Another couple visiting Goa in the last week of September..;.

Originally Posted by krishnak

Hi All,

My wife and I are planning to go to Goa in the last week of September for a 4 to 5 days. We are not interested in any night-spots. We would like to spend time sight-seeing - move around the beaches and visiting Panjim.
This will be our first visit to Goa.
Will the experienced travellers to Goa please advise us the following:

1.Where to stay - in Panjim or Calangute - which are the better places to stay with a budget of about 1K per day.
Last time I stayed at Hotel Goan Heritage. Very Expensive In March 08 I paid 4k per night And that too apart from being very expensive was very far off from tha Calangute Baga beach stretch(this is where we used to hang out most of the times).
This visit I have made reservations at Chalston Beach Resort and am paying 1.5k a night. Its a beach property and on Baga Road right off the Subway outlet. This is the Superior(bigger) room. Normal Rooms (a little smaller) are also available for 1.2k a night.

2. Are any beach shacks open in September? Not interested in swimming in the sea - just laze around and enjoy the food - or take a long walk on the beaches.
I have no idea, but if during the end of March places were open last year, I think they should be open around the end of September. Plus that weekend is a busy weekend. Ramzan Id and Dussera are falling around the end of September. So I guess places should be well open.

3. Are the half day or full day tours worth the time? How much will a taxi cost for a day of sight-seeing, so that we can cover the places of our choice?
I din't take any taxis when I was there. I hired a Honda Activa about 200 or 250 bucks a day and I explored most of north goa on two wheeler. I even went to Old Goa(Churches etc)) on my own. Taxis were asking 700-1000 bucks for the whole day, plus I like exploring places on my own. Its makes the vacation much more fun and interesting.
But if you are still interested, there are/ should be plenty of tour operators/ guides etc for day tours etc

4. We want to take the day long boat ride to the spice gardens with lunch - is that service open in September?
Last time I wanted to do that too, but was not able to do it. Should be good fun. It is definitely on my agenda for this visit.

5. We expect Goa to be quiter during this time - what are the services or attractions we would be missing?
No Idea

6. Any other hints that will make our trip enjoyable.

Thanks in advance.