DRINKING, Goa

I don't understand where the 'hard rocking' element of the name comes from. This is a tiny bar that has a few tables out on the pavement. There is no live music nor anything like that nor indeed any capability to do anything except food / drink and sit down. There is another very small bar called Bonnie Inn right next door that has exactly the same set up and also the tables and chairs are exactly the same as Maples so there must be some sort of relationship between the 2 places.

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Banana Moon in Calangute is the place to be. The owner Abo is English and very helpfull. There is live music nearly every night. And the food is cheap and very tasty. But go early as the place gets packed.

Dress Code: No special dress code required

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Whenever visiting a new country or city, don't forget to wander around on foot... you tend to discover many hidden treasures! Of course, as mentioned on my introduction page, I planned our trip to Goa almost solely by VT-tips and members' suggestions, but sometimes it is great to go exploring by yourself. Nirvana was one of these hidden treasures.

We passed this establishment on our way from the beach to the main road in Calangute, and (like any fun-loving & efficiently-travelling female) noticed the sign for Happy Hours & speciality cocktails straight away. Knowing that in case all goes well (or horribly wrong!) we would be able to "crawl" the 50 metres back to our hotel, we decided to try it ;-)

Every day, between 06:00pm - 08:00pm they offer "buy one get one free" on their extensive cocktail menu. The prices range from 160 - 250 Rupees per cocktail, and they are truly dangerously delicious! All the seating & tables at Nirvana are outside, with either tables & chairs for dining, or comfortable sofas for stretching out and sipping fruity delights. Under the roofed area which also houses the kitchen and washrooms, you'll also find 2 pool tables to keep you occupied.

Mosquito coils & incense are provided to shield you from those munching beasts, and the waiters speak good English and are knowledgeable about their food & drinks selection.

Dress Code: Walk-off the beach & come as you are!

I am not a huge "drinker" (even though my pages may give this impression) but the forced partial deprivation of living in a Muslim Arab country does indeed breed an increased desire whenever possible. So before you start thinking that I'm a raving alcoholic, let me talk about the food:
they serve local (from their own tandoori oven) as well as international dishes. We tried lots of different things (in an attempt to assist our stomachs to retain all the lovely cocktails!) but our favourite choices are definitely their selection of pizzas, and their sweet pancakes! They also offer full English, American or Continental breakfast which is always welcome after an "excessive night"... LOL!

The food is also reasonably priced and was always fresh and nicely prepared.

Cleopatra's is a great little place in Palolem for a late night drinking session. its got a good pool table and the boss is a really sound bloke. we had many memorable drunken nights there was probably loads that i cant remember as well!

Dress Code: anything goes

Fantastic Cafe(bar) - Maples - Hard Rockin Cafe - Great for people watching on the Calangute Rd. Great Place to meet fellow travellers and people watch.

The staff are fantastic and very friendly.

Theres also a place right next door which is of similar style....but I became a "regular" at Maples instead.

At night its great to pick out a Shack where you can sit outside with a cold bottle of Kingfisher and watch the stars...best to get a shack away from the crowrds...just walk ten minutes away in any direction for peace and tranquility! Most shacks do bbq's and have fireworks on certain days of the week...great fun!

This little bar in Calangute is virtually next to the Hotel Dona Terizinha. You go up stairs to the side...and its a great place to while away some time, with cold beers...to people watch on the passing crowds below!

this place is a pub which is a part of the hotel i stayed in. its called cavala beach resort, baga.

there r a good local crowd with nice sence of music. a must visit to all.

the greatest thing about this place is that the owner himself mingles with the crowd to make u feel at ease

Dress Code: anything