...shouldn’t you do as the Goans do? We get four Airbnb’s Goa Insiders to reveal their secrets and help you experience the sunshine state just like a local
When in Goa, shouldn't you do as the Goans do? We get four of Airbnb's Goa Insiders to reveal their secrets and help you experience the sunshine state just like a local.
Catch a gig at Showbar Exchange. Pic Courtesy/Viresh Chari
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Be a night-crawler
The northern coastal belt of Goa truly comes alive at night. As you walk down the streets, you will find people milling about, kiosks hawking their wares, all while music wafts through the air from nearby pubs and restaurants. Having been out and about plenty, food and travel writer Nolan Mascarenhas has some advice for visitors on how to make the most of the state's nightlife.
Nolan Mascarenhas
"Go pub-hopping. Start with karaoke and sheesha at St Anthony's in Baga, then dance on the bar counter at Cavala and meet locals in the Tito's lane before heading to Cape Town Cafe. If you have more time, make stops at Cohiba, Sinq, and the newest entrant on the scene, Showbar Exchange," he shares. He adds that if you're looking for watering holes that dish out decent grub, try Edge Bar, Cafe Mojo or Love Passion Karma. If casinos are more your style, Mascarenhas puts his money on the Deltin Royale and Caravela.
Pick up rosary sausages on your visit to Mapusa market
Soak in the culture
Did you know that Goa was the birthplace of Indo-Western clothing? Fashion fiends will learn more about this and gain other useful information once they enter the soon-to-launch Moda Goa Museum, which is going to be housed in the 450-year-old Colvale villa of none other than fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. "It will be Goa's first fashion museum. I have been collecting objects for this over the last 17 years; the entire collection will go on display," says the designer, who hopes to create an abode of fashion that traces the costume history of the sunshine state.
Rodricks, who moved back to his hometown two decades ago, tells you how to dive deep into Goa's culture on your visit. "Explore the markets — there are so many daily, seasonal and annual ones. A local, Assavri Kulkarni, has even written a book on them, called Markets of Goa. Use that as a guide to explore these treasure troves," he shares.
Wendell Rodricks
If you're looking for interesting souvenirs to take back home, Rodricks asks you to consider picking up a traditional Kunbi saree. "It has been worn by the women of the Kunbi tribe since before the Portuguese came to Goa, and is dyed red and black and woven in small and large checks. It makes for the perfect gift."
Capture the old houses of Fontainhas
Pull out your camera
While every sight you see in Goa might seem like a photo op, you don't want your pictures to be lost among a hundred similar ones that flood Instagram. For those looking to capture a different side of the state, photographer Shantanu Sheorey has a few suggestions. "Explore the virgin beaches of Keri in North Goa and Velsao in South Goa.
If you can, get on a ferry or a boat and cruise along the serene backwaters. You could also head out to Divar Island, which is only accessible by ferry. The houses in Mala and Fontainhas in Panaji, meanwhile, are a legacy left behind by the Portuguese," he says.
Shantanu Sheorey
Sheorey moved from Mumbai to Goa a few years ago and started his own photography school in a village near Mapusa. He says he couldn't be happier with his decision. He even has a recommendation for those who love road trips. "Drive down to Belgaum via the Chorla Ghat, and stop for a chai break in the mist-covered hills."
Marvel at azulejos similar to these artworks from Portugal
Learn something new
The next time you go to Goa, why not come back with a new skill under your belt? Abstract artist Tanaaz de Souza suggests taking time out from the beach-hopping and attending workshops. "If you're interested in learning how to cook Goan food, attend the classes offered by Brancas Cooking Class in Panjim and Fatima Menezes e Moniz in Raia.
Learn to make a meat sorpotel
You can also try Verodina D'Souza's hands-on pottery workshop in the Bicholim Industrial Estate," shares the young woman, who herself loves checking out the latest art exhibitions in town. If you're an art enthusiast, she recommends adding three places to your itinerary — Yolanda's Art Gallery in Calangute, Off the Wall in Candolim, and Gitanjali Art Gallery in Fontainhas.
Tanaaz de Souza
"Azulejos, the elaborately painted ceramic tiles, date back to the days of Portuguese rule," she adds. If you happen to be in Fontainhas, you can pick up some of these from Velha Goa Galeria.
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