It was time to take the team out for a weekend. They do a lot of good work and it keeps my boss happy. So I take them out to make them happy.
The team wanted to go to a beach and when it comes for a beach party there’s no place better than Goa.
Day 1.*
On the 11th of October we left office and boarded the Konkan Kanya from CST( VT Station Mumbai). The train was late as usual and we reached the next day at around 1pm. A quick cramped ride in an Omni( 6 75 Kg adults) brought us to Calangute.
We managed to book the first floor of a bungalow( 3 bedrooms one hall a kitchen and a small verandah) The cost of the bungalow was Rs.2000.00 per night. Expensive for an off season rate! The guys liked the place and they were in no mood for a hotel.
The advantage of booking this kind of a place is that the entire group can stay together the ladies get their privacy as the bedrooms have there own washrooms. Every one can join together in the hall with out other tourist invading on the group’s privacy. You can also cook in the kitchen if you like. It’s great if you have a joint family or traveling with kids.
As the group consisted of three adventurous guys and three not so adventurous girls we decided our mode of transport to be motor bikes. We managed to land two bajaj Eliminators for Rs.700 per day and a Bullet for Rs.900.00, petrol extra.
For lunch we rode down to Brittos, its on the baga beach. Nice place to eat and drink. The food is comparatively expensive but it’s a great experience to sit right on the beach and eat drink be merry.
The entire meal for 6 people Rs.4000.00 Drinks Rs.2000.00
After spending some time on the beach and dunking each other in the Arabian Sea we came back to the house.
In Goa there are a number of places that you can visit for a great evening. If you are the romantic types, head for Calangute in the evening for a romantic candle night dinner on the beach. Take care though as most of the times you cant see what you are eating and the bugs might bother so apply some bug repellent. Cost of food at these beach side Dhabas Rs.300 per head drinks extra.
*NOTE: these are off season prices they double the charge during season.
If you want to party there are places like Cabanas, Titos, Mambos, Bamboo Forest Disco, Paradiso Disco, North Goa Discos, Club Antoos Disco Night Clubs in Goa Anjuna Beach Discos, Hill Top Disco, South Goa Discos, Club Extreme Disco.
Titos and Mambos are open all year while the rest only start from November. Check before you go these places. Entry fee is steep.
Off season Titos charges rs.500 per couble no cover and Rs.800.00 per stag no cover.
Mambos Rs.500.00 per couple Rs.700 stag no cover.
We paid and got into Titos but it was a disappointment as there were hardly any people and they were playing Bollywood remixes. Rs. 1500.00 down the drain
We went to Mambos: the crowd was much larger and they were playing trance. The crowd was a mix of Foreign tourist and Indians, lovely place.
The cost of drinks in Mambos Rs.200 per tequila shot, Rs.200.00 Per peg of Bacardi & Rs.100 for the beer of the day(pint).
*Note: Off season prices Another thing that you should note is Nikhil Chinappa(MTV VJ) on certain days DJ’s in Titos.
Day 2.*
I do not know if you can call it day 2, we did not sleep!. Rode from Mambos at 7am to the Aguada fort, the fort was closed and we were again disappointed. The fort only opens at 10.00 am. We went to Bagamelo beach nice and secluded. Small beach but nice. The restaurant is cheap and good.
They also arrange for dolphin sight seeing and Fishing trips. The price of food+ drink Rs.750.00( 3 fish curries, 1 fish fry, 6 rice, 1 veg biryani 1 dalfry, 1 french fry, 1 salad 1 beer, 1 rum, 1 banana shake, 1 fruit salad, 3 mineral waters)
Drove down from there to Anjuna Beach, there is a speed boat ride there; rate Rs.150.00 per person for a 10 minute ride. Spent rest of the day at the beach and ended the evening downing Bacardi and coke on the beach.
Evening we returned to our house, brought food from a local dhaba, and drinks, spent the rest of the night merry making.
Day 3*
Calangute beach front has loads of water sport going on there. Bargain with the guys. Banana ride Rs.350.00 per person, Water scooter ride Rs.500.00 per person, paragliding Rs.1500.00 per person. Be careful on the beach, lots of hawkers and they really bother you.
Took a Tavera to the airport(Rs.1200.00) and Spice Jet flight back home at 15.45 and reached Mumbai.
End of another memorable trip.