Take a holiday from your holiday!

The Mayfair Hideaway Spa & Resort is a dream of a resort and perfect for those who have  had enough of being surrounded by hoards of people, gangs of hawkers and of course simply by those so tired through 'roughing it' in a shack on the beach needing a comfortable bed!

The Mayfair  is a beautiful resort of International standard but retaining an Indian ambiance that is so badly lacking in many of the newer Hotels. Little touches that add a very personal feel to all of the reception rooms makes  the difference and  you are immediately comforatble with your surroundings. The design and layout of the Hotel exudes quality and style and actually the smallest hint of a sense of humour! You will just have to go to understand what I mean.

The pool area is chic with the pool overlooking the beautiful estuary of the River Sal, its not surprising that this Hotel is used as the backdrop in many film productions.

Rooms are large and  comfortable with all the usual amenities and my friends that stayed there last week where totally satisfied with everything.....and he's American!

The spa area is smaller than I had expected but I suppose there's only a limited number of massage beds you can use at one time, but the ambiance as with the rest of the Hotel is perfect.

Of course, there are a couple of things I would change, but heh, I'm a Brit, we always want to change something, but I'm only refering to the large flat screen TV in the bar area, which I would quickly remove and the big seahorse....less said the better.  I believe that TVs in bars are only needed by long term married couples and couples that have just argued, get the idea?

Service is as good as anywhere, ( I chose my words carefully) and although I have been to the Mayfair many times and a known face and known never to spend more than a few rupees on a coffee or lunch, the service is as if I were spending lakhs! Very impressive.....unless of course they just feel sorry for me......

I suppose we have to discuss rates, seriously dont worry about it, incredible value for money and well below the rack rates of the International Hotels across the River. Just tell the wife its twice the amount, she will believe you , she will be impressed and happy and so will your wallet!

So that's it, The Mayfair offers everything I would need or particularly what my wife needs for a wonderful vacation, the beach is only across the river for those that want sand between there toes, but knowing the Hotel as I do, I am sure the Bikash the GM ( a really nice chap) would be able to arrange something! 

Hip hip hoorah for The Mayfair!

Eat like a King, a Goan King!

Mickey's 

Location: Palolem / Agonda Road , 1km or less from the Agonda junction in Palolem

Tele: 08806467381

Child Friendly: yes

 

I have driven past Mickey's hundreds of times, just a local restaurant catering to the locals I beleived and not relly that special and then one sunny morning a good friend of mine brought Michael along to my house, it wasn't planned that we should discuss Goa Buddy or what Michael did but as things turned out , I found out that Michael was running a small restaurant on the outskirts of Palolem and specialising in local seafood and home cooked meals. Corea my 'oracle' for anything Goan confrimed that the food was as good as his wife's, so with that recommendation my mouth started to water.

 

But first of all, lets just give you abit of background about Michael, started in the F & B line with the Oberoi Group 25 years ago, 22 of which were in Saudi. Originally from Karnataka, he married a Goan girl and moved to Karnatka about 3 years ago, where he set up Mickey's. That does not mean he severed his contacts with Karnataka, in fact he goes to Karavar practically every day to buy the freshest fish he can get. 

 

The restaurant itself is just four tables and if you blink you might well drive straight past it, this is a local no frills establishment where the emphasis is on quality and providing that quality at a price everyone can afford. Did I say local? Actually many of Michaels diners travel from Panjim and thats confrimed one thing I have come to realise, Goans love good food and willing to travel to get it.

 

So you have probably gathered this is a 'Seafood Speciality' Restaurant, but dont come expecting to order what your taste buds were crying out for as you left home, Michael will only serve what he believes to be perfect, so dont expect a menu there simply isn't one! You just  turn up, take a table and Michael will tell you what he has to offer, its as  simple as that!

 

If you are veggie, dont worry, with the fish comes a minimum of two vegetable dishes, simply superb made with  locally grown vegetables the chefs on the beach in Palolem probably have never seen. I was given a white pumpkin bagee (probably spelt it wrong, but its like a casserole) and something similar to french  beans with shredded coconut. Delicious!

 

SoMickey's offers outstanding fish and outstanding delicious  vegetarian food all  at  an outstanding price. OK so the ambiance is not the Oberoi, but if all you want  is honest home cooked food prepared by people that love what they do, then give it a try.

 

Should you want more info check out  http://www.goabuddy.in/

Eat like a King!

Location: Columb

Tele: 9850925668 / 9822108578
Child Friendly: no problem

I thought I knew most places in the area and then someone mentioned Nazir's place to me, almost be accident! I followed it through and have come to the conclusion that those 'in the know' have decided that's the way it should be and have made a pact to tell no one!!!! Not surprising at these prices! Saying that when I visited the guests included people from Finland, Canada, Kenya and of course the UK, so the word is spreading....quietly!

I can honestly say this place is a gem of a find. Its not on the beach so it doesn't get the hustle and hassle . The whole place is fully fenced so its secure and so safe for kids. Lal is Nazir's right hand man and does a great job looking after everything from making sure the guests are happy to making sure the wifi's working.
The most fantastic feature of the previous restaurant  was the garden, I am pleased to say the guys are now my neighbours and have brought the garden with them, so in jnust a few months it will look as mature as it did in Patnem and full of colour, a lot of care goes into the planning and planting and it works well, the Patnem garden was probably one of the prettiest gardens I've been to in India , I know the new location is going to be even better!
The restaurant is  rather special and its great to see a smaller menu, this allows the chef to perfect his dishes rather than simply adding the veg or non veg to one of the preprepared sauces, which is a trick used by many other retaurant, The Kashmiri Banquet is an event in itself , ten courses can you believe, a little more expensive than some of the other restaurants around but well worth it and its still only just over twenty pounds sterling for four people. I ate at the previous restaurant at the end of last season, I was on a flying 'taster' with a travel writer friend, this was the fifth restaurant we visited that evening we had been eating since six, saying that the food was unbelievable and for me, the 'Garden' outshone everone else, it was simply the best !

There is a great attention to detail and its clear Nazir and Tracy understand that this counts. There is an intimacy and personal service about the place that makes it stand out. Many guests are repeat bookings and if you want to come here at peak season you really should book well in advance.

Suppose I should tell you where it is....well its in Columb and its called .....Vasta's Secret Garden.
Should you want more info and check out their rooms visit http://www.goabuddy.in/

Everyone deserves a little pampering.......

Location: Palolem/Agonda/Patnem area
Tele: 9822107194

Child Friendly: probably not

Cost: free consultation

 

Just a little consideration goes a long long way but honestly the more you do for some people and the less you complain the more you get put on!

I understand a vacation is really important, a time to relax, rest and rejuvenate but honestly a relationship is two way, what about those that support you the rest of the year? Don’t they deserve a little consideration? 'When was the last time SHE even considered that a little thought and pampering those closest to you might actually be good for her as well? SHE would not think twice about taking herself off to the hairdresser or get a check up with the doc at the slightest cough, well it’s time to take action, unless she pays me some attention I am going to cause her serious pain and she deserves it!

Don’t get yourself into that situation, book a session at Feet First, give your feet the check up they deserve and feel and see the results. It’s worth taking an hour off the beach and sort those little monsters out, before they turn round and bite you!

For more info check http://www.goabuddy.in/ Palolem Health & Beauty   

Kid's Safari

Location: Palolem/Agonda/Patnem area
Tele: 09742232007

Child Friendly: that's what its all about!

Cost: from 250rs pp

Most people and even kids will eventually tire of the beach, but other than the beach what are the options for the younger members of your family.  I’m not talking about the 11+ year olds; I will leave the entertainment for those guys entirely up to you! I have been through that phase with my own son and still suffering from post traumatic stress, 11+ to 18 is a very testing time!!!

No, I have cast my mind back to remember what exactly worked with my son and looking back on my experiences have put together options that should keep any monster (oops!) minor, happy for at least ten minutes!

The activities can be one-offs or part of a full day but there is only one condition….. someone is there to look after them! We don’t run a crèche or kindergarten or some new exercise in penal reform, it’s an alternative to being on the beach in the Palolem / Agonda areas where you can experience a different Goa that will give you lasting memories.  

Transport will be required , if you already have transport no issues but if not we can easily arrange scooters or even an open top jeep, which should be sufficient on its own to put a smile on the face of both kids and dads!  So what do we offer?
Rock pools with fish….heh it’s a big disappointment if you go fishing, kitted out with your net and all you can catch is a plastic bottle.  Where we go I have seen pools with everything from eels, to huge crabs to octopus….no kidding!
Crabbing….and for you cynics it’s not in the same place
Kite flying…….great fun for everyone
Stream paddling….a less dangerous form of canyoning, but I do know someone who can help you with this
Feeding fish in a natural Jacuzzi
Milking cows by hand
Petting puppies and perhaps walking your own pooch for an hour

Boat trips with a difference, Pirate Adventure or Robinson Crusoe. We do not offer 'Titanic' or the   ' Poseidon Adventure' for this age group.

Treasure Hunts, Nature Trails and even Kids Cinema

Ok, so that’s what we do. We are very flexible and can offer ½ day or full day packages and we won’t take enormous groups, our prices start at just 250pp and include refreshments, 

Full day packages cost a little more and if you need transport don’t worry, we have excellent contacts with scooter hire and a jeep is at hand if that sounds more fun.

Sounds ok then give us a call or if there's something else you would like just phone and we can see what we can do.

for more info check out http://www.goabuddy.in/ 

Pranic Healing.....What the hell is that?

Location: Kailas @ Bhakti Kutir
Tele: 09823595891
Child Friendly: n/a

Cost: take it as part of an ayurvedic package

Well I know what my dad's reaction would be and although he would not ridicule it, the raised eyebrows would say it all. The rest of my family are all 'tree huggers', 'crystal owners', and general 'paranormal aficionados', so they would really be up for it! I am somewhat of a skeptic, all depends on my mood, (which reminds me , our son asked me one day how I met his mom, through the Ouija board was my reply ), anyway, today I was in the mood, so carrying my flask of holy water and 1 kg of garlic cloves I met Vijay.

Vijay explained that Pranic Healing is the balancing of energies in the body; it involves lying down, fully clothed in a darkened room with relaxing music and leaving everything up to Vijay. You close your eyes and the ‘healing’ begins. There is no physical contact, you are told to simply relax and focus on a point on your forehead, (third eye, I suppose….see I do know something!)

Lying with your eyes closed in a dimly lit room with someone ‘doing something’ around you, does feel a bit odd, but then I began to get different sensation around my body. A tingling on the arm, I initially put down to mosquitoes, but there was no sting! I then felt my feet and legs getting warmer and what I felt most strange, I consciously began to feel a change , I began to feel more positive, which wasn’t that difficult, I’d had a sh…. morning! I thought I could sense where Vijay was ‘operating’ and apart from a couple of words to check if I was comfortable, there was no conversation.

I can’t tell you how long the healing lasted; it did not seem to matter. At the end Vijay told me how he had balanced the energies in the chakras and a prognosis about both my physical and mental state, which was surprisingly accurate, bearing in mind there, is no physical contact!

If you combined this with one of Vijay’s ayurvedic massages I am sure it would be awesome, Vijay by the way has probably the best Ayurvedic Centre in the area, if not Goa! He is extremely experienced, totally in tune with what he does and with his clients and one of the nicest people I have ever met.   

Anyway, back to ‘Pranic healing’ , I am not sure if what I experienced is the norm, I know someone who I recommended to Vijay to for Ayurveda and she was totally overwhelmed by the experience , I was not overwhelmed by it but definitely affected by it. My mood had changed; I was positive, enthusiastic and even hugged a tree on the way home!    

for more info check out http://www.goabuddy.in/ Kailas Palolem

The ‘Devica’… Experience 'On board’ Goan Hospitality

The Devica is a traditionally designed fishing boat that has been built purely to cater for people to experience Goa from a different perspective.

Devidas, the owner and Captain is the perfect host and will design your cruise to suit you. Want to party? Want to simply cruise and bird watch? Want to fish and cook the catch? Want to have a romantic dinner just for two?  Then ‘The Devica’ is moored and waiting just for you.

For the new season we are introducing the Cookery Class, this will be a totally new experience,  following a short trip to spot dolphins, the boat then returns to the calm waters of the River Sal, here the boat will moor and the classes will start. Prices will include lunch and complimentary wine /beer to complete the expereince.  

The packages can be made to suit and whether you want an hour dolphin spotting or full day cruise along the coast taking lunch on a deserted beach, it can be arranged.

Remenber 'The Devica'  is owner managed, so the prices excellent!

The boat is moored in Betul, but that's no problem, transport can be arranged and its possible to cruise down to Agonda, Palolem, Patnem and Rajbag , a magical coastline and experience! Stop off at Butterfly, if you are up for it!  

Show your tan off to its best!

Location: Palolem

Tele: 9742232007

Child Friendly: def!

Cost: the bargain of your vacation

Ok, you have been on holiday a couple of days, you may have escaped the 'lobster look' but does the prospect of another 12 days or longer sunbathing sound appealing? Ok the answer is probably YES: the golden tan is the westerner's God, especially for the 50+ generation who remember the glorious British Summer of 76, well what about doing something to enhance the healthy tanned  Hollywood look or if you overdo it the healthy Bollywood look without losing the rays?

Now you are probably interested............

What I am going to suggest may send some of you to the bar or bed or your mother's lap screaming......what about a trip to the dentist ! Please note the smaller font size to reduce any possible sudden anxiety attack.   

Yes the DENTIST!

Why oh why oh why would I suggest a trip to the dentist? Well its good for you, let me explain:

• ECONOMICALLY. I know people who come to India once a year just to get their dental work done. The money they save pays for their flight! That might sound as if the quality is poor, it's not, depends where you go but you get the idea..... 
• Going to the Dentist will cure any feeling of home sickness.........after all, aren't all the dentists back in the UK from India? Except here they drive an Activa rather than a  Mercedes.
• All treatments can be done; they will work around you and your flight / travel not you having to work round them!
• YOU CAN GET YOUR TEETH WHITENED!  Most offer a range of 'brightness' from the ‘healthy’ to the full ‘razzle dazzle’ it’s your choice. Just one word of warning, if you go for the full ‘razzle dazzle’ then if you are out at night avoid smiling at oncoming vehicles.....

So now you need to know which Dentist. In the Palolem area we have three excellent dentists, one is in Chaudi, so you would need to get an auto, but it’s only a couple of km or so. The second is Dr Mayur, just before the Bus Station, a good guy who does a lot of work for the local community for free. The third is right in the middle of Palolem, Dr Rosemond, known locally as the ‘humming dentist’ not because of any personal hygiene problem; it’s just that he tends to hum when working. It would be nice to think he did it to put patients at ease, but I just think he loves his job!

Btw Dental Surgeries tend to be quite small here not like the sprawling Victorian monstrocities they have in the UK.

OK, I am getting bored now…….so if you have decided not to get your teeth checked  you will regret it later. If you have decided not to get the ‘razzle dazzle’ then avoid too many curries……you don’t want matching ‘tan’ and ‘teeth’ …..not a good look! Remember Dr Rosemond can help you avoid the ‘lobster look’ but only if you did not arrive in Goa with it, for that problem you will have to see my next blog!

Keep smiling.

For more info check out http://www.goabuddy.in/

Cinema Night at Neptune Point

Location : Palolem

Tele: 097422232007

Child friendly: Check rating

 

Cost: 150rs pp

 

 

'Cinema nights' have become quite common in Palolem, it seems they are almost becoming a pre-requisite to running a successful bar, but how do you know which one to go to? It can’t be based on the film as basically they all screen the same films. Maybe it based on cost? Maybe it proximity to where you are staying or maybe because it has something else to offer.....

Cinema night at Neptune Point comes under the umbrella of the famous 'Silent Noise' parties; as such it tells you immediately that it’s worth going to. Why? Well as with the 'headphone parties which are held every Saturday through the season, you are guaranteed quality, fantastic ambiance, excellent setting [if you get there early enough take a view of Palolem beach from the Yoga Hall] and the choice of waiter service for food and drinks or just make yourself comfortable at the bar.

Yes there is a charge, but do you want an experience or just somewhere to go where you can sit and watch a movie and not have to speak to your partner for a couple of hours! For the sake of a few bucks you will get something to remember even if the film sucks...

....and with a % of the entry fee going to the local Animal Rescue Centre,  it has to be worth a visit! 

For more info about Palolem and surrounding areas check out http://www.goabuddy.in/

Fishing ?

Location; to suit
Telephone: Chris 09742232007
Cost: variable ...a few rupees to pay for a line to several thousand for boat charter.

Child friendly: Mmmmmm?

Fishing is a way of life for the locals living along the coastal belt so if anyone want's to fish there is simply no problem, deep sea, beach, rock, river, dam it's all possible but its done in the majority of cases using just a hand line. Although I have seen the occasional fishing rod, this tends to be in North Goa or by avid anglers who have brought them with them from abroad.

For deep sea fishing, you will need to go out several miles,  for that I would recommend using 'The Devica', a 6 year old boat built in traditional style and boasting all modern luxuries i.e. a toilet. The owner, Devidas is a personal friend, he has been working these waters for more tan 25 years and is a great character, although initially a little reserved, he soon opens up and you couldn't have a better host looking after you! Very experienced, but I can't guarantee you will catch anything!

                                                                      'The Devica'

For fishing just off the beach, most of the boats on the beach will offer you fishing trips, early morning / late afternoon tends to be popular but I cant say whether thats jut a ploy to fill the boats.....call me suspicious. Anyway if this appeals then I can recommend a couple of guys both local chaps, not too pushy but have the experience to keep you safe. You wont have the luxury of a toilet, the boats simply arent that big but plenty of space for a few beers. I'm not into fishing but did go with my son late afternoon / early evening and I can honestly say for the first 15 minutes it was quite enjoyable.......my son however would have been quite happy to have stayed out all night.

                                                                    'The Landlord!'

The photo above is Raju's boat, he's my landlord! The fishing from these boats will definitely be with a hand line, for the squeamish, he'll bait the hook and then you will decide after a while to bait your own!

One thing you need to be aware of is that its usual for the boat owner to keep all of the fish caught......if you want to keep the fish you are best to negotiate before hand......
      
If you decide to be independant and take your self off, then there are shops selling lines and hooks but they tend not to be in the resorts. If you get stuck I can always point you in the direction.   

For more information check out http://www.goabuddy.in/

Get in your partner's 'good books' .....be romantic!

Location: wherever appropriate
Tele: 09742232007
Child Friendly: NO!

Cost: from 1000rs

After 228 years of ‘wedded bliss’, I know from personal experience that a little bit of romance in a woman’s life can bring a few days of heaven for her partner or a fantastic holiday, of course there is a little pain….as in pay me some ‘dosh’‘ and Ill sort it for you!

If you are Italian, French, Indian, Latin or Brad Pitt you probably don’t need to read on but for lesser mortals without the ‘romance gene’, here is some advice and suggestions:

·         champagne breakfasts

·         surprise picnics for two

·         dinner on board your own boat

·         sleeping under the stars  

·         rose petal bathing

·         ‘hand made’ truffles and fresh flowers delivered by hand

·         synchronized massage

·         surprise luxury ‘stay over’

·         cocktails on deserted beaches

Sounds easy but it are not. I know from experience; so let’s look at one suggestion:

 ‘Rose petal baths’ with candles and soft music is a winner, but where the heck are you going to get bags of rose petals from? You will have to disappear for a few hours…believe me…..and then have to explain where you’ve been! Then there are the practical matters…….running a bath and then carefully lighting the candles and sprinkling the petals sounds a doddle but, as happened to me, you don’t wash the petals! The scene is set your partner is overwhelmed by your ideas, slips into the warm bath and enjoys the aroma and experience and then suddenly she is covered in ants…at best… that have taken a ‘leap of faith’ and swam for safety!  Screams from the bathroom are not exactly what you were expecting as you were getting the chilled wine from the fridge.

‘Dining on board your own boat under the stars’ is also a particular winner but where do you get the boat? Got the idea?

The practicalities are not that difficult but can be extremely time consuming so just pass the baton to me and I’ll sort it.

You’ll need to pay for most items up front, giving someone a bill at the end of the meal or ‘pulling the plug’ and handing over the bill as you are stepping out of the bath may not be that conducive to a romantic evening to remember!

for more info check out http://www.goabuddy.in/

Mangal Farm. 35kms from Palolem 25 years from Baga

Location: 35 km from Palolem .....a dream ride for bikers!
Tele: n/a
Child Friendly: Well its a bar so your decision

Cost: Lunch for 50rs!

I finally found out about Mangal Farm when a friend accidentally let slip about a local bar in the mountains serving simply fantastic food. 'Oh yes, so how come no one has told me? '  'Actually, no one knows about it except a handful of locals who have all sworn an oath of secrecy!' Too late Buddy! The secret is out!!!!
Ok, I know all you purists will be saying, its wrong to tell the whole world but put it like this, I chatted with the boss and his lovely wife Brundha and they really would love to have more business so there you go......When I say chat, I think they said they wanted more business, anyway they always smile when I go so I think they are happy.

So what is so special about Mangal Farm? The food is fab, the choice is either veg or non-veg. I am nt a foodie, but its the best food around , on my first visit I had a mushroom masala made with frsh forest mushrooms picked that morning!  There is  nothing plastic about this place other than the chairs...its honest, it does not try to be anything other than a local bar for local people and the 'odd' tourist that drops by.  You sit under a covered area with a couple of dogs and possibly a local who has been drinking fenni since seven in the morning. Very friendly dogs and very friendly locals but no hassle, bad breath maybe but no hassle. I promise. You may even get an impromptu lecture on spices where the fenni guy decides to sow you what is growing around you and once one starts all the locals join in, so after about 20 minutes, the table looks like a florists at closing time!
The drive to Mangal Farm is spectacular, pass padi fields and waterfalls,  hair pin bends and stunning vistas, on the return if you are lucky you may even glimpse the sea on the horizon, stunning abs stunning. I will give you directions in a minute...
Seriously, everyone I have taken there has been totally staisfied with the experience and it really is an experience. If you travel by scooter you really will appreciate the full beauty of Goa but I know some are very wary of two whelers, for those just jump in a taxi, get away from the hassle of the beach. As I have said before Mangal Farm is 35 kms from Palolem and 25 years away from Baga.

Directions:

Drive through Chaudi, pass Police Station on right, after a couple of kms you will see a church on your left, drive a litte further and you will see a sign post for Neturlim. Take the left, under the barrier, and just drive straight, there are a couple of roads that join this one, byt just ignore and keep going. Its probably about 20 to 25km. Eventually, once you have driven through the pass there is a turning right and a nursery, continue just a little further and then you will see Mangall Farm on the right. Its tucked away so if you are speeding you will miss it , its signposted 'Mangal Farm Enquiries'. If you do miss it you will come to a bridge and another road barrier, just stop and turn round, the bar will be just on the left.

For more information check out http://www.goabuddy.in/ 

Shiatsu & Chocolate

Location: Columb
Telephone: Chris 09742232007 or email chris@indiabuddy.in 
Child Friendly: 'shiatsu' not really

Cost: call for prices

Tamara, the 'star' of my blogt has been in India since 2002 and after three years in Goa has now settled in Columb, Canacona. She has always had an interest and passion for holistic healing and shiatsu but it was not until recently that she decided to take up this professionally. Her teachers have already said that Tamara has a natural talent and intuition for healing and how best to apply the shiatsu technique and this has been confirmed many times by clients both in Germany and India

And for those who are unsure what shiatsu is:

'A traditional Japanese massage using acupressure on the meridians to balance the energy throughout the body, leaving you energized, relaxed, and restored.'

Along with Shiatsu, Tamara, also has a passion for wholesome vegan food and after receiving vegan 'raw' chocolates from Germany, decided she could make them just as good!
The truffles are purely natural, sugar and dairy free, and delicious; don't melt so taking them home isn't a problem!  Vegan to most people sounds an almost 'sack cloth and ashes' diet to follow, so the idea of vegan chocolate is a little confusing. How can a diet, which most people think must be limited have something as exciting as chocolate?
Wake up guys; this is India so you already know that any diet in India is going to be extremely exciting so why should the vegan option be less exciting?
The truffles made by Tamara involve no cooking, just lots of top quality ingredients and a little magic. No, not the magic mushroom kind, just the culinary magic that some people just have the gift.
The truffles are very good and come in a variety of recipes, the ones I tasted had dates as the main constituent and were exceptionally good, not sweet, not bitter just very more'ish'.
They would be excellent at the end of a dinner party and even better if it's been a boring party because it will give you something to talk about! There you go - two benefits for the price of one!
 

So what a perfect combination a relaxing shiatsu treatment followed by a chocolate truffles and coffee, providing of course Tamara has not run out!

For more information check out http://www.goabuddy.in/

In the know! SCOOTER SAFARI

Location: Surrounding area
Tele: Chris 09742232007 or email chris@indiabuddy.in for more info
Child Friendly: yes under supervision!

Cost: from 250rs per person

Profile

If you are only in the area for a couple of days, there  so much you could miss, so our 'Scooter Safari' is a great way to get to know the area, we can show you everything or just an introduction the choice is yours. 

So if you have the time let us show you the real Goa! The Goa before Trance. The Goa before the Charter Flight. The Goa before the Hippies! Goa even before the Portugese….

Whether on two wheels or four, driven or self drive, we will take you to our favourite places and hideaways, waterfalls, temples, places of legend and of course beaches..
2hr, 3hr, 4hr excursions are available to give you a new experience.

Itinerary 1:
North Canacona :
Staying with the coastline and introducing you to spectacular coastline and 'film set' beaches. Taste traditional Goan cuisine , have lunch on the beach, in the mounatins or even in a locals home, the hospitlity is as warm as the vindaloo is hot.
Visit historic sites and beautiful temples, all this can be done in just a couple a few hours and you don't have to worry about a regimented approach -we can be as flexible as you want, no problem.

Itinerary 2:
South Canacona :
Waterfalls, mountains, wildlife and wilder beaches. Lunch at a shack, fresh seafood oysters, lobsters perhaps even a boat trip and lunch on a secluded beach? Just be sure to take your camera, photo opportunities everywhere!

Itinerary 3:
A la Carte:
Trips and adventures, sightseeing and forna. Tell us what you are interested in and we will put a package together for you, designed for you.
......and dont think we are restricted to just Canacona; Goa is our home and we will be happy to take you further afield, just let us know.

Our vehicles are well maintained and we can  provide you with everything from Activa to Enfields, Ford Icons to Jeeps, so you are not limited to just scooters!

For more information about the area, including places to stay and eat check out www.goabuddy.in

Heritage, Culture, Nature Cabo De Rama Fort

Location: 15 kms approx
Tele: Chris on 09742232007 if you need more info
Child friendly: yes under supervision!

Cost: nil

Cabo De Rama, the name conjures up all sorts of images , pre dating the Portuguese, who seized the fort in 1763 , it was continually occupied and at one point even housed a prison which closed in the mid 195Os, the Fort was eventually abandoned when the Portuguese left Goa..
Steeped in Hindu mythology, Lord Rama apparently stayed here with his wife Ramayana during his 14 year exile, (presumably before it was a prison, probably more like the Taj Hotels in those days), the fort offers spectacular sea vista and for me this is the highlight of Cabo De Rama.
The approach and first glimpses promise a real treat, the fortified entrance stands strong and intact but unfortunately you soon discover that the rest of the Fort is in ruins with just a few odd walls. So if you are looking for something more than just ruins you may be disappointed.
There is a chapel inside the ramparts which is still in use and may quench your thirst if you are looking for more than just rocks and sea views.
For me Cabo De Rama is a must do, why? Well basically it shows another face of Goa, the guide books say it’s a very popular tourist spot, but it is never busy and whenever I have been the small car park is never full so you don’t have to worry about crowds. Even if there were parking for six or seven buses, the fort covers so many acres you can still find quiet spots to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline to the North and South. Take some time out on your own or with your partner, but bringing tiny kids here would be a nightmare, I can guarantee cuts and bruises within 5 minutes……ok there goes my 'backing' from the Goan Tourist Board!
Outside the fort there are just a couple of small bars / shops and no handicraft shops! Can you believe that? Ok so now someone will read this and tell so and so and it will soon resemble Tottenham Court Road!
Getting here is pretty simple, obviously by taxi, two wheeler is a beatiful ride through lovely scenery or bus from Margao. Loads of buses but be careful about timings, the bus service tends to stop earlier than you would expect.

For more information check out http://www.goabuddy.in/ , why not register with us and get a 'buddy advantage' card, it will give you discounts and benefits across India. 

Health & Beauty: KAILAS AYURVEDA

Location: Columb , next to Bhakti Kutir
Telephone: 09823595891
Child Friendly: n/a

Cost: from 800rs per treatment

This really is the "Kerala Ayurveda' experience! Everything is right, it doesn't just recreate it, it really is a little bit of Kerala here in Goa.
The building is right, the ambience is right and even the smell, so save your self the time and rather than spend twenty hours on the train come here!
Vijay the manager and all of his team have been 'imported' from Kerala, with years of experience you are in safe and knowledgeable hands, but Vijay is quick to tell you this not just a place to get just a relaxing massage, it really is a clinic with people from all over India and the world coming to him for treatments. There's a 'book load' of testimomials if you need convincing.
Vijay and Sudheer and his team including lady therapists treat everything from paralysis to dislocated joints, back pain to posture problems, to circulation and mental tensions.
As well as traditional ayurveda, Kailas also offers reiki, pranic healing, magneto therapy, reflexology and body scrubs.
So if you are in the area , want something authentic, something that's good for you and something thats extremely good value, carried out by great people then you just have to come here! I have recommended many many people to come to see Vijay and everyone is amazed, its actually where all the locals come with their ailments so that should speak a thousand words.
I am positive if you come once you will be back time and time again.

For more information see http://www.goabuddy.in/ search under 'name', 'Activities' or by map.

Heritage, Culture, Nature TANSHIKAR SPICE FARM

Location : 35 kms approx from Palolem

Tele: 0832 2608358 or 9421184114

Child friendly: Yes

Cost: 350rs per person 

Say 'Spice Farm' and it immediately conjurs up coach loads of tourists, queues, litter and commercialism. With Tanshikar this is the last thig you will get!!!

On arriving there a couple of shady waiting areas that give the impression that the whole place is about to be descended upon by hoards of people but relax. The farm will only take a limited number 12-15 per day, maybe more but only be arrangement. The tour round the farm is taken by the lovely couple that now run it, Chinmay and Gauri,  its very personal, very informative and fun. Did you know that nutmeg is dangerous? Anyway, the tour is a great experience , then you check out the 'bubble pool' where the Tiger Fish will give you a pedicure, well they would if you could sit there for three days, but they really do nibble the dead skin. The tour ends with a look round their home, its simply wonderful, a 200 year old property built in the Coastal style, its not a Porugese style house, this is very different and totally charming, just like Chinmay. 4th generation in the property and his lovely wife Gauri.
I have decided deliberatley not to say anything else, this is a real experience! I know why I love coming here, let me know what you enjoy!

For more information see http://www.goabuddy.in/ search under 'name', 'Activities' or by map.