Goa : Bollywood's beach-eyed baby

For Bollywood, Goa has been a favourite destination to camp for shooting since the sixties when Bollywood producers and directors seem to have woken up to a landslide beauty next door to Mumbai. The trend therefore began in the sixties with the legendary Manoj Kumar  shooting "Ghum Naam"  and since then there has been little looking back for the bollywood film industry which has found Goa to be the ideal foil to most of their plots

Goans will not forget the presence of their Goan beaches in the unforgettable romantic tragedy titled " Ek Duuje Ke Liye" which starred Kamal Hassan and Rati Agnihotri in the lead pair, with the beach of Dona Paula as their favourite haunt and the stories of that beach being woven around the storyline of that movie. Of course, in recent times there have been blockbusters such as "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Josh" to name a few.

Over the times, it has not only been Bollywood, but also the south Indian film industry which has caught the fascination for Goa and other vernacular film industries have taken good notice of the Goan touch and beauty to ensure that their shooting schedule has Goa as their favourite stopover. Besides, Hollywood has also shown keen interest in the state of Goa for shooting their movies. Therefore Goa now sees itself as a hotspot fro all film shootings, serials, documentaries , video clips for advertisements, calendar shoots, portfolio shoots, Photography clinics etc.

Earlier, Goa had no special body to grant licences for film shoots. However after Goa began hosting the "international film festival of India" since 2004, the ESG or the Entertainment Society of Goa took birth and it is now the body to grant the permission for any shooting to be done in Goa.

How to undertake film shooting in Goa

To carry out film shooting in Goa, Line producers who are the initiators of the shoot should contact the ESG and give details of their schedule with dates and the locations of the film shooting in Goa. Thereafter, depending in the type of location chosen, the ESG contacts the departments concerned surrounding that particular location. For instance, if the location is a beach, the tourism department is contacted. The concerned department gets back to the ESG and upon the compilation of all the necessary permissions and grants, the ESG prepares one main slip which okays the shooting. The entire procedure takes a period of about 10 days.

The ESG also states its clauses and conditions of the shooting in Goa and these are mentioned in the permission slip given to the line producers. The major conditions being that there should be no hindrance to the flow of traffic or human activity at the places of shooting, no shooting to be undertaken inside an archaeological structure, no nudity and no garbage to be left behind. Generally most beaches in the Vasco-da-Gama area of Goa are banned due to the naval presence in the area. The ESG is expected to enforce these conditions strictly and any contraventions by the shooting team are to be penalised.

Film shootings in Goa are therefore more organised now than before and the government of Goa works together with the ESG in a co-ordinated pattern ensuring that the filmmakers find the experience of obtaining permissions and shooting in Goa to be a very pleasant one. Goa naturally has an interest in film shootings as it only helps to showcase Goa to the rest of the world as a tourist destination thereby increasing its market potential and as a result adding to the revenues of the state.

Goa's bird sanctuary at Chorao may get CWH grade

The Salim Ali's bird sanctuary at Chorao and the surrounding mangroves in the area are expected to get a protective cover if conferred with the status of a "Critical Wildlife Habitat"(CWH) area. However the bestowment of that status could finally rest with the villagers of Chorao and may need their approval before such a status is granted.

The CWH status is granted to those areas which are required for wildlife conservation  purposes. The state level expert committee has therefore called for a public hearing on September 15 2009, to elicit views of the Chorao villagers on the CWH proposal.

The Goa forest department is keeping its fingers crossed for the outcome of the above meeting and opine that since the area is already a notified sanctuary and no persons living in that area, the area being under the forest department of Goa, such a status bodes good for the bird sanctuary.

The villagers of Chorao may however have theirs own reservations about the particular status and may therefore seek to know in clear terms the terms and rules governing a "critical wildlife habitat". The forest department officials however feel that the meeting will be a smooth affair with no need for any anxiety to the villagers.

The Salim Ali bird sanctuary is spanned across an area of 1.8 sq km and is abounded with mangroves which provide a safe haven and a breeding space to many species of fish, insects and other wildlife.

GTDC to float Goa's own cruise ship

The Goa Tourism Development corporation will soon float a tender for a cruise ship with the latest state of the art facilities and a 250 person seating capacity to float in Goa's rivers which is expected to benefit tourism in Goa in a big way. The tender will be open to shipyards in Goa who will also be eligible to bid for the same. The Cruise ship is expected to be incorporated with emerging features such as GSM, satellite services, latest sound systems, total air-conditioning, LCD televisions, Wi-fi systems and a full fledged restaurant with smaller food courts.

The cruise which will be around 50 metres long and 11 metres wide, will have a capacity to seat 250 people and will be running on a powerful engine and high speeds. In its ambitious plans the department of tourism wants to offer tourists bound for Goa, a thrilling opportunity of experiencing the entire stretch of the Mandovi river region in Goa within one journey through the cruise ship.The cruise will not be limited to shallow waters and will be able to venture out into the deep sea.

The ship is also expected to be leased out to the Corporates for private gatherings, conferences and late night parties, deep in the sea with music at full-blast with no disturbances to the local people of Goa.

Now "Goencars" on hospitality list of Goa tourism

The "Goencar" or as some write the Indian way as  "Goenkar", or for some people who like to refer to the people of Goa as "Goanese", there seems to be a lot of attention pouring towards this typical Goan in the times of off-season for the tourism industry in Goa where the tourists have steadily dissappeared and currently the eye seems to have shifted to focus on local "Goencars" to come and indulge in some fun and playtime with a few perks here and there to urge them out from the comforts of their Goan homes into the fattened ambience of starred hotels in Goa.

So it is common these days to receive emails and sms over mobile tempting the Goan with a "much necessary" weekend recharge, a sumptuous buffet or a brunch( they call it breakfast and lunch put together), a swimming pool dip, some dancing and partying added with some games for the kids if you have them and a well-dressed-down tariff to suit the imaginations and make your decision ooze out a little faster.

In a way it has been a kind of stretching out to the local Goan community by the hotel fraternity in Goa who seem to be trying to cover their costs in the off-season with some bait for the locals to bite. It is also a good public relation(read PR) exercise for the hotel industry in Goa  as a means of reaching out to Goans by offering discounted packages as above and thereby instilling a sense of goodwill in the Goencars.

The cost per person at the above detailed 'weekend rechargers" is anything between 1,300 - 1800 per person inclusive of food and sometimes unlimited drinks. A weekend recharge normally also includes a room, high tea, dinner, breakfast, Goan lunch and drinks which may be unlimited in certain hotels in Goa.

The perception that the hotel industry is toying with is the fact that Goans hardly need to venture out of Goa since Goa itself is a beautiful place which many Goans have not enjoyed to the hilt. Also monsoons are considered as the best time to venture outside with family and friends besides being a cheaper option in the off-season. A getaway such as this often leads to a recharge of the mind and body and tends to keep you freshly charged for your next routine at the end of the weekend.

The short gasp of the holiday can also be a big boost for the children in Goa who have been typeset with holidays squeezed in only during the vacation period and then have to pour on their books in Goa before the next vacation troops in. Such a short weekend burst tends to soothe children as a pleasant surprise and gives them a short and much needed break from their studies and helps to keep them in a healthy state of mind to recharge their energies.

There are some hotels in Goa which come up with unique catchy captions to promote their weekend bouquets and added with a low cost, such offers become hard to resist. A hotel in north Goa offers a thrill in oriental cuisine at a bargain price of Rs 375/- per person and one has a choice to pick from a  variety in oriental food. The swimming pool is thrown in this package as an incentive and the response is reportedly astounding with families, friends and even the corporate clients pitching in to enjoy the short lived joy.

Another factor that urges people to go in for these short bursts of a holiday is the ease on the pocket which is an affordable deal in the off season. Also the kind of professional service, great food and lovely ambience along with some royal treatment makes these recharge packages very popular in Goa.

It is therefore evident that Goans are now changing in their attitude towards a holiday in Goa itself and many are opening their arms to some good offers from the hotel industry. Besides, Goans also realise that despite being in Goa since birth, most Goans have only ventured to the Goan beaches while most of Goa has not been seen or experienced. The hinterland of Goa is therefore a great attraction for Goans to explore and the tourism for Goans should therefore be directed in that area so that Goans know their Goa better  and enjoy it at the same time.

By Goacom

Enjoy Goa in the monsoons-Goa tourism campaigns

The bountiful rainfall in the month of July has certainly egged the business acumen of the tourism industry in the state of Goa and the state government now wants to reap the benefits of such an abundant outpouring from the skies by launching a massive campaign all over the country especially in the dry north India to woo tourists to the state of Goa to enjoy the green, clean and friendly Goa during the monsoons.

The state of Goa has been fortunate to receive a bountiful rainfall as is normal in Goa  in the monsoon. The rains have however not ventured into some areas of the country and the north and west of India is still experiencing scorching heat. Goa is estimated to have received over 1,553 mm rainfall till date with over 51.4 mm received only during the last 24 hours itself.

The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG)has approached the state government to step up its drive to promote the state in the Indian tourism market. TTAG has proposed two suggestions which include the revival of the "Goa 365 days"  tourism campaign which was pointed out as a catchy phrase and was recollected as being a successful campaign. The other suggestion is to aggressively promote Goa through advertisements in various travel magazines and news publications in markets which are Goa friendly according to the TTAG President Mr Ralph de Sousa.

On its part the tourism department has suggested campaigns on radio stations such as FM stations across the country in the form of jingles and advertisements which is expected to do the trick. Presently the GTDC has an average of 60% occupancy at its residences on the Goan coastline in Calangute, Miramar, Panjim and Colva. It is believed that it is much cooler in Goa in the rains and as a result  a lot of tourists from northern India make Goa their most favourite destination at this time of the year.

The Goa tourism Development Corporation is also expected to take part in the travel and trade fair at Kolkata which commences from July 11, the international travel mart at Bangalore from July 18 and another trade fair at Ahmedabad in Gujarat from July 31. These moves are being strategically planned at a time when the hotels in Goa have reduced their room tariffs but have however met limited success in attracting larger number of tourists to Goa.

Meanwhile the state of Goa has been sanctioned over Rs 43 crore by the central government for integrated development of infrastructure for heritage and river cruise development on the two Goan rivers of Mandovi and Zuari. Under the plan, the infrastructure expected due to the project is a new stat of the art "finger jetty" model for Santa Monica jetty in Panaji which berths cruise boats operating in the Mandovi river. Besides in the vicinity, a multi storeyed parking facility, reception area, cafeteria and boat cruise offices will be coming up.

Goan land Protection - Shantaram introduces bill

A private members bill was introduced in the Rajhya sabha on Friday July 3 2009, seeking to add article 371 to the Constitution of India, in a bid to authorise the Goa Legislature to enact a legislation to monitor and regulate the transfer of land in the state of Goa in public interest and in the interest based on grounds of duration of residence in the state, social , economic and environmental needs etc.

Also with respect to the current resources such as land, water, power, environmental aspects etc, the bill also provides to authorise the Goa Legislature to enact a suitable legislation to regulate the influx of migrants into the state. The bill also seeks to empower the Goa Legislature to enact a legislation to opt for any of the two types of panchayat for villages - intermediate and district level.

In a statement attached to the bill, Mr Naik said that the rights of citizens under the constitution should bot be so boundless that they contribute to changing the economic scenario of a smaller state like Goa particularly its villages, much to the bitterness and disadvantage of the local people which only adds to the anti-social elements which become a strong part of such uncontrolled transactions thereby proving disastrous for Goa.

While justifying the need to control the influx of migrants into Goa, Mr Shantaram Naik pointed out to the state of Goa which hardly encompassed only 3,702 sq kilometres of land with a population of around 14 lakh. Compared to this, the increase in migrant population has reached unmanageable proportions. While it is the fundamental right of every citizen of India to move freely within the territory of India, Mr Naik pointed out that it is also the fundamental right of others to live a decent life with basic amenities provide by the state.

From this viewpoint Mr Naik has argued that in order to safeguard the basic rights of Goans and non-Goans settled here for a long time, the further inflow of people into Goa needs to be regulated immediately to avoid a virtual chaotic situation in the near future.

Chinese being wooed for Goa

Air India, the country's premier international airline has begun a vigorous campaign to target Chinese tourists by offering them a free return trip from Mumbai or Delhi to Goa, according to the officials of the Goa tourism department who are in great spirits thanks to the Goa pavilion at the recent Beijing International Tourism Expo.

According to estimates, over 40,000 Chinese tourists visited the Goa pavilion at the tourism trade fair picking up a Goa brochure printed in Cantonese.

Chinese tourists have been steadily increasing their visits to "incredible India" in the last few years and places such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and the Ajanta and Ellora caves has seen a regular flow of Chinese tourists. By offering a free return air trip to Goa would therefore set the trend for a new travel market to explore, for the state of Goa.

During the three day tourism expo, the Goa pavilion attracted travel buyers, tour operators, travel agents and the media in general who attended seminars, conferences and presentations organised by the Goa team

Tourists head for Goa in the rains

The global economic meltdown notwithstanding, tourists have responded favourably to the bold initiatives of Goa's tourism industry which attracted them with attractive packages with sizeable discounts to woo tourists in the off season with bargain rates, which the tourists seem to have lapped up. This was evident from the fact that many hotels in Goa have reported a occupancy ranging from 50 to 70 percent in their hotel rooms.

The various schemes on offer seem to have clicked for the hotel industry, with some hotels even going to the extent of throwing in an extra free day's stay for their clients who book a room in the three day package. Other incentives include a free half-day sight-seeing tour along with a boat ride and free transport to and from the airport for the guests.

The properties of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation have however recorded a lower occupancy at around 50 % occupancy. The GTDC has been offering a discount of over 15% for individual tourists while in the case of groups of 20 or more, the discount on offer is around 20 percent. Students are offered a few other perks.

The President of the Travel and tourism association of Goa Mr Ralph D'Souza was of the opinion that most hotels had a very good occupancy in the monsoons in Goa while there was a minor dip in the arrival of domestic tourists  in May due to the elections in many parts of the country.

Also a lot of corporate houses in the country hold their annual conferences in the beach drenched state of Goa during the monsoons and bring in their management and executives to Goa thereby boosting the room occupancy. Also the local promotions by the hotel industry also keep the room occupancy high especially on the weekends.

For hotel bookings and bookings in luxurious apartments in Goa with all amenities, click here.

Goa's Mayem Lake crying for development

Mayem lake which is a natural beauty spot in Goa's hinterland side, has been a place visited by Goans who love to go here due to the natural scenic beauty of the place. However all such places need maintenance and help from the government if they should be promoted as the ideal tourist destinations for the world tourist. This  factor seems to be neglected as far as the Mayem lake is concerned and the local people of Mayem are therefore unhappy with the attitude of the government towards this beautiful spot which they feel is not being given due attention.

Blaming the tourism department, the residents of Mayem village feel that the tourism department has not undertaken any maintenance and development of the lake surroundings which is an incentive for tourists visiting the place.

Mayem lake is indeed a beautiful tourist spot with peaceful and serene surroundings but unfortunately lacks proper development as a result of which the condition of the lake is deteriorating. This has happened despite the residents of the area demanding from the authorities that they carry out some beautification activities of the lake and develop its surroundings . However there has been no response from the government.

The local population is therefore bitter with the government that such a beautiful spot has been neglected  by the government thereby denying the local population a means of generating some business revenue through the avenues with visiting tourists as also help the farmers around the area to get sufficient water supply for their fields and agricultural farms.

The lake which has a perimeter of about a kilometer has about three water streams locally named as " vhodlem tollem ( big lake)", "Shetwad Zara" and " Dhaktem Tollem"( small lake). the water of Vhoddlem tollem is used for fields  and agricultural farms while water from dhaktem tollem is utilised by farmers . Both these streams meet at 'fovachi kond" and this water is used for rabi crop cultivation by farmers from Kumbharwada, Sashtiwada and Sawnwada.

The main water source of the lake is the "shetwad zara"  which has weakened thereby leading to a drop in the lake's water level. During the past years the farmers used to de-silt the lake near its main stream but now with many villagers giving up farming , this practice has been discontinued.

The villagers are now expecting the panchayat and the  government authorities to see that the water resources are not affected and are maintained properly,

It is a general feeling among the villagers of Mayem lake that due to the basic amenities not being available at the lake tourists are reluctant to pay a visit to the place. According to them the negligence of the authorities towards beautification of the lake and the lack of proper facilities like boating, standard eateries and restaurants, cottages with proper amenities at reasonable rates, good gardens etc, the tourists have slowly declined and now rarely visit the spot. Also ironically, the private tourist buses which take tourists on sight seeing tours around the state of Goa do not include Mayem lake in their tour itinerary due to which the locals lose out on any such business.

The general perception  therefore is that while Mayem lake is a beautiful spot the government needs to step in and improve and enhance the facilities which have ample scope for development which could help restore and beautify this area with gardens, recreation facilities, restaurants, etc to ensure that this beautiful spot on is added more strongly on the tourist map of Goa.

Goa in the rains entices tourists with bargain deals

Goa in the rains is supposed to be as exotic as Goa in the winter. However this charm of Goa in the rains has to be seen to be believed. Green verdant fields dotted with palm trees and a rain soaked environment where the rain spikes hard into the red soil evoking life out of the Goan earth is a sight to behold because like they say, when it rains in Goa it actually pours.

The boat cruises are another delight to savour in Goa at this time of the year when the rains beckon Goa like a beautiful veil and cruising on the Goan boats can be an wanton attraction for all ages,  from the die hard romantic to the fagged out businessman or the relaxed octogenarian finding the pleasure too hard to resist in Goa.

For some people in northern India, this is also a good time to check out on a vacation to Goa since the schools in Delhi are normally on vacation mode and prices are always at its bottom at this time of the year, providing a great Goan holiday.

What's making the holidays more enticing to tourists this year are the tariffs of hotels in Goa which have dropped to almost half or lesser in the starred hotels while the smaller or medium sized hotels have also reduced rates by over 50 %.

So it is a win-win situation for the avid tourist to Goa as well as the hotel sector. While Indian tourists come to Goa to avail of the twin benefits of reduced tariffs and Goa in the monsoons delight, the foreign tourists are normally here to enjoy Goa in the rains.

So among he various packages on offer , the three day packages are normally picked up faster by the tourists  where a three day stay ranges between 12,000 and 21,000 which include transfers from and to the airport/railway station, with three meals a day and in certain cases, use of the hotel spa and the swimming pool.

Some starred hotels have gone full blown in the offer package with a reputed five star hotel in the south of Goa offering a tantalising package for three nights which includes transfers from airport/railway station, welcome drinks, all buffet meals, sight seeing, swimming pool usage, boat cruising, free use of steam and sauna and daily beverages for one hour, all at a bargain price of Rs 17999 which also throws in a complimentary stay for a child under 12 years of age. Click here for more details.

However competition is stiff in this times and the same offer as above is beaten by another starred hotel in south Goa which offers similar facilities for as little as 11,999 if booked 2 weeks in advance of the check-in date.North Goa is also not far behind in the rates-on-offer packages. A prominent north Goa hotel has a tempting monsoon package starting at Rs 12,800 which goes upto Rs 21,150. Other packages also range from 15,200 up to Rs 35,999, for a couple for a two night stay. Click here for more details

The serviced apartments in Goa are also showing a steady rise in bookings because many tourists find the apartments very convenient and have a better freedom to move around in Goa as well as keeping their room tariffs even lower while enjoying similar benefits.

The tourism department in Goa in the meanwhile is upbeat about the number of tourists in June this year which has shown a steady rise in the arrivals of tourists to the state. No doubt this is the best time to visit a must-see fun-filled, sun-kissed and now rain-drenching destination such as Goa.

Goan Beaches - Majorda Beach

The Majorda Beach is located in South Goa and is at a distance of around 6 kms from Margao city. A picturesque beach, it is one of those beaches which has been a favourite location for the local Goan population who simply love this beach and spend their evenings on the sands of the beach in a mood of fun and frolic. A relatively quieter beach in this part of Goa, Majorda has a unique village charm attached to it that despite the visitors frequenting the beach, there is a sense of serenity sprawling on the beach which seems to be at peace with itself.

The distinct part of this beach in South Goa is the presence of swinging palm trees which are in thick population along the beach side. Its soft sands and aquamarine waters are known to have attracted tourists to this place for ages and the same trend continues. The beach therefore is a host to visitors from all over the world who continue to swell in numbers owing to the charm that the beach tends to exert upon its visitors.

For the freaks who love myths there is the belief of the hindu mythology of Ram believed to have been kidnapped as a child and brought to Majorda. This myth has added to the mystique associated with the beautiful Majorda Beach which sees nature and mythology merge in natural beauty

Majorda Beach is ideally located  and can be reached from Colva via Betalbatim and is at a distance of around 5 km from the Colva Beach. It is also located at a close distance of 15 km from the Dabolim airport in Goa and as such is easily accessible. The Dabolim airport is located at a distance of 16 kms from the Majorda beach

While the Majorda beach resort is the major resort in the area, it is also one of the foremost resorts in Goa and dates back to the eighties when Goa had only a couple of other resorts to cater to the demands of tourism which was on a low key  in those days. There are various guest houses though and one can find a place to stay at Majorda for a great holiday. For accommodation planning in advance at cheap rates it is best to get in touch with " Goa Living styles" who provide accommodation in serviced apartments at a cheap rate. However the accommodation is classy and can be compared to hotel accommodation. To book your accomodation at a cheaper rate in Majorda click here 

Majorda is well known for its different bakeries producing quality bread ( the Goan pao ) in the area. The Jesuits are credited to have discovered the taste for Goan toddy here and used it to ferment the bread. the neighbourly holiday spots in close proximity to Majorda are Arrossim beach, Utorda Beach, Velsao Beach and Cansaulim beaches.

Early risers love to go to the Majorda beach to watch the sun rise and get themselves bathed in the morning sun. Kids love to construct sand castles and make caricatures on the beach surface while playing  with the silken sand of this beach while the beach at Majorda is considered to be a swimming haven and quite safe for tourists to venture. However it is best to follow the advice of the life guards appointed to look after tourist safety and their opinion should be taken in the right spirit thereby avoiding any casualties.

Goa's Mega projects ,water shortages and 40 comedians

The alert of mega projects affecting water resources is now being trumpeted like as if it was a big secret . It was indeed illegal forest cutting in various parts of Goa which triggered a public hearing of the ad hoc committee on Agriculture and Forest this week where the rampant forest cutting and mega housing projects were pointed out as the major reasons for an impending water shortage awaiting to hit Goa hard.

With an elected government in place to take care of our welfare, it is ironically the citizens of the state, much after standing in long queues to exercise their valuable franchise, still having to garner common support in a bid to save Goa from the senseless destruction heaped on us by the very people who were expected to enhance our living, least of it contribute towards its destruction.

Goa was indeed a land with natural verdant beauty and a high sense of civic sense which failed to find a rival in the rest of the country.  However it seems ' neighbours envy is our owners shame'. No wonder our 40 comedians are struggling their wanton best to ensure that they drag this beautiful 'once upon a time paradise' into a land infested with ugly concrete vultures and massive conversions of the Goan earthside , awaiting to be devoured into commercial capital enough to satiate only one objective - their unrelenting greed. They seem to be so enamoured of the civic sense prevailing in some unplanned cities of India with gutters, unattended garbage, flies, defecations and slums abounding in deafening co-existence that they wish to hoist this culture on Goans to satisfy their pot bellies.

All their vain harps about the development of Goa has been discovered to be a hollow drum beaten hard for its clamour to be desperately silenced. All their destructive development has been in the backdrop of zero concerns for the terrible fallout awaiting Goa and Goans. There is nil foresight of the depleting resources accommodating such gargantuan plans. Worse, no existing plan for the current impasse of garbage disposal and water depletion with a merciless  pile-up over the overburdened apparatus. There are no studies done to fathom the capacity of any area in Goa . In fact no will to do a study lest it exposed a more sinister plan. However projects and mega projects continue to be planned, executed and foisted on us with regular impunity despite the unanimous civil unrest against such self-serving destruction.

For the Goan it has been an alarming situation in more ways than one. We have lived in a land of the bountiful unlike much of our countrymen who have revelled in the width of a proverbial hole and have lost little time to migrate to Goa once the taste of this breeze intoxicated them. While they are pumping in more of their tribe to feast on our misery, our brethren are selling land to survive long after the money of the gulf dried up and our old vintage houses crying for repairs had no economic brains to supplement themselves. The goa governments vintage policy only punishes you if you demolish old houses in place of new ones( disclaimer: big purses go scot free)  but is bereft of any ideas to help you maintain the old house. Tourism is abounding in Goa but the government has no wits to utilise this flow towards a constructive plan to self-sustain colonial houses and other such old structures  wilting under the 'conservation sword of democles' to stand on their own. The inevitable result of such a short sighted dumb policy has been telling.

Also for some other category of Goans, it seems that our pride of being the highest per capita winners in the whole country seems to be haunting us to keep pace with that position at the cost of our land. Brazen selling of land probably to see fatter chickens , expensive chonak and fatted pork on the dinner table has taken obvious precedence.

However it is certainly more to the administration in power to be responsible to set the rules of the game. With scarce land availability and the inability of the current resources in Goa to bear new burdens, common sense implies that some studies with experts in the field be carried out immediately and a planned sense of development be implemented which serves the interest of the Goan community at the best. We need peaceful coexistence with constructive and planned development at no cost to our environment. Period. Rules for land sale and land conversions in Goa have been crying to come into existence for decades. Yet there is no will.

Every gram sabha in almost every village of a Goa has been vociferous in their opposition to the haphazard development which has been planned by vested forces which may be Goan but which have no Goan interest in mind. Last week the Benaulim gram sabha was a picture of complete disgust and resignation when almost half the count of the members of the public attending the gram sabha went down literally on their knees folding their palms in pleading with the sarpanch  and the panch members to resign en masse after failing to evince their co-operation in curbing down mega projects in their village. Simply goes to show that the venom of our 40 comedians has sunk deep into village administrations who seem to be entrenched with poisonous cues from their masters.

The blindness of the current dispensation to live upto the aspirations of the people will surely cost them dear in the near future untill some sense prevails in asserting the problem in right earnest.

In the meanwhile it is no wonder that Goans have begun to oppose each and every project of whatsoever name and size with no malice. Only the fear of the unknown. Our 40 comedians are solely responsible for this disease which has become chronic and will lead to far more complications in Goa than their wallets think.

Goacom

Goa bound in summer? Check your food & clothing

The onset of the summer in Goa calls for shedding of inhibitions towards the chilled stuff and people indulge in freaking out on small eats and chilled drinks and ice creams to ward off all the nuances of the weather prevailing in Goa during this time.  

The diet factor can therefore be divided into three segments. Basic water, fluids and basic main course. Water is indeed known as the balm of life. It transfers out the heat from the body through perspiration and thereby keeps the body cooler. It is believed that in the case of children the intake of water should essentially be around three litres in the summer season in Goa while adults should consume around five litres.

Secondly fluids are also an essential intake for the body to simultaneously balance the vital composition of sodium and potassium in the body. Here the Goan tender coconut water is a great choice. Also lime juices, buttermilk and watermelon juice besides lemonades with mint and added salt and sugar can do wonders to cool the body internally.

For the main course, it is always better to take light and easily digestible food in smaller qualities but the frequency of should be more instead of taking big meals once or twice a day. Vegetables should be freshly consumed especially the vegetables that hold a lot of water inside them like bottle gourd, pumpkin, leafy vegetables etc could be the ideal ingredient for curries. Fruits with green salads and sprouts can decorate the dinner table making the meal a real healthy one. Red meats are best avoided along with most non-vegetarian foods and spicy foods when the temperature is on the rise.

For Clothing, it may be the right time for colorful prints and cool dress sense to prevail. Synthetic and layered clothes are a big no-no. Cottons and natural fabric base3d clothing are preferred in light  colours during the peak of a Goan summer. Loose and airy clothes help to give the desired relief from the constant sweat oozing from the body. Elderly people and children should take precautions to protect themselves from direct exposure to the sun and heat by sporting a cap or a hat which also gives a smart look. 

The skin also needs special treatment during summer in Goa. During the summer the vulnerability of the skin comes to the fore as the skin is bound to get exposed to the rays of the sun when you go outdoors in Goa. Taking a bath atleast twice a day reduces the external heat and soothes the skin which has been exposed to the ultra violet rays of the sun, to a large extent. Generous use of Ultra violet screen lotion and powder ( talcum or prickly heat powder) would assist in nourishing the skin. However prickly heat powder is best avoided for children below two years of age.

For people in Goa who  do not have an air-conditioner to reduce the ambient temperature, should use the khas-khas mats ( vottivella chapalu) thick curtains or hang wet bed sheets on the windows and doors to reduce the inflow of heat. Infants may be placed under mosquito nets with a wet cloth cover placed under the fan to give a cooling effect.

If one is affected by the heat it is best to administer a lot of fluids and water preferably with electrolyte compound and rush the victim to the nearest doctor.

There are some home made cooling drinks such as lime juice and sour and sweet drinks which can help in cooling if taken once or twice a day. These drinks need to be served chilled to get the desired effect and has the potential to beat the heat to a large extent.

The easiest mango drink to cool oneself is the Khatta meeta( sweet and sour) which can be prepared by grinding raw mango pulp to a paste and adding sugar and salt to taste. A few mint leaves and crushed roasted jeera to the paste helps it to preserve. Two spoonfuls of this paste in a glass of cold water , well stirred and with few crystals of roc salt is a thirst quencher besides cooling you naturally.

Green Goa Works(GGW) motivates garbage collection

Green Goa works led by its chairperson Mr Wendell Rodricks, called upon Goan villagers to launch a weekly garbage collection programme while ensuring his wholehearted support, assistance and advice towards the initiative.

Green Goa Works (GGW) has embarked on a venture in partnership with the government of Goa to clean six villages in Goa from all plastic and dry waste. The proposal found easy acceptance wth the Environment Minister Mr Aleixo Sequeira and directed the Science and technology department to examine the proposal and sanction the funds which was done expeditiously.

The main initiative for the cleanup was to enthuse the village panchayats to adopt a weekly collection system of dry waste such as plastic, carry bags, paper , pet bottles etc that the villagers have no avenue to dispose the garbage as of today except by burning or by dumping in the drains. GGW has planned to make the necessary arrangements for the waste collection by tying up with waste recyclers.

However niggling issues are creating the roadblocks for the project.On its part, the Goa government has sanctioned Rs 25,000 per year to every panchayat for this work. However the estimated cost for this work is around 45,000 per year considering a cost of Rs 900 per week of village cleanup. The money is therefore lying unutilised. The village of Parra is however an exception. The sarpanchas of other villages have also complained about the un-cooperative attitude of the BDO in sanctioning the money.

While three villages of Parra, Assagao and Verla have been cleaned, Bastora and Tivim are next in line. The procedure for the cleaning is pretty simple. The Panchayat is first issued a letter of intention ad the purpose stated above. After their panchayat meeting, a letter of confirmation is issued and dates for the cleaning are fixed. The GGW supervisor then goes with the panch of the ward and is shown all the spots where the garbage is littered or strewn which are identified as the bad spots. Photographs of the spots are taken before and after the cleaning. After the cleanup the Panchayat issues a letter of confirmation that the job is done. The waste recyclers or the scrap dealers are then directed to collect the plastic and other dry waste. A report is next filed along with some photographs with a copy to the government for introspection.

Goan mangoes can be heat busters

Mangoes have been a favourite among Goans at this time of the year with the markets flooding with the delicious produce at the height of the summer season. However this year, the crop has been pretty dismal with the result that mango prices have refused to go down as the season progressed.

However, most Goans are self sufficient with mangoes and have a lot of mango trees in their compounds providing them with their favourite delicacy in summer time.

The heat during the summer season in Goa props us to search for cooling foods with a high water content and a touch of sweetness to boost our energies. It is here that Mangoes can be the ideal choice besides being a delightful and healthy way to beat the heat in Goa

The King of fruits that it is, the aroma of the mango is very inspiring, especially if it is the Goan Mancurad mango which has that distinct aroma which captivates the senses very easily.

Mangoes either raw or ripe have been cherished by Goans for centuries. Some of the varieties in Goa are said to have been imported during the Portuguese times from Africa and have embraced the Goan flavour giving our mango varieties a vast pool.

Raw mango chutneys, pickles and ripe mango lassis have reached many parts of the globe from India as well. In Goa, people are fond of mango shakes and mango ice creams. For preservation of the mango taste, Goans are known to prepare the mango jam, unique to Goa known as the "mangad".

Mangoes are also a rich source of vitamins like A, B1, B2,B3,B6 C and E besides important minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and selenium all necessary to keep in perfect health.

Ripe mangoes are one of the richest sources of beta carotene, a powerful and effective antioxidant that fights free radicals, protects against heart diseases and cancer and prevents degenerative diseases caused by vitamin A deficiency.

Raw mangoes provide the protection against the adverse effects of the scorching heat. the pulp of grilled or roasted raw mangoes applied to the forehead, palms and soles gives instant relief to people suffering from heat stroke and prickly heat. Aam Panna, made out of raw mangoes is ideal to beat the summer heat, replenish lost body salts and energy levels and keep heat stroke at bay.

Aam Panna is an Indian drink renowned for its heat resistant properties. It is made from green mangoes and it is used as a tasty and healthy beverage to fight against the intense Indian summer heat. Apart from being tasty this drink also looks good due to its refreshing light green color.

For a mango drink, boil raw mangoes with skin and take out the pulp, blend it with fresh mint leaves, rock salt and sugar in a blender. Add the requisite amount of water and serve chilled..

Eating a large ripe mango is a healthy food to revitalise your energy after any physical stress or a walk in the scorching heat. It provides you with adequate amounts of potassium and magnesium which is suitable for hypertensive people.

Mangoes are also considered to be good-mood-makers. If one is feeling low, eating mangoes can elevate spirits due to tryptophan ( an amino acid) is a precursor of the good mood hormone serotonin.

Mangoes are also considered to be good for skin and are known to aid in beauty care. Treating skin to a wonderful mango pack for a smooth and shiny skin can do wonders. For that blend quarter cup of mango pulp, two teaspoons sugar, one teaspoon honey and two teaspoons whole milk to a smooth paste and apply over the face for 15 minutes, Rinse with warm water and refresh with cold water. This helps to enhance complexion besides providing a cool refreshing feeling.

Mangoes also help in adding calories for the underweight. A medium, sized mango has 106 calories and those trying to reduce weight should therefore not indulge in eating too much of the king of fruits.

Goan Beaches : Varca Beach

While the Varca Beach may not be one among the more famous destinations of this beach capital of India,the quietness of the place makes up for the gush of this rich bountiful beauty of nature.This near virgin beach is therefore a major puller for many tourists who want the environment quieter and cleaner when compared with the other renowned beaches in Goa. 

It is time to enjoy nature at its very best at Varca and the palm-thatched long houses dot the sandy Varca beach and the usual activities of sea bathing, dolphin watching and boat trips are a well known indulgence here. 

The  Varca beach in Goa is abounding in soft white sands and dotted with black lava rocks at certain places along the coastline. For the passionate tourist who loves the serenity and the peace, the Varca beach is a dream come true.Merely strolling along a simple walk on the soft sands of the Varca beach in Goa, can pamper your senses in the most pleasurable manner.

Where is Varca Beach
The Varca beach in Goa is situated at around 5 kms south of Benaulim beach in South Goa.

The beach is easily accessible from Margao by road. Buses, autos and motorcycle pilots are the various means of reaching Varca Beach from Margao which is hardly 12 km away. If you are travelling by flight, you can hire taxis from Dabolim Airport which is around 48 kms away from here. To move around in the locality or between beaches, using cycles or scooters is a good idea. It also helps you to get a good feel of the village life and to experience the beauty in Goa at first hand.

Beach Activities :
Dolphin watching has become the main attraction at the Varca beach . There are boat trips arranged for this special delight. You can book a boat and sail yourself into the sea to watch the dolphins and if you are lucky, you may be able to even touch these dolphins from close range.

Food:
Several restaurants around the Varca beach offer good food at reasonable prices and good service. There are many eating joints in the hotels and resorts as well. There are also numerous beach shacks offering a variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices.

The taste of typical Goan food linger is bound to linger on your tongue for a while as you wander along the lanes of the fishing village located on the pretty Varca beach.

Where to stay
Many accommodation facilities are also available on the Varca beach itself. A variety of hotels and beach resorts dot Varca. For cheap options, "Good living styles" is a  good resource.

When to visit
Though you may plan your visit of the Varca beach any time of the year , the months from November to April are the best in all respects.

However the monsoon season holds a different kind of a sway in Goa and that's altogether another thrilling feel to be at the beaches of Goa in the monsoons which I believe is absolutely an amazing experience.

Even though swimming is considered safe you must check out with the lifeguards for the strength of the undercurrents and it is best to follow their advice to make your holiday pleasant and trouble free.

Goan Beaches - Bogmalo Beach

The Bogmalo Beach is a beautiful strip of sandy terrain waiting to be enjoyed. A mix of a serene atmosphere coupled with the bustle of the eateries , the Bogmalo beach is a place where one can happily get lost with oneself.

About Bogmalo
A former fishing village of Goa, Bogmalo still has traces of the fishing community’s strong presence as one heads towards the beach from the mainland. Today, tourism has caught on contagiously onto this area with modern shacks, eateries, and hi tech shops selling Indian handicrafts etc. 

For tourists there are many outlets and shopping centres near Bogmalo Beach, which sell little artefacts, trinklets, mementoes, clothes and handicraft items. However Bogmalo still breathes a freshness of life in its entire outlook.

Although one of the better known places in this part of Goa, Bogmalo is not crowded like the many other beaches in Goa and that is also the probable reason for its cleanliness.

The water is also quite safe for swimming and after a good swim, it is a good idea to head for the bank and order for some delicious Goan cuisine with the various eating places waiting to serve you. Goan Feni is also a good brew to go along with Goan food. However it should be taken only as an appetizer as it can be quite intoxicating in larger doses.

Bogmalo is a beach with a wide expanse and is therefore a broad evenly flat and open beach & may be considered among the least visited beaches.Its unique look may be attributed to the bunch of small beach shack restaurants lined up one against the other before you get into the loose sand of the beach and are nestling peacefully under the shade of coconut palms. Initially a quiet fishing village,

Bogmalo caught the tourists bug when its good word spread and tourists began exploring it. Bogmalo beach is less crowded as also being one of the cleanest beaches.The air of this place is pure , pleasant & tranquil,that is appropriate to calm down the senses.

Where is Bogmalo?
Bogmalo is located around 8km,away from the city of Vasco da Gama and is around 4 km away from the airport making it very easily accessible to any traveler coming to Goa by air. There is a frequent bus service from the city of Vasco as also all taxis, rickshaws and motorcycle pilots are readily available

Why Goa Bogmalo beach is so special?
While the Bogmalo beach in Goa is self styled in its beauty, it has been made famous by the presence of the Oberoi hotel which has been one of its foremost host in post liberation Goa and is probably one of the few hotels along with the Taj , Cidade and the Majorda beach resort to make a Goan shore its wanton holiday destination.

The Oberoi hotel has been built close to the sea and it is a lovely sight to see the waves lashing the parapets of the open-air restaurant, and the the drone of the restless Arabian Sea tends to lull  sleep into any die hard insomniac. This is one attraction every tourist who knows about Bogmalo wouldn’t like to miss

Across , there are a few mystic little islands, shipwrecks in the silt and, around the hotel, plenty of pleasant eateries-each one of them claiming to be "Osibisa's favorite". The group “Osibisa” had traveled to this place and was hosted by the Oberois over 15 years ago and every one around the area is ensuring they make the best use of the unforgettable visit of the musical group thereby lending a nostalgic touch to their business

ACCOMMODATION IN BOGMALO
There are very few luxurious options such as the Oberoi overlooking the beach. There are also a number of other mid range guesthouses in Bogmalo which are much more comfortable for short stay purposes and which can give a rather homely feel.

THE FISHING THUMB
This beach is known to be a paradise for fishing enthusiasts as one can indulge in this favourite pastime of many Goans .

BASIC ATTRACTIONS
In recent times diving is the most basic attraction at the Bogmalo Beach . There is a small diving school where one can learn scuba diving in Bogmalo from a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) approved School. Its office is housed in the Joets guesthouse which is located at the far end of the beach.

The Naval Aviation Museum is another tourist attraction here. Constituted in the year 1998, this museum is the first of its kind in Asia.

On display are aircrafts, sensors, safety equipments weaponry that were used by the Indian Navy. The museum also boasts of a weapons and armaments gallery which showcases a number of different types of torpedoes, bombs, cannons and sensors that have been used by the aircrafts.

Beach Activities
Sunbathing is another popular activity on Bogmalo beach. Apart from these usual beach activities, Bogmalo beach offers an opportunity to enjoy  water sports such as wind surfing, water skiing and diving. Boating facilities are also available here. The Sunset view in the evening is simply amazing from the beach.

Goa Beaches - Nuem Beach, down south of Goa

The beautiful Nuem village which is next to Betul in south Goa has been a traditional home to fresh water springs and is a secluded spot for picnickers to unravel. While the route to the beach is a terrain of steep slopes and narrow roads, the beach has been ravaged with time with some picnickers left overs causing concern.

The  Nuvem (Nuem) Beach is a small tiny beach which is covered in black and red stones. At high tide the waters rise to a high level and the sandy bank of the beach is lost among the waves and only the rocks are seen still breathing above the waters. There is a fresh water spring below the hills, the waters of which immerses into the sea. The creek is a place where the picnickers like to wade in the waters and it can be quite a delightful place with a lot of party revellers around.

How to get there
The beach is around the cananguinim beach in South Goa and is around 20 km from the commercial city of Margao. Take the road to Betul via Assolna and Velim and you will have to negotiate some slopes and sharp turns untill you get a steep slope downwards leading you to the Nuem beach.

The beach is a secluded spot with no restaurants or eateries around. One has to carry almost everything to survive the trip and any refreshments are atleast a couple of kilometres away. However the serenity of the place is still intact and one hopes that the government of Goa diverts some attention to beautify this enchanting place to restore it to its former glory.

Goan Beaches - Palolem Beach, a sweeping beauty of Goa

Palolem is a semi-circle shaped beach located at the southern tip of Goa in Canacona, and is a long picturesque strip with silvery silken sand and  many shady palm trees dotting its coastline. As you near the farthest end of the beach, there is an island which can be reached by foot during the low tides.

About Palolem Beach
Tourists love the Palolem beach as they are also able to reside closest to the beach during every season because  bamboo-hut resorts and restaurants are erected along the beach allowing tourists to stay right on the sand, only a few meters away from a swim in the alluring Sea.Thus it does seem that when you are in  Palolem, life seems to be just like living on the edge of the sea.

The evening is a delight to be on the beach as it is wonderfully lit up with the shacks providing the beautifully lit lampshades made out of rice straw, jute, bamboo, papier mache or plain cloth which light up the coastline.

In Palolem, there is a beach hut for everyone from very basic to to the relatively luxurious and exquisite with good amenities of modern times, with tariffs varying throughout the season and the festive season of Christmas and New year commanding the highest rates.

Backpackers find this place a paradise because accommodation is available in plenty  but if you are traveling with a family and want confirmation in advance of your booking it may be better to try and book in advance especially during the months of December and January.

The beach may often be crowded on the weekends. However, weekdays are much better and one can also hire a boat and implore the fishermen to take you to the small islands located on the northern part of the beach.

In spite of the commercialization, Palolem retains its charm of a Goan village. Palolem is also ideal for young families as the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and safe.

Where is Palolem Beach
Situated at a distance  of around 70 kms from the capital city of Panjim and over 40 kms from the commercial city of Margao,the Palolem beach is a paradise between two magnificent headlands and is a must visit for the Goan tourist. If you travel from Karnataka, Palolem is the first beach that you encounter.

A crescent shaped bay, white sand peacefully merging into the sea, swaying coconut palms - Palolem is picture perfect

How to get to Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is  in the centre of coastal Canacona in South Goa. You can hire a cab from Dabolim Airport which is around  65 km away , railway stations close to Palolem are Margao and Canacona. The Margao Railway Station is 37 kms away and a taxi service as well as bus services are available. Panjim city is around 70km away from this southern beach of Goa. Commuting by bus is cheaper with buses plying from Margao to Palolem every hour.

Palolem Beach Accommodation  
You can either stay in the guest houses or the beach huts . There are also very few hotels to choose from. For options contact, Goa Living styles.

Swimming and safety in Palolem
Palolem offers you the serenity and the silence sought of a picturesque beach . While swimming is safe, it is always sensible to pay heed to the advice of the life guards

Sight seeing in Palolem

Pandava's drum
At the southern end of the beach you find a stream and near this stream is a large cup-shaped rock called the Pandava's Drum. Tourists who learn about the Pandava legends come here and often throw stones on top of the rock to hear the resonating sound that echoes from it.

Figueredo House
Up ahead a bit further is the famous Figueiredo House which was actually a heritage building built in the early part of the twentieth century by Figueiredo family. However it was later vandalised and now houses a hotel called Neptune point.

At the northern end of the Palolem beach is the island. You can spend your time watching mussels, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. You can also take a trip to spot dolphins.

Dolphin trips in Palolem
Fishermen from the area organise lovely Dolphin trips in Palolem on canoe rides and  Dolphin spotting trips are available at reasonable prices. While on this trip, stop by Butterfly beach between Palolem and Agonda beaches where you will feel as if you have the entire beach to yourself. However the water is quite deep here and tourists need to take extra precaution

Eating out
While the eating places in Palolem are plenty, try the Goan thali which is a plate of a Goan meal with Goan fish curry.There is also ample fresh fish available with various fish delicacies ruling the kitchens here.

Nightlife in Palolem
The nightlife at Palolem is quite electric among the many beach venues in the south of Goa. Dance music, live pop music, reggae, and rock -- it is all there and does pump until the early hours of the morning. The Butterfly Beach is also a popular place for parties.

Adventure sport in Palolem
There are a few things to explore at Palolem. At the northern end of the beach there is a stream and across the stream lies a small island. One can swim across in low tide or take a ferry or a canoe to go across. The rocky terrain over there is fun to explore.

Once at the island, apart from the frolic one can also consider  snorkelling. If you are lucky it is possible to spot some sea urchins, sea missiles, sea cucumbers and some groupers.

And if you love the sunset and its scenic beauty hold back and then wait till sunset, the view from the island is too stunning to put in words.

Shopping in Palolem

For those who like to shop, Palolem also has a small market that sells jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. You can also go to the Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary  which is a a pleasant day trip from Palolem.

For the love of the Goan sunsets

Goa is the undisputed destination for sun sea and sand in the Indian union. The place has been famous for its beaches, Churches, temples, Feni, Carnival and the delicious Goan cuisine. Of recently, Goan casinos have been another reason for some arrivals in the state

Among these interests, the Goa beach is a hot favourite both in the world and within India and people are known to get lost watching the waves thrashing against each other as the sun above them changes colour.

Sunset on the Goan beach is a  delight that few would miss while on a trip to Goa. So the evenings in Goa are normally full of people dotting all the beaches in Goa where you will find closely entwined young couples professing their love in the sand, or the elderly couple musing away their time in togetherness or the little kids frolicking on the beach as the Goan sun bids goodbye for the day.

There is a certain romance associated with the sunset in Goa. The sun changes into a variety of colours as it meanders its way downwards and drowns itself on the other side of the earth. You will witness the sun which was shining bright before six slowly dimming away with a sheen of orange enveloping it and in between visiting different shades of the colour to make for a mystifying view.

The last moment where the sun kisses the sea, is a moment of absolute bliss and has been wonderfully captured by many a avid photographer to adorn his various albums or online pursuits or simply to circulate the Goan feeling among family and friends

It is for this reason that people pull out their cameras ever so willingly to capture the imagination of the Goan sunset which captivates the senses in a brilliant fashion.

Many love stories have blossomed amidst the Goan sunset and many arguments have been solved in its surroundings. It somehow lends a serene feeling to many who flock to the beach after a hard days work to unwind themselves in the  blissful Goan sunset.