Wednesday, March 31, 2010
KASHINATH TREK
Details for the Kasainath trek are as follows- The bus will leave Panjim at 7.00 am and Mapusa at 7.30 am. We will cross the border at Dodamarg and disembark at the temple at the foot of the Kasainath hill. Snacks will be served here. We begin our trek from here to the top of the hill. After spending some time catching our breath and catching some clicks on our cameras we descend back down to the temple for lunch. After this we shall leave for our journey back to Mapusa and onwards. Charges are Rs. 250/-. If you book by the 17th of April you get a discount and you will be charged Rs. 200/- only. Contact Olympio Almedia of Eco Treks
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Its summer time… Its water sports time
Published on: March 25, 2010 - 23:18
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iEXPLORE
BY CLARA A RODRIGUES
There was a time when Goans simply loved their beaches where they went to relax and unwind with their families. But bronzing themselves on the beaches no longer holds the same appeal to the Goans as it used to decades ago. There has been a shift in their outlook.
There are a horde of reasons for this - beaches crowded with rowdy tourists, shacks popping up left, right and centre, pesky vendors, dirty coastline, etc.
Blessed with a breathtaking coast, the locals are now searching for an alternative to reach out in the sea. They don’t merely want to sooth their minds with a dip in the waters. They want to reign over the seas. And they literally do so, thanks to the water sport activities that are fast catching up in the state.
With a vast ocean, plenty of options to steer in the calm hinterlands, and an easy connectivity between water channels, aqua-terrestrial activities are claiming the top spot for Sunday getaways with friends and family.
During the monsoons water sports sees a downward graph due to the unpredictable weather and choppy seas but nevertheless the calm rivers still offer an exciting getaway.
The number of people participating in watersports for leisure or at a competitive level may be increasing but not as much as may have been expected. It is a hassle to own your own boat, kayak, water ski, surfboard, and other equipments as these are expensive or there is no suitable place to store it or even more simply because it is difficult to transport the equipment. Going out to ski or kayak is not as simple as packing a lunch box and deciding to spend an evening by the beach. Since it is not generally viable for individuals to own them and as such you have enterprising people coming forward to organise group water sport activities. Quite a few locals along the coast, seeing the that water sports can be a money spinner, have invested in banana boats, jet skis, and parasailing and other equipment.
Deepak Dias, the proprietor of Goa Adventurers informs that a lot of Goans are opting for water sports such as tubing, kayaking, wind sailing, canoeing. “We get a lot of feedback from parents who say they do not mind spending money on sending their kids for a water sport as they rather see their child enjoy some outdoor activity than see them sit in front of the TV or play video games.”
Mr Prakash Afonso, proprietor, Goa Kayaking agrees that Goans are taking to the water. “The whole coast is open for water sports. We also have the riverside where such water sports activities can be conducted,” says Mr Afonso. Naming a few routes were he conducts kayaking trips, Mr Afonso says: “Depending on the tide we go to various places like from Cortalim to St Jacinto Island, Agassaim to Bambolim Beach, Siridao- Panaji to Chorao Island, Divar Island-Aldona-Pomburpa-Old Goa to Panaji.”
The hidden beauties of sea bounties are partially exposed during such journeys. From mangroves to different species of birds, the trip is not just any water excursion; it is a uplifting and unforgettable experience.
Citing examples of grandmothers who came along for the water expedition, Mr Afonso emphasised on the point that things like age factor, weight factor or even knowing how to swim don’t matter.
The backwaters areas bordering Goa are quite a temptation to the water sport lover. Nearby destinations near the Goa border like Karwar, where the River Kali has some awesome backwater areas to explore, are some great options. Many eco-resorts along this route also allow guests to use their water sport equipment and also have trained personnel to guide a water trip.
Donald Coelho, who has represented Goa at the National Sailing Championship and was the winner, last year, says that Goa has been bagging the top rank for the past many years at the National Sailing Championships. With plans to open a sailing school next year in Calangute, Donald is hoping that the youth will come forward and benefit from the facility. “It is more for those who wish to sail at a competitive level,” Donald says. When asked the ideal place to sail in Goa, he ventured with the answer, “If you are perfect, you can go anywhere but if you are not so sure, then Baga and Dona Paula are safe bets.”
The best time to do water sports would be from 6 in the morning to 12 in the afternoon. Beyond that the wind speed and scorching heat can throw a wet blanket on your water sport activities.
Caution when it comes to safety has to be taken into account. The time of the tide, informing the right people before you go to sea, etc, is useful. Apart from that the boating equipments have to adhere to safety norms. Once these factors are in place, water sports can be safer - “Much safer than crossing the Mandovi in a ferryboat,” says Mr Afonso. “We give life jackets to those participating in these rides, also the boat has a buoyancy of 150 kg, which makes sinking unthinkable,” remarks Mr Afonso.
The surge in water sports in Goa has led to an increase in a lot of unregulated activities along the crowded coastline. Areas like the Calangute stretch are crammed with operators vying for the same target group. With no segregated zones, and specially demarcated areas for a particular water sport activity, the cases of accidents are on a high. However these do not get the desired attention.
Water pollution too is increasing as a result of many water sport activities that are conducted without getting various clearances. “The Baga water is dirty and smells of kerosene,” says Donald “Water sports are not polluting but pollution controls have to be implemented and followed,” he adds.
Expedition to Malvan
Published on: March 25, 2010 - 23:16
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iEXPLORE
BY PRATIMA ACHREKAR
Gone are the days when people would while their time away at home. The new generation seeks adventure and embraces the need to explore the world.
And in an effort to meet this need for adventure, several organisations have come forward to organise various getaways like camping trips, treks, hikes etc for the youth.
Goa Adventures recently announced its ‘Explore Mystical Malvan’ expedition. A one night and two days exploration and sightseeing event in neighbouring Maharashtra state on March 27. “The purpose for organising this event is to give people an opportunity to explore Malvan and the surrounding areas like exotic Tarkarli beach, Fort Sindhudurg, ancient temples, exciting boat cruises, snorkelling activities, bird watching at the majestic Dharmapur Lake, speed boat tour of the evergreen backwaters on Karli River and last but not the least magnificent Malvani cuisine,” informed Deepak Dias, the proprietor of Goa adventures.
“The special attraction would be the recently formed island after the waves of the tsunami hit the place,” he added. Deepak claims that the main motto behind organising such trips is to galvanise the youth and keep them away from such unproductive activities and vices like television, video games, alcohol, smoking, etc.
People of all ages can participate as this is a sightseeing event. If you love pedal boating, speed boating, snorkelling, boat trips, boat adventure tours then this is an event for you.
Malvan is a town of historic tradition. It is situated comfortably at just a little over 2 hours drive (130 kms) from Panaji. On March 27, the team will leave at 9 a.m. from Panaji and will be back only on March 28 around 8 p.m. Those wishing to register must hurry as today is the last day.
Friday, March 19, 2010
EXPLORE MYSTICAL MALVAN
Overnight Sightseeing Event, Neighboring Maharashtra
On 27th March 2010 starting at 09:00 AM. Ending on 28th March 2010 at 06:00 PM
Mystical & Mysterious that’s the beauty of Malvan
Malvan is a coastal town of historic customs & traditions in Sindhudurg district touching the border of Goa. It is famous for Sindhudurg Fort, its delicious Malvani cuisine (Rice & fish curry) and it is known for Malvani Hapus mango. It is also known for sweets such as Malvani Khaja (Sweet made from besan flour & coated jaggery) & Variety of Malvani Ladoos. Malvan got its name from the humble salt. Salt was produced in large quantity in the Malvan region. Salt producers used the term “Mahalavan” to describe a region rich in salt, a compound word from "Maha" meaning great, and "lavan" meaning plantation.
Malvan is a small beach city situated on the coast of Western India and boasts some virgin beaches, historic forts, ancient temples and beautiful backwaters as Malvan city is surrounded by three small rivers called Karli River, Kolamb River and Kalavali River. Malvan is located just 130 kms from Panjim city and is easily accessible from the National Highway NH 17.
Malvan has exotic beaches such as Tarkarle Beach, intriguing forts such as Sindhudurg Fort, ancient temples, exciting boat cruises, adventurous snorkeling activity, bird watching at the majestic Dharmapur Lake, speed boat tour of the evergreen backwaters on Karli River and last but not the least Magnificent Malvani Cuisine.
The Exploring & Sightseeing Activities
· Dedicated Sightseeing & Exploring Vehicle for the Trip.
· Speed Boat Tour of the backwaters of Karli River.
· Snorkeling Adventure Activity to see underwater natural coral reef.
· Sleep in Self Attached Eco Friendly Cabins close to Tarkarli Beach.
· Sight Seeing of Malvan City
· Mini Hike around the ramparts of Sindhudurg Fort in the middle of the Arabian Sea.
· Veg Breakfast, Veg or Non Veg. Lunch & Dinner by the Sea Side in Beach Resort Ambience.
· Boating Trip to Sindhudurg Fort
· Pedal Boating on Dharmapur Lake.
· Bird Watching Opportunity around Dharmapur Lake & Karli River.
Who can join?
People from Goa of all ages can participate as this “Explore Mystical Malvan” is a sightseeing event of attractions around Malvan. If you love pedal boating, speed boating, snorkeling, boat trips, boat adventure tours then this Explore Mystical Malvan Event is for you. We explore Malvan and its environs on foot, by vehicle, on boat and by island visit to a sea fort.
The Cost
The commercial charges of all the mentioned water sports activities and boat trips / tours are included in the lump sum charge of Rs.2500/-(Rupees Two Thousand Five Hundred Only.)
The Explore Mystical Malvan Package of Rs. 2500/- per person is inclusive of the following:
· Dedicated comfortable vehicle pick up service from Margao, Panjim, Mapusa to Malvan and back to Mapusa, Panjim and Margao.
· Comfortable & Clean modern eco friendly rooms with western toilet, showers and beds close to river and beach.
· Veg Breakfast
· Veg / Non Vegetarian Lunch (2)
· Veg / Non Vegetarian Dinner
· Mineral Drinking Water
· Boating Activity Professionals & Snorkeling Experts for your safety.
· A Mini Hike inside the vicinity of Sindhudurg Fort in the middle of the Arabian Sea.
· Pedal Boating on Lake
· Speed Boating on River
· Boat Tour of Tarkarli and its environment.
· Boat Trip to Fort.
The Organizers
This EXPLORE MYSTICAL MALVAN package is being organized and promoted by http://www.goaadventures.com/ nature based website of Mr. Deepak. This is a Commercial Charges Event.
The Number of Participants
This will be strictly limited to a minimum of 12 persons / participants or a maximum of 21 persons / participants. Reservations will be on first come first serve basis. Seat will be considered confirmed only on payment of full advance of Rs.2500/-(Rupees Two Thousand Five Hundred Only) cash in due advance. No Cancellations accepted under any circumstances.
The Participants have to carry
· Toothpaste
· Toothbrush
· Towel
· Personal Medications
· Extra Pair of Clothes for Sunday Activity
· Night Wear Clothes or Pyjama Clothes
· Mosquito Repellant Cream or Mosquito Coils or Electric Mosquito Liquidator
· Binoculars (Optional)
· Camera (Optional)
· Personal Snacks (Optional)
· Swimming Costumes or Swim Wear or Appropriate clothes to wear while enjoying water sports activity.
The Date of the Event
27th March 2010, Saturday 09:00 AM, till 28th March 2010, 6 PM, Evening. Trip ends at Panjim in Goa around 08:00 PM.
The Time of the Event
The Participation or Joining time begins sharply at 09:00 AM from Margao at Kadamba Bus Stand, and participants from Panjim at 10:00 AM near Heera Petrol Pump, Opposite Kadamba Bus Stand and finally participants from Mapusa can join us at Hotel Green Park, Near Mapusa Bypass Junction at 10:30 AM.
The Itinenary in Brief:
1. Leave Margao at 09:00 AM Morning time.
2. Pick Up at Panjim at 10:00 AM, Pick Up at Mapusa at 10:30 AM.
3. Afternoon Lunch at Kudal.
4. Proceed to Malvan directly after lunch.
5. Arrive at Accommodation in Malvan a little after noontime for Check In.
6. Proceed to see Malvan Beach.
7. Visit Sindhudurg Fort by Boat.
8. Do Snorkeling at Sindhudurg Fort.
9. See Sunset from Fort.
10. Return back to Accommodation.
11. Walk to Restaurant for Dinner on the Beach Resort Restaurant.
12. Enjoy a pleasant Moon Lit Night Walk on Tarkarle Beach after Dinner.
13. Retire in Rooms at 10:00 PM for the night.
14. Wake up early at 06:00 AM Morning.
15. Have Breakfast.
16. Visit Dharmapur Lake for Bird Watching, early morning. See Dharmapur Temple and Pedal Boating on Lake.
17. Proceed on Speed Boat Trip to Karli River.
18. Have Lunch at Restaurant.
19. Proceed to 3 hours Boat Tour of Tarkarli Environments.
20. Return to Accommodation for Check Out.
Terms & Conditions
1. Booking has to be done by full payment in advance. Booking is not cancelable and not refundable under any circumstances.
2. Food provided will be Vegetarian & Non Vegetarian.
3. Mineral Water will be provided as required.
4. Consumption of Beers or Alcoholic Beverages strictly not allowed.
5. Minimum 12 Participants are needed from all over Goa for the event to happen.
6. Rooms provided will be on twin sharing basis.
7. If event is cancelled for lack of sufficient participants then, full amount paid will be refunded as soon as possible.
8. Strictly No Smoking on the Explore Mystical Malvan Event.
10. A simple participation & disclaimer form has to be filled in.
Monday, March 15, 2010
FULL DAY TRIP ADVENTURE ACTIVITY
The Location.
The River Edge Resort is only across the Goa Border in the coastal city of Karwar. People can have fun under the sun in one of the natures backwaters blessed by the Kali River flowing close by. The water sports adventure site is located in the meandering backwaters set apart by the ever flowing Kali River.
Why the Backwaters of Kali River?
The Kali River or Kalinadi is a river flowing through Karwar, Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka state. The backwaters of Kali River are always calm & still without any drastic change in currents. On this River the Sadashivgad fort is now a popular tourist destination located by the Kali river bridge, which has been built at the confluence of the river and the Arabian Sea.
The Water Sports & Adventure Activities.
Right from the time we alight from our vehicles its going to be non stop adventure. All participants will be getting to learn and experience, Canoeing, Kayaking and Tubing in the totally calm and still backwaters of the Kali River. Besides this all participants will have enough time to join on a trekking activity watching birds and doing rock climbing and rappelling.
The Water Sports Activities
Canoeing Activity
Canoes were developed by the native people of North America. Native Americans used fire to fell large trees. After the tree fell, the Native Americans would make small fires at the top of the log and then scrape out the ash. This process would keep going, until the log was hollowed out. The actual word we know today as "canoe" originated from the word Kenu meaning "dugout." These dugout canoes, essentially large tree trunks that were shaped and hollowed, were used by people to travel between islands.
Kayaking Activity
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking is differentiated from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler & the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is defined by the International Canoe Federation as a boat where the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double bladed paddle. Almost all kayaks have closed decks, although there are many sit-on-top kayaks, and these boats are growing in popularity.
Swimming in Calm & Clean Backwaters.
Swimming can be done in the backwaters of the Kali River backwaters as it is totally safe. With Safety Instructors around and with a Speed Boat in “always ready position”. Also it is compulsory to wear life jackets always while in water. The backwaters being totally calm does not have any currents in the water. Swimming can be done with floats or without floats as the life jacket will support the swimmer when he/she stops swimming.
Veg Breakfast, Non Vegetarian Lunch by the River Side.
Bird watching over the Backwaters of the Kali River.
Who can join?
The Cost.
The River Kali Adventure Package of Rs. 2200/- per person is inclusive of the following:
Dedicated comfortable vehicle pick up service from Panjim to Karwar and back to Panjim.
Veg Breakfast
Veg / Non Vegetarian Lunch
Canoeing Activity
Kayaking Activity
Tubing Activity
Normal Drinking Water
Adventure Activity Professionals for your safety.
A Mini Trek & once may spot some birds
Rock Climbing Activity with all safety equipments & training.
Rappelling Activity with all safety equipments & training.
Surprise Prizes for Water Games.
The OrganizersThis “Full Day Trip River Kali Adventure Activity Event” is being organized and promoted by www.goaadventures.com nature based website of Mr. Deepak.
The Participants have to carry:
Swimming Costumes or Swim Wear or Appropriate clothes to wear while enjoying water sports. (Changing rooms will be provided).
The Date of the Event.
The Time of the Event.
Terms & Conditions.
Booking has to be done by full payment in advance. Booking is not cancelable and not refundable under any circumstances on or before 21st March 2010.
Normal Filtered Water will be provided as required.
A simple participation & disclaimer form has to be filled in by participants.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
RIVER KALI ADVENTURE ACTIVITY
OVERNIGHT EVENT AT KARWAR IN NEIGHBOURING KARNATAKA
On 13th March 2010 starting at 09:00 AM & Ending on 14th March 2010 at 06:00 PM
Goa Adventures announces its 1 Night 2 Days Overnight Adventure Activity Event in the calm & soothing backwaters of Karnataka. Just a hop, skip & jump over the border (just 70 kms from Margao city) one can participate in organized adventure activities with total safety.
The Location
The River Adventure Resort is only across the Goa Border in the coastal city of Karwar. Have fun under the sun in one of the natures backwaters blessed by the Kali River flowing close by. The water sports adventure site is located in the meandering backwaters set apart by the ever flowing Kali River. This tiny eco river resort has comfortable accommodation facilities on the edge of the rivers Backwaters, amidst a natural mangrove setting.
Why the Backwaters of Kali River?
The Kali River or Kalinadi is a river flowing through Karwar, Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka state. The backwater of Kali River is always calm & still without any drastic change in currents. On this River the Sadashivgad fort is now a popular tourist destination located by the Kali river bridge, which has been built at the confluence of the river and the Arabian Sea. The National Highway NH-17 continues on the Kali Bridge built over Kali River and the road continues to split the Sadashivgad granite rock hill to connect Karnataka to Goa.
The Adventure Activities
Right from the time we alight from our vehicles its going to be non stop adventure. All participants will be getting to learn and experience, Canoeing, Kayaking and Tubing in the totally calm and still backwaters of the Kali River. Besides this all participants will have enough time to join on a trekking activity watching birds and doing rock climbing and rappelling.
The Adventure Activities
· Bonfire amidst mangroves at night on the river banks.
Canoeing Activity
· Tubing Activity
· Rock climbing with all the safety equipments provided along with Rock Climbing Professionals.
· Rappelling over the Rocks with all modern equipment and Professional guides.
· Veg Breakfast, Non Vegetarian Lunch & Dinner by the River Side.
· See Sadashivgad Fort & Estuary of Kali River & Arabian Sea.
Who can join?
Adventure seekers, thrill lovers, people who like outdoor activity and those who love water sports activities. Even those who just want to unwind without roughing it out can laze around the river and watch others splash and have fun in the cool waters.
The Cost
This is a Commercial Adventure Event conceptualized & organized by Goa Adventures. The commercial charges of all the mentioned water sports activities are included in the lump sum charge of Rs. 3500/-(Rupees Three Thousand Five Hundred Only)
The River Kali Adventure Package of Rs. 3500/- per person is inclusive of the following:
· Dedicated comfortable bus pick up service from Panjim, Margao, Canacona to Karwar and back to Canacona, Margao & Panjim.
· Comfortable & Clean modern wooden log cabins on stilts with western toilet, showers and beds.
· Veg Breakfast
· Veg / Non Vegetarian Lunch
· Veg / Non Vegetarian Dinner
· Wooden Bonfire at Night besides the backwaters.
· Canoeing Activity
· Kayaking Activity
· Tubing Activity
· Mineral Drinking Water
· Naturalist & Local Guide
· Adventure Activity Professionals for your safety
· A Mini Trek to watch some birds
· Rock Climbing Activity with all safety equipments & training.
· Rappelling Activity with all safety equipments & training.
· Surprise Prizes for Water Games
· Surprise Gifts.
The Organizers
This “Overnight River Kali Adventure Activity Event” is being organized and promoted by http://www.goaadventures.com/ nature based website of Mr. Deepak. This is a Commercial Charges Event.
The Number of Participants
This will be strictly limited to a maximum of 16 persons / participants. Reservations will be on first come first serve basis. Seat will be considered confirmed only on payment of full advance of Rs.3500/-(Rupees Three Thousand Five Hundred Only) cash in due advance. No Cancellations accepted.
The Participants have to carry
· Toothpaste
· Toothbrush
· Towel
· Warm Clothes or Sweaters.
· Personal Medications
· Extra Pair of Clothes for Sunday Activity
· Night Wear Clothes or Pyjama Clothes
· Mosquito Repellant Cream or Mosquito Coils or Electric Mosquito Liquidator
· Binoculars (Optional)
· Camera (Optional)
· Personal Snacks (Optional)
· Swimming Costumes or Swim Wear or Appropriate clothes to wear while enjoying water sports.
The Date of the Event
13th March 2010, Saturday 9 AM, Morning till 14th March 2010, 6 PM, Evening.
The Time of the Event
The Participation or Joining time begins sharply at 00:09 am at Panjim at Heera Petrol Pump opposite Kadamba Bus Stand, participants from Margao can join us at Margao Kadamba Bus Stand approximately at 10:00 am and participants from Canacona can join at 11:00 am at the main bus stand.
Terms & Conditions
1. Booking has to be done by full payment in advance. Booking is not cancelable and not refundable under any circumstances.
2. Food provided will be Vegetarian & Non Vegetarian.
3. Mineral Water will be provided as required.
4. Consumption of Beers or Alcoholic Beverages strictly not allowed.
5. Only 16 Participants are needed from all over Goa.
6. There are 08 self attached rooms, so in each non a/c room 02 people will be accommodated on a room sharing basis.
7. We need a minimum of 16 participants for this event to successfully happen.
8. If event is cancelled for lack of participants then, full amount paid will be refunded as soon as possible.
9. Strictly No Smoking at the adventure camp.10. A simple participation & disclaimer form has to be filled in.