Steve and Rebecca holidayed in Goa last November and are expected to return for a second vacation in less than six months because, for them, there is no other place that offers what Goa does.
For many, Goa is not just about sitting on the beach and sipping beer, but exploring available options, and one such is staying in a houseboat on the waters in the interiors.
“We had an amazing night on the houseboat in the backwaters,” wrote Sue Edwards. “Cruised down the river, watched the sunset near Morjim Beach, and then moored up in the middle of the river and spent a lovely evening just chilling,” she added.
“The next morning was lovely and relaxing, just cruising along the river, saw a huge croc and the boys got to do some fishing off the back of the boat. The crew could not do enough for us,” she explained.
An adventure on a houseboat is a hidden treasure not tried by many tourists in Goa. There may not be many houseboats, but the few available offer experiences that generally describe as being good.
An adventure on a houseboat is a hidden treasure not tried by many tourists in Goa. There may not be many houseboats, but the few available offer experiences that generally describe as being good.
The price for an overnight stay in a houseboat in Goa amounts to around Rs 1,500 per cabin (prices fluctuate) and most include meals, drinks and activities. Boats are based in North Goa with offices along the coastal belt and at receptions in many hotels.
If many foreign tourists have shifted to the south, there are several old tourists who have started returning to the north especially after the mega festivals were shifted from Vagator.
“I was not sure at first; but only after being sure that Vagator is no more hosting events that leave the village in chaos that we decided to return,” observed Ramiro, as he walked to his homestay after a late night out.
Once the music stops at 10 pm, the roads in Vagator and Anjuna are filled with elderly foreigners walking home or hitchhiking rides to a restaurant that is open for one last drink before hitting the road home.
“A lot of old foreigners have started coming back. I did not expect it at this time of the year, but that they have started returning is good news. Having them is much better,” observed Romeo, who runs a homestay.
For many foreigners, who have decided to come so late in the season, Goa is beautiful throughout the year.
“I have come for two months and should be returning by the end of April. I intend going to Gokarna in Karnataka for a few days and staying in Patnem for a week. This is a good place to chill when there is no rush,” explains Maxcy.
Apart from this, hotels in the South are witnessing a rise in bookings and hoteliers attribute it to the Carnival celebrations, starting Friday.
“Most of our rooms have been reserved for Indian guests who are expected to arrive on Friday night and Saturday morning,” disclosed a receptionist at a South Goa resort.
As is the trend, airlines have hiked the price of a one-way ticket to Goa on that weekend. “This weekend falls at the beginning of the month, and hence, the rush to join the Carnival celebrations,” observed a travel agent.
If South Goa is seeing good days – and good days are measured by the number of foreign arrivals – North Goa is slowly catching up.