GUIDE TO GOA
Foreign Consulates Listing: There are quite a few consulates of foreign countries located in Goa. You can contact them for any assistance and queries. goatourism.gov.in/consulates
oyo.com
goibibo.com
makemytrip.com
trivago.in
booking.com
hostelworld.com
Goa Airport (IATA: GOI, ICAO: VOGO): also known as Dabolim Airport, is the single airport in the state of Goa and is located in the city of Dabolim, 29 km southwest of Panaji, the capital city, and 4 km of Vasco de Gama and 30 km from the state capital, Panjim. The airport is the main entrance of tourists in the region. Goa Airport operates 90% of India's international charter flights.
The airport is not very big and it does not have the same transport facilities that the major airports in India. Nevertheless, check the different transportation options to reach your destination. More information here
Miramar beach is listed amongst the most popular beaches of Goa due to its location. Situated at the distance of 3 km from the Capital of Goa – Panaji. Very few capital cities in the country enjoy the privilege that Panaji has of having a beach within walking distance of its crowded, commercial spaces.
Miramar Beach, also known as the Gaspar Dias, lies close to the estuary of Mandovi River, which merges with the Arabian Sea. In Portuguese, Miramar means ‘viewing the sea’. The 2 km long coast, lined with palm trees vaunts of splendid, soft silvery sand bed that glitter in the moonlight and offer colourful view of the magnificent Portuguese fort Aguanda across the river.
Approximate driving distance between Goa Airport (GOI), Dabolim and Miramar Beach, Panaji is 28.9 kms or 18 miles or 15.6 n miles via NH366
Miramar beach is just 3 km away from Panaji and is adjacent to the very popular attraction, Aguada Fort. This makes the place fairly accessible by every mode of transport. The quickest way to get from Goa Airport (GOI) to Miramar is to taxi. Check the following CAR RENTAL page and compare all prices.
GOAMILES, as the name suggests is exclusively for the state of GOA. This is GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) approved with government rates of plying in the state of GOA
www.goamiles.com
Also, check the following CAR RENTAL page and compare all prices.
THINGS TO DO IN GOA
From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant flea markets to stunning Portuguese architecture, there are so many places to visit in Goa that you’ll find it difficult to fit them all in one trip. Add its water sports, happening seaside clubs, and a truly eclectic dining scene to that list and you know
OLD GOA
The former Portuguese capital of the region before Panjim, Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to several magnificent churches and cathedrals. Primarily constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries, these buildings have lofty exteriors and exquisitely decorated interiors. The most famous among them is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the remains of St Francis Xavier, who arrived here in the 16th century as a Jesuit missionary. His three-tiered marble tomb is the highlight of the church, but it also has gilded altars and striking baroque architecture. The imposing Se Cathedral, the largest church in Old Goa, is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture, and has 15 impressive altars. The convent and church of St Francis of Assisi is known for its intricate gilded woodwork and murals, and houses an archaeological museum within its premises.
FONTAINHAS
It has been described as India’s only Latin Quarter. The quiet charm of this Panjim neighbourhood’s narrow streets and tile-roofed houses is best discovered on foot. Walk around to admire its well-maintained Indo-Portuguese houses and the small but pretty Chapel of St Sebastian, built in the 1880s. Don’t forget to pop into the Confeitaria 31 de Janueiro, one of the oldest bakeries in Goa, for traditional sweets and breads. You can also take a guided tour with resident expert Luis Dias, whose neighbourhood walks are laced with local trivia and anecdotes. Alternatively, book a guided walk at Panjim Inn, a 19th-century colonial mansion converted into one of the city’s best heritage hotels.
PALOLEM BEACH
Palolem is undoubtedly one of Goa’s most postcard-perfect beaches: a gentle curve of palm-fringed sand facing a calm bay. But in season the beachfront is transformed into a toy town of colourful and increasingly sophisticated timber and bamboo huts fronted by palm-thatch restaurants. It’s still a great place to be and is popular with backpackers, long-stayers and families. The protected bay is one of the safest swimming spots in Goa and you can comfortably kayak and paddleboard for hours here.
VAGATOR BEACH
Let nature and its miracles take their due course and you will see the real beauty of Vagator Beach. Splendid-looking cliffs rising from the ocean water makes for the perfect sunset on the rocks of course. A huge hit with backpackers, Vagator Beach in Goa is lined with numerous shacks, quaint cafes, a slew of budget shacks and hotels as well. A typical evening at this beach in Goa sees swimmers, volleyball lovers and even scooters wading through knee deep water at the banks.
SATURDAY NIGHT MARKET
This market on Arpora Hill, between Baga and Anjuna, is known as much for its party-like atmosphere, as for the actual shopping. This is the best place to get a first-hand experience of Goa’s international denizens, with funky jewellery, clothes, bags and other accessories on offer. There’s live music, bars and restaurant stalls offering everything from Greek food to organic salads to chocolate-drenched waffles. You can also head to the relatively smaller Mackie’s Saturday Nite Bazaar held on the banks of the river Baga River just nearby.
SILENT NOISE CLUB
In Goa’s silent headphone parties, everyone literally dances to their own tunes. Clubbers can choose their music, performed live by Silent Noise’s international DJs. This is transmitted directly to their wireless headphones, allowing the party to circumvent noise pollution laws and continue until the wee hours of the morning.
TITO’S BAR AND CLUB
Goa’s most popular club and bar Tito’s offers the ambience of a trendy nightclub with the perfect mix of fun and music. It is often regarded as the partying hot spot of North Goa and is conveniently located along the Tito’s road in Baga, Calangute. For the party-goers, this is the place to be. Shake a leg on its long terrace or simply watch the action and unwind over a drink.
CASINO TIME
Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is legal. Casinos in Goa can be found on boats anchored in the Mandovi River, and onshore in some upmarket hotels. Most of the action, with live tables, takes place on the floating casinos — which are entertainment destinations within themselves.
