Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Trip to Goa
About Goa :
Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea.
A solitary Portuguese outpost in India for almost 500 years, the influence of colonial rule can still be seen everywhere: in the exquisite, crumbling architecture; in the East-meets-West cuisine which combines coconut milk, palm vinegar and chillies with the refined flavours of Lisbon; in the melancholy strains of fado that still waft occasionally on the bougainvillea-scented breeze; and in the siesta-saturated joie de vivre that Goans themselves call susegad.
Nowhere else in India will you find the laid-back languidness of a Goan lunchtime, the easy charms of its people or the soothing serenity of a day on its beaches. Here in Goa, a herd of water buffalo will greet you at breakfast; a lily-covered lake might provide the scenery for your morning walk; a sea eagle will be your afternoon companion along a deserted stretch of pristine beach; a gorgeously spice-laden vindalho (vindaloo) might make your evening repast and a fiery glass of cashew-palm feni liquor your bedtime tonic.
But there's far more to discover here than the exquisite pleasure of warm sand between your toes. Pep up your stay with a wander around a vanilla-scented spice plantation, stroll the bird-filled banks of the state's gentle rivers, poke around centuries-old cathedrals, and venture out to white-water waterfalls.
All is not perfect in paradise, however, and Goa has problems aplenty – the state's environment, in particular, is sorely taxed. Nevertheless, with a slowly growing group of environmentalists and ecofriendly individuals on the scene, the picture remains relatively rosy for this most magical of miniature states. So, come, minimise your impact as much as possible, and unwind to the swaying palms and Portuguese rhythms of Goa's still-irresistible charms.
Air :
To get to Goa by air, you may be flying into Mumbai Airport (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport) and taking an onward domestic connection.
Otherwise, you will be flying into Goa’s Dabolim Airport (Dabolim International Airport).
Only a handful of charter companies operate international flights into Dabolim Airport, most from the UK, Germany and Russia. Be aware that in principle, at least, it’s illegal to enter India on a scheduled flight and leave on a charter flight, or vice versa. Chances are, however, this won’t be checked.
Reliable charter flight booking services in the UK or Germany:
Thomson Airlines
Monarch Airlines
Condor Airlines
Numerous domestic airlines fly daily in and out of Goa, most flights taking off and landing throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Indigo
GoAir
Spicejet
Kingfisher
Jet Airways
A return flight from Mumbai to Goa (the direct journey takes around 45 minutes)sometimes even less. It’s cheapest and easiest to book online as far in advance of your travel as possible, and any enquiries are best made to the airlines in India.
Dabolim Airport’s arrivals hall is equipped with a money-exchange office, GTDC tourist office, Airtel office for purchasing mobile phone credit, and charter airline offices. There are two prepaid taxi booths (one in the arrivals hall and the other just outside), for heading by taxi elsewhere in the state.
Land
Bus :
India has a comprehensive and extensive public bus system, but most state-run vehicles are decrepit and overcrowded. From neighbouring states you’ll find frequent bus services into Goa – it’s just a matter of turning up at the bus station and checking timetables or jumping on the next available bus.
There are also plenty of private bus companies running into Goa from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Mangalore and other interstate cities. These are more expensive, but faster and more comfortable, with reclining seats and options of AC or even ‘sleeper’ class. One of the most popular options for bus travel to and from Goa is Paulo Travels
Buses for Mumbai depart from Panaji and Margao daily.
Train :
The Konkan Railway Station is the main train line running through Goa, connects Goa with Mumbai to the north, and with Mangalore to the south. Its main train station in Goa is Madgaon station in Margao, from which there are several useful daily services to Mumbai. Note that services and prices change seasonally, and it’s a good idea to have a thorough look at the Konkan Railway website for the most up-to-date information.
You can also book Konkan Kanya Express (Goa–Mumbai or Mumbai–Goa) tickets online from the Konkan Railway website, subject to a long list of conditions: you can only book between two and seven days in advance of travel.
All other train bookings are best made at Margao’s Madgaon station, at the train reservation office at Panaji’s Kadamba bus stand or at any travel agent selling train tickets (though you’ll probably pay a small commission for the convenience). Make sure you book as far in advance as possible for sleepers, since they fill up quickly.
Other smaller, useful Goan railway stations include Pernem for Arambol, Thivim for Mapusa and the northern beaches, Karmali (Old Goa) for Panaji and Canacona for Palolem.
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