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Jai's Popular Tours
To find out more about the following tours and places of interest please click as appropriate
Tour 1 - Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Within a valley amongst the foothills of eastern Goa lies the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, a cool, pleasant spot popular amongst tourists and Indians alike. The approach to Bondla through deciduous forest and jungle is a must for birdwatchers or for anyone who appreciates birds in abundance in their natural habitat. For the flower and plant lovers an engrossing experience awaits you. Picnic here beneath the lush green canopy and wander around the small zoo that operates as an animal hospital, nursing the animals back to health and releasing them into the wild once they are ready. The Bondla sanctuary harbors Indian bison, monkeys and langurs, wild boar, lizards, anteaters, leopards and a number of species of deer to say nothing of the pythons and rather large spiders! An elephant safari ride around the zoo and immediate area is an exciting and unique experience. The botanical garden is well worth a stroll around and for the more ambitious a number of nature trails through the forest and jungle with a guide will bring you even closer to the vibrant and diverse habitats of the Goan jungle. Stay at the eco-tourism complex offering rooms and dormitories and visit the safari deer park that lies adjacent to the jungle. This is yet another fascinating experience for those intrepid tourists ready to rise very early to view the wild deer emerging from the jungle and the myriads of birds that so early in the morning is a sight to see indeed
Tour 2 - Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
This 86 square kilometer mixed deciduous woodland is home to gazelles, porcupines, panthers and hyenas although these are seldom sited. A number of species of monkeys, wild boar and wild Indian bison are commonly seen. It is a peaceful retreat and well worth a day's visit if only for its scenic beauty. A 25m high treetop watchtower overlooking a waterhole is best visited at dawn or dusk
Tour 3 - Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary (full day)
This sanctuary encompasses 250 square kilometers of forest and contains a diverse array of wildlife. To see the wildlife it is necessary to stay overnight in one of the chalets at Molem and trek into the forest with a guide the next day. This is an exiting experience for the more intrepid visitor. However, if you are not looking for this kind of experience then why not visit the Dudhasagar Waterfalls within the sanctuary (see below) and view the spectacular terrain and forest from the comfort of your land rover on the way.
Tour 4 - Tamdi Surla (full day)
Also within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is the 12th century Mahadeva Temple at Tamdi Surla that survived many religious upheavals only because of its remote location at the foot of the Western Ghats. For a day's visit to see some really out of the way Indian countryside this trip will take the intrepid tourist to a peaceful clearing deep inside the Indian forest. A taxi driver or guide can be arranged at the Jai International Travel bureau.
Tour 5 - Dudhasagar Waterfalls (full day)
These waterfalls, the second highest in India, are 600m high and particularly spectacular during October to December before the monsoon waters have receded. The distance from the jeep parking area is a pleasant 15 minutes walk through tropical forest where monkeys, birds and butterflies abound. The walk is not difficult although some scrambling about over rocks and boulders is necessary. Bordering the Western Ghats the Mandovi River pours into a deep pool where you may wish to join the many other bathers enjoying a cool swim and perhaps a frolic under the waterfalls and the clouds of mist that give the falls its name ‘sea of milk'.
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Tour 6 - Chorao Island Bird Sanctuary
An interesting Island in itself this quiet corner of Goa lying within the Mondovi River tidal estuary enables you to wander about at your leisure through the countryside almost devoid of cars, with just the odd bus passing, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and tranquility of the surroundings. The occasional village you pass through with its friendly inhabitants adds to the enjoyment of your ramble.
By pre-arrangement at Sandray Resort you can take a canoe trip, a wooden dugout boat, into the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary with a couple of guides to view the abundant and varied bird life, especially during the early morning, that inhabit the dense mangrove swamps, shallow lakes and waterways that lie within the Mondovi River. The greater adjutant stork, a rare bird, can sometimes be seen, as can egrets, kingfishers, kites, woodpeckers, herons, hoopoe and a host of others. The sanctuary is a bird-watchers paradise that harbors many transient species through the different seasons. Large fruit bats hang from the treetops and otters, pythons, turtles and marsh crocodiles are all observed at times in this diverse and fascinating environment.
Tour 7 - Jungle Book Elephant Experience (2 days 1 night)
This overnight experience is a must for anyone looking for excitement and just blatant good fun. Enter the river with your elephant, play with it and climb on board for the ride of a lifetime. Feed the elephants, watch them perform and take a safari ride along track and trail. There's something for all the family on this exceptional experience.
Tour 8 - Elephant Jungle (full day)
If you don't have the time to stay overnight then the Elephant Jungle tour is for you. Enjoy much of the Jungle Book experience. A must for everyone.
Tour 9 - Old Goa and Divar Island (full day)
‘Golden Goa' or Goa Dourada as the Portuguese called their Goan capital was and still is the foremost catholic religious centre in Goa. Its beautifully preserved Cathedral, numerous churches, chapels, convents and basilicas provides an interesting day out and for the scholar of Renaissance architecture, Old Goa will reveal a veritable array of edification as it is reputed to be the finest, richest and most splendid city in Asia during the 16 th to 19 th centuries. The archeological museum gives one a fascinating insight into the Goa as it was and is well worth a visit for any person remotely interested in Goan history. A World Heritage Centre, Old Goa is still a Christian pilgrimage destination for many Christians from all over India who come to visit the tomb of St Francis Xavier enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Reached by ferry from Old Goa, Divar Island was an important religious centre in pre-colonial India. On top of a hill above the village of Piedade where once stood an ancient Hindu temple now stands the elegant Church of Our Lady of Compassion. The scenery from the hilltop is exceptional as your eye sweeps from the distant Western Ghats, across paddy fields to the many tributaries of the Mandovi River, down river beyond the capital Panaji 10km away to the Mandovi estuary and the Arabian Sea beyond. More locally Old Goa can be seen to advantage, displaying its many churches and belfries against a back drop of palm trees and paddy fields; an enchanting sight indeed.
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Tour 10 - Cumbarjua Crocadile Boat Trip
Well known locally for its wild crocodiles that can be seen in the Cumbarjua Canal only 15km from Panaji, the canal links two major rivers and has become a rich and diverse mangrove habitat with many crocodiles and a vibrant birdlife that makes it a haven for bird-watchers and crocodile-spotters alike. The crocodiles, being the fresh water species also known as Gharials, are harmless; farmers regularly walk past them unconcerned as they bask on the riverbank and children swim amongst them!
Tour 11 - River Sal Boat Trip
This haven for wildlife is a must experience for all visitors. A number of operators take tourists cruising up the river either on short trips or full day excursions. First observe the dolphins close alongside your boat as you sail out into the bay. Marvel as these beautiful animals frolic in the clear waters in pursuit of their next meal. Next enjoy the un-spoilt scenery as you course up the river watching the oyster fisherman at work diving for their catch. With the binoculars provided spot the bird-life flitting along the riverbank as the guides prompt you. Egrets, kingfishers, ospreys, kites, bee eaters and many more are all in abundance with the ubiquitous white-bellied sea eagles soaring across the river in search of their prey.
Enjoy a delicious Goan fish barbeque on board at a remote spot far up the river with free drinks, including beer, served throughout the day.
Another day cruise out into the bay and barbeque on a remote beach where you can bask in the sun or rest in the shade of the palm trees. On this trip the intrepid angler has an opportunity to fish for a meal from a boat off the beach. However, don't worry if the wily fish don't succumb as the big catch has already been had and will be gently barbequing ready for your return! For the really avid fishing enthusiast take a four-hour expedition into the Arabian Sea and catch yourself a Snapper, Barramundi or Sea Salmon.
The River Sal and Arabian Sea awaits you. Clean, vibrant and fascinating; one of the many experiences you are bound to enjoy in this exceptional tourist destination.
Tour 12a - Panaji
The capital of Goa, Panaji is a bustling city with many Portuguese style colonial buildings that set it apart from other large Indian cities. There are a number of old churches well worth a visit but these are best visited with a tour guide that can be organised for you at the Sandray Resort. Additionally there is the state owned Handicraft Emporium at Neogi Nagar where best quality traditional Goan handicrafts are on view and for sale. Also why not visit a typical, bustling food market.
Tour 12b
From under the Mandovi Bridge at Panaji you can take a river cruise to the accompaniment of live music. These cruises leave from 5.30 in the evening and chug downstream to the wide estuary of the Mandovi River and into the Arabian Sea. This exotic and enjoyable cruise is a must for all tourists, the Goan folk bands are excellent and drinks and food are all available.
Tour 12c
On yet another cruise travel downstream in the early morning to spot dolphins and the early morning activity of the fishing boats or, for the honeymoon couple, how about an overnight, romantic cruise with live music on the river and Arabian Sea!
There's a cruise for everyone at the Mandovi Bridge. Afterwards take a pleasant stroll alongside the Mandovi River down the Panaji esplanade, the longest in India.
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Tour 13a - Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple
This Temple is situated only 20km from the Sandray Resort and is well worth a visit. The view from the top of the hill it is situated upon is an additional reason why this visit should not be missed; the view is breathtaking, especially at dusk, allowing the tourist to see a wide panorama of the countryside and coastline.
Tour 13b - A walk in the Forest
Walk through the forest up to the Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple with a guide and experience a typical Indian home with their special traditional Indian welcome. Includes a typical Indian snack with Indian tea.
Tour 14 - Shri Shantadurga Temple at Fatorpa
This temple, built in the 16 th century during Portuguese times and recently magnificently renovated to its former glory, is particularly worth visiting at the end of December or first week in January when five chariots, one for each of five nights, are brought out for a procession through the extensive grounds. There is a 30 feet high elephant chariot, a flower and a horse chariot plus two others. Visitors at other times of year are made very welcome too, even to the extent of observing traditional marriages in one of the many decorative halls that lie adjacent to the temple itself.
Tour 15 - Ponda
This Goan centre of the Hindu religion boasts many temples including the Mangueshi and the Shantadurga temples and is well worth a visit. A stroll through one of the many spice plantations surrounding Ponda with a guide will enable the identification of many exotic spices as well as provide you with a free, traditional style, Goan meal eaten off banana leaves.
Tours 16 - Indian states
The Jai International Travel bureau can arrange excursions to other states of India.
Tour 16a
The Kali Wilderness Camp at the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers the more intrepid visitor river-rafting along the Kali River that flows over a large numbers of rapids .
Tour 16b
Hampi is popular for its ruins of the ancient capital of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar.
Tour 16c
A visit to Amboli for the keen angler is a field day!
These three destinations have something to offer everyone although Hampi and perhaps Dandeli would require an overnight stay.
Internal Indian flights to other destinations can be arranged at the Jai International Travel bureau. Delhi and the Taj Mahal are easily accessible in this way as are many other tourist destinations. It is possible to travel by tourist bus to states adjacent to Goa.
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Flora of Coastal Goa Walk.
Local coastal walk with a guide pointing out the fauna and flora of Goa. A must for anyone interested in plants animals and birds. Organised at the Sandray reception.
Colva, Benaulim, Varca and Cavelossim Beaches
Known as the Queen of Indian beaches as they are considered to be the best stretch of beach in the whole of India, these exotic, fine, white, clean sands stretch some 25 kilometers from the River Sal in the south to the Mormugao peninsula in the north. This palm-fringed expanse is the tourist's main attraction. Food and drinks are served on the beach at numerous beach restaurants that supply, free of charge, recliners and sunshades. Spend all day basking in the sun, cooling down in the warm, clean sea and relaxing in the shade interspersed with good quality food and drink. Take a walk along the beach and observe the fishermen drying their nets and packing them into their wooden outriggers ready for the next fishing trip or hire a cycle and bike north or south at low tide.
Colva and Benaulim
This interesting little town is not as bustling as the larger cities such as Margao and Panaji but being almost in the centre of the longest beach in Goa and the ‘Queen of Indian beaches' it is considered the main tourist beach-town in the area. The main street leading down to the beach esplanade has numerous restaurants and coffee houses and the many beach restaurants and bars where recliners and sunshades are provided free, reach north and south along the beach. Benaulim just a kilometer south of Colva is easily reached by taxi from the Sandray Resort and again affords excellent restaurants and beach restaurant/bars.
The church of Our Lady of Mercy
At Colva why not go along to see the church of Our Lady of Mercy, just a short walk from the Sandray Resort? Built in the mid 1600's this church contains the statue of ‘Menino Jesus' (Baby Jesus) that is believed to have healing powers. In October many people come to view the statue, which is put on show for just a few days during the Fama Festival. If you are staying at Sandray Resort during October and would be interested in attending the festival enquire at the Jai International Travel bureau.
Margao
The capital of Salcete, Margao is Goa's second city after Panaji. Being only a 20 minute drive from Colva it makes for an interesting day out. This bustling Goan city, with its superb market, bazaar and fish market is well worth the visit if only to experience the urban way of life of Goa. A visit to the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the late 1600's, considered to be the best example of Baroque architecture in this Christian state of India, is also well worth a visit by motorized rickshaw, locally known as Tuk-Tuk. Even Elephants can sometimes be seen trudging through the heart of the city!
Aguada Fort
The largest and best-preserved Portuguese fort in Goa stands at the tip of a headland to the west of Panaji across the Mandovi estuary. Built in the early 1600's the extensive ruins are well worth a visit for anyone interested in colonial history. There is also a four-storey lighthouse built by the Portuguese during the 1860's which is now the oldest of its kind in Asia.
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Anjuna Beach flee market
The flea market at Anjuna, in the North of Goa, takes place every week on a Wednesday throughout the tourist season. If you enjoy nosing around the many stalls of a very large market, with all its hustle and bustle, then this is a market well worth a visit. Jewellery, clothing, footwear, Cd's and videos and all the other entrapments of a good market can be had for a song – if you know how to barter that is!
Mapusa market
Another market worth a visit, this time on a Friday morning, is the market at Mapusa, again in northern Goa. This vibrant market, more like an authentic bazaar, will afford the visitor an interesting morning trip. Here you will see today's catch of fish for sale, exotic fruits, spices, meats, vegetables and alcohol. The aromas that pervade the market will set your pallet watering!
Mayem Lake
This lake is a popular picnic spot with good boating facilities available during the tourist season. Situated near Narve village the lake, together with the nearby Saptkoteshwar temple and the Narve springs, will prove a pleasant outing. There are good restaurants available nearby.
Saptkoteshwar temple
The Saptkoteshwar temple at Narve, near Mayem Lake, is famous for having been rebuilt in its present location during the Portuguese inquisition in the early 1500's to hold a Shivalingam, a religious icon worshipped by Hindus. The original temple, standing on the hilltop above Piedade on Divar Island, was destroyed but not before the icon was smuggled across the Mandovi River where the Portuguese would take another 100 years to gain control. When they finally invaded that region the inquisition had ended and the Portuguese, being much more tolerant of the Hindu religion by then, allowed the recently built temple and the Shivalingam to remain.
Aravalem Waterfall
This waterfall, about 2km from Sanquelim, is best seen during October to January after the monsoon but runs, and is worth seeing, all year round. The temple of Shri Rudreshwar nearby holds an annual festival in February or March that is interesting to see and a short stroll will bring you to the Aravalem Caves (also known as the Pandava Caves).
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