Stunning during the day and gleaming at night, sights around Panaji city Coming into Panaji from the north will definitely get one on a view of the high cable bridge standing over the two older ones on the river Mandovi. It is the third largest cable stayed bridge in the country, just a little over 5 kms and its highest point is 70 meters above the …

Unique processions during Lenten Post 1500s, along with the Portuguese, came the Christian missionaries who in turn brought certain traditions that are still practiced today. These unique traditions really stand out during the special periods in the Catholic calendar year, which includes the Lenten period of 40 days. Some parishes enact the crucifixi …

Hush of the Mayem Lake accompanied by the rush of Bungee Jumping The serenity of Mayem Lake see-saws with the thrill of Bungee jumping. In comparison to the sun, sand and shores areas of Goa, perhaps Bicholim will not really be on the list of must visit places in Goa being more in the hinterland. Nonetheless Mayem lake has been one of the first plan …

Shipwrecked diving adventures I was surprised to see Goa listed as a place for shipwreck diving attraction, in the January-February 2022 edition of the Conde Nast Traveller magazine. I had never heard of any local shipwrecks all my Goan life. Yet there it was.  I do have a fear of water and drowning and I can barely get my face underwater …

Shantadurga Temple and Velus Bridge at Valpoi. Valpoi is ideally a trekker’s paradise and a place to cut off from the grind of a busy life amidst the serene greenery. As a place it has still yet to develop generally and hence i would not recommend it if the above two reasons do not fit into your purpose of going there. However for those on the Temple …

The Holy Hilland Museum Of Christian Art (MOCA), Old Goa Old Goa or Goa Velha (as it is still referred to sometimes) was the former capital of Goa during the Portuguese rule.It is easily one of the best developed parts of the state, being the seat of trade at that time till the capital actually shifted to Panjim. It stills remains center of Christia …

Anjuna, still a chilled-out space Anjuna and Vagator, along with Osran were very popular picnic spots for any local family to chill out if they lived in North Goa. In the 1970-80s, it was the hippie belt and that was the origin of the first flea market in Goa. Foreigners would be selling off their used guitars, clothes, cigarettes and Knick knacks t …

Siridao, the village, the beach and traditional Pejechem fest after Easter A few minutes drive from Panaji will take one to the village of Siridao and its beach. Not really known among visitors to the state, but popular enough with the local crowd. Devoid of any of the typical touristy activities of shacks, stalls and other what have you, the beach …