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Goa
Rains & Cultural Heritage
TOUR OVERVIEW
We think the world has been unfair to Goa in so many ways; but mostly because we have thought of it as just a beach and beer place. Goa is so much more than that. It has a rich heritage and history. Old Portuguese mansions, quaint islands, impressive museums, backwaters,waterfalls and colorful festivals.
Monsoon, typically an off-season, is one of the best times to explore this entirely different face of Goa. We bring you a trip that curates the most exciting and interesting experiences the state has to offer, including lip-smacking Goan cuisine.
Read on. Really, please read till the end! We want you to completely understand what you are signing up for and ask as many questions as you can.
GALLERY
Day 1 - 15 Aug 2019
Reach Panjim and proceed to a beautiful heritage homestay in Panjim. Your stay today is a century old Portuguese villa restored with care, keeping the charm intact. Minutes away from all major attractions in Panjim, the place is ideal to just soak in the Goan feel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the popular Aguada Fort and the interesting Houses of Goa museum. Built in the shape of a ship, this museum showcases the houses which were the prime expression of the Goan identity. In the evening, get ready to witness the feast of the ‘Assumption of Mother Mary into Heaven’ called as Patolleanchem Feast depicting a rich old Goan cuisine and culture, that goes on till late evening. Overnight in Panjim.
Day 2 - 16 Aug 2019
After breakfast we set out to explore the natural bounty that North Goa offers. Exploring forests and waterfalls in the monsoon is the best way to forget your worries. Enjoy the Harvalem waterfall. We then proceed to Mollem National Park to spend time as close to nature as possible. Proceed to visit an ancient temple deep inside the National Park, surrounded by innumerous streams and dense forest. In case the rains are heavy, we will still find a way to enter and walk around the forest. Overnight at Panjim.
Day 3 - 17 Aug 2019
Today is heritage and history day. Post breakfast, we will set out on a heritage walk in Fontainhas village. We then proceed to have a guided tour of Velha Goa. In the afternoon, we take a guided tour around Bicholim with its history and forts, weaving story about the Portuguese invasions and how the natives moved their deities around. The temples are colorful and provide a beautiful contrast to the Portuguese architecture. In the evening, check in to a heritage home stay. Overnight at Saligao.
Day 4 - 18 Aug 2019
Take an early morning walk around the picturesque village of Saligao. After breakfast, depart for the airport. Trip Ends.
Inclusions
- All meals and evening tea/coffee starting from lunch on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 4.
- Accommodation for 3N on double sharing basis.
- All transportation as per the itinerary
- Guided tour by a Naturalist to the National Park
- Guided tour of Bicholim
- Guided tour of Fontainhas, Old Goa and Velha Goa
- All entry tickets
- Tolls and Parking
- Your F5 guide
Exclusions
- Food, snacks other than mentioned in inclusions.
- Alcohol
- Camera charges
- Activity charges other than mentioned
- Tips and personal expenses
- Medication
- Flights/Trains/Bus from your city of residence to Panjim and return
- 5% GST
Terms & Conditions
REFUNDS/CANCELLATION:
- If cancelled 90 days or more in advance, cancellation fee is 12% of the trip amount.
- 25% of the trip cost if cancelled 89 – 60 days in advance.
- 50% of the trip cost if cancelled 59 to 16 days in advance.
- Last 15 days – no show – entire amount will be forfeited.
- If you use our services to book flights, cancellation charges of the flights will apply.
Disclaimer
- Our trips are usually non-alcoholic. However, Goa’s culture has drinks embedded in it and you can surely indulge. However, we do not take responsibility of hangovers. If you are not up to it, you may have to miss the morning. 50% of the trip cost is required to confirm the booking.
- The booking does not include flights as the flight rates are extremely unpredictable. However, we can help you book your flights for the trip
- All our trips are well-researched, including identifying access to medical facilities. In case of a medical emergency, F5 will assist the traveler in getting medical attention.
- F5 Escapes is in no way responsible for any untoward incident happening due to the ignorance/negligence of the guests, natural/man-made calamities, accidents or any other events that are out of human control during the trip.
- F5 reserves the right to cancel the trip under certain conditions – in such a case, the amount will be refunded in full.
Arrival & Departure
- Reach Panjim by noon on Day 1 and fly out any time after 11 AM.
- If you are using the train or bus to reach Goa, please reach Panjim bus stand.
Weather
- We will be in the middle of monsoon and you should be prepared to get wet. Carry enough change of clothes and socks, as well as a raincoat and an umbrella.
*Please note that now a days, climate/ weather is dependent on many factors and unpredictable hence above information might be subject to change during your actual travel days.
Stay
- Our stay in Panjim is a century year old Portuguese house, brilliantly maintained, with lovely hosts.
- The stay in Saligao is a well-reviewed, well-appointed heritage homestay.
Food
- We will try and have a mix of local thalis, continental fare and street food. There will be seafood in a couple of dinners but not all. Meals where sea food (prawns, lobsters, crabs etc.) is not a part, you can order those dishes at your expense. Fish and meat will be available as non-vegetarian options in most meals.
- Alcoholic drinks are not a part of the package. Non-alcoholic drinks will be one per meal.
- If you have special dietary requests, please let us know beforehand.
Note > Prepare > Accept > Embrace
- Most important – This is a not a typical beach and party trip. We are trying to explore a very different aspect of Goa in an unusual weather. Rains will drive us indoors and there will be some segments where we will be just relaxing at the beautiful stays. We may have to juggle some plans around depending on the weather. Please come with an open mind. If Goa still means beach, beer and party to you, we may not be a right fit.
- The houses are built traditionally and are designed to be cool in summers and warm in winters. You will not need an AC. Hot water will be arranged by the staff in case of power cuts.
- The beaches will not have shacks and the usual beachside restaurants in monsoon. They will all be closed.
- Our trips are usually non-alcoholic. However, Goa’s culture has drinks embedded in it and you can surely indulge. However, we do not take responsibility of hangovers. If you are not up to it, you may have to miss the morning activity.
- We will try and have a mix of local thalis, continental fare and street food. There will be seafood in a couple of dinners but not all. Meals where sea food (prawns, lobsters, crabs etc.) is not a part, you can order those dishes at your expense. Fish and meat will be available as non-vegetarian options in most meals.
- Alcoholic drinks are not a part of the package. Non-alcoholic drinks will be one per meal
- We will have salt sachets for the leeches. Please don’t worry about them. Leeches are a part of monsoon in Goa and traditionally a medical therapy 🙂
- There is quite a bit of walking involved in this trip, but apart from the simple trail walking in the forest, most are leisurely walks.
Interesting Read About Goa
‘F5 Escapes’ is a Bangalore-based, experiential travel company, with a focus on redefining the way women travel in India. The premise of F5 is an ambitious dream – to put India on the global travel map as a preferred destination for women from across the globe.
F5 Escapes offers fixed departure all-women group tours, customized itineraries for families, groups and solo travellers. We also do in-city engagements which include #JustGo travel meetups, workshops to educate women on travel safety, sustainable menstruation, motorbiking etc.