The Rough Guide to Goa (Rough Guide Travel Guides) [Paperback]

 

 

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I'm usually a bit disappointed with the accuracy of rough guides but I took this with me in February 2006 and found the information to be correct and extremely useful. The prices quoted for accommodation were on the high side - I paid about half to two thirds of what the book quoted but the descriptions were spot on. Particularly useful is the fact that it covers the areas just outside Goa as well so you don't need to get a separate guide for India. If you can you have to visit Gokarna as well (for the train journey if nothing else!)

However,I'm not sure how long it will remain accurate for as Goa is changing so quickly.

QUICK INFORMATION

The Rough Guide to Goa is firstly what it says it is - A guide. It has been put together to help and advise you with resourceful information for your forth-coming travels. This guide I would say would be exceptional for backpackers and holiday makers travelling only in Goa. If you are looking to travel other places in India please look to a more suitable book to cover your whole scope.

When purchasing and selecting any travel books always look to see when the book was printed, this edition that I am reviewing is the 6th edition printed January 2006 this would be the most recent and up to date book in the Rough Guide to Goa series. Even though this book is a year old it still supplied me with all the information I needed books in this series are normally updated every two years.

Just having returned from Goa myself, I found this edition to be excellent value for money all information given is extremely well written, descriptive, easy to understand, maps were detailed and were shown to be very useful and informative. For holiday makers it gives you some great tips if you decide to venture outside of your accommodation and take a closer look at life beyond a beach holiday, for backpackers or people just turning up for a few weeks wandering around, it can supply you with a quick fix in your moment of need.

PLACES COVERED

Panjim and central Goa, North Goa, South Goa, Around Goa, Mambai (Bombay) each place is also extensively covered with the history, the religions of Goa, Environmental issues in Goa, Natural history, Goan music and dance, Books. Language: Hindi, Konkani words and phrases, (food and drink terminology).

BOOK OVERVIEW

This book is beautifully laid out, we start with an introduction Where to go, When to go, Things not to be missed, I would advise you read this thoroughly before your visit so that you can make the most of your travels it supplies you with information on your expectations while in Goa. This is followed by the Basics, Getting There, Visas and red tape, information on websites and maps (please use websites extensively before you travel very handy for backpackers on the move) Insurance, Health (medical information please check all key points in this section before travelling) Costs, Money and banks, Getting around, accommodation (covering all ends of the scale) eating and drinking this covers places from the top end to a local shack on the beach. Communications and the media, Festivals and holidays, Cultural hints and etiquette, shopping and souvenirs, Crime and personal Security, Travellers with disabilities, Travelling with Children, Women and sexual harassment and lastly the directory (Things advisable to take).

MY TIPS

Going to brief over a few areas, Goa's number one income is made from Tourism therefore it's very commerical to other parts of India. I suggest reading this book thoroughly before travelling all website are handy for extra information, when travelling around word of mouth is the biggest source the people are lovely and will always go out of there way to help you with information. The hotels for Luxury Retreats are normally based to the South of Goa, The parties for the Backpackers look to the North. Markets (a definite for all) Nothing like the hustle and bustle great for a taste of India and you can pick up just about anything on the cheap of course haggling is part of life please stay light hearted about it all, the big flea market Anjauna (North Goa holiday makers can still stay in the South and travel North to the markets for the day they are easily excisable) Wednesday Mornings early till evenings the only draw back is the prices tend to start high some tourist will pay beyond (or will not haggle) to get what they want, always haggle, prices can start from as much as 4 times to high, but haggling remains all part of the fun to get your best price. The Mapusa Market (Friday Mornings) is good for Fish, Fruit, Spices, Sausages and other fresh produce sold along side tourist goods. There are also Nights Markets held inland from Baga that are really good but a favourite is Ingo's at Arpora which has a good mix of traders selling clothes to live music. Fabrics can be bought and clothes can be made very cheap. You will no doubt at one point on your trip also be pestered by hawkers mainly on beaches begging or selling their wears it's just part of life in India. Temples and ruins are also a must again haggle your prices for trips (taxi drivers can vastly vary). As always enjoy yourself but stay sharp and keep your wits about you especially in crowded areas.

There's also very many amazing beaches, so have a wonderful time relax and enjoy.

A.Bowhill

I expected much more from this goa guide book.
The sections on the main/most popular beaches are not long enough,especially with the descriptions of accomodation & restaurants.Also there are too few posts on accomodation and restaurants.
Just another example of the inadequacy of this guide book is the total absence of info on getting to/from the dabolim airport,etc.

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