For those of you itching to get onto Goa’s maze of rivers, creeks and finally the ocean, there’s a lot to do on the water. Try bird-watching at the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao where a variety of migratory and local birds nest and feed among the mangroves. Bright blue kingfishers, egrets and larger birds like the lesser adjutant stork are common visitors. Or go crocodile spotting on a boat ride through Goa’s backwaters. Look out for the ‘mugger’ crocodile in the Cumbarjua canal, lazily basking in the sun. Dolphin-spotting trips (bettysgoa.com/cruise) are also very popular. An early morning boat ride into the Arabian Sea takes you on a merry search for the playful creatures. Most tour operators will also include time for fishing, a swim and a ride around the Aguada Bay for a glimpse of the Aguada Fort. You can also hire
a yacht for a day and watch the sun go down, with the wind in your hair. Why not get out your fishing rod and catch your own dinner? If you fancy fishing, most villages have a spot where the locals congregate with their fishing rods and are happy to include a visitor or two. Culture Curry The Feast of the Three Kings (January) is celebrated with great pomp in the village of Cansaulim with three young boys chosen to represent the three kings. The procession includes horses, palanquins (covered sedan chairs) and elaborate costumes. Sao Joao (June) involves plunging headlong into a well or river to celebrate the feast of St John the Baptist. Hugely popular in Siolim, the villagers jump into the water to retrieve gifts thrown in by others. Check for Sao Joao celebrations organised
Historical Delight When you are not dancing the night away, spend time exploring some of Goa’s many museums. From art to aviation, there’s something here for every member of the family. The Houses of Goa museum (archgoa.org) is a ship-shaped building that celebrates everything about Goan homes and architecture. The Museum of Christian Art (museumofchristianart.com) boasts a large collection of art and artefacts lovingly displayed in the quiet confines
TOUR John’s Boat Tours open up the world of spice plantations, exotic hippy markets and crocodiles in the Goan jungle, taking in the villages and forts as you go. Or you might choose to go out along the coast to see dolphins at play. Whichever adventure you choose, friendly guides provide fascinating insights into life along the waterways as you cruise. Day trips and overnight cruises are available. Transport from resort and refreshments during the cruise are included in the tour price. Johnboattours.com BAY OF BEAUTY: View of Aguada Fort and Bay.
34 SPRING / SUMMER 2014 |
40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS
PHOTOS, OPENING SPREAD: ALAMY, ISTOCK PHOTO, THINKSTOCK. THIS SPREAD: ALAMY (6), THINKSTOCK. CHRYSELLE, DI SILVA DIAS (2).
GOAN ON A TRIP: Enjoy a dolphin-spotting trip, popular with tourists visiting Goa. Pictured — excursion boats on Baga Beach.
by local hotels where you can don a traditional copel (a crown of flowers) and splash in the pool instead. Holi, the festival of colour, (usually in March) is also celebrated in Goa. Being drenched in coloured water or finding your face covered in purple, bright pink or sunshine yellow can be an out-ofthis-world experience. While a safe and enjoyable experience, like many adventures overseas, it is advisable to exercise a degree of caution and common sense. The Feast of St Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint, will have a special resonance this year with the Exposition of the Relics of St Xavier, an event that happens once in ten years (22 November 2014 – 4 January 2015). Goa Carnival is of course the biggest party of all, hosted across three days. Elaborate floats, dancers, costumes, street dances and the appearance of King Momo and his consorts are the highlights of this event.