Goa in March 2006

picklepak

Hello my friends!

I would like to know how busy Goa will be in March 2006. I have only 3-weeks of vacation and I was planning a trip in January, but looks like I might have to postpone it until March.

Also, is there anywhere to ride an elephant in Goa? If it's not available, I would be interested in suggestions for elephant rides somewhere between Delhi and say, Mangalore. I've taken an elephant ride in Jaipur before and it was very fun, so I'd like to try another one. If there are any guided tours (for a particular area or city) that include an elephant ride, I would be interested in learning more about that. Group tour is fine as I will likely be traveling alone.

Thanks everyone,

Kelly

PS - My 1995 Enfield Bullet 350 is for sale. Excellent condition, cream in color with dual spring seats, low mileage on rebuilt engine. I will drive it from Delhi to Goa or Karnataka and sell it during my 3-week trip. Photos available.

GoanCanuck

Goa is not busy during March. You will get plenty of discounted accommodation. As far the elephant trip is concerned you can go to a spice plantation in South Goa where they have an elephant but I do not know whether they allow you to ride it. I have also seen an elephant with two sadhus in Candoim. The poor animal was terrrified of the traffic and crowds. Feel sorry for these poor animals who are abused by their owners for financial purposes.

picklepak

Agreed re: mistreated animals! The one I rode in Jaipur was happy and colorful (chalked up for Diwali), and the owners seemed friendly and nice. Got a great Polaroid photo there on my first trip.

I figure being a tour guide is a better job for an elephant than letting it get abused by its poor owners. Elephants eat quite a lot and it's expensive to keep them fed. Plus some owners are just plain mean to their elephants, and I hate seeing that. I'd rather see them carrying a family of people and make tips.

So I don't mind giving a nice tip when an elephant is nicely treated, and offers me a scenic ride. Dunno about Candoim and riding down main street, never really saw myself winding through traffic.