[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by ampere

Along the same coastal road with Leela and Exotica you also have Hyatt. Worth checking. Its a good property.

Yup. park Hyatt is between Majorda and Cansaulim and about 15 Kms from Leela while the Grand Hyatt is more northwards at Siridao ( Bambolim) closer to Goa University-Panjim.

The south Goa resorts are along Mobor-Cavelossim-Varca-Benaulim-Colva-Betalbatim-Majorda-Utorda-Cansaulim and finally Bogmallo (which is less than 10 Kms from Dabolim Airport). the whole distance from Mobor to Cansaulim is less than 20 Kms ( so you get an idea of number of 5 star resorts in this coastal stretch).
Leela and Holiday Inn are at Mobor,
A Kilometer drive down will take you to Hathimahal, Radisson Blu, Dona Sylvia all huddled together at Cavelossim.
Ramada Caravela is at Varca.
South Goa also has Alila Diwa and Majorda Resort at Majorda
then there is Kenilworth at Utorda
and Bogmallo resort is at Bogmallo.
All these and many more are in less than 20 Kms stretch as mentioned above.

Then going north you get,
May be you could also check out the Marriott at Miramar, Panjim,
Vivanta by Taj at Candolim and other at Panjim, Also The Crown at Panjim, The Park, Calangute at Calangute, Cidade-De-Goa near Dona Paula, Panjim.
Resort Rio at Arpora (Between Baga and Anjuna), Novotel in the heart of Candolim (Sounds and looks like a software company or Pharmacy company Corporate office, but no. it is a good 5 start resort but a bit farther from the beach)

Deep south and further down to Canacona is The Lalit.

The Grand Hyatt is the latest addition to the 5 star properties at Goa (opened just a couple of year ago) and extremely opulent.

All are 5 star properties with swimming pool and close access to beach and much more. I have been to most of the above resorts ( not as a tourist but to meet friends / clients or attend parties) and each has its own charm and opulence and style. None of the above will possibly disappoint you and your family. so it is your pick.

Again south Goan beaches are much secluded compared to the Candolim or Calangute resort- beaches.

Some activities that you can plan at Goa.
Go for water sports - Jetski or parasailing or take a speed boat for a ride.
you can rent a boat to a couple of islands ( grant island ) very close to Bogmallo beach. then you have Dolphin rides ( yes you see real dolphins in sea if you are lucky and patient enough), crocodile rides ( you could sight lot of crocs in water) at St. Estevam Island (close to Old Goa church and a ferry will take you there).
Then there is Salim ali bird sanctuary at Chorao Island (again need to take a ferry across- cars allowed on ferry) or simply drive around Divar island and watch the quaint Goan Villages. Diwar island can be reached only by Ferry and No roads ( It is truly an island about 10 Kms from Panjim)

If you are adventorous type you can try your hand at the helm of a catamaran sail boat or Kayak (at Zuari river - central Goa) or even Scuba Diving at Nerul ( just north of Panjim). then there is Fishing / snorkelling activities thrown in during the above mentioned grant island trips.

North Goa offers you a couple of forts- Reis Magos ( restored and opened a year or 2 ago and the best fort in Goa now), Aguada and Chapora at North. South you have Cabode-Rama at Agonda, just north of Canacona.

If you like game sanctuaries then there are a couple of them too. Cotigao game sanctuary welcomes you when you enter Goa from Karwar side and is before Canacona. then there is Bondla and Bhagavan Mahaveer game sanctuaries up north.

A couple of water falls too at Upper Harvelem and some down south too.

Goa is a state of churches and temples and of immense archaeological / heritage sites. Old Goa churches are famous as you know and then there are amazing temples between Old Goa and Ponda - Mangeshi, Nageshi, Shanta Durga, Malshi and many many more mesmerizing huge and beautiful temples.

If you have time you could try trekking / hiking / just visit some quaint Goan village / Gokarting ( one at Arpora at North Goa and other at Navelim, just after Margao) and a water theme park for kids at Arpora.

Then you have Elephant ride and Spice farms at Ponda and Big Foot at Loutolim ( central Goa).

Why Goa even has white water rafting at Volpoi ( upto 15th October) after which the rapids diminish in the Madhei / Mandovi river. so that activity is not available now.

Further one can try Kerala Style House boats and cruise along the terekhol / Mandovi/Sal rivers and stay on board for fishing and a moonlight sailing along the rivers. But if you want speed, one can hire a Yacht with 500 HP engine ( yup 2 No 250 engine Mercruiser out board engines) complete with a pantry/cabins and barbeque and fun.

There is even Paragliding activities at Baga creek, tickle your palate at Viva Panjim or Martin's Corner at Betalbatim (south Goa) or take a walk through Panjim guided tour if you feel like it.

Mark your days, Plan ( do not cram the days with activities. Goa is Sosegad to be enjoyed leisurely). Come with very little expectation, return with tons of pleasant memories and experience. Have fun.

[bsdbsd]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Yup. park Hyatt is between Majorda and Cansaulim and about 15 Kms from Leela while the Grand Hyatt is more northwards at Siridao ( Bambolim) closer to Goa University-Panjim.

The south Goa resorts are ...Have fun.

This is one of the best brief guides to Goa written on Internet. Thank you.
BTW, you missed mentioning Club Mahindra Resort in South Goa, next to Ramada Caravela. There are totally 3 resorts in Varca itself. Club Mahindra Varca 1, 2 and Zuri White Sands.

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by bsdbsd

BTW, you missed mentioning Club Mahindra Resort in South Goa, next to Ramada Caravela. There are totally 3 resorts in Varca itself. Club Mahindra Varca 1, 2 and Zuri White Sands.

Thanks for your kind words. Yup I missed out Club Mahindra and Zuri White sands at varca. There is also Taj Exotica at Varca as well.
And if one is not keen about the 5 star, then there are many more options like the Royal orchid at Utorda, Golden Palms at Betul, Soul vacation at Colva, Bambolim Beach resort and much much more. and as revtech is coming in February, he can bargain for a real good deal as the best season is behind him already.

For adding some fun element, you could dine at OCoqueiro, an amazing Goan / Portuguese Multi Cuisine restaurant at Porvorim Junction ( where one road goes to Calangute and other to Mapusa and is just 3 Kms north of Panjim). The infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj was apprehended here while having a coffee. ( a life size statue of Charles Sobhraj sits sipping coffee at a table here to mark this event).

[am1m]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

The infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj was apprehended here while having a coffee. ( a life size statue of Charles Sobhraj sits sipping coffee at a table here to mark this event).

Is the statue back in place? Went there a couple of years ago to get a snap, but the statue had been removed for some 'restoration work' or something, according to the restaurant staff.

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by am1m

Is the statue back in place? Went there a couple of years ago to get a snap, but the statue had been removed for some 'restoration work' or something, according to the restaurant staff.

Yes. The statue is back in place. of course it is the USP of the place. Sharing the table with Charles over a cup of coffee while leisurely watching the day pass by is what some tourists enjoy here

[bsdbsd]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Thanks for your kind words. Yup I missed out Club Mahindra and Zuri White sands at varca. There is also Taj Exotica at Varca as well.

Welcome.

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Originally Posted by ashkamath

The infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj was apprehended here while having a coffee. ( a life size statue of Charles Sobhraj sits sipping coffee at a table here to mark this event).

I wish the statue was that of the police force who apprehended that PoS. As always, it is the bad guys that get the press...and the good guys will be forgotten.

[inder]

guys wwhat are the taxi fares from airport to calangute.

[kannan666]

Originally Posted by inder

guys wwhat are the taxi fares from airport to calangute.

Usually pay Rs.600/- from Vasco Railway Station to Calangute, so must be the same or slightly lesser from the airport as it is about 4km lesser, hope this helps !

[selfdrive]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

For adding some fun element, you could dine at OCoqueiro, an amazing Goan / Portuguese Multi Cuisine restaurant at Porvorim Junction ( where one road goes to Calangute and other to Mapusa and is just 3 Kms north of Panjim).

Thanks for that detailed post about places to stay and visit. Could you also please be kind enough to prepare a short list of places to eat at?

Originally Posted by bsdbsd

I wish the statue was that of the police force who apprehended that PoS. As always, it is the bad guys that get the press...and the good guys will be forgotten.

Maybe it is better that the statue is there, so pigeons can continue to do their job, and tourists can continue to take pics at odd poses! The officers can be marked by a plaque or a board at the same point?

[rm_arjuna]

Originally Posted by bhavtol

Paid 3000 for single or two nights stay ??

hi there apologies for delayed reply , the charges are for single night

[bigwheelz]

Originally Posted by dean5545

Hey guys Will be staying at Club Mahindra Varca beach resort. Any heads up as to which side of the property has a better view or which side I can totally avoid would be great.

Also if anyone's been there recently how is the food inside the club ? Asking this because last time the food at Club Mahindra Lake Pawna resort was strictly average inspite of the good reviews.

Thanks in advance.

There are 2 swimming pools in the new Varca property. If you are with kids then ask for a room facing the small pool (Not the one near the restaurant) which has a kids pool. This is also near to the beach and the lawns etc.
In my 3 days stay, I had food only once. It's average and costly.
there are 3 hotels around the resort which are at walking distance. Food tasted better and lot cheaper then the restaurant inside. Martin's corner is around 12 km from the resort. A little hyped but food tastes great.

[contactme27]

The best suggestion is.... there few houses who rent it out in the bagha beach beside Britto's for 1000 to 1500 rupees. Very basic facilities, but with A/C and hotwater. you can view the sea from balcony. Even the luxury resorts do not provide this view. I stayed for two nights... two min from house to beach...

[bsdbsd]

Originally Posted by dean5545

Hey guys Will be staying at Club Mahindra Varca beach resort. Any heads up as to which side of the property has a better view or which side I can totally avoid would be great.

Also if anyone's been there recently how is the food inside the club ? Asking this because last time the food at Club Mahindra Lake Pawna resort was strictly average inspite of the good reviews.

Thanks in advance.

Good choice. Not sure about your length of stay, and the number of people. Try to stay at the far end of the resort (West end). These rooms are near to the second pool, provision store and to the beach.

Breakfasts are good in Club Mahindra. Breakfast + (lunch or dinner) combos are an expensive affair, but they are well worth the money. A couple of other "restaurants" are nearby. You can try your luck there.

The rooms come equipped with induction stoves. You can cook and get by a couple of days as well.

[vdi]

Can someone suggest a nice resort somewhere in north goa in the range of max 5k for a couple for 2 nights this weekend. Had gone thru the previous pages and found few but a latest update would be great.



Rajesh

[filcord]

Originally Posted by inder

guys wwhat are the taxi fares from airport to calangute.

Prepaid taxis at the airport are Rs 1100/- or so for Calangute, not less. I live here in Goa, and have never managed to find a cab for this distance for less than 1100/-