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.