Eat & Stay Goa: ItsGoa - March 2022 Edition

STAY EAT &

Tandoori Chicken In Panjim

For all you tandoori aficionados out there, here’s a list of the best tandoori restaurants in Goa’s capital city, Panjim.

SERVICED APPARTMENTS IN GOA

For those who prefer a serviced apartment over a conventional hotel or resort for their next trip to Goa.

PET FRIENDLY PLACES IN CANDOLIM

Here is a list of the best pet friendly hotels in Candolim to stay at during your next vacation.

CelebRITY VISITED GOAN Restaurants

These celebrities, just like any other ordinary tourist, come to unwind on the beaches of Goa and have a good time.

Editorial

Hello Friends, We are happy to be back with the March edition of our online magazine ItsGoa and guess what? It has a lot to offer, not only food for the stomach but also for the brain. Our interesting series on Humans of Goa, A Unique festival, Places of worship and unheard-of beaches that are a must-visit in Goa. For those looking for a staycation, ItsGoa.com has a list of the best Villas, budget hotels and even homestays that will help make your trip memorable. Goa comes alive once more as the spring festival of Holi is celebrated across the state. Also known as Shigmotsav or Gulalotsav, the main characteristic of this festival is the smearing of colour on everyone. Unique to Goa, Shigmo is celebrated on 21st March for 14 days with temple dances, throwing of gulal (red powder), music and float parades in major towns. Colourful dancers in traditional costumes line the streets swaying to rhythmic beats of folk music. Amchem Goem is a land of unity in diversity. Villagers come together to celebrate irrespective of caste, creed, colour or sex. Neighbours can be seen working tirelessly to decorate or cook for the entire neighbourhood.

It's the only festival where everyone gets to wear ordinary clothes, with no compulsory pujas or exchanging of gifts.

The month of March also celebrates Zero Discrimination Day on the 1st globally. That means everybody lives life with dignity regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, skin colour, height, weight, etc. Casteism is still rampant in our country especially in remote villages. Parity is being preached but not practiced. Another important day that is celebrated globally on the 8th of March is International Women's Day. Another day to accelerate gender parity. With access to education and a better support system, women are able to rise up the corporate ladder and balance home and work with ease. What needs to change is the male dominated society we live in. Imagine a kitchen or home where the husband and wife are ‘singing together’. What a glorious home and a happy family that would make!

Signing off on a positive note I wish you all a very happy March.

Get in touch:

Nordic Intent HQ, Lane 4, PDA Colony, Near Le Magnifique, Bardez Goa – 403521 +91-9765419976 mail@itsgoa.com

Index

01Celeb Visited Goan Restaurants

02 Best Seviced Apartments In Goa

03 Top Juicy Tandoori Restaurants In Panjim

04 Best Dona Paula Resorts

05 Budget Friendly Resorts Near Vagator

06 Pet Friendly Hotels In Candolim

07 Chef Sujatha Madhavan

Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals

- the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blog-based website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc. The Covid Pandemic in 2020 brought everything to a standstill and printing of the magazine was put on hold. Now that life is almost back to normal in Goa, and to maintain the covid norms, we have decided to launch our very own ItsGoa magazine online.

A little about our Magazine

Think of Goa! Think ItsGoa! Our magazine is known for its business listings of basically anything and everything found in Goa. We also produce uniquely written articles in regard to Goa. Some of these folk tales you quite literally will not find anywhere else on the net. These rich in content stories are passed down from generation to generation in the villages of golden Goa. We also provide up-to-date news and information on travel, food, and events that are taking place in this beautiful State of Goa. The content on ItsGoa is written by people who are passionate about calling this tiny state their home. Our writers come from all walks of life, and through our social media handles on Facebook or Instagram, we re able to showcase Goa through many different lenses.

The ItsGoa magazine is a single point of reference for news, lifestyle, and culture in Goa.

Indian ApprovedCeleb Restaurants in Goa To Get Selfies

Photograph: Pablo Merchán Montes

The profile of the tiny state of Goa has risen over the past two decades. Several Bollywood movies have been shot in the state taking its profile to a very high level. Also, the state plays host to several high profile conferences, sports events and musical events every year. Not to forget, the state being the permanent venue of the International Film Festival of India, receives scores of Bollywood celebrities every year, who visit the state to attend the annual event. These celebrities, just like any other ordinary tourist, come to unwind on the beaches of Goa and have a good time. Many of these celebrities as well as many sports stars have been spotted enjoying a nice meal with their family and friends at some of the famous restaurants in Goa. Here’s a list of the most popular celeb approved restaurants in Goa which are frequented by famous Indian celebrities.

Pousada by the Beach

Starting the list of top celeb approved restaurants in Goa is Pousada by the Beach. It is first on our list of restaurants and cafes frequented by Bollywood celebrities. This is a classy and cultured beach shack, located on the shores of the beautiful Calangute beach. The shack is the perfect place to relax and spend quality time with your family and friends. The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at this beautiful shack is its wonderful ambience. The view of the beautiful sea and the lush green vegetation surrounding the shack is simply outstanding. The best aspect about this place is that no music is played over here, thereby allowing diners to enjoy the soothing sounds of the crashing waves. The menu at this restaurant features a nice blend of Goan and Italian dishes which are sure to tickle your taste buds. This place has seen many prominent Indian celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Sohail Khan, and Leander Paes dine here. The shack does not serve dinner as it closes by 8 pm.

Martin's Corner, Betalbatim

Next on our list of awesome celeb approved restaurants in Goa is Martin's Corner. It’s a bit of a legend in the beautiful village of Betalbatim. It is a nice open-air restaurant where one can have a nice lunch with family and friends. The place has been patronized by celebrities like Amitabh

Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor to name a few. The master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has a king crab dish named after him at this restaurant. The seafood display at the entrance is very enticing, as is the dessert cabinet. Their extensive menu caters to all tastes, with Goan food being their speciality. For starters, you can try the Goan sausages served with Goan bread. For the main course, you can try their delicious chicken Xacuti and chicken Cafreal. Also, their shark Ambot-tik is very delicious and will leave you licking your fingers. The place is overcrowded because of its ambience, tasty food and wide range of drinks. The staff is well trained and courteous. The quality of the food offered here is very good and the rates are quite reasonable. They have live music on Sundays from 12.30 pm onwards. The place is a must-visit when in Betalbatim.

The Fisherman’s Wharf, Cavelossim

This restaurant is located next to a river opposite a fishing jetty at Mobor beach in South Goa. The place has got a wonderful ambience with an amazing band playing live music. Celebrities who have been spotted dining here include Amitabh Bachchan, Rahul Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar and Armaan Malik to name a few. The place specializes in seafood dishes. One must try their lobster in Truffle Butter Garlic, Kingfish in Recheado masala, Pork ribs Bao and some Veg Green Thai Curry with Jasmine rice. Every item at this restaurant is cooked and served perfectly. If you are in Goa and you wish to visit a place that serves some amazing food, beautiful views and great vibes, you must visit The Fisherman's Wharf at Mobor.

Antares Restaurant and Beach Club, Vagator

This restaurant is set on the top of Ozran Beach at Vagator and offers a beautiful view of the Arabian sea. The place has seen celebrities like Yuvraj Singh, Kartik Aaryan and Jhanvi Kapoor dine over here. The place offers a variety of Goan, Indian, and continental cuisine. One should try ordering their delicious and mouthwatering Cheese Garlic Bread and Margherita Pizza. If you're feeling thirsty, you should try ordering their freshly squeezed Pineapple Juice or their Moso Moso Mocktail. Everything offered over is freshly prepared.

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been spotted dining at this beachside restaurant include Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar.

The restaurant has a curated menu that can be customised according to your allergies, likes and dislikes. The menu features several Goan, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean and seafood dishes.

one of these amazing restaurants to have a nice delicious meal. Who knows you just might happen to spot your favourite Indian film celebrity or sportsperson there!

Best ApartmentsServiced in Goa for Short-term or termLong-Stay

For those who prefer a serviced apartment over a conventional hotel or resort for their next trip to Goa, here’s a list of the best serviced apartments in Goa.

Photograph: Alex Shu

There are a large number of hotels and resorts available in Goa to cater to the accommodation needs of tourists who visit the beautiful sunshine state every year. However, there are various other lodging options available in Goa that offer a slightly different experience as compared to staying in a conventional hotel or resort. One among these alternative accommodation options is the category of serviced apartments. Serviced apartments come in Studio, 1 BHK, 2 BHK and 3 BHK variants and are a part of a building complex. They contain facilities like a swimming pool, gymnasium, and sometimes even a restaurant or cafeteria. The rooms of these apartments are fully furnished and are equipped with all the necessary amenities that you may require during your short holiday. It also gives you the freedom to enjoy your holiday peacefully without being disturbed by room service or concierge. For those who prefer a serviced apartment over a conventional hotel or resort for their next trip to Goa, here’s a list of the best serviced apartments in Goa.

Hiline Hotels Serviced Apartments, Calangute

Starting the list of best serviced apartments in Goa is Hiline Hotels. This Serviced Apartment is located at a prime location in Calangute. All the apartments at the property have attached balconies that face a large swimming pool located in the centre. They also have an attached bathroom with hot water, a fridge, a TV, a sofa, a dining area, and much more. The property has a common garden and seating area, along with a bar and a restaurant. All major attractions are located within walking distance of the property. Calangute Beach is just a 5-minute walk away, while the Calangute Fish and Vegetable markets are just 1 minute away. Guests can enjoy easy access to all the flea markets, shopping streets and nightlife of Goa when they stay at this place. The accommodation provides airport shuttle and pick-up and drop service for its guests.

Casa Del Sol, Anjuna

Next on the list of best serviced apartments in Goa is Casa Del Sol. This is an upscale gated complex, located in the Anjuna area, in North Goa. The property houses 5 luxury villas and 9 luxury apartments. The complex has 24-hour security, a swimming pool, 24 hour supply of hot water, a

BBQ station, power backup for all the units and lush landscaped gardens. The property is very close to the world-famous Saturday Night Market, Club Cubana, Splashdown water park, and the Go-karting track at Arpora. It is approx 2 km from Anjuna beach. There are loads of places to eat and party nearby. The property also arranges to pick up their guests by a private AC Taxi from the Airport or Train Station for a nominal fee. They also help in arranging rental bikes or cars for their guests.

Treehouse Blue, Majorda

Treehouse Blue consists of 22 plush serviced apartments, ideally located in the quiet and serene village of Majorda. It is just 4 kilometres away from Majorda Beach. The apartments feature 5 spacious Studio apartments and 17 One Bedroom apartments with contemporary furnishings. These apartments offer a full range of modern amenities to serve family, business and leisure travellers. For family travellers, Treehouse Blue offers large air-conditioned apartments that can accommodate the entire family. A spacious living, dining, full-service modular kitchen, a master bedroom with closets, writing desk, couch convertible bed, T.V and more are included in these apartments. For a business traveller, Treehouse Blue offers air-conditioned and selfcontained Studio apartments with Wi-Fi Internet access and everything that one would require for a comfortable business visit. The idyllic surroundings contain a swimming pool as well as indoor & outdoor game areas.

Clark Serviced Apartments, Calangute

Lastly, on the list of best serviced apartments in Goa is Living Room at Clarks. This property is perfectly suitable for families. It has a nice pool and very quiet surroundings. The rooms in each apartment are good, with a small kitchen attached. You can cook as gas and other necessary items are available in the kitchen. You almost feel like being at home when staying at this place. This property is located off the main Calangute market. So you have easy access to all your needs. It is also very close to the beach. A very good homestay and good value for money. So, what are you waiting for? Head down to one of these amazing serviced apartments in Goa!

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Top Restaurants To Try JuiciestThe Tandoori Chicken In Panjim

For all you tandoori aficionados out there, here’s a list of the best tandoori restaurants in Goa’s capital city, Panjim.

Photograph: Victoria Shes

Tandoori cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines all around the world. Tandoori food is basically food cooked in a tandoor oven. The tandoor oven is predominantly a cylindrical clay or metal oven used in cooking and baking. The Mughals from Persia, who invaded India in the late 16th century, are credited with introducing the tandoor in India. The heat for a tandoor is generated by a charcoal or wood fire, burning within the tandoor itself, thus exposing the food to live fire, radiant heat cooking, hot-air convection cooking, and smoking in the fat and food juices that drip onto the charcoal. Temperatures in a tandoor can approach 480°C, and it is common for tandoors to remain lit for long periods to maintain the high cooking temperature. The tandoor design is something of a transitional form between a makeshift earth oven and the horizontal-plane masonry oven.The tandoor is used for cooking in Southern, Central, and Western Asia. Dishes that can be cooked in tandoor include chicken, fish, meat and even flatbread. Many restaurants specialize in tandoori dishes and offer delicious mouth-watering delicacies cooked in an onsite tandoori oven. Just like in other parts of the world, tandoori cuisine is very popular among people in Goa. Tourists, as well as locals, are seen at various restaurants in the state feasting on delicious tandoori dishes made by experienced tandoori chefs. For all you tandoori aficionados out there, here’s a list of the best tandoori restaurants in Goa’s capital city, Panjim.

Sher-e-Punjab

First on our list of the best tandoori restaurants in Panjim is Sher-e-Punjab. This fine-dining restaurant is situated near the Aroma hotel in the heart of Panjim city. It is a very popular Punjabi restaurant in Goa. It is an ideal place for family dinners and corporate get-togethers. It serves authentic Punjabi and Mughlai cuisine, along with some popular Chinese and Goan dishes. This place specialises in tandoors and spicy gravies. The ambience of the restaurant is great. One can enjoy a beautiful view of the municipal park from the sparkling glass walls of the restaurant. When it comes to food, their non-veg tikka platter, consisting of fish tikka, chicken tikka, chicken seekh kebabs and malai kebabs is incredible and simply irresistible. Their veg kababs and paneer

are the best you can find in Goa. One can supplement their meal with a delicious mango lassi, a glass of cold buttermilk, or a few scoops of their special Sher-e-Punjab malai kulfi and rabri.

Delhi Darbar

Next on our list of the best tandoori restaurants in Panjim is Delhi Darbar. Situated on MG road, just outside the historic centre of Panjim city, Delhi Darbar is a nice and quite fine dining place for those who crave North Indian and Mughalai cuisine. The quality of the food served over here is excellent. They offer a wide variety of Punjabi and Awadhi dishes. Their kebabs are delicious and mouth-watering. Their wide varieties of biryani are truly genuine and authentic in terms of aroma and taste. The quantity served is also very good. The interiors of the restaurant have a very nice, beautiful Indian ambience. Their tandoori roti, cheese garlic naan and sizzling brownies are something you can’t afford to miss out on.

Niyaaz

Last on our list of the best tandoori restaurants in Panjim is Niyaaz. It is a Mughlai restaurant, located just a few metres away from the Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim near Panjim. The place specialises in biryani and kebabs. Their Niyaaz special Belgaum biryani is something all biryani lovers must try at least once in their lifetime. Their chicken lazeez with kulcha is also very tempting and delicious. It is a chicken gravy, rich with Mughlai flavours served with crispy kulcha bread. Their mutton seekh kabab, tandoori chicken and paneer makhanwala are amazing and totally out of this world. For vegetarians, their veg Lahori and tawa sabzi banjara will certainly bring a lot of delight and happiness. Their Thai basil chicken, BBQ wings and mutton chops are also worth trying. One can end their meal on a sweet note with some malai phirni or carrot halwa.

So, all you tandoori food lovers out there! What are you waiting for? Head down to one of these amazing tandoori restaurants in Panjim and treat your taste buds to a variety of delicious tandoori fare. Book your tables now!

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Best PaulaDona Resorts To Live Close To An Urban Legend

Photograph:Setu Chhaya

Dona Paula is a nice and quiet village located just a few kilometres away from Panjim city. It is situated on the sea stretch that spans from Panaji to Dona Paula. The place is home to several tourist attractions like Odxel beach, Dona Paula jetty, and Raj Bhavan, which is the official residence of the Governor of Goa. During the tourist season, Dona Paula transforms into a crowded stretch which is otherwise a calm place during the monsoons. A large part of the Hindi movie Ek Duje Ke Liye was shot here, popularising the place further. Due to its high popularity as a place of tourist value, several hotels have come up in Dona Paula to cater to the residential needs of tourists who flock to the village every year. Here's a list of the best Dona Paula resorts to put up at for those planning their next holiday in Dona Paula

Bay 15 Cabana By The Bay

Starting the list of best Dona Paula resorts to put up at is Bay 15 Cabana By the Bay. This is is a nice quaint resort tucked in Dona Paula on a small stretch of Odxel Beach. It is a small property right on the beach with direct access to it. The restaurant area is also on the beach itself. The hotel has been beautifully landscaped with great ambience, especially during the evenings, with lights all around. The rooms are in the form of small huts called Cabanas. Some of them are seafacing while others are pool facing. The place is just perfect for a quiet serene getaway. They have a huge open garden area for big parties and functions. The on-site restaurant offers a good combination of Indian as well as a continental spread for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians at reasonable rates. Its location along the famous Odxel Beach allows visitors to experience amazing views, and enjoy hours of family fun walking along the promenade or exploring the beach.

Prainha Resort

If you're looking for a nice place to stay which offers a beautiful view of the sea, you cannot get a better place than the Prainha Resort. 'Prainha', meaning little beach in Portuguese, is located at Dona Paula and is just seven kilometres from the city of Panjim. It is a beachfront resort, tucked away in a cove with neatly manicured pathways that lead to the beach.

You will simply love the lawns and the greenery of the property, which is soothing to the eyes. The resort offers beautiful private cottage rooms and suites perched on warm red rocks which overlook the stunning natural surrounding. The resort provides the perfect setting with vintage rooms, as well as chic modern rooms to suit your comfort. The beds in the rooms are very comfy, and the grounds are meticulously kept. Guests can spend their time on the beach, which gives you an exclusive feeling of being on a private one. They can also enjoy spending most of the afternoon in the small but beautiful pool which is well maintained with a lifeguard around. Guests can swim in the pool which is filled with lots of kids toys like balls, floats etc. The resort has an on-site restaurant that offers delectable Goan, Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. They light candles on every table at the restaurant. The restaurant has tables by the pool as well as by the sea. The Front Office as well as the F and B staff at the on-site restaurant are helpful and are always there at your service. If you need anything, you have to just ask the staff and they will be more than happy to assist you.

Chances Resort And Casino

Last on the list of best Dona Paula resorts is Chances Resort. Located near a cosy beach in Dona Paula, the Chances Resort And Casino is a fine example of a 5-star boutique hotel experience. The solitude that you experience at the resort will ensure you have a relaxed stay. Known for its genuine service, the resort warmly welcomes families and guests of all ages. The 53 spacious guest rooms and suites, combining both Goan & Portuguese styles enable guests to experience and enjoy the rich heritage of the state. Just steps from the hotel is a world of cultural attractions, rich nightlife and heritage sites to name a few. The hotel is just a short drive from Panjim and offers travellers easy access to Goa’s capital. It’s all fun & games at the Chances Casino, a vibrant atmosphere in which one can enjoy a range of electronic casino games at all levels for an electrifying thrill! After experiencing an adrenaline rush at the casino, guests can relax their senses at our Ayurvedic spa ‘Tantra’ and recharge their energy levels by indulging in Indian cuisine at their newly opened restaurant or grab a light bite at the Chances Café.

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Budget Hotels VagatorNear Beach To Live Sparingly

These 2-star budget hotels near Vagator beach offer decent accommodation with basic necessary amenities, allowing travellers to enjoy a nice vacation in Vagator without burning a hole in their pockets.

Photograph: Rabinder Oraon

The lovely village of Vagator is known for its bustling nightlife, electrifying atmosphere, high octane parties and much more. It is one of the many party hotspots along the north Goa tourist belt. It is also home to the famous Vagator beach where various music festivals, beach weddings, and parties take place every year.

Due to its high popularity, several low budget 2star hotels have come up in and around Vagator to cater to the lodging needs of travellers who have a small budget.

These 2-star budget hotels near Vagator beach offer decent accommodation with basic necessary amenities, allowing travellers to enjoy a nice vacation in Vagator without burning a hole in their pockets.

Moustache Goa Luxuria

Starting the list of best budget hotels near Vagator beach is the Moustache Goa Luxuria Hotel. Nestled in the arms of greenery, Moustache Goa Luxuria is an élite and classic accommodation in Goa which is ideal for a nice vacation with family and friends. The resort offers a unique stay experience as it’s just a walk away from the beach. The resort offers a variety of rooms ranging from dormitories to private deluxe rooms to private villas. Guests can lounge around in their airy and spacious rooms or go for a dip in the gigantic pool. The property has a beautiful and shallow pool for kids as well, making the whole experience familycentred. Guests can step out for a game of snooker or enjoy a sporty match of table tennis, in the common area. In the evenings, you can spend time bonding with your buddies over a chilled beer and some of the best Indian and continental food at the restaurant cum bar, which is excellent for hangouts and family dinners. You can enjoy a variety of weather sports like snorkelling, parasailing and scuba diving during your stay at the resort. Popular pubs and bars are situated just a few metres away from the property. Popular attractions like the Vagator beach, Chapora beach, Chapora fort as well as popular restaurants and shacks are close to the resort.

Grand Leoney Beach Resort

Next on our list of budget hotels near Vagator beach is the Grand Leoney Beach Resort. It's a beautiful resort nestled between the Arabian Sea

and the hill overlooking the beach in the gorgeous region of Anjuna-Vagator. It is spread across a 6,000-square-metre plot and is just 2 km from the swaying palms, gentle sands, and natural beauty of the Vagator beach. The resort is a luxurious vacation spot. The exteriors and interiors of the resort are both well designed and aesthetically pleasing, making you feel cherished and cared for. The rooms at the resort are classified into deluxe rooms, deluxe cottages and premium rooms. There are 14 deluxe rooms at the property. They are cozy rooms with large Portuguese style windows which offer a beautiful view of the lush green garden. The Deluxe Cottages are spacious lodgings, which have been ingeniously designed for the comfort of the guests. They come with a King size bed or Twin beds to relax and recharge yourself for the next day. They also come with luxurious modern washrooms and are accompanied by warm and efficient amenities. They are ergonomically designed with a view of the neatly manicured gardens. The Premium Cottages are tastefully decorated houses that offer a spectacular view of the Swimming pool. They are well equipped with comfortable beds, mellow lighting and modern amenities to ensure that your stay is comfortable and pleasant. All rooms come with a Split Air Conditioner, Wi-Fi internet access, Telephones, Electronic safes, LED TV with DTH services, mini fridges, premium mattresses and well-appointed bathrooms with toiletries. Some of the cottages also have sit-out balconies.

Yellow House Vagator

This family-run property offers a blissful lodging experience. The dimly lit interiors envelope the property in calmness and delight the patrons with its relaxing aura. Guests can sit back and indulge in a home away from home experience. This hotel offers an array of comforts such as a healthy breakfast every morning and free parking space for vehicles, and a front desk for the convenience of guests. The rooms are clean and wellmaintained with amenities like comfortable beds, balconies and attached bathrooms with showers. The rooms at this guest house are classified into Deluxe AC rooms, Deluxe non-AC rooms and standard non-AC rooms. Amenities like Room Service, Laundry Service, LCD TV, and 24 hrs hot

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water are provided in all rooms. The hotel is 20 km from Thivim Railway Station and 45 km from Goa International Airport.

Tapasya

The Tapasya Resort is located on the Vagator Beach Road. The property has beautiful cottagelike exteriors surrounded by lush greens. It is also close to Ozran Beach, Furtado House and the Splashdown Waterpark. The property welcomes you with its bright white and blue cottage-like exteriors surrounded by lush green trees. The rooms are bright and painted in blue which complements the beach location the hotel is at. The decor is ethnic and gives the rooms an overall cozy feel. All the rooms in the property feature a television, air conditioner and queen size beds. There is a parking facility in case you choose to drive by road. Some popular food joints in the vicinity are AJ's Kitchen, Dipty's, Apna Punjab, The Mango Tree and Pet Pooja.

Pappi Chulo Hostel

Lastly, concluding our list of budget hotels near Vagator beach is Pappi Chulo.

Website:

This is an adults-only pocket-friendly hostel accommodation located on top of a cliff above Ozran Beach. It is just 2 minutes away from the sea. All the popular tourist spots in Vagator are just 10-15 minutes away from the property. The hostel has 5 AC and Non-AC rooms with 30+ beds. The AC rooms are complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower, while some rooms at the hostel also boast a seating area. The hostel boasts of a kitchen to cook food, a common room, a bar, Wi-Fi, parking and laundry in the open area. There is a large garden with a bunch of nice and cozy corners. There is a minibar in the lawn area where they serve almost all kinds of liquor and drinks. The place also features a tattoo studio. It is an ideal resort for small groups of youngsters to have a nice holiday and make new friends. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head down to one of these amazing 2 star hotels to enjoy a nice and thrilling vacation on the shores of the beautiful Vagator beach. Book your rooms now!

Candolim is a coastal village located on the electrifying North Goa tourist belt. The village is home to the world-famous Candolim Beach. The place is known for its bustling nightlife, beach parties and music events. Thousands of tourists from all across the world flock to Candolim every year, to eat, drink and have a good time. Many families wish to enjoy a nice short holiday in Candolim. However, many of them put off their plans to go on a holiday because they have pet cats and dogs at home, whom they are unable to leave behind unattended. Thankfully, the beautiful village of Candolim is home to some amazing pet-friendly accommodations, which allow you to bring your pets along with you while staying at their properties. Here is a list of the best pet friendly hotels in Candolim to stay at during your next vacation.

Wildflower Villas

First on our list of the best pet friendly hotels in Candolim to stay at is a property known as Wildflower Villas. This is a boutique resort located on a hill, overlooking the Sinquerim river and the Aguada Bay in the distance. This pet-friendly property is nestled in the woods, with the most wonderous canopy of exotic trees and plants all around. It consists of seven gorgeous Portuguesestyle villas built on an eight-acre property. The property focuses on eco-friendly hospitality, traditional Goan cuisine and immersive activities. Guests must inform the hotel in advance if they would like to bring their pet with them. The hotel can accommodate pets provided their weight does not exceed 18 kgs. They must also be free of fleas or ticks. All pets must be dewormed and have their vaccinations up-to-date. A charge of Rs 1500 is levied per night for each pet to cover pet food and special cleaning of the rooms at the property. Pets are not allowed on furniture and beds. You need to bring a special pet bed so that your pet will have a familiar place to sleep in. Pets must wear a collar and be on a leash when outdoors for the consideration of other guests and the hotel dogs. The pet owner must ensure that their pets are within reach at all times. Pets are not allowed to stay alone in any room or villa except in a crate if the guest is leaving the hotel. No pets are allowed in the hotel’s restaurant, pool area, meditation area, games room or spa.

Casa Maya

Next on our list of the best pet friendly hotels in Candolim to stay at is Casa Maya. It is a Portuguese colonial villa that was restored and rebuilt into a modern luxury villa in 2005. It is located just a 5 minutes walking distance from the shores of the lively Candolim beach. This petfriendly vacation home permits dogs of any size to stay at the property along with their masters for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request. The villa has two bedrooms and two bathrooms that can easily sleep six guests. Towels and linen are provided in both bathrooms. It also offers a fully equipped kitchen, a swimming pool, television, internet access, and an outdoor barbecue grill.

amã Stays & Trails Cardozo House

Last on our list of the top pet friendly hotels in Candolim to stay at is Amã Stays & Trails Cardozo House. It is a quaint Indo-Portuguese-style villa located just a few metres away from the beautiful Candolim beach. This pet-friendly property features four large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a living room, a 10-seater dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen. It also features a pool and a large, verdant garden where pets can run around freely. Traditional Konkani Gomantak or Goan Portuguese foods are expertly prepared by in-house cooks. Warm and freshly made pao bread, Goan sausages, and rawa-fried fish served in the Gomantak style are also available to guests. On request, meals for the furry buddies can be prepared according to one’s preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags and head down to one of these amazing pet-friendly places in Candolim to enjoy a wonderful vacation along with your family and your furry friends as well. Book your rooms now!

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Chef Sujatha Madhavan

Chef Sujatha Madhavan has worked her way up as an exceptional chef in a largely male- dominated industry and has transformed into an amazing educator at the leading hospitality and culinary institute.

Chef Sujatha Madhavan: Empowering the next generation of hospitality leaders

Chef Sujatha Madhavan has worked her way up as an exceptional chef in a largely male-dominated industry and has transformed into an amazing educator at the leading hospitality and culinary institute, V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE). We asked her about her experience and career as a woman in the hospitality sector in honour of International Women's Day celebrated in March each year.

Q & A with Chef Sujatha Madhavan

When did you realise you wanted to be a chef? I was always exposed to the world of hospitality from a young age as my family owned a restaurant in Goa. Later while completing my education in commerce I realised hospitality is my forte and not a banking job.

How has the transition into the field of education been for you?

While working as a mentor for interns at my previous employment, I realised that teaching is something I like. This helped me make a transition into being an educator. The skills I learned like patience, hard work and having a positive mindset made the transition a bit easier for me. I've taught at Kerala, Gujarat and Navi Mumbai before moving to Goa.

Which woman inspires you the most?

Since childhood I have always looked up to Rani Laxmi Bai. The vivid scene of her battling it out with her baby is etched in my memory.She was not only a good mother but an exceptional queen as well and I still look up to her when faced with any difficulty.

What according to you is ‘women empowerment’?

Women empowerment is all about being independent and standing up for yourself. The most important aspect is to be there for other women. Selfless support and atomic changes in attitude will definitely bring about changes in the society.

In your 17 years of teaching experience what would you say are the main challenges women face in the hospitality industry? Do you see any changes from then to now?

There are some unspoken norms that must be followed in order to gain a foothold in the kitchen and prove your worth. Each day is a test of your strength not only physically but mental as well. The scenario has changed drastically. Men are now more considerate; they want women to feel comfortable. Acceptance of women is also a change she has noticed in the hospitality sector. There’s a change at all levels with seniors and juniors being accommodating to new trainees and your efforts are definitely recognized.

On International Women’s Day, what advice would you give to a young female thinking about their career? What skills and traits do you wish to instill in your students at VMS particularly the female students?

All students should have a positive and a strong mindset. Above all, students should put themselves first. I would like to recommend women not to be frightened of working in the hospitality industry as there are a lot of opportunities. Taking advantage of internships given by the college will definitely help one to get clarity. Being observant and motivated to learn should also enable you to achieve your potential.

Tell us a little about the institute you are presently with.

The VMSIIHE campus is serene and surrounded by nature. We are located in the beautiful and picturesque village of Raia. The campus is lively, brimming with students along with excellent coworkers. We have recently introduced a new program, ‘ B.Sc Culinary Arts’ which lets students explore a variety of cuisines with a strong focus on managerial and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally we offer B.Sc. International Hospitality Management and M.Sc. International Hospitality Management.

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