GOA 2011/2012
 

Hi long time Goa visitor here just wanted to know how Goa is right now : )

Many UK visitors so far?
I see the lowest prices are around £600.00-£650.00 for 14nights !!!! for a package (long gone are the £329.00 for 2 week deals) and teletext seem to have very very few holidays at all to Goa, what with Thomas Cook on the way down the pan I wondered if a lot of hotels are now switching to Russian tour operators and the prices are massive right now.

Just trying to get a handle on it should I have enough money for a last minute booking, any advice on a good and reliable (cheap!) company to book with.

Always came out with Thomas Cook or Monarch, Brittania (if they exist still) previously.

Hope you are enjoying the sun and that the monsoon arrived and left at the right times after the stories of woe regarding rice crops last year. When I was there last December (stayed near Calangute roundabout towards the beach road) it was the first time I ever seen rain in Goa.

Also stumbled on this.....

http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play...ippie-Standing

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Hi, not really sure what you are asking for..are you coming here and want information about where to stay and how to get here? Try Monarch direct flights to Goa or Qatar through Doha and find accommodation when you are here..there are lots of lovely places to stay

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

The OPs post began

followed by

(what they are asking)

Followed by a reference to previous visits. No confusion then?

What I did find puzzling was the Britannia reference, as they ceased to exist in 2004, re-branded as Thomsonfly..........


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Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I guess basically what I am asking is Goa continuing to be even more developed, losing it's charm, more polluted, more dangerous, more mobile phone masts looming over poolsides etc., perilous traffic, price fixing TAXI cartels, To me it is losing it's charm at a logarhythmic pace rate year on year and there seems to be a less friendliness and more money grabbing vibe.You know bottled water has 200x the pesticide residues that are permissible in the UK. And you have to pay around £50.00 for a visa for the privelege. The magic there once was with the trance/alternative/hippy/chill scene which was there way before standard tourists appeared in their droves, to see it marginalized and cracked down on spoils the originating energy of the place to a degree. (and no I am not into drugs before it's mentioned)

The "I won't do anything except for rupees" attitude and "come to my bar" "attacks" when dismounting a tax in say Baga (turned into a horrid, horrid place). Those Jet Ski's should be banned entirely spoiling the peace and tranquility. The beauty of Baga was un matched around 8-10 years ago, now I visit the place largely to confirm suspicions and witness the eyesore. You can hardly find an ounce of Indian culture in Goa anymore even if you tried, Westlife and other boring generic pop music blasts out of bars whilst boring alcoholics hang in the bars after cheap booze from Russia and UK. Where is the Indian music? Dance, Art and culture, meditation, spirituality?. The only place is Kerkars art centre that I know of, the final bit of India in Goa (even then he has to ask the hotel next door to turn the western pop music down during an acoustic classical Indian performance)

I loved Goa as it was 16 years ago but "progress?" seems to have taken it's toll on the place and the scales are just being tipped in the wrong direction this year. I wanted to hear some nice stories to remind me of it's beauty from people there now.

I like some of the people I have met there, the more remote beaches but so much has changed for the worse.

I feel more and more a fool for going. Like I don't care about my own safety, health and being a naive tourist willing to be ripped off.

I have adored Goa but it has changed a lot, seems to be plummeting down hill.

Well if you want rich boring tourists as you main stay you are welcome to them.:thumbdown:

Westerners and Russians can drink cheap booze from supermarkets and jump under a sun bed, don't destroy nature, the land and water table for locals to line the pockets of already rich Mumbai "entrepreneurs", many people come to experience peace, tranquility, mystique and beauty, relaxation, open spaces (yeah right not many of those now) rejuvenation and spiritual feelings, once thats gone it will just be a concrete wasteland.

Has Goa been less destroyed in the South ?

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

South Goa is less developed than the North and definitely seems to be less busy.

There are some high end hotels there though which are quite expensive. I'm not sure what the provision of cheap end hotels is like.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Glad you are a confirmed grumpy old man!
One kind person on here passed on to my husband a T shirt with Grumpy old Git on it, my Grandson thinks it should be passed on to his Headmaster.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I love Goa but I am also sad about it's path and destiny, I am also aware Indian people
are adaptive, hard working and are only trying to improve their situation.

Thanks for the tips on the South, yes I thought it was either 5* or beach huts, I think there is
1 B+B family run place.

I like the energy of the North in some way and some of the quieter spots, Ozram/Aswem, Morjim but it was too hectic last year in the main drags, lost count of how many times I nearly got run over.

I imagine local people find it a bitter sweet pill to swallow, sure money comes in but
at what cost to their environment, open spaces, water table, peace and quiet, beauty and way of life ?

Is it a busy season so far or quieter ?

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

The place is crap. Always has been, always will be.

W.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I can only imagine thats a joke as it is actually one of the most important places
in the world for me in many ways. I met my wife there and Goa has been deeply
significant and turned my life around. I am just sad to see it get ravished.

People do not often consider that once natural peace, beauty and the environment is destroyed completely there is no reversal. It is the most precious thing we have as humans after our health.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Could you be more specific?

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Go Wally, Go..................


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Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

NO.

If you've ever been here, you wouldn't need to ask.

W.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I have been there 4 times, for 2 weeks each time, staying in hotels of varying standards and with locals in their homes. 3 times at Christmas and once at Easter.

I have stayed in the North and the South in Baga, Calangute, Panjim, Margoa. I have visited many places around these areas.

I have done the beach 'thing' and the weddings and the church services and ceremonies. I have met with both rich and poor.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying you are wrong or that I disagree with you.

I was merely wondering what specifically you think merits the response you gave.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Hi having lived in goa for 10 years originally to " live the dream" open a restaurant, buy a home and live in the sun happily ever after, :( the dream turned into a nightmare after 4 years, cheap drink, drugs, greedy landlords, greedy advocates and politicians, visa problems etc etc spoiled the whole concept of living the dream, that's without the place being over developed, buildings buildings building spoiling the landscape.... Rubbish.... And no infrastructure in place to deal with all the development:( after 37 years of marriage I walked away from my home with just a suitcase of clothes, leaving the nightmare behide..... And have no regrets at all, I loved goa but it has changed so much and not for the better of the place or the people, it's lost it's charm and theres plenty more places to visit around the world.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Wish you all the best with whatever you are doing PJ!

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I was very surprised when I first went to Goa.

I expected to see a carribean style situation/lifestyle with established hotels, good road systems, a reasonable standard of cleanliness and little evident poverty.

What I found was quite different and surprising. lots of poverty, poor roads, absolutely loads of rubbish everywhere, ramshackle buildings, random bordering on nonsensical town planning/infrastructure.

On the surface of this was a 'vibrant' party culture and lots of lazy beach shacks.

I struggle to see why people rave (forgive the pun) about it. It is a nice place to holiday in but not the Mecca that many describe it as.

I have become more used to it each time I have gone but would say I prefer the likes of Thailand.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Thank you msj5 I'm in Glasgow now, near my daughter and grand kids, only good thing that came from goa was that after a year on my own I met a terrific guy in dec last year who was on a 4 month holiday and when he left in march we realised we missed each other so I moved back to the uk to be with him, who says you can't get a second chance xx:thumbsup::lol:

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I'll give just a couple of reasons for my views.

Firstly, a "friendly" Goan trying to steal my house. Eleven year court case ongoing.

Secondly, bodged up surgery. Three weeks after a cataracts operation, I told the surgeon my sight wasn't what I expected. Surgery 100%, but there's a tumour in one eye, I'm told. What, in three weeks!!!!
Another surgeon corrected the fault in three minutes with a laser.

Surgeon number one tells me to take him to court.

Want any more?

W.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Not particularly.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Except for the property issue which is zilch compared with my other problem. The support, we had for the locals was fantstic, I cannot thank them enough.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Agree with you noni, my ex has stupidly given our (his :() so he says, away, a guy offered him 36 lach gave him 9 as a deposit, moved oUt, let them move in, they have done it up, a/c etc now renting it out, and he has had no more money from them, out of state guys, so they got a bargain 4 bedroom flat with 40 sam roof terrace facing baga river for 9 lach laughing their socks off :rofl::rofl: ok they won't be able to sell it as the deeds are in exs name but are making money out of it :confused::confused:

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Few years and they will be in pocket! Missing the sun now it is cold and windy here.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Sure will they knew exactly what they were doing and so does the advocate, they are earning money as its in a prime site, and now my ex has given power of attorney to his advocate, and returning to the uk with zero, he has no money so can not remain out there any longer,
The only thing I miss about goa is the weather, I've been cold since I arrived back in the UK since may and it's freezing cold and very very. Wet and windy here in Glasgow. :(:(:eek:

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

"lots of poverty, poor roads, absolutely loads of rubbish everywhere, ramshackle buildings, random bordering on nonsensical town planning/infrastructure."

I think if you plan to live long term in Goa it is wise to visit many times and comprehend your rights (or complete lack of them).I speak of the place from a tourist perspective (been about 12 times over 15 years) for which I imagine the Goan authorities are most interested.

When I first came to Goa I was under no illusions I was coming to a third world country, albeit a refined version compared to the rest of India (maybe with exception to the beautiful but now somewhat exclusive Kerala) sure I was shocked by what I saw but I also witnessed friendliness, warmth, wonderful peace and excitement, spiritual feelings and a sense of a home from home.And of course a place changes in itself and your view of it as you become more familiar with it. To watch a Goan sunset fills you with a sense of timelessness, peace sadness and awe and it makes you feel far away and slightly scared to see the massive expanse of the Arabian sea plunging into darkness. I adore Indian food and that is a major part of my holiday, fresh seafood dishes that taste wonderful twice a day. I hardly ever drink alcohol as the heat and beer does not agree with me and I get ill heatstroke easy.

I found Thailand less interesting culturally compared with India, though to be honest I was in Phuket which is much more touristy. I was not into the open prostitution my partner even less so, it's pretty seedy.

I like things quite ramshackle as it adds a sense of charm and excitement but the traffic is horrendous now and very dangerous indeed. The jetski's completely p** me off, the buildings popping up everywhere is making it less magical. (I used to love those quiet small forest walks behind shacks, shops to the beaches, through a few locals gardens, it felt like you was almost in the garden anyway)

I am sure 1,000's came to Goa expecting a Benidorm experience with curry for lunch but never came back cause fact is it's a rather intense and mildly scary place unless you are somewhat open minded. In fact it's probably more like Benidorm now.

It still has a significant draw for me but it is getting more and more hectic.

If someone could please answer is this season seeming busy or quiet what are the Goans saying ? Many Brits on holiday, locals said there were very few last year and mainly Russian tourists coming in. I am easy as long as people are friendly to me, who's there and is it a busy season ?

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Mixed comments on how busy it is from friends living there and friends who have been on holiday, it's always busy new year with domestic tourists, but friends have said its busy. With mainly Russians now, there has been a few incidents of bag snatching and fights on the beach but these have been " covered up" by the press and government as always, theses were common when I lived there so nothing new..
As you quite rightly said a holiday is what you make of it and most of the groans are very friendly, it's usually the out of state people who try their hardest to make money out of you .. But hey hoo they all have a living to make and only 3 months now to do it .

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

:rofl:

Thanks Poppet, Sure I have seen a few Russian women arguing over a cocktail added to the bill, disturbing the entire beaches peace, I mean come on it's like £3.00 and you are in paradise FFS and these people are hardly rich.

Oh well it remains to be seen whether the price is right and if I can muster the energy. (a telling statement that, it's not your typical relaxing holiday)

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I've been in Goa a week and a half now and apart from a trip to Mapusa by bus have not been anywhere, except out to eat locally. Just chilling! reading and cooling off in pool but one thing that is very noticeable is the bump up in prices since last March. The taxi price shown on the board in the airport was the first thing, it had gone up about 200 rupees since last Jan. Restaurant prices are up quite a lot as are the food and drink in the shops. My OH (who does the food shopping here and at home) recons he is spending as much here on fruit and vege as he does at home, mind you he shops very carefully at home. Being charged for something you have not had is worth arguing about even if it is only £3. its the principle rather than the amount. I always check my bills and would always ask for a bill to be corrected, even when it is not in my favor.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Totally agree K800, it's the principle not the amount, and this 'extra drink on the bill' routine happens way too frequently. If we all keep taking the view of "it's only a quid" or whatever the sum, then it will just encourage this deliberate practice further. I also view it that if every customer is charged one extra cocktail or meal or whatever, imagine how much that adds up to in a week, a month, a season.
Ignoring it will just increase opportunities or people to be ripped off

Dread - x

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Well there will be no extra drinks on my bills cause I think I am done with Goa definitely not going this year. I think the romance with the place has died off now. Enjoy it whilst it is still possible. Bye

And if you are the type of person to moan over £3.00 in a country the vast majority people have nothing, then there is another reason why I don't want to be there with you. Thats the stinking attitude of the typical tourist with a ridiculous and unfounded superiority complex."I deserve, I deserve" you are owed nothing and you are pretty ignorant in my eyes. You paid £XXX to get there right, Paying an extra £100.00 in fuel price hikes and destroying the environment (No principle there, is there?) with their aircraft and you begrudge a waiter a piddling amount. You paid £3.00 for 2 bottles of water on the plane getting there and their pockets are lined beyond belief. If you eat in restaurants who do that you best find a place where they treat you with some respect, your foolish choice to eat there if you go back again. If someone sh*ts on you you don't go back thats gonna hurt them more than a £3.00 gain. Get real.

Sure you bring it up but ultimately, stressing the whole beach for £3.00 in a third world country as if you are important, those people are scumbags. If you are a poor Indian I could understand the endless negotiation but someone from the West has no valid excuse other than pettiness and delusions of grandeur. The principle is you think your £3.00 is more valuable than the peace of others.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

It seems that here in Glasgow I can get cheaper than in goa, 10kg of onions £2.99, spices that you get in the supermarket 2x50p chicken from the halal shop far cheaper than goa, but you have the sunshine :):) I'd pay extra for that, haven't been warm since I returned in may :(:(

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

What a load of rubbish you write. It does not matter what country you are in you should not allow people to cheat you - effectively stealing from you, it has nothing to do with delusions of grandeur, its to do with honesty.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

:):) :rofl:

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

If you'd saved all those 3quids, you'd be able to afford the flight here.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Goa happens to be my native place..but its far from the fun beaches out there....full of temples and a real lazy life..so nice to see that my goa is so popular among britons...

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Delusions of grandeur to tell a shack owner he is over charging you as if he some how cannot count from one to ten...! What planet are you from then ?What a load of patronising rubbish....Goa has always been dusty and slightly shop soiled, same as the rest of India.As for Kerela, well apart from the backwaters, the 5 star Ayerverdic drip oil on my head rip off hotels and the invented Kathekali dances, its too humid and mosquito ridden for my tastes.At least in Goa they dont cr*p on the beach every night regularly at 5.30 pm without fail.From my own observations this season has been one of the cleanest seasons for years apart from the New Year Garbage fest around Calingut Tourist Centre on the beach.Roads are being improved and there is a garbage collection now in Calingut.The only thing i can think off to complain about are the Russian Chavs who leave their brains behind in Dabolim when they land.Or is it the reps that are responsible for their lack of knowledge regarding local customs and norms.Today i watched 6 to 9 young Russian women Chavs wandering around Arpora in micro bikinis and costumes looking for a taxi, as if there wasnt one outside their hotel...sexual exhibitionists trying it on ! cowpat for brains if you ask me.:nod:

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Lots of the British loved Goa, and some of us still do but unfortunately less and less are coming for their winter break. The recession has had an impact but can not be the cause of such a large drop in the number of Brits coming here. The visa situation has also had an effect with the difficulties involved in applying in the first place and the two month out rule. Add to those the influx of young Russians who lack manners so are generally rude to everyone, wear unsuitable clothes to walk around in towns and have not a lot to spend so take their own alcohol to the bars and restaurants where they openly smoke dope, and the Goan taxi drivers who now charge tourists 200+ rupees for a 2k trip its no wonder less and less Brits are coming to Goa.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Isn't much of this (apart from visas) the inevitable destructive result of mass tourism in North Goa. It hasn't yet spread so much to the South, although it probably will. Have been in Majorda and Betalbatim recently and the Russians there, seem more family people, but whereas the elderly seem happy to have some sort of a chat, the younger women particularly, tend to look straight through you if you smile. Perhaps they think we are hostile.

One exception: a particularly fierce looking Russian chap in a hotel restaurant was gathering most of his dinner into a napkin (the food was awful) he took it out and was feeding the feral cats. His girlfriend/ wife joined in the general laughter. He was later seen with a cat in his arms.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Come on! I'm sure your smile is charming :D


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Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

I smile at almost everyone, most Indians smile back and say hello but the Russians just ignore me, even those staying in the resort where our apartment is.

Re: GOA 2011/2012
 

Get your coat Bipat - you've pulled (Milwart that is) :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Dread - x