Goa Part-2

Previous day visit at Goa: Water-Sports and nightlife at Calangute Beach

Part2-Day2: Old Goa:

The Bom Jesus Church: We started almost as per bus timings. What could be the better place than remembering God as to start the day. This church houses St.Francis Xavier's mortal remains and is the tourist destination. The place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule. Interior view of the church is amazing and the church also holds paintings of scenes taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier. The body of St. Francis Xavier is kept in a well-decorated casket. After that we move towards spice garden.

Tropical Spice Plantation:

The place address is: "A-14, Arla Bazar, Keri, Ponda"

As we entry to this spice plantation cottage, a sweet lady welcome us with a garland. We had special tea within its own spices from garden. After that we stared with the guided tour of the spice garden. The guide showed us various trees and plants of spices like: cardamom (Elaichi), turmeric (Haldi), Thyme Seed (Ajwain), Almond (Badam), Cinnamon (Daalchini), Coriander (Dhania), Nutmeg (Jaiphal), Cumin seed (Jeera), Cashewnut (Kaju), Saffron (Kesar), Chilli (Mirchi), Cloves (Lavang), Peppercorns (Kali Mirch), Holy Basil (Tulsi) etc etc. At the end monkey man showed a technique to climbing the tree, and hopping from one to another. After that we had some drops of water under our back as per the ritual. At the end we headed towards our group lunch. There was a bridge to reach this cottage, and both sides of this, there were various water plants, fish and snakes roaming around. You can also enjoy elephant bath, elephant ride and elephant banana feeding here. People enjoyed and spend some time amidst pure nature.

Shree Mangesh Prashanna: Om namah Sivaya!!! The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Nearby market is full of local stuff, and various fruit chhat can be enjoyed here. After that our bus moved towards the capital city of Goa, Panaji.

Dona Paula, Panaji: This place have both romantic and mythical flavours. At the apex, enigmatic scenes can be enjoyed along with Arabian sea. Another most important attraction of this beach is the water sport facilities available here.

Princesa Cruise: A cruise on the high waves of Arabian Sea, what could be a better eve than this. As soon as we boarded at the cruise, party started, and local dances also performed. After that our group come back to Anup holiday homes. At the night, some of us went to Saturday night market. Market was quite good and enlighting and having local items. I enjoyed some of the Beatles songs, and many more. Luckily we also get the chance to watch dance and fire show by the acrobats.

Part2-Day3:

Third day again, We been to beach for sea bath, and being more tan. We had the walk of calingute beach from one end to another. We relaxed & tanned there till noon, then move to the hotel. Its time to back to Pune, We got our bus to drop at Vasco-Da-Gama railway station.

Both ways train journey was superb, we enjoyed our dinner/snacks together. Tambola and playing cards was full on throughout our journey. Most of us bring cashew, fenny(feni), local wine from Goa for their family and friends. Overall the project event was well organized and planned. Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers to make this event successful and great outing.

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Goa Part-1

Quote of the Post- "Let's Go A" - Quote about trip to Goa - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Part1-Day1:

We reached Margaon (Moddganv) railway station early in the morning, and then to the Anup holiday homes near Calingute beach. We had some time to refresh and breakfast, and then rush towards the beach.

It was a sunny day, as we came here at the start of Feb. The day was dedicated to fun-filled water-sports and beach time. We had sea-water biking, banana ride, para-sailing etc. All the groups participated in this sporty event.

Nightlife and entertainment at Calangute:

First at the eve, we had a cup of cardamom and ginger tea, then walked towards a temple near the crossroads. Calangute's nightlife is surprisingly tamed and provide a nice break for party lovers. At the beach itself, We had candle-light with the whole group, and enjoyed chat with all.

Beach walk at night remind me the days of Cyprus. For sometime, we shake our body, move our legs at the dance floor. After that we roam around the places to enjoy Calingute night market and have dinner. At least Zabi bought the specs for his eyes security. Now it was the time to go to bed, as another packed day was scheduled.

Enjoy the next day - Trip to old Goa and Panaji.

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