Goa-Dream Destination Tour
Goa
the most famous sea side resorts in India. Goa
has always been an attraction for the tourists,
who want to be close to the sea, sand and enjoy
sun. In the 60's Goa was among the most
frequented places in India. The hippies thronged
the place. With them came a culture of careless,
unbounded life style.
Today all this has
changed. Instead of the hippies, one spots
serious tourists who come to enjoy the beaches
and colourful culture of Goa. Today the beach
parties might be small but they are more lively
and have much more fun to offer than the
'stoned' parties during the hippy trails of the
past.
History
The history of Goa dates back to the 3rd century when it was part
of the Mauryan empire. Then it came under the
rule of the Satavahanas of Kolhapur. It changed
hands with the Chalukyas of Badami. Goa was also
ruled by the Shilharas and Kadambas. In 1312 Goa
for the first time fell into the hands of the
Muslim rulers when Harihara of the Vijayanagar
Empire evacuated the coastal area. Goa for the
Vijayanagar was an important port to carry out
trade with the west via the Arabian Sea.
In 1469
Bahami Sultans of Gulbarga captured Goa. Then
came Adil Shahis' of Bijapur from whom the
Portuguese took over in 1510. Goa is blessed
with natural harbor's and ports which were ideal
for the seafaring Portuguese. They needed this
place to control the spice trade to Europe and
the Middle East. Initially the occupation was
limited to a small area around the present day
Goa.
But Slowly the Turks were driven out of the
area and Portuguese captured a large area and
hence gained a good hold over the spice trade
from the East. Goa become the Viceregal seat of
administration for the Eastern colony of the
Portuguese. The Marathas nearly occupied Goa
from the Portuguese in the 18th century. During
the Napoleonic wars Britishers had a brief
occupation of Goa otherwise the Portuguese were
masters of Goa till 1961 when they were finally
driven out. Goa has Hindu population in majority
but the life style and culture of the place has
so developed that skirt dominates the saree.
And who can forget Feni, the locally brewed
liquor which is popular as much among the
tourist as it is among the locals. In 1542 came
St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit Missionary. Once
Christianity came to the place many churches
were built and till date they are famous for
their designs and architecture. But the main
attraction of Goa is its soft golden beaches.
These beaches still awash with budget travelers
of all ages and degrees of affluence. Not only
foreigners Goa is also attracting an ever
increasing number of Indians from out side Goa.
Food
Feni - the National Drink, Seafood, chicken
Xacuti, Pork Vindaloo, Fish and Prawn Caldine,
Richado and a number of others are the
ingredients that make Goa a gourment's paradise.
The beaches and adjoining villages are full with
tiny hotels and restaurants, run by the locals.
Following list provides some options.
Alfama :
Located at Cidade de Goa Beach Resort. Serves
Indian, Portuguese and French Cuisine. Rs 300 to
RS 350 is what may cost a full meal per person.
Banyan Tree :
Located at Boga, Serves Goan and Portughese
dishes. A full meal per person will cost around
RS 300
Chit Chat :
Location - Tourist Hotel, overlooking Mandovi
river, famous for its breakfast.
Dekhani :
Location - Cidade de Goa Beach Resort,
Vainguinim Beach, famous for its Goan food.
Average cost for a full meal is RS 300 (approx).
Delhi Darbar :
Location - M G Road, famous for its tandoori items.
Goenchin :
Location - Near Dr Dada Vaidya Road, serves
Chinese cuisine only, cost ranges from RS 100 to
RS 200 for a dish.
Miramar :
Location - Cidade de Goa Beach Resort. A buffet
restaurant multicuisine, about RS 350 for a
meal.
New Cafe Hema :
Location - General Beruado Guedes Road, near
Municipal Market. A cheap but very good option.
A fish, curry with rice thali comes for about RS
20 only. Veg snacks also available.
Planter's Restaurant :
Location - Candolim Road, Junction (Tinto), Calangute . Famed for
its snooker tables, pub and "steaks".
Riorico :
Location - Hotel Mandovi, a multicuisine
restaurant and perhaps the best option for Goan
cuisine. Prices varies from RS 175 (for Prawn
vindaloo) to RS 675 (for Lobster Balchao)
Sher-I-Punjab :
Location - Hotel Arama and one at 18th June
Road. For tandoori items.
Hotel Venite :
Location - 31st January Road, Sao Tome, closed on Sundays. For Goan
dishes and seafood. Chourisso (Chicken cafrial)
and tiger prawns are its specialties.
Visava :
Location - on the east bank of Ourem river.
Known for reasonably priced Goan dishes along
with Chinese and vegetarian items.
Do visit "
Pastry Cottage" near the hotel
Nova Goa.
Museums and Art Galleries
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Archaeological Museum and Portrait
Gallery : Located in Old Goa, museum on history of Goa, Visiting hours
10 am to 5 PM, Friday closed
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Archieves Museum of Goa :
Located at Patto, Panaji, Visiting hours 1
pm and 1400 to 1730 hrs, Saturday closed
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Museum of Christian Art, Rachol :
Located in Old Goa, Visiting hours 930 to 5
PM, Monday closed
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Renaissance Art Gallery :
Located at Panaji, Visiting hours 930 - 5 PM
Shopping
You can buy gifts, sourenir and handicrafts from
all over the country in Goa. Be it Tibetan
Jewellery, gems, fur coats, ready to use
powdered masalas, home made taddy vinegar
(Kokum) or port wine, you can get them
throughout the length and breadth of the state.
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Comelot :
near Ribandar, for stylish interiors
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Luisa :
in cavellosim, South Goa
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Wendell Rodricks :
a famous boutique
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Mapuca Friday Market :
for touristy knick knacks, kokum, taddy
vinegar, black jaggery, dried fish, prawns.
Goan chilies (must buy), coarse sea salt etc
etc.
River Cruises
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Sunset Cruise :
one hour - Fare RS 80 (approx)
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Sundown Cruise :
one hour - Fare RS 90 (approx)
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Exciting Evening Cruise :
one hour cruise including fold dances and
live music - Fare RS 100 (approx)
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Delightful Dolphon Cruise :
Half day cruise - Fare RS 1000-1300 (approx)
Breathtaking Backwater Crocodile Cruise :
Full day cruise - RS 1000 (approx)
Hotels in North Goa
Taj Ford Aguada,Taj Holiday Village,Cidade De Goa,Sun
Village,Bambolim Beach Resort,Colonia Santa
Maria,Alor Holiday Resort,Victor Exotica
Resort,The Majestic
Hotels in South Goa
Taj Exotica,Park Hyatt Resort,Leela Palace,Majorda Beach
Resort,Holiday Inn,Radisson white sands,Varca
beach Resort,Nanu Resort
SUN VILLAGE RESORT
03 Nights & 04
Da
ys
Rs.7500/- for Indian Nationals
Usd 175/- for Foreign Nationals
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Package Includes |
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Transfer Airport / Railway Station - by
Coach |
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Non-Alcoholic Drink on Arrival |
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Well-Appointed A/C Suite Room |
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Buffet Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Afternoon Tea / Coffee & Snacks
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Tea / Coffe Maker in Each Room
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Unlimited House Brands -11 AM to 11 PM
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Two, Half-Day, Sighseeing by Coach
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Boat Cruise On River Mandovi
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Complimentary Use of Swimming Pool |
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Regular Entertainment |
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Child Below 5 Yrs Is Complimentary. |
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Notes: |
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# Inclusive of all currently applicable taxes. # Extra Child
Above 5Yrs Charge Rs.4050/- OR
USD 95 # Extra Adult Charge Rs.6750
OR
USD 155 |
Goa Dream Destination - Reservation Form
