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Bom Jesus Basilica
24 JANUARY 2017
Arambol Sweet Water Lake
DAY 1: Historic Heart
Start with a healthy dose of the past: a Heritage Walking Tour excursion (Panjim Inn; E-212 31st January Rd., Fontainhas; 011-91-832-222-6523; tours, from AU$10*
a person) to the brightly coloured Latin Quarter in the state capital of Panaji, which is also sometimes known by its English name, Panjim. Goa’s colonial history is palpable in the cobblestoned alleys of Fontainhas and São Tomé, lined with mango trees, wrought iron balconies and terra-cotta rooftops. For a break, duck into Gallery Gitanjali (182 31st January Rd., Fontainhas; 011-91-832-242- 3331; gallerygitanjali.com), which doubles as a café and exhibits abstract oil canvases by a rotating cast of Indian painters, in addition
to a sizable collection of Scandinavian art. If you’re craving more history, make your way
to Old Goa, the region’s ancient center (a 20-minute drive from Panaji), complete with beautifully preserved convents and churches. Highlights include the UNESCO-certified 400-year-old Bom Jesus Basilica (Old Goa Rd., Bainguinim; 011-91-832-228-5790), where a silver casket contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the grand Sé Cathedral (Velha). End the day with an hour- long evening cruise on the Mandovi River
(Santa Monica Jetty, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji; sunset cruises, from AU$4 a person); Goan folk musicians will serenade you on board.
DAY 2: The Life Aquatic
Get your morning chai fix at Mapusa Market (Mapusa; every Monday–Saturday;
8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.) and its kaleidoscopic array of kiosks, which hawk everything from Goan pottery to homemade pickles. Nearby Anjuna is the site of countless party shacks, including the renowned Curlie’s (near flea market, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna; 011-91-955-247- 1720; curliesgoa.com), a two-story seaside wonderland that’s a restaurant, an inn, a shopping mall and a dance club. But if you’re looking to skip the swarms, go 20 miles north to Arambol Beach. Follow a winding road dotted with souvenir stalls and you’ll end up at a curvy shore with gentle waves and easy access to Arambol Sweet Water Lake, a cliff- side launchpad that’s perfect for paragliding (independent operators are scattered among the shacks on Arambol and along neighboring Kalacha Beach; a 10-minute flight, about AU$33). Or opt for a surfing lesson— beginners are welcome too—courtesy of the international team at Surf Wala (Bag Dando