Entertainment in Goa

Entertainment & Recreation in Goa - One of the reasons Goa is such a popular destinations, is the huge variety in entertainment and activity. Even more, there is usually a wide choice in any one interest and most are fun without being dangerous. Also, many of these can't be put into water-tight compartments. For example, a market, whether periodical or daily, isn't just for shopping because has other elements of entertainment and fun for the whole family.

As Goa is the only place where something's always happening somewhere, the obvious first choice is to go sightseeing. The churches of old Goa are a good beginning and the most significant being the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church, with its exposed laterite stone, is a stately edifice. Its main importance comes from being the repository of the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier. Every 10 years, the relics are displayed, bringing thousands of devotees. The biggest church in size is the Se Cathedral. This crome coloured majestic building carries one of the largest church bells in Goa. Regular masses are held here and if you are lucky you can witness a wedding too. The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi has an exquisite carved wooden altar and reredos and there are murals depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The adjoining convert also houses an archeological museum.

There are several other smaller churches worth a stroll through like the Church of Nossa Senhora De Monte - Our Lady of the Mount. On a hill and sensitively restored, it's effort to get there but a fabulous view of the Mandovi river and the sea on west is reward enough.

Goa also has a number of beautiful temples. The lush green countryside of Ponda Taluka has a cluster of very important Hindu temples. Chief amongst them is the Mahalasa of Mardol, with a beautiful slender deepamala of 21 tiers gracing its entrance (the tower's base is kurma - the Turtle) and interiors with fine wood carvings; and the Mangueshi Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva.

But, no matter how hard you try, you cannot stay away from the beaches that dote the 120 odd km of Goan coastline. Calangute/Baga, Anjuma and Vagator, are the more populated ones in north Goa, where as south Goa has quieter and wider beaches. Colva is the busiest of the southern beaches, as is Palolem, which has become popular in over a short time.

Ashwem/Mandrem and Morjim are the quietest of the northern beaches with wide and gentle gradient sand, making it better for swimming. They are also the annual nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles.

Around Vagator/Anjuma the shoreline is rocky and not ideal for a swim, but has some great views, especially at sunset. These villages still have a very hippie atmosphere. Rave and acid parties are common but best avoided. However, there are some excellent bars amidst beautiful settings. On Wednesdays, Anjuma also buzzes with a flea market.

The Taj hotels stretch from the Aguada headland to the flat area of Candolim. The views of the ancient Fort are superb and the beach is spectacular to look but isn't ideal for swimming. There are a number of good shacks and bars here too.

Bogmalo is the closest beach to the airport. As you pass through the coconut, groves, you will suddenly find yourself on white sand, calm emerald waters and lush palm trees. Today, the beach boasts of a casino, an ayurvedic centre, a first class water-sports centre and sophisticated restaurants serving a multi cuisine.

Colva was once popular as a hippie beach - sun drended and palm fringed for kilometers. Today, much of Colva is a mess of resorts, complexes, trinket stalls and cold-drink stands. If you walk a little away from the main beach is secluded except for appear and the real Colva appears. Much of the beach is secluded except for fisherfolk, nets and canoes. Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul are clean and quiet with a host of impressive 5-star resorts and are further south of Benaulim. Both Cavelossim and Mobor are beaches that you will want to keep coming back to.

Agonda, south of Cabo de Rama (Cape Rama) and north of Palolem, is an unbelievably unspoilt beach. It is inaccessible by bus, making getting there more than worth it.

Palolem - Blue Lagoon could well have been shot here - consists of a crescent shaped sandy beach facing a shallow lagoon created by a small island hillock. This cuts out most of the surf and the resultant lagoon is a pleasant place for lazy swims. Sadly, the development is mainly of beach huts, a good concept but done often in a rickety way. Despite this, Palolem is a wonderful beach without much of concrete.

One of Goa less known delights are the river - Colvale, Chopopra, Mandovi and her many tributaries. These are partially tidal river which swell up noticeably at high tide and then go down with the ebbing tide. The mixed environment of fresh and salty water produces some excellent sea food - including prawns, which stay alive for hours after being taken out of the water, to snappers and various fish caught off the rocks.

Lined by evergreen mangroves, these rivers are home to lot of bird life. Chorao Island, ringed as it is with thick mangroves, has been notified as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Home to different birds like herons of many kinds, storks, pipers, ducks and painted storks in the migratory period, this is a delightful area to explore. Brahminy Kites and fish eagles swoop over the waters and late in the evening, roosting bats go out on their noctural journeys in hundreds.

The broad mouth of the river Mandovi, is the favourite feeding ground for large families of dolphins who can be seen regularly. Further in, in the canals, one can see crocodiles and the more elusive otters.

Taking chances in Goa is another interesting part. It is the only Indian-state till date which allows gambling and live gaming. If you have enjoyed evening in Katmandu casinos, you may be eager to sample the Goan action. Caravela, a large boat is Goa's only floating casino. An evening on the Caravela is a great new experience.

Then you have two other gaming joints on land - Chances, Dona Paula, with many gaming machines etc; and Gold-finger the casino at Hotel Cidade De Goa, which offers 24 hours gaming including baccarat, black jaws, roulette and a ground computerized Derby.

For art and culture buffs, there are a number of museums and art galleries that not only cover the historical and cultural heritage of the state, but also display the local talent.

You can also take a river or sea cruise some of which even include a cultural entertainment on board and promise a wonderful time for everyone. While detailed information, as well as bookings, on these can be obtained from any of the tourist information offices, a selection is given in these pages to show the variety.

One of the nicest things to do while in Goa is it enjoy a boat ride. There is something to appeal every tasty and budget. With boats large and small, a popular option is the Sunset Cruise on one of the larger, decorated tourist. Popular with Indian tourists, especially families, they offer live music and folk dances, testing, lasting, an hour or so and costing Rs. 150 per person.

The slightly more adventurous ones may like to go out watching for dolphin in the Aguada Bay or crocodiles in the backwaters. The Tourism Jetty and RND Jetty in Panaji are the ones to watch out for. Generally there is no need to book in advance as there are cruise leaving every 15 minute or so.