Goooooooooooaaaa!

amyl · Dec 4th, 2006, 14:22

This is yet another thread dedicated to Goa in the huge number of Goa threads coming up these days

. Its my turn to hit the Konkan roads and beaches, yeah!!!

So here is what am upto during 2006 Christmas. Ok, this is not just an advt of my christmas plan.. I do have some questions for you guys!

On the way to Goa
Am taking this route on my cycle. Starting in Kolhapur and ending in Panji via Vengurla.

aaaha!! Am quite excited about it and scared at the same time!

Prospective campsite1. Am thinking of camping at the Vengurla beach for a night or two on my way to Panji.

In Goa
1. Assgoa
Am thinking of spending a couple of days at the skatepark there. In fact staying at some hut or simply camp in there and have fun at the park and the nearby beaches. BUT am not able to find any directions to the skatepark

. Nick(the skater Nick there.. not the naught one here

) has not put anything on the site.

2. More Beaches
Have drawn these conclusions about the beaches there after some IM search.

Palolem - less crowded no touts
Calangute - old couple's beach with lots of touts
Condolim - Calangute's Sister beach
Galgibag(South of Palolem) - Prospective campsite2
Agonda() - a secluded place and serene
Butterfly - Mini Beach1
Lolium - Mini Beach2
Arambol Beach - not as clean as others
Sweet Water Beach, Arambol - sounds interesting to me. Prospective campsite3

so now the question time.....

1. Out of the three prospective camping site which one would be the least crowded on 25 and 26th? Some guys joining me directly at the campsite. Depending on the site I decide I need to set off accordingly.So this is an important point I want to know.

2. Which is the best FORT in Goa? Would like to visit one...guess all are seaside one so need not mention that I want a seaside fort

3. Which is the oldest and biggest church in Goa? Being in Goa and not visiting a church wud be funny.

4. About Galgibag.... read that is a protected area.....some forest ppl on duty. Is it ok camping there? Well, I may just get some contacts with the officials to let us guys camp there but is it safe?? The beach looks a little scary in its satellite view. I donot want to be sleeping in the tent with a life jacket on

. A big wave might just make us afloat. Jokes apart.....Is it safe being there at night? what about low tides/high tides? Would like to be in the open than in the trees I see there.

ok guys please drop in ur comments...... a rescheduling has left me pressed for time. Apologies if someone thinks I would have got these answers by a search here than asking.

btw how about a very very small Goa meetup??? looks like many are headed there...and I know all would be busy absorbing the beauty there of and on the beaches but can just manage one if things fall in places. Let know.

Anders · Dec 4th, 2006, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by amyl

Sweet Water Beach, Arambol - sounds interesting to me. Prospective campsite3

It looks more like a mudbath than a sweet water beach. It would be a bit of a pain to carry camping gear over the rocks to get there.

goagirlwannabee · Dec 4th, 2006, 15:46

I would be very careful in camping on the beach expecially at the time of year you want to do it.
In Dec and Jan there are always alot more people around, some good and some not so good.
Just be careful and good luck and ENJOY!
:-)

manreet_16 · Dec 4th, 2006, 16:17

yes u have to b carefull coz on ur time to visit..GOA is full of tourist all over the world and many bad people r waiting for mouse to trap..
Best of LUCK

anindya911 · Dec 4th, 2006, 17:55

Hi Amyl,

IMHO the cycle ride is a very good idea, specially the weather is just right to ride. Most probably you'll get all tailwind along the route.

However, during this time Goa is just like spilling over the brim. And it might be a anticlimax after such a beautiful ride.

I would suggest to visit Goa first, have a quick day or two on it and then stroll out to Terekol, Vengurla and Malvan. That way you might end the trip in a happy note.

Best of luck

and have fun

Anindya

amyl · Dec 5th, 2006, 00:09

ok there goes Arambol out of my list!

hmmmm ... I think he was really right when my pal said the same about the kind of crowd there at this time. So I better chill out somewhere away from these beaches.

Hey what about Galgibag,fort and some interesting church?? Looking for some old, grand structure in Churches.......I can definitely tolerate the crowd during the day to not miss these things...Might just visit Galgibag to check out some turtles if I am lucky.

So I think I better not waste time looking for beaches in Goa then...Anindya's idea sounds better. Pegging down my tent near my friend's beach house in Vengurla will also make it safer besides all the facilities nearby and more importantly not much crowd...hope so!

But hey just now I saw a nearly full moon .. so by the Xmas time no moonlit beach

Was really looking forward for it. Alas!! Anyways..

cyberhippie · Dec 5th, 2006, 00:54

Head for the coast at kudal Amyl, Malvan and the surrounding coast has some of the best beaches anywhere.

As for Goa, well in the south with a bike, there are any number of isolated beaches to spend the day on.

As well as some stunning scenery and wildlife.
The coast road from Palolem to Betul is wonderful, albeit a bit up and down for a cycle, the hill just before Cabo De Rama is a monster and you would do well to take care on either side. A british guy killed himself on this strech of road whilst riding his cycle!!

Along the way there are any number of places to stay.
As you are coming from the north I'll try and add some info heading south. The first stop after Margao would be Betul a genuine Goan fishing port with few tourists and of course the smell of a fishing port

The seagull hotel does rooms for 150-200 and rather good seafood!!

Heading south you hug the coast, through places like Caniguinim, Cola. The road covers terrain from the lush Jungle, to the burnt red rock plateaus.
There's also a great Goan temple complex (Shree Shantadurga) at Fatorpa, which isn't to far out of your way and worth a look.
Agonda is about 18 kms from Betul on the coast road and the first real tourist beach, though it's still a laid back place. there's a small chane of a turtles nest here but numbers have dwindled to almost zero here!!
Nice place to hang out for a day. Hang a left at the church and there's a little row of shops, the last one is Doris's who does a great fish, thali!! MMmm
At the south end of this beach you can camp and there are usually a few overlanders and cyclist camped here. I don't know how much it costs if anything!!

Heading south along the coast road you'll hit Palolem which you'll either love or hate. It's huge these days, with all the fumes and rubbish that brings!!

Next to Palolem is a lovely little rock cove within which nestles Colomb. A peacful haven from Palolem and only a short walk away. A better deal for accomodation here as well. Eat in Palolem is probably best though or indeed out next beach, Patnem.
This beach has also "come of age" it seems with lots of huts and shacks now springin up it's still a quiter place than Palolem though. From here you can cycle to Galgibag, to see the turtles (or their nest anyway) very little in the way of places to stay here but it's a worthwhile day out. Campoing isn't allowed but perhaps you could sneak a night under the stars as there's very few people here!!

Lacking a bridge you are forced inland here, following the Galgibag river (I think) to Peniguinim, where you can take the N17 back to Chaudi/Palolem or indeed visit the Cotigao N.P along the way!!
Heading south on the N17 will bring you to Polem, a truly magical little beach spot near the Karnataka border!!

There are various trips from South Goa up into the western Ghats a well which are very rewarding like the "bubbling Tank"

All over this part of Goa you wil see birds, lots of them, Bee Eaters, Sunbirds, Pied Kingfishers, Brahmini Kites, Fish Eagles
, Indian Rollers, Golden Oriels.

Let me know if you need any other info on good places to eat etc.
Camping should be possible somewhere, if you are a bit savvy!!

Shaktipalooza · Dec 5th, 2006, 01:58

Where did you get that map?

SANJAY_DEL · Dec 5th, 2006, 02:52

Is Palolem Goa's most beautiful beach the way its sounded out to be?

GoanCanuck · Dec 5th, 2006, 02:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by SANJAY_DEL

Is Palolem Goa's most beautiful beach the way its sounded out to be?

Not at all.

cyberhippie · Dec 5th, 2006, 02:54

It may have been at one time, not anymore!!!

SANJAY_DEL · Dec 5th, 2006, 03:00

So which is, in ur opinion, THE most beautiful beach within Goa, in all its scenic splendor and unspoilt pristine glory.
With some amenities in terms of beach huts and food as well.

GoanCanuck · Dec 5th, 2006, 03:10

It is not possible to have a beach and "unspoilt pristine glory" and "beach huts and amenities" at the same time. If you want the former you have to forget about the latter.

SANJAY_DEL · Dec 5th, 2006, 03:14

So on balance, which ONE is IT, as you believe?

GoanCanuck · Dec 5th, 2006, 03:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by SANJAY_DEL

So on balance, which ONE is IT, as you believe?

I would say Agonda.

Dec 4th, 2006, 14:22	#1
amyl 21st Century Freak Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Singapura.......in Babenhausen, DE for a while Posts: 1,850	Goooooooooooaaaa! This is yet another thread dedicated to Goa in the huge number of Goa threads coming up these days . Its my turn to hit the Konkan roads and beaches, yeah!!! So here is what am upto during 2006 Christmas. Ok, this is not just an advt of my christmas plan.. I do have some questions for you guys! On the way to Goa Am taking this route on my cycle. Starting in Kolhapur and ending in Panji via Vengurla. aaaha!! Am quite excited about it and scared at the same time! Prospective campsite1. Am thinking of camping at the Vengurla beach for a night or two on my way to Panji. In Goa 1. Assgoa Am thinking of spending a couple of days at the skatepark there. In fact staying at some hut or simply camp in there and have fun at the park and the nearby beaches. BUT am not able to find any directions to the skatepark . Nick(the skater Nick there.. not the naught one here ) has not put anything on the site. 2. More Beaches Have drawn these conclusions about the beaches there after some IM search. Palolem - less crowded no touts Calangute - old couple's beach with lots of touts Condolim - Calangute's Sister beach Galgibag(South of Palolem) - Prospective campsite2 Agonda() - a secluded place and serene Butterfly - Mini Beach1 Lolium - Mini Beach2 Arambol Beach - not as clean as others Sweet Water Beach, Arambol - sounds interesting to me. Prospective campsite3 so now the question time..... 1. Out of the three prospective camping site which one would be the least crowded on 25 and 26th? Some guys joining me directly at the campsite. Depending on the site I decide I need to set off accordingly.So this is an important point I want to know. 2. Which is the best FORT in Goa? Would like to visit one...guess all are seaside one so need not mention that I want a seaside fort 3. Which is the oldest and biggest church in Goa? Being in Goa and not visiting a church wud be funny. 4. About Galgibag.... read that is a protected area.....some forest ppl on duty. Is it ok camping there? Well, I may just get some contacts with the officials to let us guys camp there but is it safe?? The beach looks a little scary in its satellite view. I donot want to be sleeping in the tent with a life jacket on . A big wave might just make us afloat. Jokes apart.....Is it safe being there at night? what about low tides/high tides? Would like to be in the open than in the trees I see there. ok guys please drop in ur comments...... a rescheduling has left me pressed for time. Apologies if someone thinks I would have got these answers by a search here than asking. btw how about a very very small Goa meetup??? looks like many are headed there...and I know all would be busy absorbing the beauty there of and on the beaches but can just manage one if things fall in places. Let know. __________________ a'mar kono chinta nei

Dec 4th, 2006, 17:55	#5
anindya911 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 368	Hi Amyl, IMHO the cycle ride is a very good idea, specially the weather is just right to ride. Most probably you'll get all tailwind along the route. However, during this time Goa is just like spilling over the brim. And it might be a anticlimax after such a beautiful ride. I would suggest to visit Goa first, have a quick day or two on it and then stroll out to Terekol, Vengurla and Malvan. That way you might end the trip in a happy note. Best of luck and have fun Anindya __________________ Let Your mind roam ... and the body will follow!

Dec 5th, 2006, 00:54	#7
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	Head for the coast at kudal Amyl, Malvan and the surrounding coast has some of the best beaches anywhere. As for Goa, well in the south with a bike, there are any number of isolated beaches to spend the day on. As well as some stunning scenery and wildlife. The coast road from Palolem to Betul is wonderful, albeit a bit up and down for a cycle, the hill just before Cabo De Rama is a monster and you would do well to take care on either side. A british guy killed himself on this strech of road whilst riding his cycle!! Along the way there are any number of places to stay. As you are coming from the north I'll try and add some info heading south. The first stop after Margao would be Betul a genuine Goan fishing port with few tourists and of course the smell of a fishing port The seagull hotel does rooms for 150-200 and rather good seafood!! Heading south you hug the coast, through places like Caniguinim, Cola. The road covers terrain from the lush Jungle, to the burnt red rock plateaus. There's also a great Goan temple complex (Shree Shantadurga) at Fatorpa, which isn't to far out of your way and worth a look. Agonda is about 18 kms from Betul on the coast road and the first real tourist beach, though it's still a laid back place. there's a small chane of a turtles nest here but numbers have dwindled to almost zero here!! Nice place to hang out for a day. Hang a left at the church and there's a little row of shops, the last one is Doris's who does a great fish, thali!! MMmm At the south end of this beach you can camp and there are usually a few overlanders and cyclist camped here. I don't know how much it costs if anything!! Heading south along the coast road you'll hit Palolem which you'll either love or hate. It's huge these days, with all the fumes and rubbish that brings!! Next to Palolem is a lovely little rock cove within which nestles Colomb. A peacful haven from Palolem and only a short walk away. A better deal for accomodation here as well. Eat in Palolem is probably best though or indeed out next beach, Patnem. This beach has also "come of age" it seems with lots of huts and shacks now springin up it's still a quiter place than Palolem though. From here you can cycle to Galgibag, to see the turtles (or their nest anyway) very little in the way of places to stay here but it's a worthwhile day out. Campoing isn't allowed but perhaps you could sneak a night under the stars as there's very few people here!! Lacking a bridge you are forced inland here, following the Galgibag river (I think) to Peniguinim, where you can take the N17 back to Chaudi/Palolem or indeed visit the Cotigao N.P along the way!! Heading south on the N17 will bring you to Polem, a truly magical little beach spot near the Karnataka border!! There are various trips from South Goa up into the western Ghats a well which are very rewarding like the "bubbling Tank" All over this part of Goa you wil see birds, lots of them, Bee Eaters, Sunbirds, Pied Kingfishers, Brahmini Kites, Fish Eagles , Indian Rollers, Golden Oriels. Let me know if you need any other info on good places to eat etc. Camping should be possible somewhere, if you are a bit savvy!! Last edited by cyberhippie : Dec 5th, 2006 at 02:54.

Dec 5th, 2006, 01:58	#8
Shaktipalooza Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 896	Where did you get that map? __________________ IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta! Pics from India 2006 Traditional Indian Dance

Dec 5th, 2006, 03:00	#12
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	The Perfect One? So which is, in ur opinion, THE most beautiful beach within Goa, in all its scenic splendor and unspoilt pristine glory. With some amenities in terms of beach huts and food as well.

Dec 4th, 2006, 15:46	#3
goagirlwannabee Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: uk Posts: 124	I would be very careful in camping on the beach expecially at the time of year you want to do it. In Dec and Jan there are always alot more people around, some good and some not so good. Just be careful and good luck and ENJOY! :-)

Dec 4th, 2006, 16:17	#4
manreet_16 On the Move Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canada\India Posts: 358	yes u have to b carefull coz on ur time to visit..GOA is full of tourist all over the world and many bad people r waiting for mouse to trap.. Best of LUCK

Dec 5th, 2006, 00:09	#6
amyl 21st Century Freak Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Singapura.......in Babenhausen, DE for a while Posts: 1,850	ok there goes Arambol out of my list! hmmmm ... I think he was really right when my pal said the same about the kind of crowd there at this time. So I better chill out somewhere away from these beaches. Hey what about Galgibag,fort and some interesting church?? Looking for some old, grand structure in Churches.......I can definitely tolerate the crowd during the day to not miss these things...Might just visit Galgibag to check out some turtles if I am lucky. So I think I better not waste time looking for beaches in Goa then...Anindya's idea sounds better. Pegging down my tent near my friend's beach house in Vengurla will also make it safer besides all the facilities nearby and more importantly not much crowd...hope so! But hey just now I saw a nearly full moon .. so by the Xmas time no moonlit beach Was really looking forward for it. Alas!! Anyways..

Dec 5th, 2006, 02:52	#9
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	Is Palolem Goa's most beautiful beach the way its sounded out to be?

Dec 5th, 2006, 02:54	#11
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	It may have been at one time, not anymore!!!

Dec 5th, 2006, 03:10	#13
GoanCanuck Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 3,102	It is not possible to have a beach and "unspoilt pristine glory" and "beach huts and amenities" at the same time. If you want the former you have to forget about the latter.

Dec 5th, 2006, 03:14	#14
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	So on balance, which ONE is IT, as you believe?

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