Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 6650281;
www.chilihipgoa.com
; Accron Place, Fort Aguada Rd; mains ?200-380; noon-3pm &
6.30-10.30pm)
Savour authentic, spicy Thai dishes prepared by a Bangkok chef in this stylish
new restaurant attached to the Centara day spa. Upstairs, Vibes is a chic cocktail bar.
ASIAN FUSION
$$$
Republic of Noodles
(mains ?375-450; 11.30am-3pm & 7-11pm)
For a sophisticated dining experience, this award-
winning pan-Asian place delivers with its dark bamboo interior, Buddha heads and float-
ing candles. Delicious, huge noodle plates, wok stir-fries and clay-pot dishes are the order
of the day - consider the coconut and turmeric curry of red snapper - and there are some
exciting dishes for the veggies.
Getting There & Away
Buses run frequently to Panaji (?12, 30 minutes) and Mapusa (?12, 35 minutes) and stop
at the turn-off near John's Boat Tours. Calangute buses (?5, 15 minutes) start at the Fort
Aguada bus stop and can be flagged down on Fort Aguada Rd.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Calangute & Baga
POP 15,800
For better or worse, Calangute and Baga are Goa's most popular beaches - a least with the
cashed-up domestic tour crowd and European package tourists. Once a refuge of wealthy
Goans, and later a 1960s hot spot for naked, revelling hippies, Calangute has adapted its
scant charms to extended Indian families, groups of Indian bachelors and partying for-
eigners. If you want to experience authentic Indian (or Russian) tourism full-on, come to
Calangute. The northern beach area can get crowded - including the water, which fills up
with people, boats and jet skis - but the southern beach is more relaxed. Baga, to the
north, meanwhile, is the place for drinking and dancing, and Northern Baga, across the
Baga River, is surprisingly tranquil, with budget accommodation bargains clinging to the
coast.
Activities
Water Sports
