Entertaining yourself and utilizing your leisure time is very easy in Goa. From Bird watching, crocodile watching, casinos, discotheques, water sports to river cruises; you get every moment to have fun in Goa. Every day is a gala day and every moment a golden moment. Staying at Goa while doing various leisure activities gives you an opportunity to explore the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage and the lifestyle in Goa.
Bird Watching
As a bird watcher’s paradise, Goa is home to many diverse bird species including the four different species of eagles, kites, buzzards, kestrels and ospreys. The other avian species indigenous to Goa are five types of pigeons, five varieties of cuckoos, six species of doves, six types of woodpeckers and six kinds of kingfishers. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary are must visits for bird lovers and ornithologists. Morjim beach is the best for viewing seabirds.
River Cruises
The tourists can go for river cruises run by The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) on the Mandovi river, thrice a day. There are also two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty covering the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The private operators also provide many types of river cruises.
Crocodile Watching
This huge and ferocious carnivore is commonly seen in Goa in the dense mangrove jungle near the small village of Cumbarjua. The 15m long Cumbarjua canal near Panaji that links the Zuari and Mandovi rivers, is the only place in Goa, where you can see the crocodiles in open and the wild. The stray crocodiles are sometimes also seen in Chorao, Tivim and Quepem.
Casinos
The tourists who like to challenge their luck can find a refuge in the glittering Casinos in Goa. The most famous is the first live-game floating casino in India on the ship MS Caravela in Panaji. Goa also has other casinos, basically gaming halls with installed slot machines and a bar. The other casinos that are a big tourist attraction are at Taj Exotica, Miramar Beach Resort, Bogmallo Beach Resort, Majorda Beach Resort, Varca Beach Resort, Mobor Beach Resort.
Discotheques
Goa is a place for dine, dance and wine! This fact gets justified when you visit any of the discotheques in Goa. Break the dance floor and shake on the beats and rhythm of music all the night! The most important discs in Goa are Party Zone at the Holiday Inn Resort in Goa, the first disc in South Goa; Aqua at the Leela Palace Goa with a casino and private cigar lounges; Adega Camoens in Taj Exotica Goa with its lobby bar having exquisite cocktails made from Feni; Casino-cum-Disc - Treasures at Majorda Beach Resort Goa, the only disc in Goa with internet; Alvoc disc at Colva Beach; Club Cabana at Arpora near Calangute Beach; Club Tito’s at Baga Beach and Ryb nightclub at the Taj Holiday Village at Sinquerim beach in Goa.
Water Sports
Goa is also a sports’ paradise for the tourists. They can enjoy anything in water sports from Windsurfing, Dinghy Sailing, Scuba Diving, Water Skiing, Angling, Para Sailing to Swimming. Dona Paula is an ideal destination for the beginners of Windsurfing. Dinghies are available on hire at Cidade de Goa and the Taj Holiday Village for beginners. The Goan lagoons ranging between 5-10 metres are ideal for Scuba Diving giving you a scope to explore coral heads, lobsters, fish, and other marine life in the seawaters. Go for Water Skiing on the speedboats at a speed of 30-40 miles an hour. The popular angling spot in Goa is the Palolem Beach. Water scooters are available at Dona Paula jetty, Majorda, Cidade de Goa and Candolim beach. Of course the sea in Goa gives enough thrill to the swimmers too.
Shopping
The Goa tour is also fascinating as it offers the tourists the opportunity to shop and roam around the traditional, modern and the beachside shopping outlets to gather some memorable souvenirs exclusive to the land of Goa. After sightseeing tour of Goa, the most important task of on tourist’s list is the shopping in Goa. Looking to the heavy tourist traffic in Goa every year, many new outlets have come up in the Goan heritage houses, hotels and beach resorts.
Traditional Markets
To start with, the tourists can plan to shop from the traditional markets located in the small towns and villages of Goa. These markets symbolize the ethnic culture and the cultural heritage of Goa. The two renowned traditional markets in Goa are: Mapusa Market and Anjuna Market. At the Friday Market at Mapusa, you get everything from dried fish and spices to curios and old coins. Managed by and for foreigners, the Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach offers a unique collection of handicrafts, beachwear, souvenirs and trinkets sold at bargained prices.
Fashion Shops/Boutiques
If money, for you, is not a problem or you are an extravagant shopper, then the in-house shops at the deluxe hotels and resorts are the ideal shopping places for you. Recently many lifestyle and fashion shops have sprung up in the city in the wake of the fashion awareness in Goa. These fashion shops/boutiques are in general located in the heritage houses in Goa with selected fabric and interior decoration collections available at reasonable prices in Goa.
Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Goa is also known for its local handicraft items and its dexterous artisans. The most popular souvenirs of Goa include terracotta, shell work, bamboo work, papier-mache, brassware, crochet, carved furniture etc. available at the Government and State Emporiums and also the shopping stalls by the beachside or major tourist destinations in Goa. The another must-buy item in Goa is the indigenously produced ‘cashew nuts’ available at almost every shop in different tastes from plain, salted to masala flavours. The price of these cashew nuts depends on their taste and amount.
Shopping in Goa is a lifetime experience in itself. While your shopping tour in the markets of
Goa, you always end up having the exclusive and memorable souvenirs with you making your Goa tour unforgettable!
TRAVEL TIPS
Precaution is better than cure! To make your Goa tour convenient and comfortable, there are some travel tips and precautions to be taken by you, which are as follows:
· If traveling by the train, attach your baggage to the berth with a chain to save it from theft. Do not accept any food item from strangers in the train/bus.
· Keep your money, passport-visa and other travel documents (preferably wrapped in plastic to avoid dampness) in a money belt tied to your waist to avoid its visibility.
· Prefer traveler’s cheques/ATM cards to money in liquid form as money exchange and ATM centers are available at most of the locations in Goa.
· Carry a voltage adapter for your personal electric appliances. Also, check the voltage before using any electric appliance, as the voltage/power is quite low in Goa.
· Always keep an identity card handy; mentioning your name, age, blood group, other relevant details and contact phone numbers for use in case of emergency.
· Beware of touts and never keep your articles unattended on the beaches.
· Always go for mineral water, fresh seafood dishes and wash hands with soap before having your breakfast/lunch/dinner.
· Never go for money exchange through private dealers, instead; prefer banks or government/authentic institutions. Similarly hire a metered taxi/motorcycle taxi/auto rickshaw to avoid wastage of money.
· Keep in mind that possession and trade of drugs (hard or soft) is totally illegal in Goa. If caught red-handed, 10 years rigorous imprisonment in jail and Rs 10,000 fine is imposed on you by the Goa Police without any scope for bail.
· Purchasing articles made from animal skin of rare and endangered species is banned in Goa so avoid buying such articles from roadside shops or sellers.
· Always consult a lifeguard while venturing into the sea. Remember that nudity on beaches and public places are prohibited in Goa and punishable under the law.
· Keep your driving licence, passport, visa and other necessary documents with you while driving and follow the traffic rules to avoid mishaps and inconvenience.
Medical Precautions
Due to the change of water and climate, the tourists may suffer from chronic/acute stomach upset so they are required to take the necessary precautions and ensure that the required vaccinations are done. It is advisable to plan your vaccinations well in advance, consulting a doctor, before starting your tour to Goa. In India you also require essentially, the yellow fever vaccination especially when you are entering India from an infected area. Keep your feet clean and dry and prevent walking barefoot to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.
Passport and Visa
The tourists can go for any of the six visas available with them - Business Visa (issued for a month or six months), Student Visa (valid for one year or the duration of opted course in India), Conference Visa (for attending international conferences in India), Transit Visa (issued for maximum 15 days with single/double entry facilities), Journalist Visa (issued to professional journalists/photojournalists) and Employment Visa (issued to the foreign professionals working in Indian organizations).
Getting the Indian Visa Requirements
· The visa application with pasted passport size photographs should be submitted along with a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India.
· The foreign nationals should submit a proof of long-term stay (at least three years)/ permanent residence) in the country from where they are applying for Indian Visa. References are also to be produced in addition to the residence proof.
· The visa fee/charges and the processing duration depend totally on the nationality of the passport holder and the type/duration of visa applied for. The charges are refundable only if the visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.
Registration Of Foreigners
Foreigners visiting India with a visa valid for more than 180 days should register themselves at the nearest foreigners’ registration office in Goa within the fortnight following their arrival in India. They have to undergo registration only once during the validity of Indian Visa. They can leave and re-enter India as many times as they want, only if their visa is a multi-entry visa. They can also extend their tourist visas for a maximum of three months at the foreigners’ registration office at Panaji. They have to surrender their registration certificate, which is mandatory, at the time of their final departure from India.
Bird Watching
As a bird watcher’s paradise, Goa is home to many diverse bird species including the four different species of eagles, kites, buzzards, kestrels and ospreys. The other avian species indigenous to Goa are five types of pigeons, five varieties of cuckoos, six species of doves, six types of woodpeckers and six kinds of kingfishers. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary are must visits for bird lovers and ornithologists. Morjim beach is the best for viewing seabirds.
River Cruises
The tourists can go for river cruises run by The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) on the Mandovi river, thrice a day. There are also two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty covering the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The private operators also provide many types of river cruises.
Crocodile Watching
This huge and ferocious carnivore is commonly seen in Goa in the dense mangrove jungle near the small village of Cumbarjua. The 15m long Cumbarjua canal near Panaji that links the Zuari and Mandovi rivers, is the only place in Goa, where you can see the crocodiles in open and the wild. The stray crocodiles are sometimes also seen in Chorao, Tivim and Quepem.
Casinos
The tourists who like to challenge their luck can find a refuge in the glittering Casinos in Goa. The most famous is the first live-game floating casino in India on the ship MS Caravela in Panaji. Goa also has other casinos, basically gaming halls with installed slot machines and a bar. The other casinos that are a big tourist attraction are at Taj Exotica, Miramar Beach Resort, Bogmallo Beach Resort, Majorda Beach Resort, Varca Beach Resort, Mobor Beach Resort.
Discotheques
Goa is a place for dine, dance and wine! This fact gets justified when you visit any of the discotheques in Goa. Break the dance floor and shake on the beats and rhythm of music all the night! The most important discs in Goa are Party Zone at the Holiday Inn Resort in Goa, the first disc in South Goa; Aqua at the Leela Palace Goa with a casino and private cigar lounges; Adega Camoens in Taj Exotica Goa with its lobby bar having exquisite cocktails made from Feni; Casino-cum-Disc - Treasures at Majorda Beach Resort Goa, the only disc in Goa with internet; Alvoc disc at Colva Beach; Club Cabana at Arpora near Calangute Beach; Club Tito’s at Baga Beach and Ryb nightclub at the Taj Holiday Village at Sinquerim beach in Goa.
Water Sports
Goa is also a sports’ paradise for the tourists. They can enjoy anything in water sports from Windsurfing, Dinghy Sailing, Scuba Diving, Water Skiing, Angling, Para Sailing to Swimming. Dona Paula is an ideal destination for the beginners of Windsurfing. Dinghies are available on hire at Cidade de Goa and the Taj Holiday Village for beginners. The Goan lagoons ranging between 5-10 metres are ideal for Scuba Diving giving you a scope to explore coral heads, lobsters, fish, and other marine life in the seawaters. Go for Water Skiing on the speedboats at a speed of 30-40 miles an hour. The popular angling spot in Goa is the Palolem Beach. Water scooters are available at Dona Paula jetty, Majorda, Cidade de Goa and Candolim beach. Of course the sea in Goa gives enough thrill to the swimmers too.
Shopping
The Goa tour is also fascinating as it offers the tourists the opportunity to shop and roam around the traditional, modern and the beachside shopping outlets to gather some memorable souvenirs exclusive to the land of Goa. After sightseeing tour of Goa, the most important task of on tourist’s list is the shopping in Goa. Looking to the heavy tourist traffic in Goa every year, many new outlets have come up in the Goan heritage houses, hotels and beach resorts.
Traditional Markets
To start with, the tourists can plan to shop from the traditional markets located in the small towns and villages of Goa. These markets symbolize the ethnic culture and the cultural heritage of Goa. The two renowned traditional markets in Goa are: Mapusa Market and Anjuna Market. At the Friday Market at Mapusa, you get everything from dried fish and spices to curios and old coins. Managed by and for foreigners, the Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach offers a unique collection of handicrafts, beachwear, souvenirs and trinkets sold at bargained prices.
Fashion Shops/Boutiques
If money, for you, is not a problem or you are an extravagant shopper, then the in-house shops at the deluxe hotels and resorts are the ideal shopping places for you. Recently many lifestyle and fashion shops have sprung up in the city in the wake of the fashion awareness in Goa. These fashion shops/boutiques are in general located in the heritage houses in Goa with selected fabric and interior decoration collections available at reasonable prices in Goa.
Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Goa is also known for its local handicraft items and its dexterous artisans. The most popular souvenirs of Goa include terracotta, shell work, bamboo work, papier-mache, brassware, crochet, carved furniture etc. available at the Government and State Emporiums and also the shopping stalls by the beachside or major tourist destinations in Goa. The another must-buy item in Goa is the indigenously produced ‘cashew nuts’ available at almost every shop in different tastes from plain, salted to masala flavours. The price of these cashew nuts depends on their taste and amount.
Shopping in Goa is a lifetime experience in itself. While your shopping tour in the markets of
Goa, you always end up having the exclusive and memorable souvenirs with you making your Goa tour unforgettable!
TRAVEL TIPS
Precaution is better than cure! To make your Goa tour convenient and comfortable, there are some travel tips and precautions to be taken by you, which are as follows:
· If traveling by the train, attach your baggage to the berth with a chain to save it from theft. Do not accept any food item from strangers in the train/bus.
· Keep your money, passport-visa and other travel documents (preferably wrapped in plastic to avoid dampness) in a money belt tied to your waist to avoid its visibility.
· Prefer traveler’s cheques/ATM cards to money in liquid form as money exchange and ATM centers are available at most of the locations in Goa.
· Carry a voltage adapter for your personal electric appliances. Also, check the voltage before using any electric appliance, as the voltage/power is quite low in Goa.
· Always keep an identity card handy; mentioning your name, age, blood group, other relevant details and contact phone numbers for use in case of emergency.
· Beware of touts and never keep your articles unattended on the beaches.
· Always go for mineral water, fresh seafood dishes and wash hands with soap before having your breakfast/lunch/dinner.
· Never go for money exchange through private dealers, instead; prefer banks or government/authentic institutions. Similarly hire a metered taxi/motorcycle taxi/auto rickshaw to avoid wastage of money.
· Keep in mind that possession and trade of drugs (hard or soft) is totally illegal in Goa. If caught red-handed, 10 years rigorous imprisonment in jail and Rs 10,000 fine is imposed on you by the Goa Police without any scope for bail.
· Purchasing articles made from animal skin of rare and endangered species is banned in Goa so avoid buying such articles from roadside shops or sellers.
· Always consult a lifeguard while venturing into the sea. Remember that nudity on beaches and public places are prohibited in Goa and punishable under the law.
· Keep your driving licence, passport, visa and other necessary documents with you while driving and follow the traffic rules to avoid mishaps and inconvenience.
Medical Precautions
Due to the change of water and climate, the tourists may suffer from chronic/acute stomach upset so they are required to take the necessary precautions and ensure that the required vaccinations are done. It is advisable to plan your vaccinations well in advance, consulting a doctor, before starting your tour to Goa. In India you also require essentially, the yellow fever vaccination especially when you are entering India from an infected area. Keep your feet clean and dry and prevent walking barefoot to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.
Passport and Visa
The tourists can go for any of the six visas available with them - Business Visa (issued for a month or six months), Student Visa (valid for one year or the duration of opted course in India), Conference Visa (for attending international conferences in India), Transit Visa (issued for maximum 15 days with single/double entry facilities), Journalist Visa (issued to professional journalists/photojournalists) and Employment Visa (issued to the foreign professionals working in Indian organizations).
Getting the Indian Visa Requirements
· The visa application with pasted passport size photographs should be submitted along with a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India.
· The foreign nationals should submit a proof of long-term stay (at least three years)/ permanent residence) in the country from where they are applying for Indian Visa. References are also to be produced in addition to the residence proof.
· The visa fee/charges and the processing duration depend totally on the nationality of the passport holder and the type/duration of visa applied for. The charges are refundable only if the visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.
Registration Of Foreigners
Foreigners visiting India with a visa valid for more than 180 days should register themselves at the nearest foreigners’ registration office in Goa within the fortnight following their arrival in India. They have to undergo registration only once during the validity of Indian Visa. They can leave and re-enter India as many times as they want, only if their visa is a multi-entry visa. They can also extend their tourist visas for a maximum of three months at the foreigners’ registration office at Panaji. They have to surrender their registration certificate, which is mandatory, at the time of their final departure from India.
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