Goa - South India and Kerala - page 261

performing Goan folk songs and dances. Cruises depart from the Santa Monica jetty be-
side the New Patto Bridge, where the GTDC boat counter (

2438754; Santa Monica jetty) also

sells tickets.
Three private companies offer similar one-hour night cruises (adult/child ?150/free; 6.15pm,
7.30pm & 8.45pm) also departing from Santa Monica jetty. With bars and DJs playing loud
music, these tend to be a lot livelier than the GTDC cruises but can get rowdy with groups
of local male tourists - avoid on weekends.
GTDC also runs a full-day backwater cruise (?750;

9.30am-4pm) to Old Goa, then a bus to a

spice farm where lunch is included.
You can take your own free tour aboard the local ferries that depart frequently (whenev-
er full) at the dock next to Quarterdeck; locals have reported seeing dolphins on evening
rides. Avoid rush hour, when the boats are crammed.

Heritage walking tours ( 9823025748; [e-mail] ; per person ?500, per person ?250 for five or
more) , covering the old Portuguese quarter from Tobacco Sq, through Sao Tomé, Fountain-
has and the Hindu Mala district, are conducted by experienced local guides on demand.

Festivals & Events

Sabado Gordo
(Panaji; Feb/Mar) 'Fat Saturday' is a procession of floats and street parties on the Saturday
before Lent.

STREET FESTIVAL

Carnival
(statewide; Mar) This four-day festival kicks off Lent and is particularly jubilant in Panaji
where elaborate floats take to the streets.

FESTIVAL

International Film Festival of India
( www.iffi.nic.in ; Panaji;

FILM FESTIVAL

Nov) International film screenings and Bollywood glitterati every-

where.

Feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
(Margao, Panaji; 8 Dec) Fairs and concerts are held, as is a beautiful church service at
Panaji's Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL