Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Shopping in Goa

Shopping, the one thing you’ve been missing in Goa

Goa, the small bustling town in India, is best known for sand, beaches, sunshine, seafood, surfing and
last but not the least shopping.


From flea markets to night bazaars, exotic malls to fashion accessories, Goa is the dream destination to
spoil you with the best items. Goa, is thronged with tourists from all over the world for ample reasons,
from gothic accessories to junk jewelry, shell work to terracotta, bamboo to brassware, souvenirs to
hippie clothing, you can delight your heart with the finest of things. The shopaholic in you will take you
to places like:
Flea Markets
1) Anjuna Flea Market


This famous shopping place held every Wednesday is a paradise for shopaholics. With over
hundreds of stalls, they sell handicrafts, hammocks, western jewelry, tattoos carving,
beachwear, souvenirs, bed covers, trinkets, wall hangings, musical instruments, wooden crafts,
footwear, t-shirts, carvings, junk jewelry and more. The best place to bargain for anything funky
to be added to your collections.
2) Mapusa Market

This market operates on all days but lights up on Friday’s with items ranging from Goan
antiques, Goan pottery, fresh sea food, dried fish, home-made pickles, spices, vegetables, fruits,
sausages, jewelry and more at best rates. If you are an expert at bargaining, you can give a run
for your money.
You can also visit the Panjim Market and Calangute Market Square to get a taste of a real shopping in
Goa. With a perfect combination of shopping malls and road-side stalls, you might feel left behind in
fashion. After a happy shopping, sea food and beer is available to chill you and make you happier.
Night Bazaars
1) Mackie’s Night Bazaar

Baga Beach, dazzles every Saturday, until midnight with stalls selling beachwear and others
along with authentic Goan, Tibetan, Chinese and Indian fast food with exciting music, keeping
you excited and happy. The popular Saturday night market, sells everything you can think of and
is famous for its beach side saloons specialized in trendy haircuts, palmists and parrot card
readers. The terrace shacks and cafes serve you everything from pork vindaloo to coffee,
grabbing your attention and inspiring your taste buds.
2) Arpora Market

Picture Credit: whatsupgoa.com
This market brings a boom to the atmosphere on a Saturday evening. The Indian stalls sell
everything from tea, spices, international designers, silver jewelry and Kashmiri carpets. This
market has something for very individual.

The other night bazaar that is equally interesting is Ingo’s Saturday night bazaar, selling spices,
embroidered textiles, carpets, hammocks and others. You are sure to find something to take back home.
Luxury Market

1) Le Souk

Goa’s first luxury market is open on all days which mirror the Moroccan bazaars. It sells clothes
designed by the famous Indian and International designers.

2) Jonas G

Well men are not forgotten in Goa. They have an exclusive place Jonas G that specializes in
smart branded clothing for handsome men.

3) Nana-Ki

All the goods sold here are made of traditional embroideries and natural fibers, keeping the
tradition and nature in mind.

4) Shades of India

Shades of India display traditional handicrafts to showcase the long forgotten talents of India,
unleashing a new brand. Indian textiles are given a touch of contemporary art, resulting in a
brilliant outcome.
There is more in store at Goa, that impress you equally as the beaches do.

Thursday, 12 July 2018

Best Villas in Goa


Goa, the liberated state with luxury villas was once a strong Portugal colony. It has a shoreline stretching close to 100 km, and takes pride in being the most visited beach destination in India. This celebrated tourist destination which is home to countless beaches with golden sand, has a rich history and attracts tourists of all categories from travellers, business people, honey moon couples and others.
                         
Goa, now holds a new feather to its cap, it has become the top monsoon destination. June to September, Goa is washed with rain bringing new life to the greens, filling the state with traditional flavor. With the unpredictable monsoon, it can rain heavily on days, or prefer to stay dry. But, the frequency of rain will never interrupt you, exploring the Goan culture, forts, lifestyle, food and more.

Expect Goa to be deserted with plenty of places closed during monsoon. Instead you can make the most out of village life, delicious food, unbelievable hotel discounts and lush green surroundings.

Where to stay
 The luxury villas in Goa offer a wide range of villas in lovely locations close to all the happening places. The entire private villa comes with a living room, dining and kitchen and bedrooms. All the rooms are completely furnished with state of the art furniture’s, television screens, WIFI, and all other amenities. You can take a dip in the private pool and enjoy breathtaking view from the garden. Host a barbeque party outdoors while you are enjoying the lovely sunset.
                                  
                                             



Top things to explore in Goa during monsoon

  • Wild life sanctuaries in Goa––Yes, you heard it right. The famous ones are Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park. Bondla sanctuary comes with a deer safari park and mini zoo.
  • Dudhsagar Falls is at its best as the water pours down from a great height. This place can be crowded as it is the favorite spot of the Indian tourists at this time of the year. If you like to avoid tourists but still care for a visit to a waterfall, the Tambdi Sula waterfall near Bhagwan Mahavir National Park would be the best one. Here you can also get to visit the oldest temple in Goa, the Mahadev temple. Mangeli waterfalls exhibit its full glory at this time of the year.
                         
                                    
  • The Sahakari Spice Farm and the Savoi Plantation is a must visit in Goa during monsoon.  
  • A boat cruise in the gushing Mandovi river from Panjim is the most exciting activity in monsoon.
                         
                                     
  • The Fontainhas Latin Quarter is a main attraction in Goa with rich history. The entire place reminds of the Old Portuguese homes with restaurants, bakeries, quaint shops, art galleries and narrow winding lanes and streets.
                          
                                      
  • Less crowded, clean beaches all for yourself
  • Rent a scooter and drive through the rainy streets of Goa along with the gentle breeze blowing across the face.
  • Celebrate yourself at the Bonderam festival, Cucumber Feast, Chikhal Kalo and Feast of Sao Joao.
                  
                                 
  • Chapora fort, Aguada, and Betul is in its full bliss at this time of the year. 
  • Whitewater rafting is a perfect adventure sport in July.

Nightlife in Goa during Monsoon
Goa’s nightlife during monsoon is rather slow but Tito’s Mambo’s and Cape Town Cafe at Baga Beach rock 365 days a year. Calangute Park Hotel has its regular DJ’s in its bar.  Cohiba Bar and Kitchen that hosts live music, LPK Waterfront and the Sinq Beach Club in Candolim come with DJ’s. Ever Friday is fun day at Cavala, were bands perform to please the monsoon visitors.
                                   

Where to Dine
You can eat your hearts fills at Lloyd’s which serves delicious Goan food open all night. Seafood lovers should never miss out on Britto’s in Baga beach. You can also taste food at the Gunpowder in Assagao, Mustard and Morgan’s Place in Sangolda rightly serving you south Indian cuisine, Italian and Bengali-French cuisines.