OTHERS, Goa

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if you are looking for something calm and quiet away from the tourists all by yourself then this is the place you need to visit. remember its away from the far away so pack all necessary commodities that you may require. Indian food and alcohol are avilable. This place has a dining room cum bar at the ground level. on the first floor there are 3 rooms with attached bath and clean. The place is known by the name of the diner itself "Rolwyn's Rose Bar n Rest" and you will meet a hospitable middle aged woman with 2 of her kids living in a seperate house adjecent. across the house is a huge river that connects the sea and a sitting area while you watch the sun set and sip beer. fishing is also a good way to pass time and laze around as long as you like. nothing much to do here but be to yuorself and may be write a book or paint. From Palolem you will need to head towards Talpona or Galgibaga (turtle nesting site) Beach. This place is just 5 minutes before reaching Talpona Beach. Land mark would be just below the konkan railway bridge.

For those who are keen on diving, snorkeling and even free diving there is a great spot now. It's 5 hrs by train to further south of Goa, place called Trasi in coastal Karnataka. Very pristine beach with basic but qualilty accommodation and assistance available now. The beach is also known for the Seas turtles hatch during Oct-March.
The resort was developed about 15yrs ago but now it is becoming a bit popular. The owner is not too money minded but keen on preserving the natural beauty and exclusiveness. While you are in Goa, it's an ideal place for a short break.
For non divers, there is an island about 45mins boat ride away, a nice picnic spot.
The region is known for treks and nature walks also.

Go on a organised trip, transport to and from the falls, and meals.
The falls can only be approach by Private jeep, from Colem.
We hired three jeeps for our party of about sixteen the jeeps take about forty minutes,
longer if the jeeps keep braking down on the rough tracks as we had to go though the park,
Had to pay for cameras ( the Dick Turpin's of India ) .
But what a spectacular sight.
The pool at the bottom of the falls were cold and good to swim in if a strong swimmer, not
for novice swimmers (no lifeguards).
To look up the falls from the bottom to see trains crossing above you with ore was unreal.
As this is a tourist spot I believed some money should be spent cleaning it up plastic every
where, old rusty vehicle at the bottom.
A good day can be had.
Know in yourself if you are fit enough to do it, I did see people who should not have been there, please be careful.
To get a trip look for ads on roadsides going to the beaches.

It is a peaceful place, Plenty of bird life,
Cost us 600 rupees for Auto-rickshaw for six Hours from calangute,
Just a few restaurants south side best, Can not remember name of restaurant had a really good curry for 30 rupees.
Only draw back a lot of dust traveling to get there on the roads.

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This is a great place to spend a day with many activities.
Fishing, trekking, nature walks... do what you want to do.
This area is quite remote from Goa. About an hour drive towards Bicholim and then towards Sattara through the hills. Beautiful scenery around. You could spot some wildlife if you are keen. Usually monkeys are seen all around.

You have to carry packed lunch. Drinks could be bought from local bars.. Ask for Ganpath, who owns a local bar. Very nice, friendly guy who will help you with anything you may want. A useful local contact..

For something different...hire a taxi...and drive inland away from Goa's coast...and find a small town or village...find yourself somewhere to have a coffee or beer...and take lots of pens/sweets/curio's of any type...and you'll be amazed at the kind of day you'll have. The locals will chat to you...the kids will mob you...it'll be fun...so try it!

NB: Dont go to coastal villages...but head east past Mapusa....

At one time there were no main bridges in Goa and you used to have to catch a local ferry. As Goa is rapidly improving its infrastructure more bridges are built...and the ferries are rapidly dissapearing. Why not get a taxi to drop you off on the Panjim to Ponda road...and catch a ferry across...its a fun experience...and you can get your taxi driver to pick you up on the other side! Or get the local bus from Calangute to Panjim but get off at Betim. The ferry is free if you are on foot and drops you off in central Panjim.

As Goa becomes ever more popular there is a tendency for it to become more and more like the Spanish costas. However, if you want to experience what life in the old days used to be like, I recommend an "educational" day trip with Jerry De Costa to the rural area of North Goa. He takes you to old forts, farms and a traditional bakery plus many other rustic sites. He feeds you with traditional Goan food, plus a taste of the local feni. There is also time for a swim at one of the beautiful north beaches. Jerry only does private tours, for groups of 4-8 (max). I have been on Jerry's tour several times over the years and always find it marvellous, his commentary and knowledge are first class. Jerry works nights at the Green Jacket restaurant in Candolim where can be contacted.