Dr. Salim Ali Birrd Sanctuary

Relatively less known, this wonderful tourist spot can certainly be in your must visit list in Goa. The environment, scenic beauty, purity of nature, calmness can all be felt here. Although, known for spotting birds, the overall feeling one gets by spending an hour in the river over here is something you will cherish for long.

The sanctuary is located close to Panjim in an Island within river Mandovi called ‘Chorla’. Reaching ‘Chorla’ itself is exciting as one needs to take a ferry (a boat) from Ribandar area (about 3-4 kms from Panjim). The ferry is the only mode of travelling to Chorla Island and  it can carry you along with your bike/car to the Island. For locals living in Chorla, this is a daily affair but for visitors it is certainly a delight to cross the river through ferry, which is open on all side and gives a superb view of the river water. Ferry keeps plying from one end to another and there is a designated spot for boarding it. You can drive your car/bike directly inside the ferry. The journey from one end to another is approximately 10 minutes and is free of cost (10 Rs. in case you are taking your car inside).

Ferry for reaching Chorla Island

Once you alight the ferry on the Island, you will find the office of the sanctuary on the left side. You need to pay the fee Rs. 20/- per person as entry fee. There are two ways of touring the sanctuary. You can either walk on the walk way made by the side of the river. This path is surrounded by trees and plants and will take you deeper inside where you can spot birds. During rainy season the walk ways may be slippery and difficult specially for elderly and children. Also, not much can be seen through this route.

Entrance for walking inside santuary

Another and better way of touring the sanctuary is to hire a boat and ply on the river. The sanctuary has some of its boat that can be hired for Rs. 900/- for a round of 1 hour. However, many times these boats are under maintenance and the staff over there also do not provide necessary information on how to hire this boat. There is a private boat operator also, who usually take the tourist inside the river. The name of this person is Uday and he seems to have monopoly in this area for taking tourist. He claims to have government permission and the sanctuaries staff also seems to know him well. His boat is an open type, motor operated and is parked at about 1.5 kms distance from Sanctuary’s gate in river. He also seems to be very proficient with the knowledge of birds and will take you deep inside the river and make your trip meaningful. Getting on his boat is little difficult for older people, but once inside you will start getting the feel of the place. It is best that you negotiate the rate with him as he has a habit of quoting high. For full boat don’t pay him more than 1000 bucks. In season time (winters) it could be slightly higher. The boat has a capacity of 15 people and you can share it with other tourists also if available.

Spotting birds

The part of the sanctuary river

The round inside the river is for approximately 1 hour in which he will take you to length of the river and close to places where migratory birds can be spotted. He will also keep telling you about these birds if you are interested to know. Time to visit the bird sanctuary is early in the morning (around 6:30 pm). Plan your time well, keeping in consideration time lapse that will happen in Ferry and till reaching the boat. After 8:00 or 8:30, it is of no use to be in the sanctuary as most birds will go away and the climate will also not be pleasant.

Tips:

1. Call Uday, one day in advance to book and negotiate the rate

2. Reach early, at about 6:30 to 7:00 am

3. Very limited options for snacks and beverages, so carry your eatables along with you

4. Check season, if you are interested in birds, other wise for a pleasant ride you can go any time

5. Take your binoculars for getting a good view of birds

6. If you are just 1 to 3 people, better to club yourself with other tourists as there is no provision of individual charge in boat

7. take your vehicle along with you in ferry as after reaching the Island you may have to go further 1.5 kms to take the boat

Quick points

1. Uday’s number – 9545062069, 9822583127

2. Timing – starts at morning 6:00 am

3. Charge of boat – depend upon negotiation but should be in range of Rs. 900/-  to Rs.1500/-

4. Boat capacity – about 15 person

5. To read more visit http://www.goanjourney.com/Bird-Sanctuary-Dr.Salim-Ali-Bird-Sanctuary-Goa-COI-141-0.html

Mall De Goa - Goa's New mall

A much awaited shopping mall has been inaugurated yesterday and is open now. This is just the second mall after Caculo mall in Goa. It was always questioned why Goa doesn’t have shopping mall despite having so many tourists round the year and also good income levels of the Goans. Most people who know Goa well would agree that there was a critical need of modern styled shopping space such as Malls in Goa. With only one mall (Caculo) present in Goa that too of small size, Mall De Goa, with its recent entry, would certainly bridge this gap to some extent.

Click here to watch a video walkthrough of the mall

Very conveniently located on the main road of Porvorim (on the road connecting Panjim and Mapusa), this is a mid-sized mall with ground plus two floors. An escalator from the centre of the ground floor atrim and 3 elevators from towards the back looks sufficient for vertical transport. The ambience, space and design is attractive and convenient, however not comparable to large malls in metro cities. Number of brands and shops inside are reasonably good for the size of shoppers in Goa. At the time of writing this post, the mall was just inaugurated and most of the shops inside it was yet to open. The parking was planned in the basement but was yet to be started.

Big Bazaar, fbb, Marks and Spencers, Max, Shoopers Stop, Levis, UCB, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Wills Lifestyle, Pepe Jeans, Allen Solly, Calvin Klein, Lee, Wrangler, RayBan, Fab India, Van Heusen etc. are few retail outlets inside the mall. Inox for movies, game and funzone, food court, fine dining restaurant (yellow chilli, Ritz Classic etc.), book store and a music store is also present. Overall, Goans and tourists over here are surely going to get new shopping options and convenience which was missing from Goa till now. Big Bazaar timings mentioned as 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Mall De Goa - Ground Floor Atrium

Mall De Goa - Ceiling view

Mall De Goa from first floor

Mall De Goa - Entertainment

Mall De Goa - Entrance

Full View

Fort Aguada

History of fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is another non-beach tourism destination that attracts good number of tourists in Goa. Unlike, other forts in India like Daulatabad, Golconda or Amer, fort Aguada is much smaller and do not have many things to see. The most beautiful part of this fort is its location and the view of sea that it gives from one of its corner. You can keep it as a second preference spots in Goa.

The fort is located at a distance of about 16 kms from Panjim. The road is nicely built and passes through a market and then alongside sea, making the trip pleasant. If you are using google map avoid getting confused with the Taj hotel property which is also named ‘Fort Aguada’ and is located in same area. About half a kilometre before the fort there is a church on left side and that can be crowded on Sundays. Best way to reach the fort is by your own vehicle.

Inside view of the fort

On reaching you can park your vehicle in designated parking space and walk inside the fort. There is a boundary gate from where you enter the premise and walk for about 100 meters to reach the fort’s only entrance. The entrance of the fort gives feel of ancient times. Once inside, you will find a vast open ground with thick stone boundary wall. The wall itself is wide and you can climb up the wall through stairs and can walk through its perimeter. It gives you a good view of the surroundings. 

Entrance

Tourists walking on boundary wall

Inside the fort there is also a heavy pillar which is called lighthouse, which is another point of attraction. While walking inside the fort you will notice that there is a large hall below the ground also which can be viewed from grills at few locations (please read the history in first pics to get its details). The area below the fort is used a prison, but visitors are not allowed to go there (and obviously nobody wants to be there). Towards the sea side of the boundary you can climb on the wall and can have a panoramic view of the Arabian sea till a long distance. This is the most beautiful part and a popular photography point in the fort. Entire round of the fort can be taken in less that 20 minutes. However, you can hangout there and spend more time if you want. But be careful of the timings. Fort closes at 5:30 pm and  a guard will ask the tourists inside to vacate so that they close the main gate. Opening time of the fort is 8:30 am.

Sea view point

There is nothing available inside the fort and ouside also there are limited options for snacks or refreshment. Few locals sell stuffs like vada pav, colddrinks, tea, juices etc. on carts. There are no proper shops and you may not be sure of the hygiene and healthiness of these food stuffs. I suggest to avoid eating from there and bring your own eatables. Sinquerim beach and Candolim beach are other places nearby that you may club with your visit to the fort.

Tips:

1. Carry your eatables along with you as there are no good options near fort

2. Beware of the timings as it closes relatively early

3. Touring this fort is not very physically demanding, like other forts in India. Thus it is suitable for elderlies and people with mobility problems.

Quick points

1. Entry fee – free

2. Timings – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days including Sunday

3. Season to visit – round the year

4. Time requirement – about 1 hour should be sufficient 

Dolphin spotting boat ride

Riding on the boat to spot Dolphins in Arabian sea is another great attraction that Goa has to offer to its tourist. Spotting Dolphin is just a part of the overall fun package as this gets clubbed with other elements such as boat ride to a farther point in sea, views of other interesting sites along the sea borders and music inside the boat. Dolphin spotting rides are held during day time and is available at various beaches (Calangute, Baga). You can also take the ride from Miramar beach in Panjim which is a little cheaper than Calangute/Baga but equally good. All dolphin spotting rides are similar and here I describe the ride that I have taken from Miramar beach.

Click here to watch a small video of Dolphin spotting ride

The boats for ride are stationed at the right most end of the beach. You need to get walk on beach towards the right side, where you will find them. The ticket is Rs. 300/- per person and is fixed for a ride of about an hour. From Calangute/Baga the price is Rs. 400/- per person. There are 2-3 boat operators but all have same prices. Ticket counters are also available in Panjim city, but you need not buy it in advance. After buying the ticket, you will have to wait till your boat arrives back from the previous trip. Some time it can get confusing that exactly which boat you have to board, hence you better ask the ticket seller about identification of your boat.

Boat for Dolphin tour

Watch a small video of dolphin spotting ride

Once the boat stops at the shore you have to board it and occupy a seat, and wear a life jacket kept there. The boat usually has a shade over the top to prevent from direct sun. It has a capacity of seating around 40 people at a time. People usually prefer to take the seat on water side to get a better look. But this really doesn’t matter, as once inside the water every body stands and comes to the edge of boat to locate Dolphins. There is a guide also on boat with a mic who will help you in spotting Dolphins and also entertain you. Music will be played and the guide will encourage tourists and kids to dance and enjoy. Alcohol and water bottles are also kept in boat for buying. Overall atmosphere inside the boat is fun-filled.

Best view you can get of Dolphin

Spotting Dolphins can be tricky as you have to be very observant and focussed. Usually they are seen when a part of their body come out of water and they take a dip back inside water. Within second the Dolphin will be gone. It can happen 8-10 times during the entire ride. Also, you have to carefully look in all directions. People help each other to point out the direction where they saw the Dolphin and you can patiently wait for its next appearance. Most of the tourists will be able to see Dolphin 2-3 times. Some operators also offers money back guarantee, if Dolphin not spotted, but don’t take it very seriously. Whether you were able to spot Dolphin or not, your overall experience will be good. The guide will also show you different attractions on sea border such as Aguada fort, a large trans-ship, the jail and others.

Tips:

1. Carry something to munch as you won’t get anything inside boat except drinks

2. Best time to spot Dolphin is in afternoon when it is sunny.

3. No need to do advance booking, as it may turn costly. Just go to the beach and you will find them looking for tourists for the ride.

Quick facts

1. Where: Miramar beach, Calangute beach, Baga beach

2. Price: Varies with operator. But you will be able to get in range of Rs. 300 -400 per person for 1 hour tour. Another package is of Rs. 1000 per person by John's boat tours from Candolim beach, for a duration of 4-5 hours. 

3. Timings: Day time on all days 

Bondla National Park and Zoo

For people who like watching wild animals and enjoy picnic sort of experience, Bondla National Park will provide an ideal destination. Driving through a part of the forest, watching wild animals kept in cages, observing several types of plantation and enjoying a picnic in shades of forest trees are all that you can do here. While there are certainly better national parks elsewhere in country (like Corbett, Gir, Kanha), Bondla national park has its own appeal. Entire sanctuary is built in a small area of just 8 sq kms. Tourists usually plan half day to one day tour of this part and is mostly preferred by families with kids and group of school children. While most tourists are Indian, foreigners also take out time to visit this place. It remains closed on Thursdays.

Entrance of the sancruary

Road to Bondla

 Best way to reach Bondla is by personal car or bike. It is at a distance of about 60 kms from Panjim, 48 kms from Margao and 20 kms from Ponda. Road till Bondla is nice and the last 10 kms of the journey is very beautiful, with flowery trees on both side. Once inside the forest region, the road goes through forest over a short valley with frequent turns. You reach upto the entrance gate, where entry tickets are to be taken which are nominal (check the charges below).

After buying tickets you will have to drive further till a parking point from where the zoo area can be entered on foot. Outside entrance there is a food counter that sells basic items like cold drink and mineral water. Besides this, there is no other shop or eateries in that areas. The zoo area is divided in two parts, one for animals and one side is developed as botanical garden. Pavements are built for walking through various cages and enclosures where the animals are kept. A complete round of the zoo can take about 30-45 minutes. The animals includes tigers, crocodiles, foxes, snakes, porcupines etc. Facilities for seating and drinking water are available at few locations inside the zoo. 

Once back from the animal area, you can visit botanical garden (if your endurance permits) or can skip it. It is not much of an attraction. While going back through forest area, you will find sufficient spots which are good for eating your meal (picnic). However, you will need to bring your own food (or cook there) as there are hardly any restaurant or food option there.  There is also a spot on route where a couple of elephants are kept and you can stop by to have a look at them or click photographs. 

Tips:

1. Carry your food, water and snacks as there is hardly any option available for this

2. Club it with a picnic to get maximum enjoyment

Quick points

1. Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The sanctuary remains closed on Thursdays

2. Entry charges: Adult - Rs. 20, Child - Rs. 10, Bike - Rs. 20, Car - Rs. 50, Bus - Rs. 100, Still camera - Rs. 30, Videography camera - Rs. 150

Dudhsagar Waterfall

This is certainly amongst the must visit places if you are touring Goa. Located on river Mandovi, same river which flows through Panjim, the waterfall is at a distance of around 60 kms from Panjim city. The view of the waterfall is extremely beautiful during monsoon and post monsoon season, when the flow of water is at its fullest. During summers, the water is scanty making waterfall less attractive. The point where the water falls, has become a spot for tourists to take a dip in water or swim.

Distant view of Dudhsagar

There are several ways to experience Dudhsagar waterfall. Easiest is to view the fall from inside of a train that passes through it.  Goa Express, Poorna Express, Chennai Express are few train that passes through the fall and you can have a real close look at it. But as you are in train you can only view it and that also only for brief time. To have a real feel of the fall, you should travel there and spend some time. Contrast to this, the adventurous way of reaching the base of waterfall is through trekking. There are different trekking routes that combines part of the journey by train and part by walking. This route are for adventurelovers but for many it may not be suitable as it requires heavy physical exertionand lots of time. Click here to read more about trekking to Dudhsagar waterfall. 

Train passing through Dudhsagar fall

Most popular and convenient way of reaching the fall is by road. You can drive till a place call Mollem (about 6 kms from Collem, a town like place). The route from Panjim to Mollem is about 55 kms and roads are very good. Most part of the route is empty, so take your stuffs like water, eatables along with you. You can find some shops in Collem and then only at Mollem. In Mollem, you will have to leave your car/bike and hire a Jeep (Bolero type), which is the only way to reach till Dudhsagar waterfall from Mollem. Don’t worry about your vehicle. There are plenty of paid parking places available nearby, where you can park your car for 4 hours at a price of Rs. 100/- (although no one monitors the time). These paid parking plots starts as soon as you enter Mollem, but I suggest to drive ahead and park it near to the place from where you have to hire the Jeep, otherwise you will have to walk till that point.

There is an office like building from where the Jeeps are hired. For the first time visitor it may be a little confusing, so let me explain the process here. Charge of the Jeep is Rs. 2800/- and it can carry upto 7 people (rates are fixed). Even if you are less than 7 you have to pay entire amount. Tourists can also talk to each other and share the Jeep if they are less than 7. But, don’t expect Jeep drivers to work for this sharing. Once you have fixed your Jeep, you will have to stand in a queue over there for paying money at the counter (yes the money has to be paid before hand at the office window and not to the driver). When you reach the counter, your driver will also be there whose name and vehicle number will be recorded. They also ask you your own vehicle number, if you have driven till there, so remember it before joining the queue. After paying you will have to go to the other side from where you can collect the life Jacket by paying Rs. 30 per jacket. This is compulsory for each member and everybody has to wear it till the time they are there at Dudhsagar fall. This is also important because the water in there can get deep at any point and these Jackets are real life savers. My advice is to wear them up properly before you enter the water fall. You will be also charged for camera (about Rs. 300/-), but mobile photography is free.

After this you will board the Jeep and the driver will take you through the 9 kms Jungle route which is bumpy, rocky, narrow and passes through water bodies. At many points the Jeeps will cross over each other through very narrow lanes. Most tourists enjoy this 20 minutes ride but elderlies and people with back-ache problem may find this a little difficult. The Jeep will take you to a point near base of waterfall and will wait there for 2 hours (15 minutes here and there is fine). Every Jeep has a 3 digit number (other than registration number) which you may remember for easy identification. From the point of drop, you will have to walk on rocks and small narrow bridges inside Jungle for about half a kilometre to reach the final point.

Jeep passing through water

Route to Dudhsagar

The water from fall collects over a large area and people enjoy taking a dip in it. The water is cold and the bottom is very rocky. You will need to be very careful while walking inside water as you may hit rocks or can find yourself suddenly in deep water. Children should better be avoided to go inside water. If nobody amongst your group knows swimming better avoid going in. There are lifeguards also over there, although they do not have any different dress and hence difficult to identify them. In case you find yourself in deep water and unable to swim back, don’t panic. You can just raise one of your hand and ask for help. The life jacket you wear will keep you afloat. Those who are afraid of getting into water, can savour the majestic view of the fall and feel the natural and fresh forest environment there.

The final point at Dudhsagar waterfall base

Fun inside water

Swimming in collected water

Make sure you keep a track of time as 2 hours gets over quickly. As no mobile network works over there, you won’t be able to inform your driver, if you are getting late. So reach back on time and the Jeep will take you back to Mollem. At Mollem there are various restaurants and a spice plantation also, which you can visit if you want to add more to this tour.

Trip to Dudhsagar water fall will require over half day time. It is open from morning 11:00 am to evening 6:30 pm (The entry is stopped at around 4:00 pm). Best time to visit the fall is June to September but you can also enjoy it till January. In peak monsoon, the route is closed due to bad road making it very risky for Jeeps to drive. Don’t go in summers as the waterfall will be mostly dry.

Tips:

1. The trip is physically demanding. Check if members of your group can sustain 9 kms of bumpy rides and half a kms of walking on stones

2. You don’t get any thing near waterfall (not even tea). So take your eating and drinking stuffs along-with you

3. Don’t forget to carry a spare cloth for changing, towel, moisturizer, sun-glasses and a plastic carry bag to keep your wet clothes

4. Mobile network doesn’t work over there. So avoid getting separated and remember the number of your Jeep

5. Know about the safety rules and instructions beforehand. They are displayed at the ticket window at Mollem from where you take the Jeep. Wear your life-jacket firmly.

Quick points:

1.  Season to visit – June to February (best is in June –September). Peak Monsoon it remains closed

2. Timings – 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. (Entry stops at 4:00 pm)

3. Charges – Entry fee Rs. 20/- per person, Jeep Charge – Rs. 2800/- for seven passengers, Life Jacket – Rs. 30 per jacket, Camera – Rs. 300/- (mobile camera free)

Abyss Fish Aquarium

This fish aquarium is a point which you may like to include in your Goa tour plan, if you have spare time or you want to add variety of places in your entire tour. Or if you have people in your group who prefer a place which is less physically demanding but still appealing. Nevertheless, half an hour to one hour time that you will spend here will worth its time for at-least one visit. Except weekends and in season time, there are only few visitors here. The aquarium remains open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm on all days including Sunday.

Mardol restaurant and Abyss Fish Aquarium

This fish aquarium is located on highway road connecting Panjim and Madgaon, in Verna area (10 kms from Panjim and 18 kms from Madgaon). It is planned adjacent to hotel Mardol, which is a popular restaurant there and is spreaded in a mid-sized area. The outside ambience and decoration are average in attraction, with some statues of depicting Goan cultures and a small fish pond. The entry gate is shaped in form of the mouth of a fish and kids generally seems to like it very much.

Fish mouth entry

Goan culture depicted outside aquarium

Inside aquarium you can will find multiple varieties of beautiful and unique fishes kept in separate glass boxes. Some glass boxes are open from above for visitors to take a closer look (avoid dipping your hands in it). Their website (www.abyssfishaquariumgoa.com) lists 60 different varieties which is true. Photography is allowed. It is interesting to look at them from close, touch and kiss them from outside glass. Entry and exit are separate and there is a surprise element as soon as you exit, which will make you laugh. (although it wasn’t working last time I went there).

Inside arrangement of aquarium

Scary house entry

There is a ‘scary house’ also, which they built behind the aquarium but I suggest to avoid. It is not at all scary and a waste of your money. Tickets are Rs. 100/- for aquarium, Rs. 100/- for scary house and Rs. 150/- for both. Kids have free entry, although age is not specified).

Ticket window

There is ample parking space outside and the adjacent Mardol restaurant serves complete food (North Indian, South Indian, Goan and Chinese). A snacks and ice-cream outlet is also there to satisfy your munching needs. Adequate seating space outside where you can spend some spare time. The statues kept outside are good for photography.

Tips:

1. Can be a point to add variety in your Goa tour but not a must visit place.

2. Restaurant beside it is pricey compared to its quality. Avoid if possible

3. Avoid the scary house

Quick points

1. Where: In Verna, on national highway connecting Panjim and Madgaon

2. Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (Sunday open)

3. Price: Rs. 100/- per person for aquarium, Rs. 100/- for scary house and Rs. 150/- for both (kids free)
4. Contact: 0832-2887090/91, 9764995293, website: www.abyssfishaquariumgoa.com