Goa - Day1

Bangalore to Goa

I were at PF-1 at KBS, an hour early to the scheduled 6:00 departure of the Bangalore-Panjim Airavatha. Rs 699 /- one way was a good offer. KSRTC claimed Airavata would take 10 hrs straight, compared to others which would consume 13 to 15 hrs.

Kissed by Friday evening Bengaluru traffic, it took long to hit NH4. I have a special blessing while on NH4. It always rains while I converse through NH4. This time too, it was a heavy downpour till we hit Chitradurga.

Discussed on what outfits, accessories, footwear and Snacks our bags contained, while a crappy Akshay Kumar's movie was being played at the background.

Tissue, Water Bottles and Blankets were offered and lights were off.

A sound sleep until the A/c vent started leaking due to heavy rain. And the victim was an ex-MLA of Sirisi. :-)
The bus was full and he did not have another alternative. The Driver tried convincing the MLA...all efforts in vain..... Nothing could stop him call-up the Government and the KSRTC chief.
It was utter entertainment, better than the movie being played. :-)

We were told that we would be reaching Panjim at 8AM, instead of the promised 6, due to heavy rain. :-(

While I next woke, we were at Sirisi and it was 'Airavatha minus the ex-MLA'.

Next stop was at Karawar for Tea. Though we did not venture out; as we were strictly instructed by Mommies and Daddies, not to get down even to visit the Loo. (obedient kid)

In a few minutes, we were along the coastline of Karwar beach. Splendid Moonlight, wide-window-pane-of-Volvo, the sound of the Sea, the light breeze, what more. I sat awake while the whole bus was sleeping. :-)

And we were in the Ghat in a few mins. At 5:30, Airtel woke me up again with a, 'Welcome to Goa' message. I was excited! Finally, we had reached Goa. How tough it was to convince everyone back home....

The Bus kept halting frequently, to deliver luggage, parcels and people kept getting down. Panjim was the final destination.

The Brick-Red houses with Bottle-Green Window and Gates and Grills, were my favorites. :-) I surely plan to revisit and get inspired before I plan constructing my house...

We were at Panjim at 7:45. Had not decided whether to take our South-Goa tour from Panjim or Mapusa. Luckily, the Panjim Bus stand houses the intercity, state run, private and city buses in the same place.

Goa transport is called a Kadamba - A tribute to the Kadamba dynasty.

Day 1 - 15 Mar 2008 - South Goa

We were at Mapusa at 8:20, which is 15 km from Panjim. Goan roads are very narrow, and can only accommodate mini-buses. The Mapusa Bus stand is right opp to the Mapusa Residency, which is GTDC owned. We bought tickets for South Goa and the Sunset Cruise, and dropped the idea of landing at Mapusa YHAI.

We had 8 mins to Brush, refresh and change!! We'll never forget to thank the person who invented Deo-Spray and Chewing Gum. :-)

The bus was full of Honeymoon couples. We decided to occupy the last seats. Our guide for the day was an 'Animated character'. The bus crossed the bridge over Mandovi River; in a few mins we were at Old Goa.

Old Goa - 10km from Panjim

Old Goa was the capital city during Portugal rule.

Highlights: World Heritage Site, Preserved body of St. Francis Xavier.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, constructed in 1696.

SeCathedral dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Church of St.Fransis of Assisi which has now been turned into a museum.

The Golden Bell at Se Cathedral.

The chapel of Cross of Miracles, which is said to be growing in size!