Planet Goa Vol 9 Issue 9

Signature Villas by Sun Estates Developers Interiors by Tarun Tahiliani

Creators of boutique luxury spaces Creators of boutique luxury spaces Sol de Goa, Near India, Bhatiwado, Nerul, Bardez, Goa 403114 Next to Next Sol detoGoa, Near Bank ofBank India,ofBhatiwado, Nerul, Bardez, Goa 403114

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Come home to Ashray

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The Park Baga River Goa is the Winner of ‘New Favourite Leisure Hotel in India’ at Conde Nast India’s Readers' Travel Awards 2018

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# goa my muse

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Postcards from GOA Every single day, hundreds of our readers click amazing photos of Goa and share some of their best work with us.

Here’s a curation of some of those extraordinary photos.

DHRUV BHENDE Insta Handle : @thedhruvbhende Profession : Student

Power of Prayer

My sunset buddy

ROHIT PRATAP SINGH Insta Handle : nameisrps Profession : Photographer

Back to school!!!

SHIVAM HARMALKAR Insta Handle : fotoshayar Profession : Student (XIIth standard)

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Follow @planetgoamagazine on Instagram to stay in touch with the nicest stories, updates and buzz from around Goa.

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Tag us using #planetgoamagazine to get featured in the Best Photo Stories of the Month. Here are some of the posts from @planetgoamagazine that our followers gave us a thumbs up to:

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M A D E I N J A PA N

Come join our Facebook group “Goa Life” to see what questions and suggestions people have about our Goa.

AKSHAY NAIK Insta Handle: Capturexindia Profession: Photography and Cinematography

Eternity seems close!!!

Follow us @PlanetGoaTweets to stay up to date with what’s cooking around Goa. Get in touch: contact@planetgoa.in

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things they recommend Vaishali Bali

what made me settle in Goa Aditi Seshadri

my holiday in Goa

inGoa...

Namrata Niasi Hajela

Rashmi Angle

The must visit beach and reason for itWhile in Goa, Majorda Beach is a must visit. I love it for its beautiful stretch of white sand and the beach shacks for some delicious food.

A not to miss nonbeach place in Goa – I love visiting forts.

So, one of my favorite nonbeach places would be Cabo de Rama fort in Cola South Goa. I also love walking the streets of Panjim. The narrow lanes lined with colorful Portuguese houses transport me to the colonial era.

Your favorite local Goan food place – Spice Studio at Alila Diwa Goa. I simply love Goan food but I have a challenge with very spicy food. Spice Studio is one restaurant where I know they will prepare it to my preferences and never disappoint me.

Your favorite Goan dish and where to have it – Prawn Kismur and Chicken Cafreal are two of my favorite Goan dishes that I indulge in at Spice Studio Your secret spot in Goa – My secret spot would be the Gonsua Beach which is the perfect place to experience a mesmerizing sunset as well. It’s a quiet and beautiful white sand beach. There are few shacks and does not get very crowded.

If you are in Goa for a day – If I was in Goa for a day, I’d like to spend it in the South of Goa. I’d start with a swim in the pool in my resort, witness the sunrise and find the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast.

I’d hire a scooter and spend the day visiting the beautiful churches and forts, walking around in Panjim, gaze by the Mandovi river while enjoying the delicious chaat at the pop-up chaat counters.

Your favorite place for an evening tipple – Martin’s Corner Where would you let your hair down and party – Silent Party at Palolem Beach.

I stayed in In Calangute, at Chalston beach resort I came with My husband I chose to holiday in Goa because It is close by and I love the monsoons.

I hail from: Originally a Madras girl, then a Bombaywali, now an adopted Goan The first time I came to Goa: As a 21-year-old to the beautiful beaches of South Goa, for a weekend getaway What made me want to settle: I grew up. I wanted some simplicity in my life, some greenery, the physical and mental space to do good work and live a decent life I’ve been here for: 3.5 years Here, I keep myself occupied with: I work as a consultant for the startup and development sector, I read, I swim, I go for walks with my dogs, and when all else fails, there’s Netflix!

My favourite dining place in Goa is Coco Thai and Bhatti Village and why… because of the authentic, non-fancy, home-style food.

My must visit recommendations in Goa are…

Reis Magos Fort for a history lesson, Houses of Goa for a culture lesson, and Sunaparanta for amazing cake I go for a beach bumming day to…

Ashwem or Morjim, always

Where would you want to get lost in Goa – I can easily loose myself in the nature trails in Goa. I love trekking and would find spots where I can just walk, climb and probably discover some new spots.

What I do every time I get a chance…

Go for a swim and a fish thali… in that order

A heritage site you wouldn’t miss – Fort Aguada.

my life

I was in Goa last in At the end of August

Best place to watch the sunsetGonsua Beach

The nicest drive you would never miss – Panjim to Palolem. The stretch is so green, beautiful and smooth. I especially love riding.

# goa my muse

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What I would never do in Goa is…

Litter My challenges of living in Goa are…

Power cuts, still adjusting to them My tips to people who want to move here are…

Put aside the romantic notions of Goa idyll and think practically

For us Goa is Goa is always a new experience every time. New discoveries on food, beaches, people and places to hangout. A perfect place where you don’t need to plan.

One dish I couldn’t stop devouring was A dish I liked this time in Goa was the Red snapper dry A typical tourist thing I did was Visit a Spa My favourite place to eat at was My favourite place to eat this time was, at my friend’s place who stays in a beautiful Portuguese bungalow. We shopped together at the super market close by to get our favourite ingredients and cooked over sipping gin all afternoon. The perfect holiday.

My best memory growing up Green fields after the rains that swayed to the tunes of the wind Life in Goa in one word Tranquil After a busy day at work you’ll find me at The Spa

My favourite beach was Mandrem

Events that I would never miss in Goa Zumba

The most breathtaking location This time was Taj Fort Aguada

On weekends, my favourite place is Martin’s Corner

The funniest thing I experienced was None particularly

My go-to place in Goa Benaulim beach

What souvenir did you take from here Couple of local bottles of gin

That one thing I miss about Goa from my childhood The low rise houses with the clear skyline

The most memorable moment of my trip was On this trip was the thick dark monsoon clouds with the lush green fields around, and soaking my eyes in the deep dense ocean.

Things I missed out on this time Visiting a good club with live music.

A local snack I crave Puranpoli What I wish I could change about Goa Destruction in the name of development If not Goa, I would live in Spain When I’m with my oldest buddies We huddle up in the room recalling childhood crushes.

When guests come over, I drive them to Sernabatim beach My peace of mind Indulging in a spa at my favourite parlour What Goa has given me My family

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The writer is a freelance journalist / photographer who loves and lives Goa. Follow him @Amatilife

GOA is changing the way it

dines!

The food culture of a country as rich and diverse as India is largely defined by the regional and historical lineage that is unparalleled. In addition to diverse cultural sensibilities, the country is home to quintessentially diverse food too. And now, with the world becoming a global village, those in the business of culinary arts are experiencing a tremendous change. From home chefs opening their homes for discerning foodies, to pop-up kitchens offering lesser popular cuisines – Goa’s palate is witnessing an explosion of flavours from across the world. Planet Goa finds out more

BY KISHORE AMATI

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FTER moving to Goa a little over 8 months ago, the restless foodie in Nandita Mukherjee made her frantically look for Kasha Mangsho online to put her cravings to rest. She finally stumbled upon ‘Hidden Kitchen Goa’ that she initially took as a restaurant serving various regional authentic cuisines. But after spending some time learning about her new discovery, she realised that she will be enjoying her native food in the company of a fellow native home chef.

It took her a few minutes to understand the entire mechanics of this revolutionary trend in the food business but once set, Nandita couldn’t contain her excitement.

The sheer demand for home-cooked food has encouraged home chefs to open their homes and spaces for discerning diners. The advantage is that the diners not only get authentic food cooked by a home chef personally in their home environment, specially curated for a fixed number of people, but also

makes possible interaction with people from myriad walks of life and different cultures.

Vaishali Sood, a seasoned restaurateur and a true-blue Bong, started Hidden Kitchen Goa after struggling to relocate her restaurant that was running successfully. Vaishali says, “The whole concept was to be among food lovers and share and talk of food integrating different cultures too. I chose Bengali cuisine as there wasn't any good authentic home-made style Bengali food available.”

In Vaishali’s home it's a

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that is always up for an experience that is not ordinary.

Sadly though, while the experience on offer is great, the model may not suit everybody’s tastes. It finds takers in only those who are willing to try something different from the usual, especially if they have heard good reviews about it,

and recommend it to other people too.

From large cities to rural towns, pop-up restaurants are a growing trend taking chefs and consumers by storm. Offering anything from fast-casual fusion dishes to high-end gourmet meals, this concept lends itself perfectly to those looking to express their creativity and those who wish to consume it. The appeal of pop-up restaurants is that chefs can temporarily test out restaurant or menu concepts, in addition to having the liberty to offer high-end, gourmet food at a more affordable price by cutting out restaurant costs.

Not to mention, it also offers one total creative freedom sans a large risk factor.

For Shubhra Shankhwalker, a graphic designer by profession, the experimentation

Pineapple Karam

Lal Maas

I unlearnt whatever I knew and learnt the Goan Saraswat way of cooking from scratch from my mother-inlaw.� The word soon spread and order requests started pouring in. A busy work schedule ruled out the possibility of opening a full-fledged restaurant; instead, a pop-up kitchen seemed more sensible.

Kolkata Mutton Biryani

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table for eight where you meet, mingle and dine with like-minded people. The menu varies according to the season and availability of vegetables and fish. What started about 4 to 5 years ago is now a big hit with foreigners too who love to try an unfamiliar cuisine.

Of course, there is a section of locals

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with the pop-up model happened by chance. Shubhra says, “Thanks to my husband and father-in-law who are very particular about the taste of the food, I unlearnt whatever I knew and learnt the Goan Saraswat way of cooking from scratch from my mother-inlaw.” The goodness wafted across friends and family and order requests started pouring in. A busy work schedule ruled out the possibility of opening a full-fledged restaurant; instead, a pop-up kitchen seemed more sensible. Within a few months of starting, Shubhra has already hosted a few successful pop-up kitchens in restaurants across Goa, in addition to taking catering orders for small to large groups. Her offerings stay authentic too - from Teflanchi Curry to Khatkhate –

finds takers aplenty, especially those who have now made Goa their home, and locals who struggle to have access to authentic Goan Saraswat food.

Shubhra says, “My menu is never fixed. I pick up the ingredients on the day of cooking or the previous day in case the order size is big. I pick up the freshest available fish in the market, which is why most of the times, my clients are also unsure of what is going to be delivered to them.” The menu for pop-ups is also curated on similar lines.

Shubhra says, “For example, I wouldn’t recommend kingfish now in the rainy season, at all. I’ll go for local fish; or opt for dried fish for curry; or smaller mackerels.”The clients too are more than willing to let Shubhra take such liberties

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Alsanyache tonak

Shvetyache Hooman ZUBIN VAZIFDAR

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knowing that the end product will be worth the wait and money.

The pop-up kitchen model seems to be a feasible option to seasoned restaurateurs too.

Case in point, Zubin Vazifdar, who after having a successful run with his restaurant Zuperb in Calangute, is now taking his Parsi offerings to restaurants across Goa via the pop-up route. Till now, Zubin has hosted pop-ups at restaurants such as House of Lloyds,

Saligao House and many more – most of which have gone sold out days in advance.

Over the years, the charm of Goa has tempted cosmopolitan energy to move to their new home away from home.

And although the quality of lifestyle that Goa offers may be optimum, the lack of a few conveniences like smooth public transport options, connectivity and a tiffin service serving fresh home-cooked food has been a subject of

A Parsi Pop-Up underway at a restaurant in Goa

bother for the new ‘locals’.

While we don’t know if and when the former two will be resolved, thankfully, options for fresh home-cooked food are now on offer.

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menu. The ingredients are specific, for example the yellow mustard and black mustard combination for the Bengali Maccher Pathuri (fish parcels steamed in banana leaf), The Kachampuli vinegar for the Coorgi Pandi Curry, the Mathania red chillies for the Rajasthani Laal Maas, the Kababchini and Shah Jeera for the Kolkata Mutton Biryani, the saffron for the Kashmiri Roganjosh, etc. All the spice mixes that are used - like the Coorgi Pork Masala, the Kerala Ghee Roast Masala, the Kolkata Biryani Masala, etc - are all dry-roasted and freshly-ground to ensure the right taste.

this for the last five years.

Though the couple has kept their offerings limited to the programmes as yet, plans of being open to catering orders are in the pipeline.

To ensure authenticity of the cuisine, the ingredients come from the tribal districts of Manipur – thanks to their friends from there who pick and choose the different ingredients from various villages. The signature dishes feature mostly bamboo shoot and smoked meat. Iromba - a chutney of fermented river fish and bamboo shoot with

HERE’S A LITTLE SECRET

Tripti Tiffin – the brainchild of Radhika and Sourav Ray – is a dinner only takeaway service, based out of Assagao, that has a wide variety of cuisines from across India on offer – all of which is cooked using specific ingredients, fresh produce and in traditional methods. Think signature curries from West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc something to excite everyone.

Tripti Tiffin has now started delivering in Panjim too.

Radhika says, “The idea behind this venture was to re-introduce fresh, wholesome,

home-cooked food to the discerning palate. Today, with the schedules getting busier, meals are often pushed to the back with fast food and packaged options coming the fore. We want to bring back the amazingly vibrant flavour and taste that is India. The taste that the whole world is applauding but we seem to have forgotten.”

Not one to cut corners, Radhika’s is a manifold process of sourcing the right recipes, verifying the source, using the freshest ingredients, incorporating the specific touches, trying out the dish and then adding it to the

Let’s be honest – a majority part of the country has been largely ignorant of the awesomeness that is the culture from the North-East. This includes the culinary offerings of the region which is a rare treasure to find, more so in Goa. Though, not any more.

Over the years, 6 Assagao in Assagao has emerged as a venue for programmes that attracts eminent thinkers, social workers, artistes and those who wish to change and challenge the status quo of the society. It is a good thing then that the good folks who conduct these programmes are also serious about sharing the taste of North Eastern India via the foods at the programmes at 6 Assagao.

Chef Channgamla Yangya, hailing from Ukhrul district in Manipur is the force behind the North Eastern offerings at this venue. The wife of Nilankar Das – the man behind the programmes at 6 Assagao, Chef Yangya has been doing

Raja Mirchi – is also on offer regularly. The cuisine is very different in its own way – it’s not an Indian masala taste. So, some people like it, may be for others it remains to be an acquired taste.

The whole revolution of authentic flavours claiming their due respect and standing, added with the need and push for home-cooked food from diners who know their food, has encouraged food delivery platforms to sit up and take notice too. Zomato has triggered speculations that it may launch a service where

TRIPTI TIFFIN

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TRIPTI TIFFIN

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people can order home-made food much like that age-old tiffin service which is still popular in several parts of the country especially among students, working-class people and those living in private hostels. It’s rival Swiggy is already catering to over 1,000 customers in Gurugram with its new app called ‘Swiggy Daily’ that lets people order home-cooked meals prepared by tiffin service providers and home chefs. Like all cosmopolitan things that take a while to reach Goa, these things may be a little far away, but in sight nevertheless. Until then, much like Zomato’s latest online campaign, “kabhi kabhi ghar ka khana bhi kha lena chahiye (Once in a while, one should eat home-made food).”... even though house may not always ne your own. 

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Get a

T’S that time of year again.

You know the one; the one that used to be called the off season; the monsoon period, when everything in Goa turns greener than you thought imaginable.

It turns out that this time of year has slowly turned into the ‘in thing’. Everyone now wants to come to Goa at this time of year, because everyone thinks that they’re the only ones doing it. However, whether you’re a first time visitor to the state, or a seasoned traveller, or local, for that matter, there are many upsides to be had when visiting the state at this time.

For starters, until 5 years ago, I didn’t know that ‘petrichor’ was a thing. Like there’s actually an existent term for the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil.

Apparently it’s derived from ancient Greek, with ‘petra’ meaning stone, and ‘‘īchōr’ being the fluid that flows through the veins of the gods, according to Greek mythology.

To me though, it just sounds like some kind of thief. I suppose seeing the word ‘chor’ (the word for thief, in many Indian languages) will do that to you.

But I digress. There are many other good things to be had during Goa’s wetter months, and of these, one of my favourites has to be ‘olmi’, or as we refer to the collective in the southern part of Goa, ‘onbim’. For those unfamiliar as to what these words that sound suspiciously like names of rappers are, it is a local mushroom that only

makes its presence felt as the monsoons begin to wane. It is usually a phenomenon that one comes across during the first half of August, when these mushrooms grow in the wild, amongst termite mounds in the forested hill regions.

When last I checked, they belonged to the family of Termitomyces mushrooms, but to the foragers who go looking for them, they will forever be known as ‘olmi’ or ‘onbim’.

Within the community that forages for these mushrooms, there is a tradition of putting together a wood fire (should the rain gods not wreak havoc upon the area in question), and cooking a piping hot clay pot full of traditional xacuti, where these onbim are undoubtedly the centre of attention. Once they have had their fill, the foragers then make smaller bundles of the onbim in leaves, which are carted off to markets in various corners of the state. The bulk of this crop grows within the period of the aforementioned fortnight, but that timeline remains debatable, as the natural habitat for the growth of this species is dwindling in size, with a relative increase in human activity in what used to be heavily forested regions.

In keeping with this, there has also been a surge in the going rate of these mushrooms, and

buyers could find themselves paying as much as 300 rupees for 50 mushrooms, as I did last month.

I grew up in a time when these onbim were easily available – a time when members of your household help would bring you surplus of what they had – a time which no longer exists. And I can’t really fault anyone for treating these mushrooms like

gold. They’re earthy, soft and nutty and add a lot of ‘oomph’ to whatever dish you add them to. I know that the history of mankind has documented a long non-culinary history with mushrooms, with the ancient Aztecs and Mayans using them for religious rituals, and the royal houses of the Egyptians and Chinese using them for medicinal purposes; let alone their cult status during the

‘flower-power’ generation of the 1950s-1970s. However, I’m going to be honest and admit that I just devour them because I think that they taste great.

The good news is that with such a growing consumption and interest on the mushroom front, one isn’t restricted to only eating onbim anymore. There has been an entrepreneurial upsurge in recent years, with a keen

Fernando is a journalist who is an avid reader, loves to travel, discover new food and make music. When he’s not getting the inside scoop from people, you can find him eating cutlets at his favourite haunts.

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interest to let people have their mushroom fill through the year. My most interesting encounter on this front was with two lovely young ladies, Maxswinne Rebello and Jwen Gracias, whose repository of knowledge in this area is remarkable. Having completed their post graduation degree in biotechnology, the two girls returned to Goa from Bangalore, with a desire to start something different in the state: the cultivation of a variety of oyster mushrooms.

Over the last two years, they’ve set up an enterprise called Fungo, with two functioning units in the quiet villages of Sanguem and Chinchinim, proving that joint initiatives can be a catalyst for earning a livelihood through diversification of traditional farming. At the end of the day, Goa’s had a

rich agrarian history; so quite literally, going back to one’s routes is more than plausible.

They cultivate and produce spawn (mushroom seeds) of 7 different strains of oyster mushrooms: White (Florida), Sajor Caju (grey), Yellow, DJ Amor (pink), Elm, Hypsizygus Ulmarius (HU) and Blue. As oyster mushrooms grow on almost all types of agricultural waste, the local availability of dried (paddy or wheat) straw, banana leaves, coco coir, sawdust, coffee grounds, vegetable waste etc. comes in very handy. The girls find that the monsoon and winter periods are the best seasons for cultivating mushrooms (though they also grow some in the summer), and during this period they grow mushrooms without the use of any chemicals, purely by pasteurizing locally-grown

paddy straw, and without the use of any artificial climate control facilities, as they find that it is possible to cultivate oyster mushrooms within the parameters provided by natural and comfortable weather.

In a bid to make mushrooms more accessible to the general market, the girls also conduct sessions on mushroom cultivation, workshops on oyster mushroom nutritional facts, school visits to try to get the next generation into home grown and chemicalfree farming, and even have internship programs for interested candidates. Their success in the popularisation of mushroom cultivation and close association with mushrooms in general has led to the two being dubbed ‘The Mushroom Girls’; and no, there’s no plan of starting a Britpop band…yet, though ‘Scary Mushroom and Posh Mushroom’ don’t sound half bad as stage names.

The evolution of food in Goa is continually on an upward spiral, and with it, others have entered the mushrooming fray, if you’ll excuse the pun. Shortly after having discovered the excellent work undertaken by Maxswinne and co., I came across others working with similar products in Goa. But I’m partial to pink as a colour, and as such, I think I know with which farmer my loyalties lie.

And in what might sound like a case of deviation (but genuinely isn’t), I’d like to talk about noodles, for a second.

They’re something we all love, and one would be hard-pressed to find a noodle hater. Also, much like the mushrooms, I think noodles are best served when it’s cold outside; and the

monsoons offer just that: a hint of chilly weather.

But how does this tie into mushrooming goodness, you ask? I was just about to get to that. It was the better part of three decades ago, that Dr Sangam Kurade decided to set out on an adventure that would take many turns, but would see Goa’s palate eventually turn in a grateful direction for its existence. He started up Zuari Foods & Farms Pvt. Ltd. in 1994, with five growing rooms which had a production capacity of 100 kilos per day. Having toyed with the ideas of horticulture and aquaculture, he decided to work with mushrooms which at the time, was a niche segment. Eventually, he found his work ranked amongst the top three mushroom cultivators in India in the mushroom sector, but that remained a fact that was hardly known.

While Dr Kurade’s main focus has primarily been on the white button mushroom for the states of Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he also works with the production of the most glorious portobello and brown button mushrooms, about which I can wax lyrical for days. At a given juncture, his mushroom production capacity was pegged at about 7000-8000 kilos per day.

However, keeping facts aside to come back to where we began with the noodle rant, one of his first products was mushroom-flavoured noodles; spectacular in texture and flavor, and to be fair, way ahead of their time on the Goan food circuit, which is probably why they ever became as popular as they should have. I would like to explain the emphasis behind

why I so emphatically claim that these noodles are one of the best products that Goa ever produced, by referencing a film that is beloved by all: ‘Ratatouille’. The imperious and acerbic food critic, Anton Ego is served a simple peasant dish, ratatouille (the movie title’s namesake) which is so brilliantly crafted, that it reduces Ego to his childhood memory of his mother's cooking. Cinematically speaking, this is visually recreated by Ego taking a bite and the camera drastically zooms in and out of his head at the same time. All of a sudden the viewers are with him in that moment, where his mother has made him his favorite food – ratatouille – which he tastes and loves. The camera then zooms back out to the presentday, where Ego is shocked and devours the ratatouille with childlike glee. For me, Kurade’s noodles are that kind of childhood memory; just as for many generations before me, the traditional onbi played the same role.

I never thought I’d admit this out loud; and even less so in writing. In fact, I’m certain that this statement will come back to bite me someday, but (as a consumer of only meat who generally dismisses vegetables) I think that mushrooms are the only thing that I could possibly substitute meat with, if I had to give up eating the latter.

Having said that, it’s quite possibly a good thing that I have stocked up on every single kind I’ve mentioned in the text above! 

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The Sports Goans Play: Get Out! Get Some Game Time!

insight into the Rugby and Ultimate Frisbee action.

THE GOA RUGBY MOVEMENT:

The Goa State Rugby team

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OA has always been a hub for some great sporting talent, with the likes of Brahmanand Sankhwalkar and Bruno Coutinho being top football players in their time to some familiar faces representing the state and country even today.

However, keeping the footballs and crickets bats aside, Goa has slowly become the honing ground for sports not widely heard of in India but have made waves around the world.

Two of these sports are Rugby and Ultimate Frisbee.

What started as small groups of friends coming together for some fun slowly grew into a movement that fascinated more people to come out and play. The Goan teams of both Rugby and Ultimate compete at national tournaments and

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have players that have also represented the country. With so much yet to come for these sports- here is a look at how you can get in on the fun. So grab your shoes, get your game

A Gnash player in action

face on, get out, and play!

Here’s a closer look at these sports and how you can get involved. Leurelle Godinho and Jason Santos catch up with the teams to give you an

When you hear about rugby, you would imagine guys huddled over, scrapping for the ball, or even charging down a field to score a goal. However, rugby is much more than just the physical game we all think it is. Goa has embraced the sport over the last few years, with people from all ages coming in and getting to learn the game and then go on to join a club or even play for the state.

In the last three years, team Goa Rugby has gone from strength to strength with their performances at the national stage in Contact Rugby tournaments. This year, the teams jumped up to rank 8th and 5th in the men’s and women’s event respectively.

Under the watchful guidance of their coach Mark Fernandes,

the teams powered through Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the league and Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu again in the knockouts ending the season on an all-time high.

With a new season lined up, each team has a target in mind.

With stellar performances at tournaments in the past, both teams are looking forward to another successful outing at the national championships.

With Goa making its mark on the rugby pitch, you can get in on the action too. With some of the clubs, offering to get beginners into the sport and take it to a larger audiencehere is your chance to pick up your cleats and head to the ground.

ARE YOU UP FOR ULTIMATE FRISBEE:

Ultimate Frisbee is a fast paced and tactical sport. High on fun and sportsmanship and a good chance you will get

to fly across the field to grab the disc. Another sport that has taken the world by storm and has now quickly caught on in India as well. The game is played on the beach and on grass; it involves passing a Frisbee and scoring goals to win games. With several people picking up the sport in Goa, the state boasts of two teams that compete at the national level, with players going on to represent India as well.

A relatively easy sport to learn, the ultimate teams are more than willing to train new talent and induct them into the team. You don’t have to be the fastest or tallest person to pick up Frisbee, all you need to do is come out and prepare to have some fun. With regular practice session and pickup games happening at the beach, it isn’t difficult to spot the Frisbee teams playing at Miramar. Go on and join them, the game is thrilling and from teammates you will find friends. 

Action from the Goa tournament

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Don’t Let the Weather

‘GET TO YOU’ As rain clouds engulf the skies, Clinical Psychologist Shobhika Jaju shares quick tips to bid adieu to those recurrent “monsoon blues”.

IMAGES: PRAJYOT NAGVENKAR & STOCK

An overcast sky over Panjim

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H well, there is nothing quite like monsoons in Goa! Lush greenery all around, the earthy rustic smell which brings back childhood memories, all day long rain showers‌for every monsoon lover, Goa is paradise. Those days of incessant rain, however, may not bring joy to everyone.

In Goa, we often witness nonstop rains for 5-6 days during peak monsoons; days go by without sunshine. And the continuous downpour, grey skies, frequent lighting & thunder is not pleasant for a lot of people; rather, millions around the world suffer from seasonal symptoms of depression with the onset of seasons such as monsoons & winters.

Dull grey days are plenty during peak monsoons in Goa

Indulge your inner photographer during the monsoons

In Goa, we have ample of sunshine during the summers and winters, however, during the monsoon months an overcast sky outnumbers clear skies on more days than not.

The number of depression & other mood disorder cases significantly increases in the mental health clinics & OPDs of Goa during the peak monsoon months of July & August.

Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refers to the development of symptoms of depression with the onset of a particular season & the symptoms abate as the season gets over. According to research, the main reason cited

Enroll for a gym membership and force yourself to go & exercise everyday

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# goa for the soul

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Exercise: With rains at random hours of the day, most of us get restricted indoors. It is, however, extremely crucial during this time to do some physical exercise as it is directly linked to increased serotonin, thereby promoting a healthier mental state. Gratefully for the denizens of Goa, there are many options to stay active during monsoons; classes for Zumba, power garba, aerobics, Yoga have mushroomed all across the state & then we have several good quality gyms which will help one stay active & fit. Even cycling or going for walks amid light showers has been found to be beneficial in boosting one’s mental health. And make the most of any interim dry days and sunshine.

Stay Connected: It is extremely important to stay connected with friends & family members even when you don’t feel like it.

Go for suppers, call people over home, and make time for coffee with friends while it rains. The idea is to avoid being alone.

Join a group yoga or aerobics class. The serotonin release in the brain will keep you happy

behind the development of SAD symptoms has got to do with the lack of sunlight as this is responsible for low levels of serotonin (responsible for mood regulation), high levels of melatonin (responsible for sleep regulation, thus making us feel lethargic & sleepier than usual), and low levels of Vitamin D (which further plays a role in serotonin regulation thus contributing

to the depressive symptoms).

Increased lethargy, general sadness, lack of interest in going about everyday activities, fatigue, over sleepiness, lack of energy, & increased appetite for carbohydrates rich food, are just some of the commonly seen symptoms in people suffering from seasonal depression. [Sources: APA, Mayo Clinic, DSM-V] Since, Goa is a land of

abundant rainfall for the four months beginning June and ending September, those of us living here are at slightly higher risk for developing transient as well as acute symptoms of seasonal depression, and therefore, here is a quick round up of some steps that locals can take to keep this monsoon depression away:

Eat healthy: One cannot stress on this point enough; it is ok to have cheat days but you must strive to eat healthy and nutritiously rich diets during the monsoon months, particularly because the body will crave for more sugar rich diet. Excess sugar takes longer to burn off and thereby, contributes to more lethargy.

Stay entertained: Goa is a year round entertainment destination.

Find what you enjoy and indulge yourself in it, be it movie nights, library visits, musical gatherings, eating out at your favourite restaurant; there is a lot to do and be busy.

Colour therapy: Get your house or office monsoon ready; incorporate bright colours in your immediate surroundings, wear bright colours, and stay in well illuminated rooms when indoors as this will directly counteract the effects of dark skies outside.

Seasonal affective disorder is more than just “monsoon blues” and it’s not possible to just wish it away; professional mental health help is recommended if you or someone you know is recurrently showing symptoms of depression only during the monsoon months, as there are systematic and wellresearched treatment options available. Most importantly remember that any amount of sunshine is good during the monsoons so go outdoors during any dry & sunny patch which will occur in between the rains. It will also throw at you stunning views of the Goan landscape. 

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# heritage walk

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Hero Stones and Other Historic Vestiges

FROM BANDORA

Pantaleão Fernandes is a Goa-based author, photographer and cultural researcher. He also curates historical and tribal experiences deep into Goan hinterlands. He can be contacted at pantu. engineer@gmail.com

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY PANTALEAO FERNANDES

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Hero stone in the open field

XPLORING a village is always exciting but when a native leads the walk one can expect a different experience altogether.

So this time when ‘Soul Travelling’chose a local young woman – an English literature lecturer –Tanvi Bambolkar to lead the walk in Bandora, expectations ran high.

And sure enough, the group stood mesmerised when Tanvi led the way into an open field and pointed to what looked like a short, vertical stone. On closer inspection, one could observe that the stone was divided into three panels, with figures in bass relief in each panel. “Does anybody know what this is?” she questioned.

The group probably had never seen anything like this and stood quiet. “Well then,” she explained, “This is a Hero Stone, locally called as a Vir Gall. These were the memorials erected usually on the borders to immortalise the sacrifices of those who died in Wars. As you can see, it has three layers each signifying three stages of the the warrior’s death. The lowest part signifies his death on the

war field, second one is where he is being taken to the heaven by celestial nymphs. And the third one denotes the warrior being one with the God or him finding Moksha since he lost his life in a War.” She then walked a little further and pointed to yet another Hero Stone. One of the walkers who hadn’t had enough asked whether there were any more in the vicinity.

“As a matter of fact there is a cluster of Hero Stones close by,” she replied and led the way through a private compound and after taking due permission walked into their back yard.

And there, under an old tree, stood not one or two or three but seven memorials! The walkers were dumbfounded!

Tanvi explained that on an earlier walk, one enterprising local girl had pointed out to this hoard of our heritage.

The trail led to the Nagueshi Temple where the group explored its sacred environs.

The temple was roofed with Mangalore tile pyramids and blended well with the Goan architecture. A lamp tower that stood tall nearby drew the

Cluster of hero stones

attention of the visitors. Tanvi narrated a brief history of the temple: Most of the temples in Ponda have deities which were brought from some other parts of Goa during the Inquisition period but Nagesh is a Swayambhu deity. It belongs to this land. A legend narrates a story of a cowherd stumbling across a linga on which his cow would shed milk every day and that is how people discovered the Nagesh deity’s presence. The temple has been restructured several times and has found patronage from various wealthy families.

Tanvi then walked to the temple lake where she informed that she had learnt her swimming and in the summer heat was tempted to take a head on plunge into its cools waters! Behind the lake one could see a large shaded

Cluster of hero stones

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to enter the palace. The golden Ganesha idol is worth seeing and also the immersion procession to the holy tank of Nageshi is fun to watch.”

The scene shifted from the palace of a living king to the site of ancient Jain culture, once practiced fervently in Goa. Thankfully, the site, a mound of ruins a few years ago, is under restoration and one could walk around and within the ruins. The majestic archways and the old niches spoke of the architectural style of that era. Tanvi enlightened the group further, “These are the ruins of a Jain Basadi,

# heritage walk

Shivteerth Palace

Nagueshi Temple tower

areca nut plantation. The entire ambience was a soothing experience to theses Travelling Souls!

Just outside the temple compound, stands a grand mansion, almost a palace. And much to everybody’s surprise, our hostess pointed and said “This is Shivteerth Palace, abode of the King Saundhekar.

Although the present King visits this place during festivities, the palace is under care of local caretakers. The palace has several arms and ammunitions used by various generations of Saundhekars.

They still have a significant role to play in the festivities of Nagesh deity. During Ganesh Chaturthi people are allowed

Nagueshi Temple

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Collection of the Namshikars

which can mean either a settlement or a living area of Jains. Very few people from Goa are aware about the presence of Jainism at some point in Goa. Probably during Kadamba rule in Goa the Jain monks would have come to preach about the religion.

They must have meditated in such structures. This particular structure was in complete ruins in my childhood but thanks to the efforts of Archaeology Department it has seen some restructuring and now people can witness what exactly lay hidden behind those bushes ages ago.”

After trudging through all this history, a surprise itinerary awaited the explorers. A local house opened its doors to the group and everyone followed the owner Mrs.Namshikar to a balcony upstairs. ‘Sasay’ is the name of their house which means legacy. And truly this family holds the legacy of serving in various fields such as art and education. A rare case of a happy joint family in the times of small families is what the Namshikars are.

What is truly mesmerising is their collection of antique tools and traditional games. Some of these were even brought by the daughters-in-laws as a gift from their maiden families. They have displayed all these items in a very creative manner and they even had an exhibition of the same in one of the art galleries in Ponda. 

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Tinto

the classic hang out Taking the ethos of the original village Tinto, Goa Tinto is an initiative bringing together local artists on a digital platform and making local art, flavour and culture from Goa a part of an international online marketplace.

# discovering goa

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F you have been in Goa long enough to come across the word tinto, you will be familiar with nostalgic charm associated with the term. However, if you have been in Goa for longer, you would have experienced the vibe the tinto embodies. The quaint market square was the melting pot that brought the village together- from fishermen to vegetable sellers, from poders to potters, from local artists to traders, the tinto had it all.

The village hustle invariably revolved around the activities at the tinto. The focal point to gather the latest news from around the state or even a place to grab hot samosas and chai and catch up on village gossip. Festivals, events, exhibitions and village gatherings- all converged at the tinto, making it an integral part of every village.

The sights, sounds and smell associated with what a tinto used to be still delves within most Goans - with old buildings housing shops and stores, fisher women selling their fresh catch, poders lined up waiting for their regular customers and the constant crowd that made the place feel alive and busy. The sounds of bus horns blaring in the background and a constant murmur that sweeps across the place- village folk haggling with vendors, friends and neighbour meeting and greeting, the noise never stops.

From the first step into a tinto, you smell fresh bread being baked at the local bakeries or even samosa and savoury snacks being dished out fresh and hot. As you walk along the fresh fish may sting you a little, but is calmed with the

aromas from all the homemade masalas or even the smoke choris available at the tinto.

As time went on, tintos across the state have been renovated or rebuilt to cater to the growing demands of everyday living, but the charm never ceased to fail. The tinto in today’s time have become artistic interpretations of the tintos of old, with azulejos adorning the walls and the old buildings that once aged well with the market square have now been given facelifts- the charm retained. The hustle will always live on, having seen generations grow up and become accustomed to the ways of the tinto. A space once an epicentre for trade and village gatherings has now morphed into a lively area that still holds the village together but with newer shops, spas and salons, shopping centres and restaurants that have changed the feel of old. The ability to adapt without losing its importance is the primary reason a tinto will always remain an integral part of every village.

The tinto started as an important link between the people and their village. Its importance has dwindled as supermarkets and malls have started to take over. With a global trend shifting towards online marketplaces- Goa Tinto reimagines the idealist vibes and inspiration that was harboured in the tintos of old. An artist’s escape- from local artisans- the bakers and potters to a trade centre for enterprising fishermen and vegetable vendors and even other salesmen from across the village. Goa Tinto takes the best of both worlds and brings you an online artist platform,

that allows people from across the globe get in look into the bubbling local talent that’s up for sale on the platform. Dive into the Goa Tinto experience and browse through the best collection of local products now available at your very own tinto. 

# when in goa

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Making The Move For

CLEANER AIR? 5 Neighbourhoods to live in North Goa - each remarkably different an experience from the other

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ITY living today is getting daunting and exhausting what with air quality in the metros dipping to an alltime alarming level. Couple it with increased vehicular traffic, incessant construction and a scary rate of deforestation, more and more Indians are slowly gathering courage to let go of the life that has so far been expected and accepted in places like Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai. There are murmurs in social circles about the ‘life worth living’ and unpolluted air is of utmost importance today. The flurry of Packers & Movers trucks arriving in Goa on a daily basis are testament to the fact that this land of chill vibes is slowly becoming a favourite for the ones seeking a cleaner and greener life.

Living in Goa is different, especially for people who ‘know Goa like the back of their hands’, thanks to their multiple weekend trips concentrated between the Candolim to Ashwem coastal stretch. Pardon the sarcasm!

Living in Goa is different because drinking beer lying on the beach is normally not an everyday activity, though if one can manage it, there is

definitely no harm in it. Living in Goa is different because power cuts are real, newspaper vendors don’t deliver to your doorstep and Next Day Delivery from Global e-com giants are but distant urban dreams thus far. The list goes on and the more time one spends in Goa, the more one realises the contrast from the life that they are aiming to leave behind. In a nutshell, these are perhaps the exact reasons that make ‘life worth

living’ in this little paradise.

So where should one live in Goa if you are moving straight from one of the big cities? Perhaps not South Goa because the contrast of city living and the extreme tranquility and mostly semi rural way of life could baffle and frustrate the most jaded of city dwellers. So here’s a quick snapshot of some North Goa neighbourhoods that might help you shortlist, or perhaps confuse you further.

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MIRAMAR/DONA PAULA

# when in goa

SOCORRO This is to break the fall. It is unfair to expect metro folk to move from their X BHK apartment living straight into drawing water from the well, keeping the backyard devoid of dried leaves, spraying bleaching powder in the backyard to keep snakes at bay or dealing with inconsistent cellular network and data.

Hence, anywhere between Miramar and Dona Paula is a good start. With all urban amenities at hand thanks to the proximity to the state capital Panjim, this entire area is as city-like as Goa can get. Engulfed by the sea and the Mandovi estuary on three sides, Miramar to Dona Paula is a peaceful picturesque locality with sea facing villas on cliffs and new age housing societies coexisting one next to the other.

Panjim market, a ten minutes drive away sells everything one needs. Miramar is a clean popular beach with a few more tucked away, waiting to be discovered on an unplanned walk. Dona Paula is a great tourist spot to drive your guests to and its very location makes it equidistant from the coastal belt of both North & South Goa. That in itself is a point to consider.

No it is not on the coast and the nearest beachfront is at least a half hour drive away!

Socorro though is soaring on the popularity charts and more and more people are opting to settle in this quiet, lush, picturesque town, a short drive away from the highway connecting Mapusa and Panjim. While a pristine 17th century church, football fields and stunning old houses adorn this once sleepy settlement, new constructions of apartments and holiday homes are slowly adding to the decibel levels in this part of the state. For people wanting to forget the bustle of city dwelling, yet not be very far away from it, Socorro is a top choice.

MOIRA/ALDONA Cross the highway from Mapusa further inland and you get transported to an Enid Blyton novel. Lush forests, meandering rivers and little hills form the backdrop to traditional Goan homes that these days are mostly inhabited by the so called Creative Crowd. Peace of mind is essential for creativity and there is no scarcity of that in these neighbouring villages of Moira and Aldona. As an increasing number of Goan families are choosing the more manageable apartment dwelling compared to their traditional existence, city dwellers are seeing the romance in that. Being able to live with wild lilies in full bloom, buttercup flowers adorning the entrance gates of charming old villas and abundance of mango, jackfruit, gooseberry, breadfruit and a plethora of other fruit-bearing trees, this is the place for that perfect idyllic life.

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OLD GOA

# when in goa

BRITONA/SALVADOR DO MUNDO A quaint fishing village snaking its way along the Mandovi river, Britona is testament to the quintessentially laid back Goan life. Charming old houses from the Portuguese era dot the riverside brimming with boats and yachts. Locals sitting by their porches chatting with their neighbours across the narrow street and young boys playing football are usual scenes as one drives along to the the most stunning of Goan churches - the 16th Century Salvador Do Mundo.

With lush paddy fields on either side, waterbodies strewn across with blooming lilies and migratory birds unaware of human interference, Britona to Salvador Do Mundo looks like paradise on earth. Panjim and Porvorim are both fairly equidistant and anyone choosing the idyllic life should be well prepared to least expect urban convenience. Get ready to hop on to your scooter for every errand you need to run. ď ° Far far away from the glitz and glamour associated with Goa is the erstwhile capital of Portuguese India and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short yet stunning drive from Panjim alongside the Mandovi River, Old Goa is famous for its spectacular churches including the Se Cathedral and more notably the Basilica of Bom Jesus. For a pristine life by the riverside, amidst the peace and piety of the many churches around, seasonal bird visits by the marshlands and minutes away from the island life of Chorao & Divar, Old Goa is a piece of history well preserved. Look out for that residence by the riverside, it will surely be worth it.

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Benchmark Perfection

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Galleria at Grand Hyatt

# hospitality news

Play Poker at Deltin

Grapevine says there’s something spectacular coming up in Bambolim, Goa. An all new shopping experience will soon open its doors at the Grand Hyatt Goa. If we know it correctly, this Galleria will house premium brands inside the hotel complex and will provide a fresh breath of air for tourists and locals alike when it comes to shopping options in the state. Planet Goa understands that this space is designed similar to many international hubs where wine and dine, casinos, spas come together with shopping to complete a fulfilling experience. We cannot wait for the news to be true and the doors to be opened.

Goa’s most popular getaway destination, The Leela Goa was awarded the ‘Best Beach Resort’ at Travel and Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony organized by FICCI. The award recognizes the best in the travel industry across different hotels and destinations that are focused in contributing towards the employment growth and infrastructure development.

This award is a reflection of the trust reposed on us by our valuable guests & other stakeholders, says Mr, Shridhar Nair. The Leela Goa has always strived to position Goa on the world luxury map and is delighted to receive this prestigious recognition. The exotic resort’s benchmark perfection only seems to be increasing.

Double Tree by Hilton

Hilton India announced the appointment of Melville John as the General Manager at Double Tree by Hilton Panaji. His new role, entails the day-to-day operations of the property and spearhead the growth and development of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa. With over two decades of extensive experience across the globe, Melville brings his expertise to position DoubleTree by Hilton as the destination of choice. Through his career, he has worked with several established brands and luxury properties in India, Maldives, Canada, Thailand, Azerbaijan and Egypt.

The Deltin Poker tournament returned to Goa with premier gaming and entertainment. This time round the event expected hundreds of participants and enticing prize pools.

The tournament was organized by the Delta Corp group onboard The Deltin Royale, one of Goa’s most popular offshore casinos.

Celebrity poker players including Adda52 Pro Nikita Luther, Adda52 Celebrity Pro Minissha Lamba, Adda52 Pro Kunal Patni went head-to-head at the event. The series featured some interesting and major events namely the 15K deep dive, 15K bounty, 65K high roller and the 35K main event.

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Culinary

NEWS

# culinary news

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The Nawabi Experience at Awadh A round up of the exciting things happening in the world of food

RECIPE TO REMEMBER

BEER BATTER PRAWNS

These lovely fried prawns are an excellent finger food option especially here in Goa. Not forgetting beer being an ingredient in the recipe. A lip-smacking dish of Goan taste and flavour, scrumptious and perfect!!!

Tamari completes 10 Tamari at the Vivanta Goa, Panaji completed 10 years of opening its doors in Goa, serving signature Pan-Asian gourmet experiences in the heart of the capital city. The Master chefs at showcased the best-selling signature recipes of the last 10 years - a tantalizing feast with authentic preparations from China, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam, attended by the glitz and glamour of Goa. A luncheon delightful in every word, accompanied with an innovative selection of cocktails and endless conversations over a variety of mouth-watering PanAsian flavours. A celebration of the decade, most definitely an unforgettable event to miss.

The much awarded Tamari , is a real find in the crown of our culinary landscape. A no compromise belief has kept the standards very high as well as the huge regular patrons list is a befitting testimony of its excellence. A signature ‘ten year’ menu too has been curated and is displayed to all who walk into the celebrated restaurant. So if it’s the first or the tenth, Tamari remains pretty much the same, gourmet at its best!!!

Welcome to S.E.A A restaurant with a new vibe and food, to set your mind on afloat a South East Asian cuisine experience. Sample flavours from all the diversely constructed countries of the region, all under the same roof. An experience that lures locals and visitors alike with its ‘seafood’, the restaurant is inspired by the travels of its curator, Mr. Saurabh Anand. It is basically an ‘Ode’ to the flavours of the countries it encompasses. Situated in the dreamy village of Assagao, with a beautiful setting and tasteful ambience. Check out S.E.A soon, to know the actual taste of the coast.

The royals long lost, from the plains of the north, come again to re-write a story of culture and cuisine, giving you the finest taste of royalty.

An unforgettable journey through exquisite Awadhi culinary, reviving every sense in your body, leaving you with delectable memories.

GNQ hospitality announces their new venture, ‘The Awadh House’ located in the heart of the city of Panaji, Goa. An old-world charm of the regal world in the new contemporary vibrant era, skilful cooking that awakens the palette, coupled with great hospitality and thoughtful presentation.

The architecture of the existing structure of the building inspires the interiors – a perfect symphony of Art Deco, that’s sleek and minimal together. The restaurant also features a luxurious lounge area and a bar ‘SHAUK’ that speaks to the regality of the fine dine. There are private dining areas available for businesses and corporate meetings or private family affairs as well.

The main cuisine of the restaurant is an indigenous part of the city of Nawabs, Lucknow and is globally recognised for its refined taste.

Dishes like the tender melt-in-the-mouth Galawati Kebabs, a lamb stew cooked in an explosion of spices, Nalli Nihari and Dal Awadh, a harmonious blend of lentils slow-cooked overnight on charcoal fire, are cooking styles inspired and influenced at Awadh House. The menu offered many more authentic flavours of the region as the list went on. To sweeten your taste buds there’s The Awadh House speciality Rose Halwa and another favourite Paan Barfi.

So next time you think of Awadh, get down to Awadh House and experience the life of a Nawab!!!

Ingredients

 24 Prawns  2 tbsps refined flour (maida)  Vegetable oil for deep frying

For Beer Batter  ¼ cup beer  ¼ cup refined flour (maida)  4-5 ice cubes Procedure

1. Wash, peel, de-vein and butterfly the prawns, leaving tails intact.

2. Prepare the beer batter just in time to eat.

3. When ready to fry the prawns, combine the batter ingredients in a large bowl with a slotted spoon 4. Using a spoon instead of a whisk keeps the batter thick, lumpy and the lumps become crunchy when deep fried.

5. If the humidity level is high then the ice cubes tend to melt quickly making the batter runny, so keep a little extra flour at hand to thicken the batter.

6. Leave the batter at room temperature, until the ice has melted half, and start using the batter immediately.

7. Heat oil in a wok/kadhai until the surface of the oil seems to shimmer slightly.

8. Lightly toss the prawns in dry flour, (you can use a ziplock bag so the prawns coat evenly).

9. Hold each prawn by the tail and dip it in the beer batter one at a time to coat completely, letting any excess batter drain off.

10. Deep fry prawns in small batches for a minute or until they are just cooked through and lightly golden brown.

11. Arrange the crunchy and crispy beer battered prawns on a platter, serve immediately with a favourite dipping sauce.

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# in focus

# in focus

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Choices in

CALANGUTE A place that tourists bee-line to, a village once upon a time, now much more than a town, that’s CALANGUTE!!! Always bustling with fun, frolic, crowds, chatter and so much more. Brimming over the top with the best places to eat and chill, a melting pot of places to see, food to eat and experiences to live. It is always on everyone’s mind due to its ‘let you hair down’ vibe, a destination for the quiet as well as for those who love the noise. Enjoy from a wide array of cuisines, right from Continental, to Chinese, to the good ole’ Goan food and a host of street food choices. So here’s PLANET GOA’S list of the best that Calangute has to offer!!!

Seafood Junction

The name says it all, Seafood Junction in Calangute offers some of the best seafood dishes in town. Be it for lunch or dinner, this one’s a must visit. Try out their lunchtime Special Thalis or go for their lipsmacking Crab preparations.

It is one of the few places in the area where you can taste the true flavours of Goa. Their fully stocked bar, mouthwatering food, and relaxing atmosphere will ensure you have an amazing time. They even have live music every night and are open till 3am!

St. Anthony’s Karaoke Club:

If you like singing your heart out while you sip on some lip smacking cocktails and gorge of some of the best seafood in town- St. Anthony’s has got to be your go-to place! Bang on the Baga beach, this shack has quickly become a hot favorite among locals and tourist alike. Some of the best dishes are the pomret tandoori, the stuffed crab and even the recheado squid and prawnsthe list can go on. Go here in the evening and soak in the sunset and watch the night come alive with karaoke, good food and some good vibes. Take it all in, because there is no place like St. Anthony’s!

Fat Fish Restaurant and Bar:

Walk into Fat Fish for some of the best seafood- you name it, Chilly Crabs, Prawn Xacuti, Calamari Butter Garlic or choose from a wide range of fish and get it cooked in any style you want, nothing will disappoint. With an added bonus of being treated to some delicious desserts to top of an amazing meal. If seafood isn’t your way to go, fret not- Fat Fish has an extensive menu that includes salads, Indian as well as Continental delicacies and other Goan specialties, the chicken xacuti and sorpotel are great accompaniments to any meal. Watch the world go by as you enjoy the best of Goan cuisine.

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best EATS

Where to eat? What to eat? Two oft-asked questions when in Goa, answered below. Take a look, make your choice and grab your grub!

POMODORO About Us: Dine with the Hawaii beach in Dona Paula in the background, and add interesting art and décor to it. Cool drinks and some lip-smacking pizza sounds like a great idea. Another plus point is the dessert section. A good option for a delicious Italian spread, savory as well as sweet. Pomodoro is a must visit spot, a little of Italy in Dona Paula, with the best Italian desserts and lots more.

Recommended: » Beef Chorizo pizza, Mushroom pizza, different pastas, Tiramisu, Warm Chocolate cake with ice cream, Sicilian Cannolis filled with homemade mascapone and ricotta cheese, and the Vanilla Panna Cotta.

Average cost for two: ₹700 (approx.)

Location: Casa Tropicana, Jetty Road, Panaji, Goa Contact: +91 7888047339

CHEF CANTANDO About Us: A beach fronted restaurant that serves exotic continental food options. A breezy ambience, with incredible food and a setting to die for!!! A great Goan vibe place!!! A great option on a rainy day.

Recommended: » Pani puri with shrimp on top, Beef steak with mushroom peppercone sauce, Double patty beef burger with cheese and bacon, pork spare ribs, amuse bouche (avocado salsa), jungle potatoes, and peanut

butter caramel Average cost for two: ₹1,000 (approx.)

Location: Anjuna beach, Anjuna Goa Contact : +91 9922711223

DAVID’S PIZZERIA

CORNERSTONE GRILL

About Us: This Italian restaurant is an absolute gastronomical pleasure ride. Minimal and cosy interiors with a great vibe running around.

Recommended: » Iced coffee, Pizza Bella with mascarpone, truffle oil, parmesan, arugula and cherry tomatoes. Beef meatballs in tomato sauce with fungi, garlic bread with lots of butter, Foccacina Bianca, Al pesto, Thin crust picante pizza, Tiramisu, and Torta di noci e zucchini.

Average cost for two: ₹1,200 (approx.)

Location: Fort Aguada Road Sinquerim, Candolim Goa Contact: +91 9021936350

About Us : A well known grill house experience awaits you at the Cornerstone grill. With the best continental, Goan and Seafood put on the grill for you. Check out this divine delicious spread!!!

Recommended: » Wide range of cocktails and mocktails, Mediterranean Beef steak, Enchiladas, Spaghetti carbonara and bologneise.

Average cost for tw : ₹ 1100 (approx) Location : Utorda, Majorda Goa Contact : +91 7887714850

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# art in goa

# art in goa

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OF AUNTY BARS, SPEAKEASIES & A DRINKERY

Through an ongoing curatorial project of photographs, artist Nishant Saldanha attempts to recreate the feel of the 50s and 60s when Prohibition was in effect and ‘Aunty bars’ and Jazz were on an upswing. Samira Sheth imbibes the mood of the era and feasts her eyes on the trendy and insightful Black Market in Miramar IMAGES: NISHANT SALDANHA

Black Market turns into an art gallery displaying images that tell story after story to celebrate Panjim and the people of Goa

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HILE the food is a work of art in itself, it is the very atmospheric décor of the Black Market restaurant in Goa that adds subtly delicious undertones of visual delight. Young artist Nishant Saldanha has curated a selection of photographs that run through the space and transport you to another world. The legacy of the 50s and 60s in India permeates this permanent exhibit – the Bombay Prohibition era, the Goan aunties who ran illicit bars in their homes, the Jazz musicians who were making a name for themselves and more.

Nishant takes this cultural legacy and relates it seamlessly to Goa as it is today, pointing out the connections as well as translating this past into a present with great ease.

Black Market occupies the first floor of the gorgeous Art Deco Braganza Bungalow in Campal. Starting with its location, the artwork grew quite organically with

Nishant’s visual exploration of the capital city of Panjim takes us on a journey through its first bars, eateries,shops and small independent trading establishments

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# art in goa

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“The greatest part of this project has been actually becoming friends with many of the shop owners. It transforms ones understanding of a place when you get to see what is important to the person who owns and runs it. Often, I’ll be pointed to a unique object, an interesting chair or an old advertisement for the shop from a many years ago, that will add layers of narrative that helps to see a shop as more than just a place where money is exchanged for goods. They start to become, store holders of memory and expressions of ancestral pride which are in many ways linked to a defiance and an unwillingness to bend to the every changing contemporary “aesthetics” of commerce.”

– Nishant Saldanha When a picture tells a thousand words...This simple image hints at the cross-cultural influences Goa has witnessed bringing together 451 years of Portuguese rule with the rise of Hindu tradesmen

A view of the restaurant and above left, one of the many images of store interiors on display

the way the restaurant was conceptualized. Nishant points out, “When I first came on to the project, there was already an eye catching mood board that suggested that the restaurant tap into the speakeasy-Prohibition era of the 1920s and early 30s America. It struck me then that we might be able to bring this very idea a bit closer to home - as Bombay State once came under prohibition just

after Independence and it was marked by a rise of speakeasies and aunty bars (tiny undercover watering holes run Goan women in their living rooms providing homemade brews or moonshine smuggled in from Goa!). Simultaneously Bombay saw the rise of Art Deco architecture in the wealthier sections of society and Jazz which became the musical expression of the time, especially in the halls of upper-crust venues such as the Taj. Black Market is fortunate to be housed in a beautiful Art Deco building and we decided from there to explore visual connections between Goa, Bombay and the rest of the world, much in the same way that the cuisine at Black Market aims to do culinarily.”

Once the concept was crystallized, Nishant found plenty of fertile ground for visual connections of eateries and ‘drinkeries’ (Black Market refers to itself as an ‘Eatery

& Drinkery’). He embarked on an ambitious project, walking through Panjim to photograph the first bars and eating joints in Goa. From that starting point, his project took off to snowball into something a lot bigger.

He says, “As someone who deliberately chooses to walk in the city of Panjim, I find that it reveals itself in unexpected ways. It was a surprise to find that the shops in Panjim had an aesthetic quality that differed even from the shops across the river in Verem or beyond in larger cities such as Mapusa and Margao. A large part of this project was to see if I could understand why this was, and to see if I could place it in the context of the commercial history of Goa and the rise of Panjim as the capital. What drew me to these places is not the age aesthetic but a particular visual expression unique to the city, which once looked at closely

enough appears as distinctly as the windows and doors of Fontainhas and Mala. I wanted to explore this through photography. I started with small bars and eating houses but then found this expression in many establishments and general stores, confeitarias, barberias, chemists, bookshops, cobblers, watch makers, clock repair stores and eating houses.

Unlike the visual elements of Fontainhas which reinforce each other by proximity and visibility , it is harder to define what makes these shops holders of a special common aesthetic as these are interior spaces and can only be seen individually.”

In particular, Nishant found a pattern in the way he was drawn to photographing the dressed portraits of ancestors hung on remembrance walls of shops. He says, “There is something very captivating about them. I realised that if I had enough of them it would create a sort of map of Panjim through its original movers and shakers as the city came up and throw light on the human face of commerce.”

The photographs that line

these walls in the Bar area of the restaurant speak of times gone by and times that inexplicably in these days of big business still are.

Nishant disavows the idea of this photographic journey being merely a recording of history, saying, “the aim of this project is not to document, but to explore and be guided by a sense of intuition. I tend to stay away from using the word documentation when describing my artwork because the word is associated with something that is of the past and must be recorded somewhere or something that needs remembering because it will be replaced soon.”

The black and white photographs are intended to be “a celebration of Panjim City as it is today and also as it once was, since many of these establishments have remained defiantly unchanged since their beginning over half a century ago and still remain thriving places of business with strong local patronage,” notes Nishant.

With interests that span comic making, writing and photography, Nishant pursued

Images like this of places over half a century old convey the spirit of the timeless city of Panjim

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ARCHIVAL PIC COURTESY YVONNE GONSALVES

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ARCHIVAL PIC YVONNE GONSALVES

Referred to as India’s most innovative saxophonist, Braz Gonsalves seamlessly displays his mastery over not one but two instruments simultaneously

Yvonne Gonsalves, Braz and pianist Louis Banks played in prominent nightclubs in Bombay and Calcutta and have contributed immensely to integrate elements of Indian music into Jazz

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art and design at Central Saint Martin’s in London before moving to the California Institute of the Arts in LA where he majored in Character Animation and Filmmaking.

He worked in the animation industry for a year before moving back to “my ancestral land, Goa in order to pursue a more independent practice in art”.

His own trajectory closely intertwines with the way his project’s aesthetic has evolved.

In every nook and corner of the restaurant, with its many rooms and alcoves there is a strong Goan presence that speaks to a larger world view.

The project grew organically together with restaurateurs Sabreen and Prahlad, owners of Black Market as they sought to create a“globally inspired local cuisine” and Nishant aimed to keep “moving between Goan legacies at home and beyond and to emphasise those ties.” With a desire to pay homage to the city of Panjim first, they filled up their walls with pictures that tell innumerable stories – of the frontrunners of trade and commerce in Goa, of its first bars and restaurants and of its food ingredients and markets through wonderful charcoal drawings by Harshada Kerkar.

In other rooms, tributes are paid to the Jazz musicians from Goa who took their music to the world. A core project and the Black Market team’s biggest, the Bombay-Goa Jazz connection was guided by Naresh Fernandes, author of ‘Taj Mahal Foxtrot, the story of Bombay’s Jazz Age. ’ With Fernandes’ help, Nishant connected with the relatives of many of India’s pioneer jazz musicians who generously

Quirky, quaint, fun - these black and white images go to the heart of Panjim and speak of a colourful past and present

“One of my favourite things to have photographed was a brass reproduction of Ramchandra Pandurang Kamat’s Abbe Faria Statue in the window of a liquor store and in bar close by, a laminated copy of the first printed advertisement of the bar in a Portuguese publication in the early 1950s. Often talking to the patrons of a shop enhances my understanding the deep connection that society has with places of business.” - Nishant Saldanha reached into their personal archives to lend the restaurant some absolutely wonderful photographs.

So, have a drink and enjoy your meal while you absorb images of the legendary saxophonist Braz Gonsalves playing in concert; with his wife, singer Yvonne Gonsalves, daughter of the great Chic

Chocolate; jamming with Cat Anderson, the trumpeter in Duke Ellington’s band and some of his audiences including Amitabh Bachchan, Kabir Bedi, Alyque Padamsee and other celebrities. There are photographs of other stars from the golden period of Jazz in India including Chic Chocolate, Mickey Correa,

Anthony Gonsalves, Amancio D’Silva, Lorna Cordeiro, Sonny Lobo, the Hutson Sisters, Dizzy Sal, Frank Fernand, Lucila Pacheco and the Carneiro band.

There is plenty to see and enjoy here. An unhurried languor takes you over as you spend time slowly delving deeper and making the

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ARCHIVAL PIC YVONNE GONSALVES

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Recording a moment in the golden period of Jazz in India. Most of the musicians who contributed to the “swinging 60s” in Bombay and Calcutta are from Goa

Nishant pays particular attention to these ancestral tributes he saw throughout the establishments he photographed believing these “original movers and shakers of the city of Panjim” reveal the “human face of commerce.”

connections the curator wants you to discover.

Among other aims, says Nishant, “Our approach to designing the vast space become more instinctual than

rigidly thematic and split into different strands, so that it was saying many things at once, but brought together all the things that we wanted to say about what it means to

be Goan in the 20th century without forgetting what our identity is built on.” He does insist that visitors don’t miss the giant Tamso fish that flanks the doorway to the kitchen and the portrait of Dr. Rosendo Ribeiro, an important figure to the city of Nairobi and the Goans of Kenya, astride a zebra he managed to train to make his house calls! 

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Events and activities

COMING UP

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Visit www.planetgoa.in to stay up to date on the hottest events around town

Here we have some of the most exciting and refreshing events that you need to March into right away!

NID INDIA DESIGN SUMMIT

The summit will address the need of focusing on augmenting design strategies to cater to the problems of social sector to create better standard of living. The Summit is being held at the Cidade de Goa in Dona Paula. The initiative is aimed at driving the development of rural as well as urban sector while addressing the needs of the bottom of the social pyramid.

India Design Summit focuses on social sector to deep dive in the sector specific aspects and applications of design. The designers focus on improving the look and functionality of the products. So to learn more about and experience the right access to quality health care, do visit the NID India Design summit.

DATE: 20 & 21 September 2019 VENUE: Cidade de Goa Dona Paula, Vainguinim Beach, Goa

INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK

The “International Fashion Week " is coming to Goa this October. Come and witness talent at its best… On a stage like never before.

Designers, Associates and Businesses.... A lot of networking at hand…

Date : Fri Oct 04 2019 at 11:30 am to Mon Oct 07 2019 at 11:30 am Venue : ST. INEZ, Panjim (Panaji).

SÔSA'S PRESENTS "FLAUNT YOUR FASHION" SEASON 3

MAD MEDIA MOVEMENT

Mad Media Movement (M3) is an opportunity for global professionals to participate, learn and discover what’s next in the realms of technology, brands, entertainment and media. Through a series of diverse knowledge tracks, gain vital insights by exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, blockchain, communication design, future social communities and others.

They will also bring together a beautiful blend of crazy and creative beings, to indulge into a series unimagined possibilities and demonstrations. A media movement which is mad yet different…

DATE: Thu Oct 17 2019 at 03:00 pm to Fri Oct 18 2019 at 06:00 pm Venue: Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar, Panaji – Goa.

TRIGOA BRM 200KM - RIDE TO MOLLEM

AQUAMAN TRIATHLON GOA

Calling all triathletes!

Its the time to Stroke, Ride and Stride with Aquaman!

Presenting Aquaman Triathlon - a premier triathlon with an ultra endurance category, in beautiful GOA! In collaboration with National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Date: 29 September 2019 Venue: Caranzalem beach, Panaji

Sôsa's is back with ‘Flaunt Your Fashion’ season 3, which aims to provide affordable but classy creations from multiple designers in one location. The store houses designs for men and women as well as jewelry and accessories.

The designers are selected specifically for their uniqueness and adaptability to Indian and western wear. Sôsa's appeals to the fashionista in all of us. So see what fashion you want to flaunt.

DATE: Sat Oct 12 2019 at 10:00 am to Sun Oct 13 2019 at 09:00 pm Venue: Sôsa's, E-245 Rua De Ourem, Panjim

To all the adventure lovers, fitness freaks with a high adrenaline this is definitely up your alley!

You have two choices,routes to explore…. triGoa Brevet de Randonneur Mondiaux (BRM) 200KMS - Ride to Mollem Start: 06:00 hrs, Campal Garden, Panjim Distance: 202 KMS Elevation: 1515 m Route: https://ridewithgps.com/ routes/30758915 Registration: https://www.audaxindia.org/ event-e-2933

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Eyes on the road, HANDS UPON THE WHEEL!

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Aritra Mukherjee recently drove from Panjim to Kabbinakad in Kodagu District (popularly known as Coorg) and carried on to Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Here’s an account of the wonderful road trip that was.

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HE monsoons are officially here and the urge to get behind the wheels and hit the roads for long stretches is absolutely justified. The joys of cruising along the twisted forest roads; the whiff of fresh rain-drenched earth, the clean air pushing your hair back as you speed along and great company alongside, makes for an ideal excuse to plan your next monsoon drive. For the ones living in the state or here for a long stay or even passing by on a driving holiday, here’s a quick trip out of Goa that is picturesque, comfortable and does not take too long before you find yourself deep inside a tranquil coffee and pepper plantation or the lush tea gardens of the Nilgiris.

The sensible thing we did was to start early in the morning. The empty roads ensured we hit none of the traffic inside Goa and had crossed Canacona way before the office crowd hit the roads.

Once we crossed the Goa border and into Karnataka, we followed the coastal route, National Highway 66, past Karwar, Murudeshwar, Udupi all the way up to Mangalore.

The highway has been freshly laid and is a joy to drive on whilst playing constant hide and seek with the Arabian Sea. There are no less than fifteen bridges over the backwaters and creeks with stunning views of the coconut groves and colourful fishing boats lining the riversides. Mangalore is a great option to halt for a nice lunch break complete with fresh seafood. If you are willing to take a detour from the highway to ensure incredible food, Machali, Girimanja’s or Shetty Lunch Home would be

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good options Well fed and back in the driving seat, the winding roads took us to Madikeri through pastures, betel nut plantations, lakes and dense forests. Once you cross the border to enter Kodagu district, things change dramatically. Everything you look at has an added degree of contrast and cleanliness, the air thick with the smell of spices and the sounds of the forests filtering in from a distance. Ten hours, five hundred fifty odd kilometres and we were at a pre-booked Coffee Estate Stay by 4pm.

What do you do after a ten hour drive? Shower, have a cup of the estate grown coffee and walk around. No better way to create some stomach space for the impending Pandhi Curry dinner!

After a couple of nights in a vast, quiet and therapeutic experience in the coffee plantation, we decided to get back on the road. This time the destination merely two

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hundred fifty odd kilometres away; Coonoor, up in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. From coffee land to tea paradise.

Some choices are too good to be true!

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As we drove out of Kodagu and hit the countryside, we couldn’t stop admiring nature at its stunning best. Not one to normally prefer straight highways, we decided to map

our way through the forests and State Highways. If you love greenery and want to explore the interiors, this is the one drive you have to experience. If you are driving on SH 86, you could be anywhere in Scotland, South Africa or New Zealand.

Pretty roads, gorgeous greenery, village dwellings and their livestock, pastures, waterbodies and more, all very blissful! Through multiple reserve forests namely, Nugu, Bandipur, Mudumalai and innumerable hairpin bends, we reached the extremely crowded yet popular Ooty and carried on to Coonoor via Wellington.

A couple of nights in a cheese farm later and we were on our way back to Goa. This time though, a new route had to be discovered. Coonoor to Chikmagalur via Wayanad through the most unimaginably alluring eucalyptus and Shola forests and notably the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.

Chikmagalur is the northern end of Kodagu district and almost as important a town as Madikeri.

A night halt at a riverside camp and the next morning we were en route Goa via the periphery of Bhadra and Sharavati Wildlife Sanctuaries.

A quick halt at Jog Falls is up to you if giant, crowded waterfalls are your thing. Isn’t ours which is why we were happy to stop for a food break only after we were back in the sunshine state.

A week of pretty flowers, animals in the wilderness, coffee and tea plantations, amazing food and being on the road amidst lush rainy

nature. Bliss can be summed up in a week of all the above.

Next time you can afford a week outside Goa, get in, strap up and step on the gas. Safe driving!

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# own your dream home

Mi CASA Looking for that dream forever home in Goa? Here are a few stunning options.

DAFFODILLE APARTMENTS

Daffodille, symbolic to rebirth and new beginnings, is a luxurious gated residential apartment community, 6.4 kms away from Candolim beach that simply spells out luxury at its enviable best. It is designed as two residential apartment blocks comprising of 48 apartments. The property includes a children’s play area, an interactional leisure lounge with the pool overlooking the blissful cascading water feature, and a recreational clubhouse.

Contact: +91-7720006715

RENOVATED HERITAGE HOUSE AT ALDONA

Located in a lovely neighbourhood, in the pretty village of Aldona, this house is meant for those who wish to live in a secluded, green and peaceful environment.

The house has been beautifully renovated retaining the old Portuguese/Goan character and provided with modern utilities and a swimming pool. Located about 25 minutes away from the North Goa coastal belt and just 20 minutes from the city of Panaji and 10 minutes from Mapusa, it is fairly accessible. Price on request.

Contact: +91-9850069819

LUXURIOUS VILLA WITH RIVER VIEWS

MAYBERRY VILLAS

SOL PILERNE

SOL VILLAS

This villa is located in a gated complex of high-end villas, very close to the capital city of Panjim. This is arguably the lowest density complex in Goa, with an ‘open areas to built-up’ ratio of 70:30. The villa, serviced by an elevator, has three levels - ground floor has the lobby, parking and staff quarters and the upper floors have five spacious bedrooms, a dining room and a large living room offering excellent views.

It also boasts of a top-end home theater.

The house comes fully furnished. Price on request.

Contact: +91-9823551005

Sol Pilerne’ offers you 13 luxury & independent 3 & 4 BHK Portuguese influenced villas in an exclusive gated community designed by the renowned architect Mr.Robert Patzschke from Germany. Each of the villas comes with a courtyard and paddy field facing view, its own private swimming pool and all amenities that encompasses the basics of luxury living. These gorgeous villas are in close proximity to the most happening landmarks of Goa. Price: 3.3 Cr – 4.14 Cr Contact: +91-9823038923

Mayberry Villas at Anjuna, Goa – is located just minutes away from the happening spots in town and just a drive away from the beach, yet, tucked away. It will be a calm and serene style tranquillity like none-other. Mayberry will be developed in 3 phases. Phase 1 consists of 13 luxurious 4+1 BHK, independent villas. Phase 2 consist of 11 villas and Phase 3 will consist of 9 villas.

Contact: +91-7720006715

Sol villas, are four Indo Portuguese style independent Villas designed by Patschke architectural firm from Berlin. The villas have been designed to have an open plan living space with covered sit-outs and offer ideal opportunities to spend relaxed evenings appreciating Mother Nature.

Hence “Sol Villa” is a truly wonderful family home. The project is just 3 minutes away from Coco beach. Price: 4-7 Cr Contact: +91-9922611899

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# stay here

book a ROOM

# stay here

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The monsoons are here and with the lashing rains and swaying palms, Goa charms at its romantic best. Here are a few staying options for you to check out for your next Goa trip or staycation.

LA GITANA

WILDERNEST

THE LOOK: Secretly tucked away in Nerul, one of Goa’s most underrated locations in North Goa. Gitana in Spanish means gypsy and it’s here that the gypsy spirit has been playfully designed to make a permanent home in this lovely family holiday home.

Ethnic prints, playful furniture and modern conveniences mingle together to create that lovely vibe that describes the modern Goan vibe. Located in Nerul, just a kilometer from peaceful Coco Beach, a villa that is a mix of modern and ethnic. This holiday home is spread over two floors, ideal for holiday goers looking for that. Hommade breakfast is not to be missed.

THE FEEL: La Gitana is for those who don’t care to be on manic beaches and love the serene and susegad side of Goa. This property has been so beautifully done up that you can spend days together, forgetting there exists your life someplace else. This property, is neither a typical Goan home nor an ultra-modern apartment, it’s got a chic vibe and an unmistakable Spanish charm that anyone would love. Beautiful white curtains everywhere bring out the beauty of teal blue walls and furniture.

The bedrooms are all sunny and gorgeous and spread over two floors.

Three of these rooms come with balconies (the sit-out with the master bedroom is dreamy and cosy-for-two) and one’s attached to the living room. There is also a pool to dip in and sunsets are the best from the dreamy terrace.

THE DEAL: INR 20,000 onwards LOCATION: Reis Magos road, Villa No A-6, Three King resort Nerul 403114 CONTACT: +91 8860331188

THE LOOK: Nestled in the Swapnagandha valley, amidst thick expanse of forest tracts at 800mtrs above sea level, overlooking the entire panoramic view of Goa, Wildernest is an unusual wonder created to introduce people to the roots of nature and culture. A calm and picturesque place where everything takes a back seat, and nature does the talking. Blue sky scenic mountains and ethereal waterfalls during the monsoons. A heavenly abode, especially in the rains. Wildernest boasts of the most eye-catching infinity pool, an absolute highlight.

THE FEEL: There are two types of villas, forest view and valley view.

Designed out of eco-friendly acacia wood, built in the recesses of the thick forest. 16 eco-cottages which gives guests privacy and pure comfort. A king-size bed, a spacious bathroom with brass ware and rustic ayurvedic toiletries. A true down to earth experience. The valleyview rooms are a great idea in the monsoons with a serene picture postcard like experience of waterfalls to admire.

THE DEAL: INR 6000 onwards LOCATION: Off Sankharli, Chorla Ghat, North Goa. CONTACT: +91 7709622223

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VILLA ALINA THE LOOK: The beautiful ancestral home was built in 1926 by Alirio Nazareth’s father, Antonio Jasso, who named it after his wife Alina. Back then, the surrounding was deserted unlike today. It feels like an oasis of tranquillity in the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. A true beauty, with an old world charm, and not missing the true blue pool that is a huge highlight.

THE FEEL: The impressive pool is exclusive adds to the grandeur of the place, making Villa Alina a truly luxurious choice which gives you a perfect balance between traditional Goan and modern living. The villa consists of the main house and the beach house. There are four large, air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms in the Main House that can take up to 10 guests. The Beach House has 2 double en-suite AC bedrooms which will increase the group size to 14 guests. All rooms are rented together to one party.

There is a fully equipped kitchen, the dining area is in a beautiful outdoor sit-out overlooking the pool. It can accommodate 16 or more people.

THE DEAL: INR 40,000 – 1,00000 LOCATION: 261, Off Holiday Street, Gaura vaddo, Calangute Goa 403516 CONTACT: 09011023757

CASA MENEZES (HERITAGE HOMESTAY)

THE LOOK: A 300 year old ancestral home in the small picturesque village of Batim. Turned into a homestay with tasteful interiors and the pure ‘Goan’ homely feel. A bird watchers paradise, and just the place where calm is spelt best!!! Some of birds to look out for; the Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Shoveler, Garganey, Pintail, Shoveler, Kingfishers, Purple Swamphen and both jacanas, Comb Duck, Spot-billed Duck and Darte THE FEEL: The homestay has 4 premier choices, two suites, and two rooms namely:Balcony Heritage Suite A luxury suite with a four poster colonial bed and the view from the upper veranda.

Quarto do Baie A luxury suite with a colonial bed with the view of the jardim from the balcao.

Quarto do Casa A luxury suite with a four poster colonial bed and the view from the upper veranda.

Veranda Garden Heritage Suite A luxury suite with a four poster colonial bed and the view of the jardim from the balcao.

Guests can also cycle around the village, go bird watching at the Batim lake, try their hands at salt harvesting at the local salt pans, or walk up to the famous miraculous St.Simon and Jude church in Maina to appease their spiritual yearnings. Breakfast is complimentary, scrumptious from the first bite. Guests can avail authentic home cooked Portuguese/Goan food, and avail different trekking packages too. We also serve the most scrumptious breakfast complimentary , and our guests can pre order their meals for authentic home cooked Portuguese/Goan and Indian cuisine.

The adventurous few can avail of the various trekking packages available.

The homestay is pet friendly too.

THE DEAL: INR 3000 – 5000 onwards LOCATION: 304, Gaunkar vaddo, near Batim church and lake, Goa Velha 403108 CONTACT: +91 7720966766

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COCO SHAMBALA

THE LOOK: Coco Shambala is a collection of luxury villas in Nerul, North Goa. An exclusive holiday destination with the best on offer. Set in a tropical setting with a freeform jungle swimming pool in the midst, the villas are a blend of tasteful architecture, design and basically Goa in a capsule.

Recognised by Conde Nast and Outlook traveller as the best boutique hotel in India.

THE FEEL: Each villa has a tree top living pavilion, a private pool, 2 large bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a kitchen and a complimentary car and driver. At Coco Shambhala, everything speaks of luxury, from the jungle style swimming pool to the vintage furniture meticulously curated. The culinary is designed by one of India’s leading chef’s and food stylist, the linen too is one of the finest. Everything is seen to as people matter at Coco Shambhala.

THE DEAL: INR 35,000 (May-September), 50,000 (October-April) Enquire for the peak season (15th Dec – 7th Jan) LOCATION: Patrimonio, Nerul Bardez Goa 403114 CONTACT: 08007374123

IKRU

THE LOOK: Welcome to Ikru bed and breakfast, a cozy and laid-back B&B in Vagator, in the greener and quieter bylanes of Goa. Ideal for friends, couples, solo travellers, creators seeking calm, quiet surroundings and to take in the serene environment. A collector’s keep when all you want is anything but the hustle and bustle of life.

THE FEEL: The property has air-conditioned double rooms with a patio overlooking the garden. Feel like a drink or a snack the Hideaway cafe and bar is set with the best to choose from, coffee, drinks, and dining. You'll be greeted by friendly faces, greenery, and the whiff of freshly brewed coffee!

THE DEAL: INR 2,000 onwards LOCATION: Ozran Beach road Anjuna Chapora cross, Goa 403509 CONTACT: 09831772016 The space ***Please note that the prices mentioned are for one room for two people

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# staycation

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Cabo Serai:

A welcome change Sustainability & luxury can go hand-in-hand, discovers Shobhika Jaju on her most recent staycation IMAGES: AMU AGNI & SHOBHIKA JAJU

An evening cuppa of tea from the comfort of the cottage

T Cabo Serai is resplendent with natural beauty

UCKED away amidst lush green forests in the most scenic part of South Goa, is the latest luxury hotspot, Cabo Serai. If you want to breathe, view, smell, hear, and taste the sea, & activate all your senses at once, a stay at this eco resort near the Cabo de Rama fort, is your calling.

A drive through the beautiful hinterlands of South Goa on the way to Cabo Serai, kick starts the process of rejuvenation and sets in the holiday mode. As one reaches closer to the resort while still driving, the Arabian Sea holds out its arms wide open

and instantly transports the travelers to a wonderland. A little off the road, reaching Cabo Serai is a bit of an adventure in itself, with a drive through a plateau atop the hill on the cards. However, Google Maps & extremely helpful staff are there to guide visitors throughout this little bit of off-the-road navigation, pretty smoothly. Once at the gates of the property, travelers have to cross a wooden bridge over a freshwater spring which literally mesmerizes through its sheer beauty & strong sounds.

The welcome drink is served in carved out coconut shells, setting the tone for an offbeat eco-friendly resort stay.

Accompany your stay with refreshing drinks

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Room Interiors Approach view en route Cabo Serai

This water stream flows right through the property

While the adventurous souls can walk their way to the rooms through the winding laterite paths, others can be comfortable in a golf cart to ferry themselves to the room.

Once in the room, behold every sight. The resort at present has 4 private cottages & 2 tent stays, with a couple of cottages and tents under construction and will be ready by the highseason. Each of these cottages and tents, and the restaurant overlooks the Arabian Sea and are nestled amid dense trees, with the sea breeze blowing right at you. Each cottage & tent, is also divided into a sit out which is partially open air, the bedroom area & huge bathrooms. Every element within the room is thoughtfully curated and is in sync with the nature outside, and in true essence gives back to nature more than it takes from it. The use of coconut shells to plant trees all around the property, and within the rooms is just one example of making the most of what nature is offering here. In spite of being literally in the middle of nowhere the

rooms are evidence of luxury unadulterated. Cabo Serai is the perfect getaway for the traveler who wants to lose himself amid nature, yet values comfort while doing so.

Food at Cabo Serai has been curated keeping in mind the philosophy of farm-totable. Be it the appetizing yet healthy Zucchini Pasta or the variety of cold soups or even the mouthwatering chocolate mousse, everything is freshly prepared from ingredients sourced locally. With a vast area of cashew plantation, the Goan Cashew is given its pride of place in the meals cooked, with mouthwatering Cashew Masala as the perfect accompaniment for drinks and freshly prepared Cashew Butter to splay on the Goan Poi baked from scratch using traditional methods. Trupti Wesley, Resort Director, brings her love for all things fresh to the menu at Cabo Serai & shares that, if it’s not fresh, it’s not served at Cabo Serai. There is a constant effort to stay connected to & promote local produce and local handicrafts manufactured

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# staycation

A lot of thought goes behind each table set up & meal preparations

by artisans living around the area. The overhead lamps which bring an ethereal appeal to the property after dark, for instance, have been procured locally.

Spread over 14 acres of greenery, Cabo Serai offers the perfect excuse to be outdoors & explore nature. With the cottages being atop the hill and offering an expansive panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, if cozying up on the bed all day long rather than being outdoors is your vacationing style, then also there is no better place around to do that.

The beach is just a short walk away downhill, & water babies can frolic around the shallower parts of the stream, where the river meets the sea.

There are several offbeat experiences on offer while guests stay at the property.

A must do activity is Forest Bathing, which essentially involves a silent walk on the slopes along the property meandering through the stream, coconut grove, cashew plantations and taking in the sights and sounds from all around. The area is rich in bio-diversity and a bird trail is ideal for photographers who delight in capturing these elusive creatures. Wellness cooking, heritage walks to the nearby fort, village tours of the community around the resort, yoga & meditation, are just some of the other experiences, much recommended to ensure that this staycation becomes a once in a lifetime experience.

In true essence, Cabo Serai as an experience is something totally different, which cannot be compared to any other resort stay around Goa!

# promotional feature

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Sobit Sarovar Portico, an all-new luxury destination in Palolem

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magical world of azure blues and quaint architecture, Sobit Sarovar Portico promises a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city down by Palolem Beach.

Located just 500 metres away from one of South Goa’s most well-loved and stunning beaches, this hotel aims to promote tourism in the area and offer high-quality service and stay options.

Sobit Sarovar Portico has 48 well-appointed deluxe rooms encased beautifully by quaint architecture that reflects Goa’s history and culture. Intricate woodwork, hand-selected art and sleek lines showcase a blend of Goan and IndoPortuguese styles. Throughout the hotel, paintings and other art narrate the tale of Goa’s heritage, culture, landscapes, events and daily life.

The myriad food and beverage outlets set themselves apart within the hotel, each offering a different atmosphere

without losing that singular common thread of true Goan hospitality and quaint architectural style.

Uzo, the bar, is well-stocked with large international array of beverages’ styled in chic, friendly manner. Flavours is Sobit Sarovar Portico’s multicuisine restaurant with popular dishes from around the world, served with flair. At Balcão, guests can lounge by the pool as they sip innovative cocktails and nibble on delicious snacks.

With its gorgeous interiors Sala de Cristal banquet offers

the ideal venue for events of any sort, from weddings to private parties, exhibitions to corporate retreats for upto 350 guests. To reinforce that feeling of relaxation, Sobit Sarovar Portico offers O Spa, at which trained therapists ease and relax guests with a wide variety of treatments. In addition, the resort has a wellequipped gym, activity centre for children and adults and complimentary Wi-Fi. The property, launched by owner of Prabhu Realtors, Mr. Amit Prabhu and Ajay Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, is one of 78 hotels across India and Africa managed by Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel management company and part of Paris headquartered Louvre Hotels Group, a major player in the global hospitality industry, with a portfolio that now includes 2,500 hotels in 52 countries.

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The (Motor)cycle Diaries, part one

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OR just about as long as I can remember, “reckless” has stood in as the middle name I never had and all the injuries I’ve collected over the years are worthy testaments to the fact.

Traces of this tendency can be found all the way back to when I was awarded a face full of stitches at age six – biking accident – so you can see why my mother’s reaction was not one of abundant joy when I declared a few months ago that I wanted to try my hand at riding the family Bullet.

I knew better than to spring it up on her out of nowhere, of course; I wasn’t stupid. This was going to be an armed attack and I had to prepare for it as such.

So on the predetermined day at a predetermined time, I slipped in a casual interlude to warm up the audience, rehearsed the introduction in

# sunny side up

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my head a couple of times and waited for the perfect, postlunch moment during which everyone feels vaguely content and in need of a nap to subtly suggest that I might fancy taking the bike out for a spin one of these afternoons“You’re seventeen and don’t have a learner’s permit yet!”

With that one sentence (and a slew of the usual emotional blackmail), my visions of spending the summer gliding jauntily along sun kissed Goan by lanes splintered depressingly before my eyes, but I wasn’t about to give up just yet.

So what if I was being

Our columnist for the month: Trusha Ganesh, a teenager with a keen and curious mind

refused a go on the sleek, blue masterpiece that was my father’s motorbike? So what if my basic rights as an equal member of the household were being withheld at the whim of a twenty first century tyrant?

I still had a cycle, didn’t I? Rusty and on its last legs though it may be, it was mine to use, wasn’t it? And looking less cool than if I was smartly revving up on the Bullet (sigh) is hardly good enough reason to give up on my dream summer, isn’t it?

Armed with the idea that my one small pedal would be a giant leap for the similarly oppressed, I lugged my cycle out of its spot in the garage, pumped its deflated tyres with a bit of air (and a lot of effort), hoped my mother had a clear view of my peeved expression and ta da! I was off!

Slipping and sliding down the slight slope that my house is perched atop, I felt the stuffy air blow past my face and remember thinking “huh!

This isn’t as bad as I thought it might be!” right before I hit the plane road… …and then thinking “it just might be a whole lot worse.”

My short-lived ecstasy quickly ended when I found that my pedals seemed to be jammed into place and then took about six desperate tugs to be prodded into motion. The second I got them to move, I discovered that the giant bell on my handle bar appeared to play a purely ornamental role and the ensuing panic resulted

in me almost being run over by a truck that speedily tackled the corner in front of me. I managed to pull off a lastminute swerve, thus escaping with my life and just a few colourful phrases thrown my way by the disgruntled trucker.

The chain was the next thing to slide out of place and I careened forward by a few feet, my mouth wide open in a silent scream, before a much-needed miracle seemed to occur and it magically sorted itself out.

I had no time to celebrate, however, as my body was starting to send me red alert signals by the dozen. I was a pathetic fifty metres into the journey and my legs had already begun to feel dangerously heavy with each successive push of the pedals.

My lungs were starting their usual pre-wheeze routine and, somewhere in the middle of all of this, I blacked out for a few seconds.

The neighbourhood boys, all of them enjoying a heated (in

more ways than one) game of football, turned in unison at the sound of my cycle noisily creaking along and pointed shamelessly as I struggled past their soccer field, already puffing and panting despite still being in sight of my house.

I don’t know what caused the tears to start pooling under my eyes and that’s the truth. Maybe it was the heat that felt almost tangible in its intensity. Maybe it was my legs, now wobbly and weak, begging for me to give up and go back home. Maybe it was the boys who’d whipped out their phones now, all of them recording me crawling along the road while bellowing to the rest of the neighbourhood to come and get a look at this.

All I knew was that I was officially crying and that my fearless campaign to ensure the vehicular rights of children all around the world was off to a miserable start.

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# round up

# round up

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ROUND UP

Get set GoaMiles You don’t need to haggle for taxi prices anymoreGoaMiles is here to help. Having been given the go ahead by the state Government the app based taxi service has launched in the state. With an aim to improve public transport facilities in the state and make the tourist- taxi experience a seamless affair.

With over 30,000 registered taxis all you need is the app to get around to your favourite places in Goa.

What are people talking about on the streets of Goa? Here’s a round up of all the action from the last few days

Goa goes Bungee Jumping

The Hanging Restaurant of Goa A spanking new bungee jumping spot is opened up at Mayem Lake. Get ready to experience the adrenaline rush through your system as you leap from 55mts. above the Mayem Lake.

For the first time in Goa, bungee jumping now be included in your list of wild attractions to experience on the sunny shores.

The wild experience Molem National Park is set to roll out a wild animal themed nature centre. The state forest department is set to install life sized animal replicas near the famed Dudhsagar Falls. The interpretation centre will enhance the experience, as visitors will get a chance to see and learn about animal species of the area.

The Goa Tourism Department has proposed setting up a one of a kind hanging restaurant. Coupled with the restaurant is the experience like brewery tours as well as motorcycle tours across the state. The hanging restaurant will add to the adventure activities to try when you visit Goa, while the feni distillery and motorcycle tours will let tourist engage with the culture and beauty of the state.

Political tussle in Goa

Who let the dogs out?: Over the course of the last month Goa Airport has experienced two incidents with stray dogs creating a nuisance on the busy runway.

With the landing of two flights having to be aborted, stray dogs have previously been the cause of several such disruptions. The Navy that handles the functioning at the Goa Airport has taken efforts of relocating several strays over the course of time.

A tussle broke out over the delayed implementation of the amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), the act recommends hefty fines for traffic violations.

While Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has sought time until January 2020 for implementation of the new MVA rules, the Congress has claimed that infighting among central BJP leadership has led to delayed implementation, especially in BJP-ruled states. Police force have been deployed all over with the state to come down heavily on wearing helmets too , as that too comes under the MVA.

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# mario viewpoint

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MARGAO

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