Konkani-focussed library called
Amchem Diaz (Our Traditions) that functions
out of the first floor of a commercial
establishment not far from the Margao bus
stand and the local court.

sports rates. Head to Anjuna or Baga beach

during daytime and you will find many small
group of vendors offering these. If in a small
group, with adequate bargaining and luck, you
can bargain to around Rs 800-1,000 (off
season) for a 10 min jet-ski ride, 15 min
banana ride and a 15 min paragliding session,
for each person. These activities are also
available on less popular beaches and you
could get a bargain there as compared to
popular beaches where demand exceeds
supply.

Diving: The season is between mid-Octobers

to mid-May. Diving is not possible during the
monsoons in India (June till mid-October) the
water temperature is between 27-30 C. The
local diving here consists of dive sites around
Grande Island, just off the coast near Vasco da
Gama. The dive sites are mostly 12-16 m deep,
and the visibility varies through the season,
with an average of around 5-6 m. Marine life is
abundant, with many species of reef fish, and
hard and soft coral, and several shipwrecks to
dive. Several dive centres conduct PADI
courses, and organise dive trips to Pigeon
Island (also known locally as Netrani Island) in
the neighbouring state of Karnataka.

Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa, Rajnagar ,

Pisgal , Priol , Ponda (Near Surya Masala
Factory, en-route Tropical Spice Plantation),
8322985174,Time: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Conservation project open for visitors. Watch
free flying butterflies and a unique rain water
harvesting experiment. Rs.100.

Kitesurfing: is certainly not the best place in

the world to try kite surfing, but it still has
something to offer. Check Morjim, Arambol and
Aswem beaches in North Goa. You can find
instructors in Morjim that take Rs 8,000-12,000
for beginners course. Season starts in
January, you can expect 1-2 windy days a
week during January and February, and 2-3
days a week during March. Most people use
10-14m kites. Water is choppy most of the
time, don't expect wave riding.
Paragliding: Check Arambol Beach in North
Goa for tandem paragliders.
Jet-Ski, banana ride and paragliding: Goa
has one of the cheapest beach adventure

Volunteering Goa, Based in Porvorim (On

the main Panjim - Mapusa highway (NH17)),
08605458574. An opportunity to make a
lasting difference in Goa. You can experience
the real Goa while helping in projects in
orphanages, nature centres, animal rescue and
charity shops. [Be aware that Indian Visa
regulations insist that you now can only
volunteer on an Employment Visa (ie not on a
Tourist Visa) even if you contract to totally
unpaid work. Depending on your country, this
can be expensive.]
Support Local charity work, Karaswada
Mapusa Goa, 08806282666, [7]. There are
many charities doing great work with street and
slum children in Goa, the site listed makes
donations go that little bit further and keeps
people updated with regular blog posts. A lot of
the work done is help with education, getting
the children into proper schools and helping the
families with medical issues which there are
many of. Most of the children they help are
originally from out of state but have lived all
their lives in Goa.

6. Bob's Inn, Candolim.

EAT
The Goan staple diet consists of rice and fish
curry along with pickles and fried fish. This
can be found on many of the beach shacks.
The Goan cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and
local flavours. Many dishes such as prawn
balchao and Kingfish in Garlic have distinct
Portuguese flavour. The cuisine is mostly
seafood based, the staple foods are rice and
fish. Kingfish (Vison or Visvan) is the most
common delicacy, others include pomfret,
shark, tuna and mackerel. Among the shellfish
are crabs, prawns, tiger prawns, lobster, squid
and mussels.
Dishes such as Sorpotel, Vindaloo and
Xacuti (pronounced Cha'cuti), Cafreal will be
familiar from Indian restaurant menus, and are
originally Goan dishes. For those with a sweettooth, Bebinca is a must. A traditional goan
pudding, Bebinca is made of flour, egg-yolk,
and, coconut milk. It is certainly a great way to
finish that sumptuous meal.
Most beaches have shacks that serve
surprisingly delicious meals, especially seafood and they'll usually consult you to see how
you like your food. Don't miss the shack eating
experience. You'll want to go back and do it
again. Most fancy hotels and restaurants serve
terrible food, it is best to eat at local places, ask
a taxi driver where these would be and don't let
him take you to any fancy restaurants as they
receive commission.
Some really good restaurants not to be missed
are 1. Souza Lobo Bar & Restaurant, Off
Calangute, North Goa
2. O Coqueiro, Porvorim, Goa
3. Florentine's
4. Viva Panjim, Panjim
5. Starlight, Anjuna

DRINK
Fenifacts
Feni can have up to 42% alcohol.
Goa has an estimated 4000 and 2200
traditional stills manufacturing cashew and
coconut feni, respectively.
North Goa dominates cashew production, while
the South dominates coconut.
Feni can be used in cocktails too.
Feni is labelled as a 'country liquor' in modern
India, causing handicaps to its growth.
Nonetheless, it was awarded Geographical
Indication status in 2009 as a specialty
alcoholic beverage from Goa.
The Portuguese brought the cashew-crop from
tropical America to Goa sometime between
1563 and 1578.
Feni has a distinctive smell. Some nondrinkers or drinkers of other spirits find it
unpleasant.
For a destination which tends to be costlier -- in
almost everything -- than the rest of India, Goa
has liquors and wines that are priced
noticeably low. Products available range from
wine (red and white), to the oddly-named
Indian-made foreign liquors (IMFLs, which
include whisky, brandy, rum, gin, vodka and
more), and local liquors (basically cashew and
coconut feni). Prices of domestic products
range from Rs 40 to Rs 350 per bottle,
depending on product and brand.
There are two local brews long made and
drunk in Goa -- cashew feni and coconut
feni. One comes from the cashew apple, and
the other from the sap of the coconut tree.
Goa's feni-making has been much focussed
on.
Feni-brewing skills have been honed by Goa's
former Portuguese rulers. Strange but true: the
cashew was brought in by the Portuguese
themselves, and today it seems like a closely
integrated part of Goa. Cashew-apples go to

waste in neighbouring states, and in the fruiting

season, one could get a strong smell of semifermenting apples being transported specially
from Maharashtra into Goa, at locales close to
the border.
Feni has come to become synonymous with
Goa. "Indigenous alcoholic drinks include
coconut palm toddy from south and eastern
India and the Goan liquor 'feni' based on
coconut palm juice or cashew nut," explains the
website of the Indian Embassy in Russia.
Needless to say, feni has its own strong taste.
Some like it, some don't. At one of the liquor
outlets in Panjim, you can run into bus-loads of
tourists picking up their 'souvenir' of feni.
Of course, there are a range of other options
too. Local wines are priced at between Rs 40
to Rs 150 per bottle (of 750 ml).
Global Spirits and Foods, which operates out of
the Pilerne Industrial Estate some 10 kms from
Panjim, wholesales a wide range of products
from across the globe -- champagne and
cognac from France; wines from Argentina and
Chile, Australia and New Zealand; vodka from
Poland; single malt from Scotland; and even
the most popular distilled alcoholic beverage of
Brazil Cachaca. (Cachaa is the product of the
distillation of fermented sugarcane juice, with
its alcohol strength between 38% and 51% by
volume. It is often said to differ from rum in that
it is made from sugarcane juice while rum is
made from molasses.)
In terms of local products, Madame Rosa has
also been diversifying into coffee and other
liqueur. Flavours include mango, anise, almond
and chocolate mint. PVV (Pedro Vincent Vaz),
another prominent brand, comes out with its
cashew and palm products (in sizes of 750 ml,
180 ml and 60 ml). Other brands have names
like Dom Pedro, Goan Treasure, Cashew
Inside, Fruit Shape, among others.

STAY SAFE
Goa is an ideal holiday destination for
travellers, but tourists should bear in mind that
India has its own set of safety issues.

 Be careful, when alone, on beaches at night.

Do not accept un-bottled drinks from
strangers under any circumstances.
Do not accept rides from strangers, locals or
foreigners, especially at night.
Be careful when wading at the beach as
undertow riptide currents can be strong in
certain beaches. Avoid the mouths of all rivers
(such as the Mandovi River at Miramar),
especially at low tide when the flow of the
water current out to sea is the strongest. And
just don't get into the water at all in the off
season. The safe swimming period in Goa is
November to early May.
Avoid contact with unprocessed cashew nuts
as they contain an irritant ('urusiol') also
present in poison ivy. The cashew apple is
edible when ripe.
Goans are very friendly and helpful; should
you have any problems, talk immediately to the
nearest Goan shop, restaurant or bystander
and ask for help.
Travel guides can be expensive and have
been known to dupe foreign visitors. Beware of
guides offering to take you to a disco with lots
of attractive girls, who will dance with you. This
is a scam to cheat you of your money.
Befriend a decent taxi driver and agree on
regular business.
Temperatures in winter and summer can be
extreme, so do not forget sunscreen.
Beware of any scam that offers a free ride in
return for a "prize". The prize will suck
guaranteed.
Also, beware the 'ear doctors', who are more
likely to accost men than women and 'produce'
some tiny revolting creature, supposedly from
your ear, for which they then offer a 'cure' (It is,
however, humorous to read the cards they print
up promoting themselves).

While travelling by train, beware of

pickpockets, strangers who offer you snacks or
tea, and other such people who make trains in
India a regular hunting ground.{Please make
sure not to take off your precious footwear(In
non a/c coaches), or you might not have
anything to wear next morning. The same goes
with all your valuables}
Don't trust travel agents who say that a train
is fully booked! They want you to hire a car that
costs more and provides them a kick back. A
better thing to do is to check out the details
yourself on the Indian Railways website [18].
Also, you can book your railway ticket online on
[19]. But you will have register first.
People travelling by car do ensure to carry all
vehicle documents and driving licence because
most of the police constables in goa are corrupt
and will harass you to shell out exhorbitant
amount , never pay bribe always go the legal
way go to the police station. Pollution under
control certificate is must and is issued in every
3 months you may contact nearest petrol pump
to get it re-issued.

EMERGENCY SERVICES
Goa now has a number - 108 for medical
emergencies.
Ankit Raj Singh - 9968776787
Roshan Kumar
Jagmohan - 8802444215

Ambulance
Goa Medical College (Bambolim) 102 or
2458725
Goa Air Ambulance +91 98211 50889
Indian Red Cross (Panjim) 2224601
Esperance Clinic (Panjim) 2463185
Margao Ambulance Trust (Margao) 2714464
Ravi Naik Trust (Ponda) 2312608
Ambulance and Welfare Trust (Panjim)
2227997
Classic Hospital (margao) 2711013/14/15

Fire service
The number to Fire Service is 191.

Police
Tel No. (Toll Free)- 100 Police Control Room

Roadways Enquiry

KTC (Kadamba-Goa) 2438034 to 2438037

MSRTC (Maharashtra) 2438253
KSRTC (Karnataka) 2438256