Goa

Asia : South Asia : India : Western India : Goa

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[hide]

[+]Understand

Regions

Cities

[+]Other destinations

Talk

[+]Get in

[+]Get around

[+]See

Do

[+]Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

[+]Cope

[+]Contact

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 Location

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Quick Facts

Capital Panaji

Government Indian State

Currency Indian rupee (INR)

Area 3,702 km2

Population 1,457,723(2011 est.)

Language Official:Kokani
Regionally Spoken:Marathi, Kannada, Hindi, Urdu

Religion Hinduism 65.7%, Christianity 26.6%, Islam 6.8%, Other 0.9%

 Electricity 230V/50Hz, Indian (Old British)/European plugs

Time Zone UTC +5:30

Goa Beach Map

Village scene, Goa

Goa, [1] a state on India's West coast, is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. Spread over 3,700 square
kilometers with a population of approximately 1.4 million, Goa is small by Indian standards. It has a unique mix of
Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year (including
about 400,000 foreign tourists).

Since the 1960s, Goa has been attracting a steady flow of visitors -- first the hippies and returning expat Goans, then
the charter tourists (starting with the Germans in 1987), pilgrims visiting Catholic and Hindu shrines, those opting
to settle in Goa as their home, people going for medical treatment, and a growing number of those who attend
seminars and conferences in Goa.

Understand[edit]

Village Goa

Goa's heart is in its villages. Prominent Goan architect

Gerard Da Cunha has argued elsewhere that, unlike others,
Goans don't live in the cities. They mostly live in the villages
and they travel to work.

Not surprisingly, it's the villages of Goa which hold both

charm and character. Take an aimless ride on a relaxed
evening or a languid morning - living in Goa can be tough
and slow, but holidaying there is just fine -- and surprise
yourself with the charms of the Goan village.

Unlike urban areas, the villages tend to be neat and clean,

friendly and even good value-for-money, except maybe in
those areas where there are a lot of tourists already.

Goa has many different faces. The coast varies from the
"hinterland". Below is a list of some villages where you
could find something unusual. But don't restrict yourself to
this list alone.

Assolna, Benaulim, Britona, Cortalim, Curtorim, Goa Velha,

Mollem, Usgao, Reis Magos, Savoi Verem, Shiroda. But this
list is far from complete. Please note that you wouldn't
necessarily be looking around for accommodation (though
you can find it in some places), because these villages are
often close to the places where most tourists stay.

Goa is visibly different from the rest of India, owing to Portuguese rule which isolated it from the rest of India for
451 years. The Goan population is a mixture of Hindus and Roman Catholics, the distribution being approximately
65% Hindu and 24% Christian. There is also a smaller Muslim population. Despite this, communal violence has
been virtually non-existent and Goa is regarded as one of the most peaceful states in India.

Culture[edit]
Goan culture has been shaped mainly by the Hindu and Catholic population. People are mostly easy going
('sossegado' in Portuguese). With better connectivity by Air and Rail, there has been an influx of people from
neighbouring states that has led to different cultures. Many Indians from other states have now come and settled
here.

Goan Catholics generally acknowledge their Hindu roots, and carry traces of a caste-system within their social
beliefs. It is recorded that in many instances the Hindus left one son behind to convert and thus continue to own and
manage the common properties while the rest of the family preferred to emigrate to neighboring areas along with
the idols representing their Hindu deities.

Over the years large numbers of Catholics have emigrated to the major commercial cities of Bombay and Pune and
from there onward to East Africa (to the Portuguese colonies of Angola and Mozambique), to Portugal itself, and
towards the end of the 20th century to Canada and Australia. Many old Goan ancestral properties therefore lie either
abandoned or mired in legal tangles brought about by disagreements within the widely dispersed inheritors of the
property. In recent years, expat Goans have been returning to their home state, often purchasing holiday homes
along the coast (which are then converted into 'rent back' apartments, hired out to short-staying tourists by realtors).

Travel Season[edit]
The best time of the year to visit Goa is mid-November to mid-February when the weather is comfortable, dry and
pleasant.

Goa's links with Portugal[edit]

Apart from the consulates there are cultural organisations active in Goa, with the Portuguese again being most
active.

Fundao Oriente has a large presence in Fontainhas, the Latin quarter of Panjim, and sponsors cultural events that
add variety to Goa's cultural scene. However, it faced some major problems when it was first set up. Goa's uneasy
parting of ways with its former Portuguese rulers, and lingering ultra-nationalism amidst a section of freedom
fighters could be seen as some of the reasons. The Fundao has also been subsidising a book-publishing plan
which has helped put out more Goa-related titles in what is otherwise a small but colourful market for books dealing
with a tiny region of South Asia.

Fundao Oriente Delegation in India 175, Filipe Neri Xavier Road Fontainhas Panjim Goa 403 001
Tel : 0832 - 2230728/2436108 Fax : 0832 - 2230291 Email : oriente@sancharnet.in / foriente@dataone.in
 Centro de Lngua Portuguesa/Instituto Cames AGVA House 9/32 Dr. Dada Vaidya Road Panjim Goa
403 001 Tel : 6647737 Email : clpicgoa@gmail.com Contact : Dr. Miguel Lume

Fundao Cidade de Lisboaa Dias Building, 1st floor Rua de Ormuz Panjim Goa Tel : 2223969 Contact :
Dr. Jorge Renato Fernandes

Indo Portuguese Friendship Society Santosh Building Near CBI Office Altinho Panjim Goa Tel :
2436875 Contact : Francis Menezes, President / Gopal Vernekar, Secretary

Dempo Centre for Indo-Portuguese Studies Dempo Trade Centre Patto Plaza Panjim Goa 403 001 Tel :
2437849 / 50 Contact : Ms. Ismnia da Veiga Coutinho
Holidays[edit]
For a state which has a lot of people passing through, Goa has nearly two weeks of holidays each year. Government
offices have a five-day week (closed Saturday-Sunday). Panjim closes early (around 8PM) each evening, and shops
here could have a fairly longish siesta break (from around 1.30PM till up to 3.30PM). Goan shop owners take this
siesta break seriously, and no business is conducted during this time. Bars, restaurants and other shopping centers
are more buyer-friendly.

Major public or special holidays are around Christmas, Republic Day, Id-ul-zuha, Gudi Padva, Good Friday,
Independence Day, Ganesh Chaturthi (both days), Gandhi Jayanthi, Dussehra, Diwali, Id-ul-fitr, Feast of St Francis
Xavier, Goa Liberation Day, Mahashivratri, Holi and Id-e-milad. Banks may remain open during local religious
celebrations.

Expect a huge influx of tourists and locals residing in other states during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and the
Carnival, which is celebrated at the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. It is advised to make bookings for
trains, buses and flights well in advance if you intend on visiting the state during these times.

Regions[edit]
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[edit]

Goa's "cities"

For a state which claims to be "half urban", Goa has a

surprisingly large number of villages. Even its "cities" are
more like small, crowded (in Panjim's case, scenic) towns.
 Currently, not one city has a population significantly more
than 100,000, though some are close to it. The villages can
be charming, and in a world of their own, though sadly,
tourism and the real estate boom it engineered is seen by
locals as destroying the very place the visitors come for.

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.

Other destinations[edit]
Bondla Park, entrance., Goa

Beaches[edit]

Agonda

Anjuna and Vagator

Calangute

Candolim

Colva

Dona Paula - a popular beach.

Palolem

Sinquierem

Polem

Bogomolo - a beautiful and serene beach near Vasco da Gama.

Galjibagh - Also known as turtle beach.

Wild life sanctuaries and others[edit]

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

Talk[edit]
Goa's state language is Konkani. Most Goans speak Konkani, English, Hindi, and Marathi. Portuguese is also
known by a small segment, especially the elite and earlier privileged class or the older generation which studied in
pre-1961 Portuguese-ruled Goa.

Different languages tend to be used for different purposes in Goa. Konkani is the most widely spoken. English and
Marathi tend to be most widely read (most newspapers are read in these two languages too).

Catholics largely use Konkani for their prayer services, while the language for religion is largely Marathi for
Hindus. The administration is largely conducted in English, which is also the language of publication of the official
gazette, and the language mainly used in the courts.

Poster of a Konkani film from the 1960s, Goa, India.

It can be rather difficult currently to learn Konkani, with options for learning rather restricted. The language is
written in four to five scripts, in and beyond Goa -- Devanagari (the official script), Roman or Romi (widely used in
Goa), Kannada-script, Malayalam-script and Perso-Arabic, reportedly used by some Muslim communities further
south along the Indian west coast. Recently, books to learn Konkani in the Roman script have also been published,
making it easier for those not knowing the Devanagari script (used to write Hindi, Marathi and other languages) that
is the officially-recognized script for Konkani in Goa.

Get in[edit]
Goa can be reached by its lone airport (Dabolim), by train, and by the many buses connecting the state with cities in
India (primarily Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore). If you are travelling from Mumbai or Pune, car travel will
provide you a journey through breathtaking scenery of the Konkan area.
By plane[edit]
The Dabolim airport in Vasco da Gama is Goa's only airport. Some airlines fly directly to Goa, but most
international flights arrive via Mumbai. Air India has international flights to Kuwait and UAE twice a week. Air
Arabia has discount flights to Sharjah. Qatar Airways has flights to Doha, along with convenient connections to
Western Europe, Africa and USA.

Flights can be chartered to the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and Switzerland.

Many domestic airlines have daily flights to and

from Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Kozhikode(Calicut).

On arrival, take pre-paid taxis from Dabolim Airport. A yellow pre-paid taxi booth can be found 30 metres on the
left when you exit the main building. There is also a pre-paid taxi stand in the international arrival area.

Official Govt Rate Taxi Board (Official Govt Rate Taxi Board), (Taxi Board is just outside
arrivals), [2]. Those who want to make the trip to their hotel before the supplied coach may like to go by Taxi,
Just outside arrivals there is a taxi board showing rates for all the popular destinations (see link). Another
option is to find a taxi just outside the airport gates who might be on their way home and save yourself a few
hundred rupees. Official Govt Rate (2013). edit

Many resorts pick up guests from the airport for free, so make sure you ask your resort for free pick-up.

By bus[edit]
There are several bus routes from various cities, but most traffic is from mainly Mumbai and Pune. Due to
increasing demand from the south, there has been an increase in buses and trains from Mangalore, Bangalore and
New Delhi. Overnight buses from Mumbai to Goa are an alternative to trains and flying. Book in advance during
the crowded seasons (particularly during the Christmas-New Year rush, for Carnival, or when other Indian regions
have school holidays when families travel).

Kadamba Transport Corporation is the Goa state-run transport service. Its buses have seen better days, and more
efficient times. There are also other state-run buses run by the governments of Karnataka (some services are
efficient, specially the Volvo buses), Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Many private players also offer bus
connections to other cities, with varying levels of discounts and efficiency, with the two usually being inversely
related.

The main centre for booking train and bus tickets, in Panjim, is around the Kadamba inter-state bus terminus.
Tickets for the Konkan Railway can also be booked here, though expect long queues during the holiday season
(which in India, can also coincide with the timings when children have a school break).

By train[edit]
Indian Railways [3] connects Goa with direct train services
from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Kochi, Kolkata, Thiruvanantapuram,Bangalore, Chennai and Hydera
bad. The destination station is usually Madgaon in South Goa, one can also choose to get down at Thivim in North
Goa. Travelling to Goa by train is a real pleasure as the route passes through greenery and many tunnels. Goa is also
connected to Pune via the Belgaum Miraj line. A railway station most tourists tend to miss is Thivim, which is
served by most trains and is located very close to the popular beaches of North Goa. Incase one had already booked
ahotel, it would be a good idea to consult them on which station to get down at.

For budget travellers, this is the cheapest option, along with being faster and much more comfortable than travelling
by road. It is advisable for tourists to make reservations well in advance as the major trains (Konkan Kanya,
Nethravati Express, etc.) are usually heavily booked.

Trains from Mumbai and most other places have a quota of seats set aside for tourists. Quota tickets must be
purchased in person at the rail station by the tourist and cannot be booked via a travel agent. Note that quota tickets
are only sold at the station of origin. Tickets can be booked online[4]

Unless traveling on a shoestring budget, it is advisable to travel in air conditioned sleeper coaches. These are quieter
and much more comfortable. Each bunk is provided with two freshly laundered sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. You
can also have a hand towel on request.

Most travel agents will book tickets for a small fee (200), but be aware that trains do get busy and you need to
book in advance. Do not leave booking your ticket to the last moment as you may be disappointed.

Here are some useful trains to get into Goa:

Train
Train Name You may board at You may alight at
Number
12432 Rajdhani Express Nizamuddin (Delhi), Panvel (Mumbai) Madgaon Junction
Mangala
Nizamuddin (Delhi), Kalyan (Mumbai), Panvel Thivim, Madgaon
12618 Lakshadweep
(Mumbai) Junction
Express
Thivim, Madgaon
0103 Mandovi Express Mumbai CST, Panvel (Mumbai)
Junction
Konkan Kanya Thivim, Madgaon
10111 Mumbai CST, Panvel (Mumbai)
Express Junction
Thivim, Madgaon
12051 Jan Shatabdi Express Mumbai CST, Panvel (Mumbai)
Junction
Sampark Kranti Thivim, Madgaon
12450 Nizamuddin (Delhi)
Express Junction
Yesvantpur-Vasco Madgaon Junction, Vasco
17309 Yesvantpur (Bangalore)
Express da Gama
Chennai-Vasco Madgaon Junction, Vasco
17311 Chennai Central, Yesvantpur (Bangalore)
Express da Gama
Madgaon Junction, Vasco
18047 Amaravathi Express Howrah (Kolkata)
da Gama
 Madgaon Junction,
16346 Netravathi Express Thiruvananthapuram Central, Mangalore Junction
Thivim
12431 Rajdhani Express Thiruvananthapuram Central, Mangalore Junction Madgaon Junction

Travelling by train can be quite an experience as you are more likely to interact with fellow Indian travellers visiting
Goa from different parts of the country, under more relaxed conditions.

See also Rail travel in India

By car[edit]
Distance from Goa to various cities:

Mangalore (360 km)

Pune (485 km)

Bangalore (592 km)

Mumbai (608 km)

By ferry[edit]
Occasional cruise services used to sail from Mumbai to Goa. This was run in past years, but is currently
discontinued.

Get around[edit]
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 so-called '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[edit]
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 liter, while the going rate at a station (these are hard to locate in the
coastal areas) is around 59 a liter.

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[edit]
Fares: 8-10. Buses are an inexpensive and great way to travel and see the country. 10-15 will often get you a 30-
40km ride.

By car[edit]
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 a/c or not. Extra charges are usually around 100 per extra hour, or 10 per extra
km. 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. Car rental agencies such as Carzonrent [5], Clear Car Rental [6],
Avis [7] and Hertz [http://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/car-hire/india/mumbai]

taxiGUIDE.in (Goa Car Rental), +91 888 023 4455 (support@taxiguide.in), [8]. Inquiry: 7am to
11pm. Goa Car Rental services on taxiGUIDE.in - Cabs can be booked from Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad
& Pune as well on taxiGUIDE.in Fares starting Rs.1120 for within city and Rs.13/km for outstation. edit

Cabs in Goa Cab/Taxi booking service in Goa.

CabsinGoa.com (Goa Taxi), (cabsingoa@gmail.com), [9]. Cab/Taxi booking service for Goa as per
Official Government rates. edit

Goa.Travel (Goa Travel), +919846045001 (info@goa.travel), [10]. 24hrs. Rental Car and Coaches
booking online 24 hrs services. edit

See[edit][add listing]
Panjim riverside, Goa

Art & culture[edit]

Goa has a more than its fair share of museums, art galleries and libraries. You will find many government run
museums in Panaji, including the Goa State museum, the Kala Academy, the Central Library and the Goa Science
Centre. In Vasco da Gama, you can find the Naval Aviation Museum, a great place to see vintage aircraft.

Old Goa is a great place to see examples of Christian religious art, and sometimes, secular art. There you can find
the Christian Art Museum and also a modern art gallery containing the works of surrealist Dom Martin.
In Mormugao, you can find the Religious Museum of the Blessed Joseph Vaz. The Xavier Centre of Historical
Research at Bardez also has a gallery on Christian Art.

Attracted by Goa's bohemian life, many artists, painters and architects have made their home here. They too have
proceeded to set up art galleries and museums. An example of this is Subodh Kerkar's art gallery in Candolim.
Benaulim also has theGoa Chitra Museum, containing the largest collection of ethnographic artifacts ever
assembled in one place.

Other museums of note are Gerard da Cunha's architectural museum Houses of Goa in Benaulim, Big Foot(aka
Ancestral Goa) at Loutolim, Salcette, an attempt to illustrate and recreate Goa's traditional past. There's even a
vintage-cars collection of sorts -- Ashvek Vintage World, in Nuvem, Salcette

Beaches[edit]
Goa is famous for its beaches, ancient temples and churches, and the Goan carnival.
Sunset at the Palolem beach

Anjuna Beach - Close to the Chapora Fort, its key attraction is a magnificentAlbuquerque 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".

Arambol Beach - a quiet beach in North Goa near Pernem. Not too many facilities in terms of hotels or
eateries. 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.

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.

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 a 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 odors.

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.

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 center and rooftop
restaurants and cheap accomodation. A few places to note would be, Seaview Guest House, Ganesh Juice center,
Baba rooftop restaurant.

Polem Southernmost beach of Goa.

Churches and Cathedrals[edit]
5 Churches You Just Cannot Miss in Goa

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 favored 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 (1605)

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 lightening 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.

Temples[edit]
[Shree Manguesh Shantadurgai Prasanna Temple]:- The temple is dedicated to the deity of Lord Shiva. Shree
Manguesh temple is located at Mangeshi in Priol, Ponda Taluka,1 kilometer from Mardol close to Nagueshi, 22 km
from Panaji the capital of Goa and 26 km from Margao. Sri Mangesh temple is famous for its pristine glory, which
attracts thousands of visitors every year.In Maha Shivratri Festival here you can see a very big fair.In 1560,
anticipating the onslaught of the Portuguese, the devotees had moved Shree Manguesh Shantadurgai Prasanna
Shivalinga from Kutthal to a safer place under a Hindu prince. Surrounded by hillocks and covered by forests, the
Shivalinga was kept at a place, which now is known as Mangeshi.

The Peshwas donated in 1739, the village of Mangeshi to the temple on the suggestion of their Sardar, Shri
Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar, who was a life-long devotee of Shree Manguesh.

Since then this little village on the Panaji-Ponda road has become a place of pilgrimage for the followers of the Lord
and an attraction for the tourists from rest of the country and outside.

Known for its natural beauty and pleasant surroundings, Mangeshi is still a hamlet with about 1,000 families. But it
is a center of culture and the musicians from this place have earned countrywide reputation as master singers for
several generations.

Old Forts[edit]
Do[edit][add listing]

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. Beachbeds 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

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 also-Jesuit 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.

Diving: The season is between mid October 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 centers conduct PADI
courses, and organise dive trips to Pigeon Island (also known locally as Netrani Island) in the neighbouring
state of Karnataka.

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 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.

On the Calangunte beach, there is a wide-range 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 wanna try. They even have smaller sized harnasses for kids!

Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa, Rajnagar , Pisgal , Priol , Ponda (Near Surya Masala Factory, en route
Tropical Spice Plantation), 8322985174,[11]. 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Conservation project open for visitors.
Watch free flying butterflies and an unique rain water harvesting experiment.Rs.100. edit

Volunteering Goa:, Based in Porvorim (On the main Panjim - Mapusa highway
(NH17)), 08605458574, [12]. 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.] edit

Volunteer - Educators Trust India, Gods Gift House, Pintos Vaddo, Canca (Just off the road from
Mapusa to Calangute, take left hand road just before Canca village starts, Leading Light school on your
left.), 09226041812, [13]. 9:00am - 6:00pm. Educators' Trust India runs educational and welfare projects for
children in Goa. Work relies on charitable donations and is supported by a dedicated team of global volunteers.
[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.] They provide a non-denominational education through three schools and outreach project;
preparing children for registration to the local state schools. The children are from families of migrant workers
who flock here from other parts of India, looking for work and opportunities that they think Goa will offer
them. ETI aims to break the cycle of illiteracy and child labour, which keeps these children and their families in
poverty. edit

Great Live Music 2014 (International Music Festival), Elliot Grounds, Baga Bridge, Goa, [14]. This is a 2
day music festival featuring best of bands from Russia and India from Rock and Jazz Genre, performing Live
on 31st January and 1st February 2014. From 5pm to 10 pm . A well known festival for cross-cultural music
event edit

Buy[edit][add listing]

Goabooks

To understand a complex region like Goa, it's best to get

started by reading on it. This is a melting pot of cultures,
histories, languages and complexities.

Bookshops in Goa include the Panjim-based Broadway Book

Centre (Ashirvada Building, at the end of 18th June Road,
Panjim), the Golden Heart Emporium functioning out of an
old house in Margao's Abade Faria Road locality, the
tourism-belt based Literati Bookshop (near Tarcar Ice
Factory, along the main Calangute-Sinquerim road), and
 Upper Storey at Arcon Arcade at the Fort Aguada Road in
Candolim.

There are also other bookshops scattered around the state,

including Varsha's and Mandovi Hotel's (in close proximity
to the Azad Maidan, Panjim; the alternativish Other India
Bookstore almost hiding atop the old Mapusa Clinic in
Mapusa (entry from behind); among others. Don't miss the
rare books section of the Central Library in the oldstyle
colonial Institute Menezes Braganza (Panjim), and the
municipality libraries in the main towns, including Mapusa's
Athaide Library.

Other research institutions with good collections include the

Xavier Centre of Historical Research at Alto Porvorim, the
also-Jesuit run Thomas Stevens Konknni Kendra nextdoor 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.

From wines to cashew-nuts, enchanting local music to alternative books and handicrafts, Goa has a lot. Goa's
handicrafts are clearly under-rated and under-appreciated, even while being reasonably priced. Their range includes
carved furniture, brassware, crochet and more (see section on the government-run Aparant emporia).

Global items come in amazing diversity specially at the night markets of North Goa. In Panjim, the 18th June Road
is faster emerging as a lure for shoppers and tourists. Mapusa, while hosting a traditional market each Friday,
attracts a number of tourists, specially foreigners. Goa's talented goldsmiths are neatly located in a line at Mapusa's
market, and in parts of Margao and Panjim. Check out traditional Goan lacquer-ware toys (available at the Aparant
emporia).

Every major hotel has its own bookshop, of varying quality. Books tend to be priced amazingly inexpensively in
India, including in Goa. For the best collection of books related to 'alternative India' and the environment, visit the
almost hidden Other India Bookstore. It sits atop the old Mapusa Clinic, at Mapusa's Feira Alta locality. Entrance
from the behind.

Broadways Book Centre at 18th June Road (near Caculo Traffic Island); Confidant's Golden Heart Emproium in
Margao (2732450); Mandovi Square near Cine Nacional (2234241); and Varsha Book Stall (2425832) near the
Bank of India and Azad Maidan. The last two focus on newspapers and magazines coming in from the rest of the
country and abroad.

Reading Habit, at Campal on the way to Miramar Beach, has a wide variety of books.

One Goan unique product is that of hand-painted ceramics.

Furniture is another area of interest, in terms of shopping options, despite its bulky nature. Antiques are
also a growing business here.

Foreign tourists increasingly go "shopping" for medical services. There are a number of outlets that offer a form of
'health tourism'. These include centers like Dr Pimenta's Dental Practice [15] at Romano Chambers (near the Old
Petrol Pump in Calangute) and Lake Plaza near Nehru Stadium in Margao.

Handicrafts[edit]
Want to shop Goan? One good value-for-money place is the Aparant network of outlets managed by the State-run
Goa Handicrafts network. In their ten outlets across Goa you could expect to find an interesting range of handicrafts
from Goa. And reasonably priced too. Items range from shell-work to clay, bamboo, paper mache, coconut-items
and fiber. "If visitors have a problem with carrying back some the (more fragile) handicrafts home, then fibre is a
good option. These outlets are, besides four in Panjim, located at Vasco da Gama (on Swatantra Path, at the Vasco
Residency) and at the local GTDC-run "residency" hotels in Margao, Mapusa, Calangute, the Bicholim Pottery
Production Centre at the Industrial Estate, and at Loutolim's Big Foot.

In Panjim, the other outlets of Aparant are located at the Udyog Bhavan (opposite the Goa Police Headquarter, near
the Ferry Jetty); at the main Kadamba bus-terminus; and at the Crafts Complex office of the Goa Handicrafts in
Neugi Nagar (Rua de Ourem). The largest number of items are available at the last location, about 2.5 kms off the
center of town.

Most of the Aparant outlets are open between 9:30 or 10AM to 6 or 7PM, depending on their location.

Products of dry coconuts and coconut-shells are carved and often designed to fit on a wooden base. Items produced
here include table lamps, flower pots, table clocks, different religious statues and decorative items.

Cotton thread is transformed in an artistic way with the crochet steel hook, rendering it in beautiful designs and
shapes. Likewise, sea-shells that were once discarded by the beach get transformed by artisans. Traditional clay art
-- in the form of pots, ash-trays, flower pots, images of gods -- is a skill that has been built up across generations in
Goa. Ditto for the case of bamboo products.

A few of these items are produced in-house at the Goa Handicrafts' center in Bicholim. Others come from artisans
across the state. This network has done a fair job in highlighting the skills of geographically-scattered local artisans,
and also finding them the market they so-badly need to sustain their rich talent.

Eat[edit][add listing]
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 sweet-tooth, 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, specially sea-food 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 6. Bob's Inn, Candolim.

Drink[edit][add listing]

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.

The Portuguese brought the cashew-crop from

tropical America to Goa sometime between 1563 and
1578.

Feni has a distinctive smell. Some non-drinkers 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 semi-fermenting 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).

In recent years, Goa has been hosting what it calls the "Grape Escape", a festival of wines, around the start of each
year (held in mid-February 2007 and May 2006, for instance).

In Panjim, new ventures are also bringing in new products. A Nau ("The Ship" in Portuguese, unfortunately since
closed down, as of October 2008) brings in a range of wines and other commodities from Portugal.

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.

Sleep[edit][add listing]
Goa is one of the reasonable places to stay in as compared to rest of India. During the peak season, which lasts from
November to late March, the prices are very high. Especially in December, 5-star hotel rates rates range from
around 20,000 - 35,000 per night. All tourist spots charge more in the peak season.

Huts/Shacks are an economical and fun option to consider. These can be found in small/little Vagator which is up
the road from Anjuna beach , prices range from 400-600 rupees and you get a whole hut with a double bed, lock ,
towels and an attached bathroom with toilet. These shacks are closed during the monsoon.

The last week of the year, between Christmas and New Year the place is usually completely packed. Try to avoid
that overhyped week and you will get a better deal without the added pressures.

Lime Holidays, Calangute, Goa., 9604937575, [16]. Serviced apartments in Goa, for safe and
convenient stay, only a 4 minute walk from Calangute beach, in a 3 star r2 swimming pools, restaurant & bar.
Fully a/c non ac flexible check-in & check-out timings, extra mattress & kitchen facilities provided. Prices
starting as low as Rs.1,100/-... edit

Cope[edit]
Money[edit]
Goa has a large network of banks, some of which will change currency. In the tourist pockets and urban areas, one
comes across such services easily. Reserve Bank of India's Foreign Exchange Department is at 3A/B Sesa Ghor,
Patto in Panjim (Ph 2438656, 2438659, fax 2438657) though one need not go specifically here.
Leading hotels, shops and travel agents will also offer foreign currency exchanges.

Contact[edit]
Phones[edit]
At the time of writing, Goa's telephone directory hasn't been published for at least four years. In a state with among
the highest teledensities (phones per hundred users) across India, this is a serious handicap. Old telephone
directories have segregated phone subscribers on the basis of the many small phone exchanges in the State.
(Previously, it needed a trunk-call to call from one exchange to the other, but at least this is not the case now.) So it
can be very confusing to locate a particular phone number. However if you do have a phone number for the BSNL
Co., then getting the address is easy by dialing 197.

Add to this the reality that the telephone network in Goa is frequently growing, and that telephone numbers have
grown from four-digits to the current seven in not too many years, finding the right number you need can be tough.

Goa's main telecom ISP BSNL has this online telephone directory [17] which is partially useful.

The Government of Goa's Department of Information and Publicity (located at Udyog Bhavan, near Azad Maidan
and the Goa Police Headquarters in the heart of Panjim) comes out fairly regularly with an under-priced -- but not
easily available -- pocketbook of phone numbers. This focuses largely on politicians, government officials and
media persons. Some useful fax numbers, email addresses and websites mentioned here. But don't expect officials to
reply to your e-mail!

Yellow pages are also available. To inquire about local businesses contact Hello 2412121 (0832-2412121), The
Talking Yellowpages Of Goa and Online Enquiry Hello Yellowpages Goa [18]. Both these services from Hello
Group Goa [19] offer information on a range of businesses in Goa.

Mobile services have grown fast in Goa.

It is fairly easy to get a Prepaid mobile SIM card. It will cost around 100Rs, just take a copy of your passport (visa
page, entry stamp and photo page) and two passport photos to a phone shop and away you go. It is worth thinking
about cost and coverage if you are travelling around India as once you leave Goa and travel to anoher state you then
pay roaming charges for all calls. It is still cheap though. A single text to the UK from Goa costs 10 and calls cost
about 12 a minute.

It is also worth noting that Vodafone coverage across Goa is patchy and can lead to delayed delivery of messages,
dropped calls, poor signal quality and battery drain - the local recommendation within Goa seems to be Airtel.

Internet[edit]
Internet cafes can be found in Goa's urban areas, tourist spots and hotels. It is not difficult to find an internet centre
in a state known for its large expat and tourist population. ID has to be presented and foreigners will need to present
their passport before being allowed to use the internet.

Consulates and High Commissions[edit]

Portuguese Consulate General, 38-39 Father Angelo Road-

Altinho, 2421525 (cgpgoa@gmail.com, fax: 2421522), [20]. Goa is home to the Consulate General of
Portugal, which is understandable, as Portugal has had close and long historic and colonial ties with Goa. As
Portugal never recognized India's takeover of the state, for long, it considered Goans eligible for Portuguese
passports. While it is no longer as easy as it once was for people of Goan origin, this continues to be available,
but difficult and time-consuming to obtain now especially for those born after 1961. edit

British Tourist Assistance Office, S13/14, Dempo Towers, Patto

Plaza, 2438734 (assistance@goaukconsular.org, fax: 6641297), [21].Britain, which has a significant
number of tourists visiting the region, also has its Tourist Assistance Office (earlier designated as a consular
officer) based here. Germany, Austria (in the port town of Vasco da Gama) and Italy have their honorary
consuls. edit

German consulate, Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt. Ltd., Rua de Ourem, Panaji, 403 001, +91 832
223 55 26 (conhongoa@sancharnet.in, fax:+91 832 222 34 41), [22]. Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM. edit

Austrian Consulate, Salgaocar House, Vasco, 2513811. edit

Italian Vice Consulate, D1 Sesa Ghor, Patto Plaza, 2438944 (fax: 2365785). edit

Stay safe[edit]
Goa is an ideal holiday destination for travelers, 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 [23]. Also, you can book your railway ticket online on [24]. But you will have register first.

People travelling by car do ensure to carry all vehicle documents and driviling 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. This service is run by the GVK EMRI (Emergency
Management and Research Institute) and is based out of Goa Medical College (Bambolim) and has ambulances
posted at various parts of Goa. These ambulances are fully equipped and have trained paramedics.

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 Police Head Quarters, near Azad Maidan, Panjim dgp@goapolice.org police@goa.nic.in Tel No(Toll Free)-
100 Police Control Room

Roadways Enquiry

KTC (Kadamba-Goa) 2438034 to 2438037

MSRTC (Maharashtra) 2438253

KSRTC (Karnataka) 2438256

Official media

All India Radio 2224455

Doordarshan 2224312
 Press Information Bureau 2226929