Goa itinerary help wanted please

Bunnycoat

lI will be travelling to Goa early October and my research so far suggests that the following might be a good itinerary for someone who wants to see interesting sights and also relax.... 4 nights in Panaji at maybe the Panjim Inn, then 7 nights at Palolem. Please comment on this as a plan - and any suggestions for alternatives are most welcome. I am still looking for Paolem accommodation ideas, and suggestions for public or hired transport between Panaji to Palolem (I'm not into biking). Also any recommendations for the train trip from Panaji to Mumbai. Thanks!!

ambika

Sounds fine to me! Palolem is lovely (allthough not as quiet as it was 10 years ago) and you can stay in so many beach huts along the beach. seriously there are many to choose from and because your going in October you shouldn't have a problem with accomodation at all. Its actually a good time to go as all the christmas holiday crowd havn't arrived yet - Yipee!

Bunnycoat

Thanks for your quick reply Ambika. From LP I have identified Cieran's Camp, Oceanic Hotel and Bhakti Kutir as possible accommodation - any views on these?

ambika

No sorry - i stayed in a wonderful beach hut right at the end of the beach. i can't for the life of me remember the name of the place but if someone mentioned it i know i would remember. it was the last place when you enter the beach on the right and i recall it was really popular. The huts were basic (not as basic as some)and the owners were lovely. It may not be there anymore......who knows? Things change a lot in Goa. In 1996 when i went to Palolem we practically had the beach to ourselves.

ambika

Wow - i just looked up Bhakti Kutir on the net and Bunnycoat you must stay there!!!!! It just looks so beautiful. They have a website - Have you seen it?
http://www.bhaktikutir.com/

emilii

Hi, this was also a nice place to stay.
http://www.indiamike.com/reviews/sho...uct/683/cat/14

We really liked Panjim. Although it is a capital it was quite clean and easy to walk around and find certain places. I would really like recommend a vegetarian restaurant called Navtara. Wery clean, good service, great food and ok prices for a restaurant

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Casey

I have twice stayed at Afonso's Guesthouse, which is a block away from the Panjim Inn. I hightly recommend it. Very friendly family and nice rooftop for breakfast. Panjim is a wonderful city that is easy to navigate and has plenty to see.

Bunnycoat

Thanks Emilii and Casey - do you have a web address for either of these accommodations? And any other tips - including how easy it is to get a train back to Mumbai - do I need to prebook tickets?

Casey

I don't think Afonso's has a website but the phone number is 2222359. I would definately prebook tickets to Mumbai. There is no tourist quota in Panjim and therefore difficult to get tickets on short notice. We tried to book a week in advance and were waitlisted 15 and 16. This was in February and we had time to adjust our itinerary. If you don't have a lot of time or flexibility I would look into advanced booking as it's a popular route. Have fun

aadil

In Panjim, there is lots to see and visit the churches, museums as well as Old Goa (Velha Goa) nearby by bus, take a trip down the Mandovi river on the evening boatride. Enjoy the Goan cuisine in the wonderful restaurants and walk down the smaller streets to get a feel of the city and it's architecture.

I stayed at the Comfort Guesthouse last year (Address: 31st January Road, Panjim - 403001, Goa.) very near the boat rides. Great place to stay and very cheap as well as exceptionally clean and tidy. The manager Mr. Edgar was a strict but very helpful chap. Really enjoyed my stay there and would definitely recommend it too. Two of my friends from Great Britain stayed there this year and they loved it too. The rates have gone up a bit this year to Rs400 for a double room. The telephone number is 0832-25642250 or 22228145. They don't book over the internet.

The train tickets need to be booked in advance as there is always a rush for seats either way in the peak season so if you know the dates then it is better to book your tickets on the internet before you reach here.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Aadil.

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Bunnycoat

Thanks so much for all the info to everyone who has replied - most of my plans are made now and I'm really looking forward to Panaji (still to finalise Palolem)

aholic_2907

i think panji is boring.... jut a city with churches n stuff.... u shud check out palolem... the best beach life u can find

Bunnycoat

Thanks aholic