Took forever, but we made it happen! Bawmbe to Goa 2019

Jokes about planning Goa trips are old - almost as old as Dil Chahta Hai, and that movie came out in 2001. I watched that film. It was alright - but unlike others, I never actually got to planning a trip.

Until August 2019!

One gut call, and I was already thinking about all the calamari I was gonna eat.

That gut call, plus having to go through OutOfOfficeDaku’s daily Skyscanner updates. 

At one point, a two way journey to Bangkok or Goa was almost the same. But Bangkok can wait because you always cut your coat according to your cloth. (coat unquote)

Pretty Pictures - Free Wallpaper Download Here

Now if you know me, I like clicking pictures. Lots of them. Made some nice ones on this trip too. Got a few requests to put them out as wallpapers. So, here you go. Click here to download. It's the New Year, if you're not changing anything else - change your phone wallpaper.

Outtake - Do me a favour and please don't steal these pictures, or else; bus, car, train or plane, you’ll never get a window seat in your life.

We booked tickets close to 3 months in advance. :p (Talk about a first-time-to-Goa trip) That means besides counting the ETA, we did a lot of planning, searching and list-making. You think I was going to let it all go to waste? This is exactly that. All the things, minus the website cookies, put together as ‘Not-A-Guide to Goa’ by Bawmbe.

Might get long, so in case you want to skip through the pitter-patter, just click here and head over to the #BawmbeToGoa thread on my twitter. Let me know which pictures you like. 

Not-A-Guide to Goa by Bawmbe

If you’re going to Goa for the first time, your journey might pretty much be Karmali Railway Station, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Panjim, Ritz Classic, Candolim-Calangute-Baga, after which you probably don’t remember anything. (I know there's a lot more to Goa, but that's what we've heard over and over). We did all that, in addition to taking the cute rickshaw ride. But you've probably heard these things about Goa trips all your life. So I’ll just go ahead and list down all the good food and drinks we had on our list. Because nobody gets tired of listening to those! 

Where to eat?

1. Shiver’s Garden
2. Tuscany Gardens
3. Fisherman’s Wharf
4. Bomra’s
5. Calamari Bathe & Binge
6. Black Sheet Bistro
7. Baba Au Rhum
8. Titlie
9. Peep Kitchen

Pick one? I’d go with Calamari.

Thali Places

1. Ritz Classic
2. Starlight
3. Hotel Anandashram
4. Kokni Kanteen
5. Vinayak Family Restaurant
6. Fat Fish

Pick one? It’s a tie between Ritz Classic & Kokni Canteen.

What to drink? Can alcohol you?

Goa Brewing’s - Eightfinger Eddie, Pineapple Saison, Saint & Sinner, Susegado, Arbor’s Beach Shack & Smooth Criminal in Beers.

Nao Spirits’ Greater Than & Hapusa, Third Eye Distillery’s Stranger & Sons in Gin. Terai, Samsara, GinGin.

That’s all you may need in Goa. But if you don't give a fish, about anything else but drinking like a fish...

Cabo is popular among tourists, Malibu is (alas) affordable when to comes to drinking rum, in Goa. You can get almost everything, and of course cheaper. 

Special mention for Paul John, India’s true Single Malt Whisky therefore, king. And Woodburns, which is a new true-to-Goa brand that you must try, when it comes to drinking whisky in Goa. No special mention for vodka. No!

Where to drink?

Pretty much anywhere, the taverns have their own charm, but Joseph Bar Panjim, Esco Bar, Hideaway and Gunpowder Goa are great. Pick one? Joseph.

While we’re talking alcohol, the Paul John Distillery in Cuncolim is a must-visit. We couldn’t do it on this trip, but it’s a must. Goa Brewing’s Distillery in Sangolda is also a place all craft beer enthusiasts must check out. Both distilleries offer tours, Paul John has a whole package to offer and what not. It’s really good, you get to taste several variants, and they’re A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Places to visit

1. Fort Aguada
2. Sinquerim Fort
3. Chapora Fort
4. Reis Magos
5. Sinquerim Beach
6. Candolim-Calangute-Baga
7. Anjuna Beach
8. Vagator Beach

Note: If you’re dependent on public transport for travelling then Goa Miles, the state’s private taxi service is a real saviour. Service works great on both, desktop and mobile.

All these places make for really good pictures. They’re great to hang around at with friends. Two scenic places I’d personally recommend: Cabo De Rama - which is beaute, and evenings on the banks of River Mandovi. The sunsets will take your breath away.

Our Stay at Aldeia Santa Rita, Sinquerim

Lastly, I’d like to appreciate the place we stayed at. Aldeia Santa Rita is great resort near Candolim. Especially, if you’re figuring out accommodation up north. It’s located in Dando; right on Sinquerim beach, close to the erstwhile Kingfisher(now King’s) Villa. It’s got a pool, parking, professionals to make sure you have a pleasant stay. Borkar wines, borkar supermart, and all in all the borkar run businesses nearby ensure you can get everything you need. #NotSponsored

Rooms are lovely. You’re welcomed with a drink. They don’t bother you. Didn’t try the restaurant there, because there were plenty around. Scooty rental place right at the gate. 

But the main highlight of staying at Aldeia Santa Rita is that you have private access to the beach from inside the hotel. Like there is an actual lane that you can walk through next to the reception that leads you to the golden sand and (crystal clear) blue water at the shore on Sinquerim beach. That feeling of taking a dip before breakfast. Oh, my my. And just so you know, it shares the boundary with Taj Holiday Village. You're getting almost the same view. 

Want to try something unique?

The Carnival, the Museum of Goa, Goa International Photography Festival, Vaayu Village and India Bike Week are some things I had in mind while planning the trip. 

If like me, you start your planning with listing down where you’re going to be eating and drinking, well I think we have a good starting point here. That’s it from BawmbeToGoa 2019. 

Not A Guide by Bawmbe is a series true to its name. It’s not a guide to the place, just notes from an itinerary made before a trip, and tried-n-tested. Well, most of it.