Friday, May 14, 2010

Kasainath Trek & Waterfall.

Wild Trek Goa is organising a Trek to Kasainath, this coming Sunday the 16th of May 2010. The trek ends at a waterfall. Please check the advertisement coming daily in the events section of newspapers for more details.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

BASIC FIRST AID COURSE


INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY organizes training, workshops and short courses for volunteers and trainers on Disaster Management, First AID. Goa Adventures in association with IRCS will be organizing a 2 Day Basic First Aid Course on Friday and Saturday, June 11 & 12. Course Charges: Rs.350/- for full 2 days per person. Morning and Evening Refreshments are provided by IRCS. Daily lunch on your own. Participation Certificate provided by Indian Red Cross Society. Contact Deepak for Participation on 9850472932.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

4 IN 1 FULL DAY PICNIC EVENT

4 IN 1 FULL DAY PICNIC
11th April 2010 (Sunday)
Boarding at Margao KTC Bus Stand.


The Event
Goa Adventures is organizing a visit to 4 picnic spots in 1 single day trip event. Goa Adventures welcomes people of all age groups who like picnics in the natural outings of Goa.

The Picnic
This is a picnic event. Nothing adventurous, but filled with activity. This day trip activity is for those people who have not seen Tambdi Surla Temple, the new Tigers at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, the medicinal botanical garden at Satpal and a River Dam.

The Attractions
The addition of the magnificent pair of Tigers is an attraction to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. A sightseeing visit to Lord Shiva’s Temple, the oldest Kadamba dynasty temple existing in Goa. Educational Field Trip to a Botanical Ayurvedic Medicinal plants garden in Satpal village. An open air bath under a man made waterfall at a river dam (Bandh).

Mahadev Temple

The Lord Shiva Temple also called Tambdi Surla Temple or Mahadev Temple is a small but exquisite 12th century Shiva temple of the lord Mahadev and an active place of Hindu worship. It is the oldest temple in Goa from the Kadamba dynasty. The temple is near a small village called Surla located 13 kilometers east of Bolcornem village, in the north east region of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.

Satpal Arboratum

The Arboratum is located at Satpal village in the midst of natural forests which was established in 1974 and covers an area of 24.5ha. And has 84Nos. of plots duly laid, demarcated and protected by laterite compound wall.
55 different species Indigenous and exotic, pulp wood, timber and ornamental species were planted to study the growth in that region. The same is now being converted into ‘Educational and environmental centre’. It is a source of knowledge regarding trees and nature. To add to it a medicinal plant arboretum is also developed for study purpose Bamboo setum is also established.
The other activities like a small Children Park are developed. The soil and water conservation measures are also taken by construction of dams.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary / Zoo

New Royal Bengal tigers at Goa’s Bondla Zoo. Bondla is a small Sanctuary, just 8 sq. km., located among hills at the junction of three Talukas viz. Ponda Sanguem and Sattari. It boasts of a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and Eco-Tourism Cottages. It is connected to Ponda as well as Mollem by a good tar-road. Late evenings and nights are very pleasant. Bondla is a Paradise for Eco-Tourists. If you are lucky you may see Deer’s on the road itself.

Natural River Dam (Bandh)

Most of the 9 Rivers and 42 Tributaries have small check dams built all along for water conservation and irrigation projects. These small check dams have a pump house where the pumped water from the river is diverted to the neighboring villages for agriculture. Many mini natural waterfalls are created where one have a nice fresh water bath.

The Cost
Rs.500/- per participant. Includes the following:
Transportation to and from Margao by Bus or any other suitable vehicle.
Includes entry charges to the Zoo.
Includes camera charges to the Zoo.
Morning Breakfast & Tea provided.
Hot & Warm Lunch arranged within the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Picnic vehicle will take us to all the 4 places.
Entry & Camera charges at Satpal Arboretum.

The Organizers
This day trip picnic event is being organized and promoted by http://www.goaadventures.com/ nature based website of Mr. Deepak. For joining this DAY TRIP PICNIC EVENT, one can phone Mr. Deepak on 9850472932 and he will personally come and collect the participation fee, give program details and answer queries in person.

The Number of Participants
This will be strictly limited to a maximum of 25 persons. Reservations will be on first come first serve basis. Seat will be considered confirmed only on payment of Rs.500/- cash in due advance. Booking amount is non-refundable under any circumstances.

The Surprises
Lots of prizes to be won on every game, riddle and activity.

The Date of the Event: 11th April 2010. (Sunday)

The Time of the Event
Departure of the Bus sharply at 08.00 AM in the morning at MARGAO KTC BUS STAND.

Friday, April 2, 2010

ROCK CLIMBING & RAPELLING @RAMANAGARAM

ROCK CLIMBING & RAPELLING @RAMANAGARAM
Ramanagaram is not just synonymous with the super hit movie Sholay and is also called the Rock Climber’s Mecca. Situated on the banks of the river Arkavati, this place is more than 1,000 meters above sea level. It spans over 4-5 kms in radius and encompasses seven major hills, many hillocks and large boulders. A weeke...nd or a holiday would mean that you get to see the rock climbers of Bangalore doing what they do best, climbing those magnificent rock faces and enjoying the aura of the place. It is around 70 kms from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway and is a taluk centre in Bangalore Rural district. The splendid landscape surroundings the hill is picture perfect and gives enough scenery to lensman/woman to click around. Every shot and every frame can redefine the way one feels about the rocks. Ramanagaram has great history, the name Ramanagaram was officially given in 1949 and originates from the village Ramagiri on the foot hill of Ramadevarabetta (hill of lord Rama).Cost INR 1000 (Cost excludes Transport)Last date for registration: 6th Apr 2010Cost includes: Food (1-Breakfast, 1-Lunch, 1-Dinner, Coffee/Tea), Camping, Permission & Guide feeYou can travel in your own vehicle till the start of the trek point; the parking charges will be applicable.Day 016.00 pm- Meet at base of Ramanagaram7.00 pm- Night Trek 9.00 pm- Dinner & CampfireDay 027.00 am - Freshen up, Breakfast8.00 am – Activities (Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Bouldering, Jummaring)3.00 pm -Leave to BangaloreYou must bring: Backpack, Sleeping mat, Sleeping bag, Trekking shoes, light track pant and t-shirt (full sleeves if possible), Water 2 liters, Plate, Spoon, Mug, Sun Glasses, Sun Cap, Sun Screen lotion, Dry Fruits/Chocolates (Optional), Camera (Optional), Personal Medication if anyRegistration & Payment mode:Net transfer: ICICI Bank a/c # - 035705000523, Account name - BASECAMP Adventures (B) Pvt Ltd, Branch - HSR Layout and send a transfer confirmation mail with your Name, DOB & Contact number to info@basecampindia.comCash: Visit our office between 9 am - 7 pmNO refund will be possible once registered and paid for the event, if the event is cancelled by us before leaving from Bangalore 100% refund will be made.Every trekker will be issued a BASECAMP “membership card” that entitles you for a 5% discount on future treks or purchase of wear & gear from our showroom.You can buy the Backpacks, Trekking shoes, Water bottles, T-shirts, Caps etc from our exclusive Trekker outlet at HSR Layout.NOTE: Littering/Alcohol/Cigarettes or any other kind of toxic contents or any such activity that may harm nature is/are strictly not entertained during entire program/trek. See More

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

KASHINATH TREK

Subject: Kasainath trek on 25/04/2010
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


Its summer time… Its water sports time
Published on: March 25, 2010 - 23:18
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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


Expedition to Malvan
Published on: March 25, 2010 - 23:16
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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.