Essentially Goa
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The Goan Bread
Pão- Keeping alive the legacy of the Portuguese The existence of bread in Goa The Goan bread is one of the delicacies that everyone craves for. The bread is an integral part of the Goan eating habit, be it for breakfast, for evening tea or for some occasion in the house the bread is always seen on the buffet table. Earlier the people living in Goa had a diet which comprised of roti, chapatti, idli, sambhar, a diet quite similar to that of South India. When the Portuguese invaded the coasts of Goa they brought with them various types of dishes ranging from sweet to savory delicacies. The Portuguese also brought in bread which was called pao. Earlier method of baking Pao The first Goan pao were quite unique. They were prepared by using local toddy, locally known as sur, as a source of natural yeast. This gave the bread a distinctive character that is quite impossible to replicate with any other kind of yeast. This mixture was then left for fermentation for 2-3 hrs. The pao is baked in wood-fired mud ovens, locally known as forn. According to Peter Fernandes, the proprietor of Dalima Bakers at Colva stated that […]
Feast of Our Lady in Goa
The feast of Our Lady, also known as ‘Saibin’ to the locals of Goa is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. The feast of Our Lady is celebrated on the 8th of September annually and also commemorates the house to house visitation of the statue of Our Lady. The visitation generally lasts for a month wherein each household in the village keeps the statue for a day and it passes through each catholic household in the vaddo. The month-long time of devotion brings the whole community together to celebrate and pray. It was believed that this brings the family and the community together in prayer and also imbibes the grace of Our Lady within oneself. The statue of Our Lady is brought in by the eldest son of the house with a younger sibling holding a cross. The procession includes hymns dedicated to Our Lady. The table dedicated to Our Lady is usually wrapped with a white satin cloth or white cloth with embroidery which symbolizes purity along with two candles. Placed at the side of the statues are flowers. Traditionally Abolim and Buttao flowers were used. These flowers stayed fresh only for a day which is why they were […]
An eco-farm with thrills and adventure for the first time in Goa
For the first time in Goa, an eco-farm will be opening which consists of more than just a farm or spice plantations. People can come here and admire the farm and get thrills as well. The construction of SharvRaj Eco-farm at Padoshe Sanquelim in Sattari taluka will be in five phases. The first phase will be inaugurated on 9th March 2019 at 4 pm. It will be open to the public from 10th March 2019 onwards. The first phase is built in an area of 10 acres. The farm consists of horticulture, rainwater harvesting, vegetable cultivation, borewell recharge, different types of irrigation methods, medicinal herbs, water management, organic fertilizers, and more. Those who love adventure will be able to find it at the eco-farm’s adventure park which has features such as Burma bridge, climbing net, rope net crossing, catwalk net, sliding net, log swinging bridge, tyre climbing, and rock climbing. Their water park facilities are a water play station, family slide, spiral slide, multilane slide, and so on. Another attraction of SharvRaj Eco-farm will be the thrill rides- sky cycling (the first in Goa) and zip lining. Other activities include horse rides, bull cart rides, archery, etc. They will be […]
Beaches in Goa with less crowd
The shining sun is hitting the waves, making the ocean sparkle as it reflects the blue hues of the sky above. The gentle breeze and the calming sounds of the water make you slip into relaxation mode. However, there is one thing you may wish was different…. a beach that wasn’t so crowded! Written By: Sheryl Gonsalves Not to worry! Here is a list of beaches in Goa that’ll let you have a quieter, peaceful outing: NORTH GOA The North side of Goa has a notorious reputation for having crowded, noisy beaches. However, this isn’t entirely true. Here are some serene spots to visit for sand and sea… Morjim Beach This beach is quite famous for the Olive Ridley turtles who come to nest here and are helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the baby turtles get into the sea. The beach is also a favourite among Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, one will find signboards and menu cards in the Russian language. Mandrem Beach If you want to enjoy vast stretches of sand and water, this beach is the place to be! Colourful seashells dot the shores while little crabs […]
Capas Magnas- The Procession of tails
A unique ritual is held at Se Cathedral, Old Goa on every Good Friday and known as ‘Capas Magnas’ or Shepdyanche Pursanv (Procession of tails). The procession is called ‘Shepdyanche Pursanv’ as the trailing end of the cloak resembles a tail (shepdi). This unique procession has been held in the Se Cathedral from the sixteenth century. This procession is held in locations where the Cathedral Chapters still exits. The Cathedral Chapters is an organization of clergies which comprises of ‘Canons’– who are the advisors to the Archbishop. Earlier this institution was called as the ‘Cabido’ and the Canons were called as ‘Conegos’. Initially there were 32 canons who were advisors to the Archbishop of Goa and their jurisdiction ranged from South Africa to Japan. Presently there are only 5 canons who reside at the Se Cathedral in the Archiepiscopal Palace– the first palace of the Archbishop of Goa, which dates back to 1535. On the day of Good Friday during the procession the Canons are seen dressed up with special black cassocks, which has a hood and a long trail and portrays the state of mourning. (The liturgical service at Se Cathedral, Old Goa starts at 3.00 pm, which is […]
Kokum- The souring agent of Goa
Kokum is one of the star ingredients in Goa after coconuts. It has a distinctive sour flavour with a hint of sweet and is used in many dishes of this beautiful state. It is available in markets fresh or sundried. Goans love sipping from a glass filled with cold kokum juice or using kokum to add a sour note to their food. It can be used in pickles and gravies. The local markets of Goa will have fresh Kokum during the summer. If you’re not here for the summer, you can always go for dried kokum. Health benefits – Can boost intestine health – Decreases appetite and can help in weight loss – Decreases inflammation – Has cooling properties – Boosts heart health – Good for digestion – And more… Dishes that use Kokum:- Sol Kadhi This tangy drink is popular in Goa. It is usually drunk during lunch/dinner or mixed with rice. Ingredients: 10 dried Kokum 1 cup grated coconut 1½ cloves garlic 1½ green chilli (chopped) ¼ inch ginger piece (chopped) Salt to taste Coriander leaves Method: Put Kokum in warm water and keep aside for 30-40 minutes. Then squeeze the kokum juice out. Discard the pulp. Blend the coconut, ginger, garlic, […]
Summer vegetables of Goa
The spring festivals of Carnival, Holi or Shigmo are reminders that summer is nigh. The noon temperature has already touched 36 degrees Celsius, and the night temperatures dip to 24 degrees in the wee hours. It is time to plant ladyfingers or Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculenta), a hot favourite during summer. The long, light green to old ivory coloured, local, long ladyfingers or ‘Sath Xiramcho Bhendo’ now has a Geographical Indication or G.I. tag for Goa alongside the Taleigao and Agasaim brinjals and the Khola and Harmal chillies. The time to sow ladyfinger or corn seeds and transplant chilli or brinjal seedlings is during this season. Vegetable seeds are available with the zonal agriculture offices across Goa in packets of ten grams, costing just Rs. 36 for ladyfingers, Rs. 13 for sweet corn and just Rs. 5 for baby corn seed. One can also buy seeds from the Goa Bagayatdar Society’s outlets across Goa. Young and enthusiastic farmer from Dabal, Varad Samant, is the State Ambassador for vegetable cultivation, and the exotic-looking Red Bhendi from Karnataka is one of his crops, along with chillies, cabbage, and watermelons. Varad conducted training for Bardez farmers in mid-February 2026 at Guirim-Sangolda. A visit to […]
Delightful Summer Fruits of Goa
The heat is intense but it’s the time of the year that seasonal fruits are available in plenty Seasonal fruits are popular among locals in Goa, especially during the summer. With the popularity of social media, these summer fruits are searched on Google and tracked down in the markets. This has increased demand and has caused the prices to go up. Mangoes, the king of fruits, have always been the favourite. The ‘Mankurad’ is so superior that in the Panaji market, people spent about Rs 4,000 a dozen after the mangoes came to the markets in March. The rates have stabilised but ask the elders around and they’d say, “People would give them to us for a song (free). We never had to think twice before buying Mankurad mangoes but today it’s out of the common man’s reach.” Raw mangoes are coveted too. Used for pickles, preservatives and to go along with urrack with some salt and chilli, the markets are flooded with raw mangoes. ‘Panne’ is a cooler made from raw mangoes. Fresh tender cashews (bibbe) are used in various recipes. These cashews are plucked and peeled to get tender cashews. A favourite of Goans, there’s so much joy […]
Season of Chafra
Spring heralds hot winds in tropical lands like Goa. To soothe their harshness, trees and bushes adorn themselves with bountiful sweet secrets, hiding treasures beneath their leaves. Wild berries have always held a special place in my heart since childhood. The hot summer air still carries the fragrance of those cherished memories, when Baba would take me and all my cousins sauntering across the sun-kissed plateaus and through tangled thickets in search of wild berries. Chafra (Flacourtia montana) is one of Goa’s wild berries. The tree is endemic to the Western Ghats, yet today many people are hardly even aware of it. In earlier times, however, it was given sacred protection in Goan villages. Revered for its medicinal uses, it was considered holy and preserved within sacred groves such as Nirankarachi Rai of Maloli in Sattari, the historic Mahadev temple complex at Tambdi Surla, the Devachi Rai of Nagvem, and the Devachi Rai of Shiroli village near my own village of Keri in Sattari. During winter, it is armed with simple and branched spines, guarding itself with quiet resilience. Later, it blooms with small yellowish flowers bearing spherical, hairy buds, which slowly transform into light green fruits. With time and […]
Screw pines along the coast
Fish curry and rice is the staple diet of the people in Goa, Konkan and most littoral countries. The fish breeds in the safety of the estuaries, away from the big fish but in familiar waters. The mangroves and the screw-pines along the river banks along the coast give the fish clearer water and also food from decaying plant material. Heavy metal pollution is in the news now while screw-pines are receding from our sight and consciousness. The screw-pine can grow in fresh water, brackish water and in sea water. It is a plant that deserves fresh interest. Miguel Braganza From a distance, the plants that appear to be overgrown sugarcane clumps are actually quite a different tree. Their oblong or spherical fruits look like pineapples or breadfruits. The screw pines, or screw palms, are none of these. Botanically known as Pandanus species, the P. tectorius and P. odoratissimus are common in Goa. We are at the fag-end of the Bondgueshwar or Bodgeshwar zatra in Mapusa. The deity is actually based on the Bonddgi or screw pine, Pandanus tectorius, that once abounded along the river Mapusa and the streams of fresh water that fed it from Khorlim, Verla, Canca, Guirim […]
When Goa turns golden
Goa is also called the ‘Sunaparant’, ‘Goa Dourado’, or ‘Golden Goa’ due to the existence of the Peltophorum ferrugenium that covers the ground with golden flowers. The Peltophorum ferrugenium (syn Peltophorum pterocarpum) is variously called as the Copper Pod, or Rusty Shield-bearer tree. It is often mistaken for a Mayflower or Gulmohur, Delonix regia, when not in flower. There are two distinct differences: it does not have large sword-like pods and its new shoots are not green. The word ferrugenium means ‘producing iron’ and is a reference to the new brown shoots that look as if they are rusted iron. The one or two-seeded shield-shaped pods are a coppery first and then turn rusty brown and, hence, the names. The trees, and the ground below, are full of golden flowers that are a sight to see till the May. In 2016, the 18th June Road had 100 trees belonging to 23 different species and almost a half of them (49 to be exact) were Copper Pods that made the footpaths look as if they had been paved in gold. A few of these trees were knocked down by the cyclone Taukte. Other trees just disappeared overnight. Copper Pod and Rain […]
Backpacking Guide: Beverages to try when in Goa
Goa is famous for its beaches and architecture. Backpacking through the city can be tiring and a beverage in hand will definitely help melt away all the tiredness! Try one of the most renowned Goan-made beverages during your getaway and sit back and unwind. Feni Feni liquor is an alcoholic drink produced in Goa. Feni has been here since the Portuguese rule and has been relished since. Over time Feni has been sold commercially and many local alcohol shops sell them. Speaking of varieties; Feni is famously sold in two varieties; Cashew Feni and Coconut Feni. The alcoholic content of Feni ranges from 42.8% to 45%. Feni undergoes a distillation process wherein the first step is to crush cashew apples into an earthen or copper pot along with other key ingredients. This copper pot is buried underground for the fermentation process. Over time the fermentation undergoes vaporization and distillation which then becomes alcohol. One of the most famous brands selling Feni is the Big Boss Cashew Feni. Urrak Urrak is known as the sister of Feni as Urrak undergoes the same distillation process. The only difference between them is that Urrak goes through just one distillation process whereas Feni goes […]
Into the mind of Kamlakar Naik- An Indian Classical Music Vocalist
Kamlakar Naik is a kind-hearted man who is an Indian classical music vocalist. His style is Khayal singing and belongs to the Agra style of music. He has performed in many places and music conferences like Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar Smriti Sangeet Samaroh, Sawai Gandharv, and Sangeet Samorah. Naik says that nowadays in Goa, people lean more towards light classical music or Western & Indian classical music fusions. He says: “I’m not interested in music fusions. I concentrate on pure classical music which I received from my gurus.” Some of his gurus were Ratnakantji Ramnathkar, Pt. V.R Athavaleji, and Jitendra Abhishekiji. He’s been involved in classical music for approximately 50 years. Kamlakar feels that Indian classical music has definitely changed in Goa and India over the years as each artist has his own imagination and capacity and makes his contribution to the classical music industry which changes the music. “I enjoy performing. I am totally involved in the performance. I always think that every performance is an examination for me,” Naik enthusiastically states. He continues,“ One must also learn the theory of music apart from practical. There are theoretical rules for presenting melodies. One melody can be performed even for 60 minutes […]
Let us ‘Vow’ to protect the ethnicity of our Heritages on this ‘World Heritage Day’
Though Goa is the smallest state in India, it has made a quite telling contribution on the historical front of the country. Goa has been known for its ports through the ages, which facilitated trading. The state’s ports became handy not only traders but also rulers like the Mauryas, the Shatavahanas, Bhojas, the Shilaharas, the Kadambas, the Bahmanis and the Portuguese. The ruling stints of these dynasties allowed them to create some monumental edifices on this piece of land, of which some still exist and some have been lost to the time. In what can be said to be an honor for Goans, as the entire zone of Old Goa (The Churches and Convents of Old Goa) was inducted into UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Site, inscribed under the UNESCO norms, in 1986. The Catholic faith in Goa was built on the pillars of St Francis Xavier who embraced the land of Goa in 1542 and in order to profess the Catholic faith the Portuguese built the churches. Goa was thus termed as the ‘Rome of the East’. The inclusion of religious monuments in Goa in the World Heritage List are: the influence of […]
Whirlpools, crocodiles, and more. Find out what the life of a fisherman is like.
A cool breeze blows and the water laps gently against the river bank. A man walks towards the river carrying his floating net. He gets into the boat and uses his strong arms to expertly row to the desired spot to cast the net for catching fish. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW This happy-go-lucky Goan is Prakash. He goes fishing 2-3 times a week as it is one of his ways of earning a living. During his childhood, he had a tough life as his parents struggled to feed him and his seven siblings. From a young age, he was a keen learner. Just by watching different people at work, he was able to pick up various other trades like carpentry and vegetable cultivation. He has observed that during the summer there is more fish to catch. According to him, the months of April, May, and June are the best months to fish. During the rainy season, he avoids fishing as the river waters get choppy. In the past few years, fishing has become a bit tougher for him because of crocodiles and seals. Seals move very quickly to steal the fish they catch and even come to bite them. […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Backpacking Guide: Baga
Want to experience the nightlife as well as the serene beaches during a tight vacation? Baga is the place to be! Baga is indeed one of the most serene yet commercialized places in Goa. Baga, a small village, along the coast of Goa is nothing but beautiful for the traveler who is on a time limit. Baga creek Baga creek is the perfect place for you to sit and watch the sunset. Right next to Baga beach lays the creek and it has one of the most beautiful views. The picture perfect place makes it a get-away to few locals who come fishing daily and also a view of the ever buzzing Baga beach. The creek is surrounded by beautiful rocks with the waves clashing against it. Saturday night market Another place to visit whilst in Baga is the Saturday Nite Market. As the name specifies, the market is open during the nights. The vast number of stalls sell clothes, jewelry and other kinds of artistic pieces. They also have food stalls that’ll help curb that mid-night hunger! They also have an open stage which gives upcoming talent showcase their work. Baga tibetian market Baga Tibetian Market is another flea […]
Crocheting beyond gender: A Goan man’s story
While many might assume that crochet is solely a female-dominated craft, Gautam Naik defies stereotypes as a hair, beauty and spa professional, who has been captivated by the art of crochet at the age of 12. “I developed a passion for crocheting at a young age after observing my aunt’s crochet work at home. She taught me the basic stitches, which I quickly grasped due to my keen interest. In Class 5, I noticed my teacher crocheting during her free time, so I expressed my ability to work on basic stitches and asked if she could teach me more. She generously lent me her crochet book, and I made photocopies to explore and learn different crochet patterns. And that is how my journey in crocheting began.” Ever since then, Naik has been making and selling crochet items to his acquaintances. His first work was a duck-themed tablecloth, which he sold for Rs. 250. Presently, Naik specialises in creating an array of items, including torans, bunny caps, duck tablecloths, mobile pouches, sweaters, handbags, monkey caps, and patchwork on jute bags and fabrics and sells them under the brand Gomzy1982, which is also his Instagram handle. “Granny square pattern is my favourite […]
The Magic of Coconut Oil
Many people across the globe are starting to realize the numerous benefits of something so humble- coconut oil. The best type of coconut oil to use is unrefined, organic, and virgin. It is no secret that there is an abundance of coconuts in Goa. Dry coconuts are gathered, split open, and their insides are taken out and chopped. This is then sun-dried till they reach the right texture for oil extraction. The coconut pieces are then taken to the mill and the oil is extracted. But what can it be used for? Coconut oil in cooking Coconut oil can act as a healthy substitute for other ingredients. For example, in baking, room-temperature coconut oil can be used to replace butter. It can also be used instead of other oils in various recipes be it sweet or savoury. Coconut oil is said to probably have health benefits like aiding weight loss, reducing hunger, promoting healthier bones, and more. It remains stable even at high temperatures. Coconut oil for skin If you have dry skin, coconut oil can be a great moisturizer. It may also reduce dark spots, scars, and fix uneven skin tones. It can also be combined with […]
Clever ways Goans prepare for the monsoons
At a particular time of the year, rain clouds roll overhead and water the land of Goa heralding the monsoon season. As beautiful as this season is, some ingredients and other things aren’t available at that time. Many locals of Goa start collecting twigs, wood, and coconut shells, and carry it home to use as firewood before the rains hit. Sheryl Gonsalves | NT GoGoaNow Here are some other ways Goans deal with the rainy season:- – Chillies: Drying red chillies (Kashmiri, musureo, Moira chillies) in the sun and storing them. – Coriander seeds/ jeera/ turmeric: Mix salt and water in a vessel. Put the coriander seeds in that water and mix well. Take it out from the water and leave it in the sun to dry. You can do the same with jeera (cumin) and whole haldi. This is to avoid insects from attacking it during the moist rainy weather. – Dry seafood: Goans store dry fish and dry prawns as there may be fish scarcity during the monsoons. – Pulses: They dry pulses like beans (vousane) and small white beans (meerulio) in the sun. – Tamarind: Remove the tamarind seeds and discard, apply salt, and pound a little […]
The marigold man of Goa
With a deep understanding of agriculture and a desire to bring locally grown marigold flowers to the Goan community, Amona-based farmer Krishna Sinari has embarked on the high-tech venture of marigold farming. RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT Inspired by the need for locally grown marigold flowers, Krishna Sinari, the owner of Prakriti Farm Products, has started a high-tech venture of marigold farming in a 3,000-square-meter plot. With a total of 5,000 plants, his farm boasts vibrant yellow and orange marigold flowers. The inspiration behind choosing marigold flowers as the primary crop stems, he says, is that even though Goa has a suitable environment for its growth, a majority of the flowers are brought in from other places. “Marigolds are essential for Diwali celebrations. So I chose to start my own marigold production to meet the local demand,” says Sinari, who holds a diploma in agriculture and has done various courses to enhance his knowledge in the field. Currently enjoying his first marigold harvest, the next crop of flowers will be during Diwali and later for Tulsi Vivah. After that, he will move on to the next crop. Sinari has previously cultivated hybrid chillies and lady fingers and plans to explore other […]
Beyond hurdles
Tinkesh Kaushik from Carmona has proved the power of mind and will by achieving the feat of becoming the world’s first triple amputee from India to reach the Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Backpacking Guide: Old Goa
Old Goa is a small town in the North Goa district. Portugal-styled churches are famous for their architecture and impeccable history behind them. Old Goa, best known for its churches, is the perfect place to be for the traveller who wants to drown himself in the beautiful Portugal architecture of Goa. NT GoGoaNow gives you a sneak peek into some places you should visit when in Old Goa! …. …. …. Basilica of Bom Jesus As you enter Old Goa, you’re definitely going to see the monumental Basilica of Bom Jesus. The church was consecrated in May 1605 by Fr. Alexia de Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa. The church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is well known as it embodies the relics of St. Francis Xavier, who lays to rest in a silver casket within the church. The relics are taken down every 10 years for an exposition which calls forth millions of devotees. The architectural monument comes under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. …. Se Cathedral The Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, in short, is known to be the largest church in Asia. The majestic church stands strong before […]
Following in the footsteps of the Saints
The procession of saints, also known as ‘Santachem Pursanv’ or ‘Ordem Terceria’ will be held at St Andrews Church at Goa Velha on March 19, the 5th Monday of the lent season. There will be a Eucharistic celebration at 4.30 p.m. which will be followed by the procession. Since this event is held during the lent season, it is actually referred as a ‘Penitential procession’. This is only of its kind procession in the world which is carried out with life size idols of the saints. The procession was also observed in the Portuguese colony of Bahia de Todos os Santos in Brazil, but was later banned. Though there were 65 statues when the procession was first started their number has been reduced to 31 now as some of them got damaged due to disuse after Queen Maria II of Portugal along with Portuguese ruler, Marquis of Pombal, banished all religious decrees from Portuguese colonies in 1835. The procession was thereafter revived in the late 19th century. The procession of saints is led by a frame carrying the ‘Veil of Veronica’. The 1st charol that comes out of the church is the ‘Tau cross’, the insignia of the Franciscan order, […]
Backpacking Guide: Assagao
When a person thinks of Assagao, these words come to mind- hills, serenity, history, eating, shopping. Assagao is one of the quieter places of Goa but also has trendy boutiques and restaurants. Just taking a walk or cycling here can be enjoyable as you can admire a lot of Portuguese houses from the colonial era or visit concept stores. Here are some not-to-miss places in Assagao: St Cajetan Church – This is a beautiful church on a slight hillock. In 1775, it was a chapel. It has charming interiors and exteriors. It was built by the Portuguese. The Food – There are a number of eating options in Assagao. At Villa Blanche Bistro you’ll get vegan options, beef steaks, pastries, homemade items, etc. Black Vanilla is famous for their All Day breakfasts and also provide quiches, pizzas, and more. Gunpowder serves refined South Indian food while SEA is known for their Asian food and seafood dishes. Additional noteworthy options are Mum’s Kitchen (Goan food), Vinayak, Sublime (European food) and others. Shop Till you Drop – People Tree Design Studio & Store sells ethically made clothes, upcycled accessories and more. Another boutique that is all for ethical and eco-friendly fashion is No Nasties. They make vegan organic cotton clothes. Rangeela sells clothes, home décor, beachwear, and traditional jewellery […]
Backpackers Guide: Commuting in Goa
Goa is breathtakingly beautiful and commuting in Goa could be a hassle. GoGoaNow helps you out in picking a convenient way for you to travel within Goa. Hire a bike: Ride the day away in Goa by hiring a bike. Enjoying the view and passing through the fields on a bike is breathtakingly amazing. There are several places at which one can hire a bike across Goa. The standard price for bikes ranges from Rs. 300 per day and goes on depending on the type of bike. Pilots: A quick way to travel through the city’s hassle is to hire a pilot. ‘Pilots’ are bikes with a rider who takes you to a destination. The drawback of this is that only one person can sit on the pilot. The prices also are cheap as compared to other alternatives. The government has allotted the price of Rs. 5 for the first kilometer and 2.50 thereafter. Rickshaws Rickshaws are another convenient way to travel in Goa. They can accommodate up to 3 people. The best place to catch a rickshaw is at the bus stop. It’s always better to ask the driver the fare before you hop on to the rickshaw. Opting […]
Trekking Spots in Goa
Goa is known for its plentiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and serene backwaters, but if you look past the vast coastline and move inland, the state holds hidden treasures. For those who have a taste for adventure, or wish to explore Goa’s quieter, more natural side, here’s a list of trekking spots which open to stunning waterfalls and natural pools: 1. Bamanbudo Waterfall Nestled in South Goa, Bamanbudo Waterfall offers a beginner experience for those looking to explore. From Panaji, travelers can take NH 66 to Gaodongren, and enjoy a short 20-minute route to the waterfall from the road. Those looking for a longer hike can approach the waterfall from the bus junction for a 45-minute walk along the forest trails. The terrain is moderate but it can be slippery, especially during the monsoon season. This spot is perfect for beginners and offers the soothing sounds of cascading water, surrounded by pristine greenery. 2. Sanvordem For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Sanvordem is an ideal trekking destination. The trail leads you through an hour-long winding forest path to a breathtaking waterfall. To reach the trail from Panaji, drive along NH 748 toward Old Goa and continue to Valpoi. The […]
Remembering Wendell
Today would’ve been the 60th birthday of Wendell Rodricks, the late fashion designer who placed the state of Goa on the world’s fashion map. A child born in Bombay with a simple lifestyle grew up to be world-famous and meet many celebrities. He was an inspiration to many, especially aspiring fashion designers. Sheryl Gonsalves| NT GoGoaNow Picture Credit – SHIVANG MISHRA | Nt GoGoaNow “From a young age people asked my advice as to the choice of a wall colour, what accessories go with a dress, decorations for a party, etc. This was at the age of seven. Later I began to draw sketches of everything from teachers to scenery. By the time I turned twenty I knew it was fashion because I began to sketch clothes. But I had to do fashion much later at 26 after a career in hotel management,” he had told NT GoGoaNow. Wendell didn’t use television, magazines, and newspapers for ideas but loved creating new things. He was known as the ‘Guru of Minimalism’ and won a Padma Shree award in his lifetime. “Goa has played a huge part in my philosophy. If I gave India minimalism, resort wear and eco-friendly clothing, it is […]
