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Shopping Delights	City Name

content

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	<channel>
		<title>Goa</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
			<url>http://www.travelguru.com/images/logo.gif</url>
			<width>145</width>
			<height>65</height>
			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
		</image>

<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
		
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 	
 	<tr>
 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />There's surely more here to the beaches than meets the eye! Of course, considering the 131 km long coastline, you have quite an array of options. True, it's not just about watersports or a sip of the eternal feni and a bit of the crunchy tiger prawns fry. There is everything here for everyone - whether you wish to try some snorkeling or indulge in simple beach bumming. Nowhere else would find a city, which is laid-back and active at the same time! Visit it during Christmas, New Year and the Carnival and you'd find the entire town joining in the revelries, adding to the already teeming crowds pouring in from everywhere! And visit it during the monsoons, which though is the low season, assures you of a sight you're unlikely to find elsewhere! Lush green hills, swaying palms in the breeze and the wild waves of the sea crashing against rocks! North Goa is where the action is - let your hair down at Tito's, sip some chilled beer at the bamboo shacks and funky restaurants and rummage through the innumerable goodies at the stalls calling you with their fair share of 'heart-shaped keychains', sea-shell anklets, I Love Goa t-shirts, packaged cashewnuts & authentic Goan feni. South Goa is quieter - it has more hotels, almost all boasting of a private beach. Remember, the real essence of Goa lies in its winding lanes, with a church at every corner. So hire a scooty and explore on your own - the smiley locals would only be glad to help you with directions! And if you'd rather spend time on the beaches, just follow the safety instructions and stay within limits! There is much to rave about here - just capture your share of utter bliss!

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</item>

<item>
	<title>Fast Facts</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Climate</td>
 <td class="body-text"><table class="body-text" width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 <tr>
 <td class="body-text" width="15%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="83%" valign="middle">Summer 
 Mid-March - end June, Humid & sunny

Temperature: 25Â°C- 35Â°C</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="body-text" colspan="2" height="13"class="body-text"></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="body-text" align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td class="body-text" valign="middle">Monsoons 
June - end September, Torrential rains lasting for a short while, accompanied by thunder & lightening

Annual rainfall - 250 cm-325 cm</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td colspan="2" height="12"class="body-text"></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="middle">Winter 
Late November To Mid-February, Clear-skies, cool & pleasant

Temperature: 3Â°C-11Â°C</td>
 </tr>
 </table></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td width="20%" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td width="80%" class="body-text">Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="climate-head">Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td class="body-text">October - February. If possible, plan a trip in February during the famous Goan Carnival.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="climate-head">Clothing:</td>
 <td class="body-text">Tropical clothing throughout the year; Light woolens during winter and adequate raingear during the monsoons</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Moving Around: 
 </td>
 <td class="body-text"> Cabs and private taxis are available for hire from the various agencies or hotels. However, we recommend hiring a bike or the motorcycle taxi, which lets you explore the interiors of the city on your own. These are extremely affordable and can be hired for day-use or for two-three days.
 </td>
 </tr>
 	<tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Tourist Offices:</td>
 <td class="body-text">
	Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
 
	Trionora Apartments,
 
Dr Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji, 
Goa
 
	Tel : 0832-2420779, 2427972

</td>
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<item>
	<title>What to See</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
	 <tr>
 <td align="justify" class="body-text">Beaches at North Goa 
<ul>
 <li>
 <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Arambol: 	Located close to Mapusa, Arambol is the site of several adventure 	activities in Goa. The beachfront is lined with shacks and stalls 	that offer Goan snacks and great shopping options. Visit the Paliem 	Beach, which also has a tiny freshwater lake, fed by springs 	located at the base of the hills. The Keri Beach is 	palm-fringed and has several shacks and food stalls lining it, 	making it the apt picnic spot. You also the options of indulging in 	some great adventure sports including dolphin-spotting, 	windsurfing and paragliding, which are arranged by the clubs located 	on the beach. An interesting site you can visit is the Tiracol 	Fort located north of Arambol, now converted into a hotel. The 	St Anthony’s chapel is open for guided tours and the ramparts 	offer splendid views of the region. 
Open from: Tiracol Fort – 6.30 am-9.30 pm for 30 minutes tours
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 Mandrem-Ashwem-Morjim: These three beaches are divided by tiny creeks and constitute the 	quieter of all other beaches. Mandrem is best explored on 	foot; you must visit the Organic Farm, which grows and sells 	fresh organic fruits and vegetables. There isn’t much of 	watersports options except occasional dolphin and crocodile spotting 	excursions. Ashwem Beach, with its profusion of shacks, 	budget hotels and local restaurants is home to backpackers. It would 	be a particularly exciting trip to Morjim Beach, which is the 	breeding ground for the Olive Ridley Turtles, managed by a 	group of volunteers.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-vagator.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Vagator: This is known for the Chapora Fort, which dominates the skyline of 	the beach. The site of many Bollywood film shots, Vagator Beach is 	marked by red cliffs and fresh water springs, against the backdrop 	of stalls selling trinkets, t-shirts and sarongs. Explore the area 	of Ozrant, which has an interesting stone carving of Lord Shiva’s 	face. Vagator’s most defining structure is the Chapora Fort, 	which is accessible from the sea-face. The fort, which offers 	breathtaking views, is not maintained too well, so you need to be 	careful when exploring the ramparts. The Chapora Village is 	set away from the beach and has tiny shops and stalls selling fresh 	fruits, vegetables and breads. Closeby is the Chapora Fishing 	Jetty, where you can try your hands on some angling and indulge 	in dolphin-spotting activities.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 Anjuna: This is one of the most frequented and hip beaches in Goa, and you 	would find all kinds of people coming here. Anjuna’s best 	highlights are the beach parties that happen on full moon 	nights and its Wednesday Flea Market, where a whole world of 	trinkets and souvenirs are available. The beach is overlooked by a 	red cliff and is full of rough stones and boulders set amidst 	swirling waves. There isn’t much watersports activities, except 	occasional snorkeling when parrotfish and mullet might be 	visible. Also located closeby is Siolim Village, which is 	known for its annual Sangodd and Zagor Festivals.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-calangute.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Calangute: The discovery of hippies, Calangute is said to be the Queen of 	Beaches in Goa. The Baga-Calangute-Candolim stretch is 	frequented by tourists and shops selling a whole range of 	interesting buys. The Calangute beach is a haven for watersport 	activities, including parasailing, water-skiing, banana and bump 	rides. You can also contact the boat operators who organise 	crocodile and dolphin spotting, fishing and trips to nearby islands. 	Also accessible from the Anjuna Beach, Baga is lined with 	restaurants and shops, and is home to the famous Club Tito’s and 	Café Mambo. Arpora Village near Baga is known for its 	exciting Ingo’s Night Market, where, along with the usual 	trinkets, you also have options of tattoos, body piercing, 	tarot-reading, wood carvings and sculpting. Candolim is a 	relatively quiet beach and is home to the Chapel of Saint 	Lawrence, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. The stark 	white Candolim Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Hope and 	has stained glass panels. Other quiet beaches near Candolim include Coco Beach, Reis Magos and Queg de Velim Beach. 	All these beaches have selective hotels where you can stay and some 	well-spread shacks offering great Goan cuisine.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 Miramar-Dona Paula: Miramar Beach is the site of the confluence of the 	Mandovi River and the sea and is full of tourists and picnickers 	every evening. The Gaspar Dias Circle was home to a fort by 	the same name, which used to guard the Mandovi River entrance. The 	single-steeple Cabo Chapel is open to the public for 	Christmas Eve midnight mass. Made up of three beaches, Dona Paula offers sailing activities and great views of the Mormugao Harbour and Arabian Sea. At the base of the hillock is a sculpture depicting 	a man facing west and a woman facing east.
 </li>
</ul>

Beaches in South Goa
<ul>
 <li>
 <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see2.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Bogmalo: This is one of Goa’s more attractive golden beaches bound by green 	hills. A little before you reach Bogmalo, visit the little cove and 	beach of Issorcim, which is an extremely secluded beach and the only 	place where plate coral grows. Of course, these are visible only 	when the water is clear. The Sao Jacinto Island is home to old 	quaint houses and a beautiful chapel. The Chicalim coastline is 	known for its huge number of fresh clams, which are collected for 	the coconut milk curry. Too many watersport activities are not 	available here, though you can try your hand on basic diving 	activities.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 Velsao-Betalbatim: This is the quietest of all beaches in Goa and only features Sunday 	picnickers as the crowd. The Velsao Beach is made of green 	hills and coconut groves, lined with fishing huts and sardine 	fishing options. Velsao is best explored on foot and you must visit 	the Velsao Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Cures, and which 	also offers great views of the sunset. The Arossim Beach is 	home to the Cansaulim Village, Cansaulim Church and 	the well-preserved house Casa dos Roldao de Souza. Majorda 	Beach is a larger village, though accommodation is limited. The Utorda Beach is located 1 km from Majorda and has quite an 	interesting range of hotels. The Betalbatim Beach gets its 	name from the demon Betaal, whose temple once existed at Fardo 	Village. Betalbatim is also home to the recently renovated Church 	of Our Lady of Remedios.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-colva.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Colva-Benaulim: Colva is South Goa’s most happening beach, especially for 	shopping and nightlife. The beach is full of shacks and restaurants 	serving vindaloo, xacuti and feni, and boat clubs offer 	dolphin-spotting activities. The Colva Church is dedicated to 	Our Lady of Merces, and its most striking feature is the image of 	the Infant Jesus, which is believed to have miraculous powers. If 	you must have a dip, do so at the relatively isolated Sernabatim. Benaulim Beach is similar to Colva with its lines of shacks, 	where you can chill out with a beer or feni. The village houses the St John the Baptists Church, which is notable for its pure 	white marble interiors. In Benaulim, you’d find ornamented wooden 	altars and idols or saints at every church and house, which are the 	handiwork of the local carpenters.
 </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>
 Palolem: Palolem Beach is located in the Canacona region of South Goa. This 	is also one of the best areas for catching glimpses of the dolphins. 	Palolem Beach has a large cup-shaped rock called Pandava’s 	Drum, so named because of the sound it emanates when you throw a 	stone of it. Located a little away from the beach, Figueiredo 	House is an old beach house built in the 20th 	century. The Island at the end of the beach offers great snorkeling 	opportunities, where you could find mussels, sea urchins and sea 	cucumbers. Located closeby, enjoy interesting watersports at the Patnem-Colomb Beach. Rarely visited, but just as peaceful are 	the Agonda Beach, Cola Beach and Canaguinim Beache.
 </li>
</ul>

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-panjim.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Panjim: This is possibly your base to exploring the treasures of Goa. Panjim is best discovered on foot, as you walk in the old-world lanes, past heritage houses and ancient markets selling an amazing range of goodies. Located centrally in Panjim, Altinho offers spectacular views of the city. It is one of the quietest areas and only has a few ancient houses, the Bishop’s Palace and the Jogger’s Park. The Bishop’s Palace is especially beautiful during Christmas, when star lanterns are hung on the trees and a huge mass is conducted. The Jogger’s Park also offers spectacular views of the city and has a Maruti Temple, which is lit up in the evenings. Panjim’s most recognized feature is the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, which has double staircases rising from the main church square. The interiors are beautifully done and two gilded and carved altars are placed before the main altar. The church bell located in one of the towers is said to be among the largest in the world. The Fontainhas is one of the prime cultural centres, which houses evidences of the life and history of Goa. The Kala Academy houses two mini theatres, which conduct regular workshops, a music library, an art gallery and exhibition rooms. While in Panjim, also try and get a boat cruise through the River Mandovi and you just might be lucky to spot a dolphin or two. 
Open from: Kala Academy - 9.30 am-5.45 pm; Cruise – 6.00 pm-7.00 pm, 7.15 pm-8.15 pm, 8.30 pm-9.30 pm

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see1.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Goan Churches: The entire landscape of Goa is dotted with a number of churches, each with a story of its own. Among the most popular is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the relics of the Goan saint, Francis Xavier. This church is intricately carved in a baroque Renaissance-style. The relics of the Saint are housed in a protected casket and put up on public display once in 10 years. The Sé Cathedral, with its distinctive Tuscan exterior houses the famous Golden Bell in one of the towers and exquisite filigree work adorn the screens. Built in Indo-Portuguese style, the Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi sports bold floral designs, a gilded altar and inscribed tombstones. Within the church is an Archaeological Museum, which houses portraits of Goan viceroys and governors and other memorabilia of the Goan life and times. Close to the Francis Assisi Church is the Chapel of St Catherine, which is another Renaissance-style chapel with square towers. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is particularly interesting for its Indian motifs, like cashewnuts, mangoes and flowers that adorn its walls. Another architectural marvel is the Royal Chapel of St Anthony, which has a distinctive fort-like appearance and is extremely ornamented from within. Also visit the ruins of Church & Monastery of St Augustine, which only has the belfry of its once 150-ft tower remaining. Open from: Basilica of Bom Jesus – 6.00 am-6.30 pm 
Sé Cathedral – 7.30 am-6.00 pm 
Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi – 7.30 am-6.30 pm

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-temple.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Goan Temples: Among the better-known temples is the Mahalsa Temple in Mardol, which is dedicated to Mohini, the female form of Vishnu. Its highlight is the 21-tiered deepmal, placed atop the tortoise. Elaborate carvings adorn the temple walls and heavy woodwork defines the Shikhara. The Mangueshi Temple in Priol was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva; today it houses quite a few gods of the Hindu pantheon. Painted white and yellow the deepmal here is a stunning seven-storey. One of the most popular temples is the Shantadurga Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Done in white and red, a four-storey domed tower adorns the temple top. A 5-storeyed deepmal is located inside the complex and huge chandeliers are suspended from the ceiling. Also visit the Ramnath Temple in Kavlem, which houses a lingam within. Especially watch out for the silver screen in the sanctum, which has elaborate carvings of animals and floral motifs.

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-fort.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Goan Forts: Fort Aguada is one of the most important forts overlooking the Aguada Bay and Mandovi River. This fort once had almost 79 cannons and the arched entrance has a citadel and lighthouse. Also check out the prison cells, which are located at the lowest level of the church – these, however, are kept locked. The Reis Magos Fort was used as a prison and offered great views of the sea. Overlooking Panjim, the Cabo Fort was one of the most imposing structures. However, today only 3 large cisterns remain. The Mormugao Fort originally had 5 prisons, a chapel, rooms for the guards, 20 bulwarks and 3 magazines. However, today, all you would find the chapel and a part of the boundary wall. Also visit the Cabo Da Rama, which though in ruins, affords awesome views of the sea.

Vasco Da Gama: Vasco houses the Dabolim Airport and is one of the most active areas in Goa. The Pilot Point is the best area to catch unhindered views of the place. One of the few natural harbours in India is also located here, called the Mormugao Port. You can also hire the services of the ferries who engage in sightseeing activities. The Japanese Garden is located close to the Pilot Point and houses the ruins of the fort. The Garden has steps leading to the beach. En route you’d come across a temple dedicated to Durga and another dedicated to Lord Shiva. Don’t miss the Naval Aviation Museum, which has on display aircraft and weapons used by the Indian Navy. Especially interesting would be the Super Constellation and a Sea Hawk with folding wings. Also available are flight simulator video games. 
Open from: Naval Aviation Museum - 10.00 am-5.00 pm (Mondays closed)
 Entry fee - Rs 15

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-what-to-see-margao.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Margao: Margao is one of the best old-world areas in Goa, complete with bright green fields against the backdrop of hills. Interesting features of Margao include the Town Square, which has a Library housing books in Hindi, English, Konkani and Portuguese. The Church of the Holy Spirit was done in baroque-style architecture and features a dome and towers on either side. The Grace Church features the crucifix of the resurrected Christ draped in a shroud. Temples in Margao include the Damodar Temple, the Hari Mandir and a more recent Ram Mandir.

Mapusa: Mapusa is more synonymous with the Friday Market, which is definitely a not-to-be-missed scene! Brightly dressed women travel here from far and near with a whole range of interesting articles for sale. These include utterly cheap clothes, fresh organic fruits and veges, Goan red rice and the absolutely yummy Goan sausages. A much-revered temple here is the Bodhgeshwar Temple, whose main deity was believed to have miraculous wish-granting powers. The Swiss Chapel is a rather modest structure sporting a cream and blue altar and shrine, and is the site of a Holy Cross Feast towards the beginning of Lent.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
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	<description>
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	Goan cuisine seems to be an interesting combination of Portuguese fares and Indian masalas. This is also where you get an absolutely brilliant combination of crab curry, pork sorpotel, vindaloo and xacuti. Remember that Goans are avid pork eaters, so if you’re in doubt, stick to the fish curries! And of course, you cannot miss the absolutely heavenly bebinca, Goa’s most popular sweet made of flour, coconut milk, jaggery and eggs. Similar ingredients are also used to prepare the sweet pinagre and bol-de-coc.

Skip the usual butter chicken or vegetable au gratin and feast to your heart’s content on the lip-smacking cuisine of Goa, best prepared at the tiny shacks that line the length of Goa’s beaches. Since you alight at Panjim, head out to George Bar & Restaurant for sausage pao, mackerel recheado and fish curry, accompanied by chilled beer. Chicky Chocky is known for its sizzlers and pizzas and Goenchin offers the best Hakka Noodles you’d ever find! Try the prawn curry and pomfret recheado at Branco Restaurant and Bar or Barnabe Sapeco’s Hotel Sagar. Similar Goan and Portuguese cuisine can be had at Hotel Venité – their pork vindaloo, and chicken cafreal are particularly nice. For a quick snack, head to Ruchi for its range of pao bhaji, pani puri and bhelpuri. The Confeitaria at Fontainhas is one of the oldest bakeries here and beckons you to try the pinaca, doce and bebinca.

The beaches in Goa are of course lined with food stalls and shacks, which are definitely the best way to savour authentic Goan cuisine. For some of Goa’s famous pigling, duck and turkey dishes, drop into Anthony’s Indian Treasure in Arpora. True to its name, Shore Bar, in Anjuna Beach conjures up a range of fresh seafood combined with chilled beer. Try the coco-choco pancakes at Martha’s Breakfast Home and the momos at Tin Tin Tibet. Grab your share of fresh fried crabs, masala crabs and stuffed crabs at Crab Key Cuisine and try some organic stuff at the Organic Food and Massage Centre. The Bogmallo Beach has the popular Full Moon Kneipe that lets you choose from fresh lobsters and tiger prawns. D’mello’s at Coconut Creek Resort is another popular choice for Goan, Italian and continental cuisine. Baga is more known for its happening nightlife; hence it’s here that Café Mambo’s, Club Tito’s and The Cavala are located. Try some home-made breakfast goodies at Lila Café – they also serve German, Mediterranean and Swiss cuisines. An interesting experience can be had at Sai Krupa Mirabai’s Goan Village, which not only has great Goan food, but also holds Goan cooking classes twice a week!

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-food2.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Calangute is a particularly favourite beach and the hub of several activities. For health freaks, After Eight Restaurant serves food cooked only in olive oil. Try the pork vindaloo at Capricorn Bar & Restaurant, chicken cafreal and pork sorpotel at Gabriel’s Goan Food Restaurant and the baked muffins and croissants at Infantrian Pastelaria Restaurant. Candolim Beach houses the Oriental Royal Thai that would only be too glad to teach you Thai cooking! More Goan delights and seafood are available at Mico’s Restaurant & Bar, Anow Inn Restaurant and Calamari Beach Shack. Head out to Margao’s Longuinho’s Restaurant and Bar for Goan, Chinese and Tandoori fares.

For a bite of the authentic pomfret cafreal, try Cajueiro Restaurant and Bar at Porvorim and the squid masala at O’ Coqueiro Restaurant. As interesting as its name, Bean Me Up Soya Station and Salad Bar at Vagator offers soya-bean dishes, tofu ice-cream and organic juices. </td>
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	Your travel to Goa is obviously incomplete if you don’t carry back trinkets and souvenirs typical to this land! The lanes of Panjim are obviously filled with interesting shops and stalls selling handicrafts, exotic fruits, shaped bottles, sculptures and the eternal feni! Among the traditional handicrafts, crafts made of terracotta top the list. Pots, urns, pigs, frogs, bulls, frames and miniatures are some of the articles carved of terracotta. Cuncolim has artisans creating green and red wooden lacquer chitaris and Mapusa is known for its brass wares like brass bells and brass oil lamps. Get your hands on some of the handmade needlework table cloths, bedspreads and cushions made by artists from Chimbel. Artisans at Pernem and Valpoi create exquisite goodies made of bamboo – these include pen stands, lampshades and wall hangings. A must buy – coconut shells shaped into heads of gods, hair clips and bangles and jute handicrafts. Goan handicrafts are available in abundance at the Crafts Complex. In addition, Goa Handicraft and Rural Small Scale Industries Development Corporation has its branches at Margao, Calangute and Vasco.

Check out the several stores owned and managed by private owners, which house artifacts including Kashmiri wares, marble carvings and colourful scarves. Famous stores include Oriental Arts and Kashmiri Government and Arts Emporium. An especially popular place is Shalala at Calangute – its specialties include gold, silver and semi-precious stone jewelleries. Extensive use of seashells, jute and bamboo are made to create exquisite local crafts. These are available at Goa Handicrafts and the Art Cottage. Pick up village scenes spun onto jute mattresses available at Ancestral Goa. Typical to Portuguese influence, the Velha Goa Galleries is the best place to get your hands on the beautiful hand-painted glazed blue and white azulejos tiles. Use them as you want to – wall hangings, photo frames or coasters.

A feature peculiar to Goa is small shops housed in old Goan mansions, which have been restored and offer various household articles. Among the several mansions, Camelot is particularly interesting and has on sale mirrors, linen, leather and fabric footwear, religious prints, silver accessories, antiques and tile collections. Sangolda is another restored mansion in Arpora, which has curios and antique furniture arranged in such a way that you can walk through and examine them thoroughly before buying. Similarly Casa Goa in Calangute, Antiquarts in Porvorim, The Attic in Mapusa and Manthan in Benaulim offers Goan pottery, sculptures, handmade papers, oil paintings, charcoal and water-colour paintings, stained glassworks, Goan lamps and antique furniture. 
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You can’t come to Goa and not indulge in some beach-side shopping, especially since colourful stalls selling a range of goodies line every corner of the beaches. Especially popular among these is the stretch at Baga-Candolim-Calangute, which sell ‘I Love Goa’ t-shirts, sea-shell jewllery, silver and semi-precious trinkets, leather goods and sarongs. What’s even better are the restaurants, cafés, juice and snack bars that surround these stalls and are the best place to chill while watching the surreal sunset. Of course, among all these beachside shopping, you must visit the Anjuna Flea Market held every Wednesday and offering t-shirts, trinkets, funky jewellery, bedspreads, mirror-work garments and electronic goods. Similar to this, the Saturday Night Bazaar at Anjuna and Ingo’s Saturday Night Market at Arpora offer similar goodies accompanied by lively music and fortune-tellers! Along with these, the Friday Market at Mapusa offers a whole variety of eatables that are distinctly Goa. These include Goan sausages, dry fish, cashew nuts, feni, Goan masalas, xacuti and cafreal spices, flat and dry mangoes and Goan sweets. Panjim’s market is centered near the Immaculate Conception Church and is known for its bookstores that sell books and articles on Goan history and present era. Also, easily distinguished here is Kajuwala, which sells, of course, cashew nuts. Buy them in bulk from the Mapusa Friday Market. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle or two of the Goan Feni, which are available at any of the liquor stores here. Remember, however, that you need a permit to carry feni out of Goa, which is available at the shops itself. Among other food articles are the utterly sweet bebinca, home-made flavoured chocolates and lines of Goan sausages available in innumerable varieties.</td>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-festival.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />The town of Goa comes most alive during the annual Goan Carnival, which is marked by great revelry and celebrations. The Carnival is marked by feasting, drinking and merrymaking, celebrated before the 40 days Lent, marked by severe fasting, begins. Vibrant parades are organized to the accompaniment of music, and grand balls are held in the evenings. The carnival concludes with the famous Red-and-Black Dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panjim. Held at the same time is Shigmotsav, which is a 6-day festival, marked by a range of interesting dances. Particularly noteworthy is the Ghodemodni, when men don the garb of a horse waist-down and brandish their swords to the accompaniment of drums.
 The official start to the festivals in Goa is the customary Tulsi Lagna, when the Tulsi plant is married off to the sugarcane! Ganesh Chaturthi is undoubtedly among the most revered festivals in Goa. While it is celebrated across the town with idols of Ganesha installed in the street corners and houses, the Ram Mandir at Margao is the most important site of this festival. The clay idol of the Lord is installed for 10 days and a large number of devotees throng the temple offering garlands and modaks to their beloved lord. Similar crowds gather at this temple during Navratri and Ramnavami. Diwali is also celebrated with much fervour and huge dummies of Narkasura are burnt by the locals.

Of particular interest to all Goans is the Temple Zatras that last upto ten days and include elaborate processions of patron gods and goddesses. A Zatra typically includes carrying the deity in a flower-decked palki, placing the deity on a swing (makkar), performing the customary aarti, carrying the deity in an elaborate rath and the Sangodd, when idols carried across the Goan rivers are brought back to their temples. Especially worth watching is the Shantadurga Zatra, during which the goddess at Shantadurga Temple is carried around the temple complex in a bedecked palanquin amidst chanting of prayers.

Considering the predominant Christian population in Goa, all churches host their Annual Feasts, which are marked by people attending from far and wide. The annual feast of St Sebastian is held in January, when his icon is carried through the Goan villages and candles burn in every window. St Anthony of Padua’s feast day is celebrated in June to invoke miracles from this saint. An interesting event at the feast day of St John the Baptist in June, is the customary jumping of young men in the water filled wells! A particularly popular and much attended feast is that of St Francis Xavier. Millions throng to the Basilica in December, where the remains of the saint are kept. In fact, these remains are put up on display to the public once every 10 years. St Anne’s Feast Day is celebrated in July by expectant mothers. St Dominic Savio’s Feast day is celebrated in May, when he is worshipped by choirboys and pregnant women.
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Advent is celebrated four Sundays before Christmas, as a signal for preparations of Christmas sweets. Special prayers are held in the churches and Advent Rings with candles are hung. Christmas is definitely the most awaited for celebration, not just by locals but by people all over the world.

Among Muslim festivities, the most prominent ones are the period of Ramadan, when Iftar parties are held signaling the end of the month-long fasting, the Bakri Eid when prayer meets are organized by the Igdah Maidans in Mapusa and Margao and the Eid e Milad, which celebrates the Prophet’s birthday.

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 <td align="justify" class="body-text">Goa has a wide range of hotels available and quite a few are on the beaches, right at the heart of all activities. Located right at the heart of Panjim near Old Goa, is the popular <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Vista" rel="nofollow">Vista Do Rio Resort</a>. Situated close to the Candolim Beach <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Lemon Tree" rel="nofollow">Lemon Tree Hotel Amarante Beach Resort</a> features 65 rooms that blend the best of luxuries and comforts. Spectacular views of the lagoon can be had at <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Lazy" rel="nofollow">Lazy Lagoon Sarovar Portico Suites</a>, which is located extremely close to Baga, Calangute and Anjuna Beaches. For a serene accommodation accompanied by Ayurvedic treatments, the <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Angels" rel="nofollow">Angels Resort</a> is a popular choice. A budget style hotel located at the Baga Beach area is the <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=So My" rel="nofollow">So My Resorts</a>. <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Leela" rel="nofollow">The Leela Hotel</a> is one of the finest five-star hotels in South Goa, with a private beach of its own. Located close to the Calangute Beach is <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Nizmar" rel="nofollow">Nizmar Resort</a>, a four-star hotel with a range of amenities. Located in the Arpora Beach area is <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Riviera" rel="nofollow">Riviera De Goa</a>. Another hotel located in the Calangute Beach area is <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Estrela" rel="nofollow">Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort</a>, whose roof-top restaurant offers delectable Goan cuisine. <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Calypso" rel="nofollow">La' Calypso</a> and <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Lobo" rel="nofollow">Capt Lobo Beach Hideaway</a> are close to the Baga Fishing Village and offer villa and cottage style accommodations. Located in the Salcette Beach area of South Goa, <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Goa Beach" rel="nofollow">Goa Beach House</a> and <a href="http://www.travelguru.com/core/PHP/hotelSearch.php?strCity=Goa&strHotelName=Lotus" rel="nofollow">Lotus Suites</a> are well-priced hotels offering cottage and apartment style rooms.</td>
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 <td width="75%" valign="top" class="body-text"> Dabolim Airport is located 30 kms from Panjim. Pre paid taxis and autos are available to get to several locations.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text"> Thivim, Margaon and Karmali stations are well-known and served by regular trains plying from Mumbai. Hire a taxi to reach your hotel.
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text"> Luxury coaches and buses depart from Mumbai and reach Panjim next morning.</td>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/goa-trivia.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="goa" align="right" />Among all beaches, Dona Paula is considered to be one of the most romantic, possibly because of a mysterious legend that explains its name. It is said that Dona was the daughter of a Portuguese Governor in Goa, and she fell in love with a fisherman boy from a poor Goan family, Gasper Dias. As their love could not be realised, they jumped together off the rocky hillock. It is said that her body was washed aside at what was named Dona Paula and his was found at Miramar, thus rendering the area its name. Furthermore it is also believed that she emerges from the sea on moonlit nights wearing only a pearl necklace. </td>
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