Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
collection of fauna, including sambars, barking deer and the odd leopard in several inland
sanctuaries. Head to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (
Click here
)
to scout out birds and beasts
alike, or to Backwoods Camp (
Click here
)
in Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. Day Tripper
(
Click here
)
in Calangute offers various nature-related tours, while John's Boat Tours
(
Click here
)
in Candolim runs birdwatching boat trips, along with crocodile- and dolphin-
spotting rides.
Water Sports
Based in Baga, Barracuda Diving (
Click here
)
, offers scuba diving courses and trips. Para-
sailing and jet-skiing are readily available on the beaches at Baga, Benaulim and Colva,
and you can try paragliding at Anjuna and Arambol. Palolem, with its relatively calm wa-
ters, is the best place for kayaking.
EMERGENCIES
Dial
108 in an emergency. This will connect you to the police, fire brigade or medical services.
Dangers & Annoyances
One of the most deceptive dangers in Goa is to be found right in front of your beautiful bit
of beach: the Arabian Sea, with its strong currents and dangerous undertows, claims
dozens of lives each year, many of them foreigners who knew how to swim. All of Goa's
popular beaches are now overseen by lifeguards during daylight hours with patrolled
swimming areas marked by flags, but it's extremely important to heed local warnings, and
don't venture into the water after drinking or taking drugs, especially at night.
Other dangers and annoyances are of the rather more universal kind. Keep your valu-
ables under lock and key, especially if you're renting an easy-to-penetrate cocohut, and
don't walk along empty stretches of beach alone at night.
One of the pleasures of Goa is being able to get around on a cheaply hired scooter or
motorbike, but lots of tourists come unstuck on the road. Traffic can be heavy and unpre-
dictable in tourist areas and around towns: ride with care, don't ride intoxicated and wear
a helmet (compulsory in Goa since 2012). Also be sure to carry your licence and the
bike's registration papers to avoid unwanted police attention.
DRUGS
