RCI EV Issue 8 Spring 2013

A MANY SPLENDORED THING: (clockwise from top) The fleet is in for the day. Not you average crowded beach. The cathedral of Saint Francis in Old Goa. There is no better
place for beach yoga... than in the home of yoga. Every kind of beach sport is at your fingertips. The beach is great but the food... one of the true pleasures when in India.
Situated on the western coast of India
in the coastal belt known as Konkan,
Goa has a soul that reaches deep
into its thought-provoking history, rich
culture and some of the most beautiful
natural scenery that India has to offer.
Legends from Hindu mythology, credit Lord
Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries
various dynasties including Rashtrakutas,
Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani
Muslims and most notably the Portuguese
have ruled Goa. On December 19, 1961 the
Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation
liberated Goa and it became a Union
Territory along with the enclaves of Daman
and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was
conferred statehood and became the 25th
state of the Indian Republic.
Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive
lifestyle quite different from the rest of
India. Hindu and Catholic communities
make up almost the entire population with
minority representation of Muslims and
other religions. Because of its diversity there
are some great activities to do and places to
go when holidaying in this unique part of
the world. Let’s take a glimpse.
BODY ART
Get a black henna tattoo painted onto any
part of your body by a tribal tattoo artist
right on the beach. You can choose from a
large variety of designs, ranging from simple
to really intricate. And the best thing about
a henna tattoo is that it fades away after
a few weeks so you can’t be bound for too
long to your choice of design!
PARTY
There is live entertainment and dancing
music in Goa’s popular nightspots so let your
hair down, rid those inhibitions and join in
with some traditional Goan dancing. Goa
has many popular cultural events throughout
the year so check out their calendar to see
what is happening during your planned
holiday. www.goatourism.gov.in
SNACK SHACKS
When it comes to food Goa certainly
knows how to please our taste buds. There
are numerous shacks that provide an
amazing range of food and aside from the
stellar menus and wonderful cooks, they
are a great place to hang out with your
friends and family. Infantaria at Calangute
has a large collection of superbly prepared
snacks and bakes. Their breakfast options
are superb. Curly’s on Anjuna is a shack
that serves some seriously good food.
You’ll always find a group of hippies sitting
around here and young people playing
ball on the beach in front. Britto’s at Baga
is a very popular beachside multi cuisine
restaurant with tables leading onto the
beach where you can dig your toes in the
sand while digging into a grilled lobster.
At night, all their tables are candle lit and
the sea breeze is just perfect.
ENDLESS VACATION 27