Local Interests

Indian Film Festival

fest
1952 saw the inauguration of the Indian Film Festival The event was staged in a different city each year and was held on various dates. This arrangement was not always beneficial to the status of the Indian Film Festival as logistics were complicated for both the organizers and exhibitors. With the enormous impact of Bollywood on the world stage and the emergence of India as an economic superpower, it was decided in 2003 that the Indian Film Festival would be permanently based in Goa. The festival is staged along the beautiful Miramar Beach, to the West of Panjim, in November.


Dudhsagar Falls

Falls
On the border of Karnataka and Goa, the Dudhsagar Falls boasts a spectacular drop of 600m. Amongst the highest falls in the country, these magnificent falls are located in a blissful tropical jungle with interlaced streams. After crossing the Deccan plateau, the headwaters of the Mandovi River waxes a foaming torrent that divides into three streams, then cascades down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool. The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means “sea of milk”, derives from clouds of foam kicked up at the bottom when the water levels are at their highest. Dudhsagar is set amid breath taking scenery that is only accessible on foot or by jeep. The old Vasco Castle Rock Railway passes over the falls on an old stone viaduct.


Pleasure Island

Divar Island
The island of Divar is a secluded location where you can experience the diverse treasures of the indigenous flora & fauna. Bird watching at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a popular pursuit, as is crocodile spotting in the Cumbharjua Canal. Set amongst a group of typical Goan villages, the Resort is only 9 kms from Panjim and can be reached by road or a short boat ride.


Caravela Casino

Casino
This 215 ft. long cruise ship can comfortably accommodate 300 people. Docked at Panjim, the Caravel casts off at 17.30 in the late afternoon sunshine, and passes the Adil Shah’s Palace, Fort Aguada, and Miramar beach as it heads out of the estuary amongst the fishing boats and into to the Arabian sea. Enjoying the sights and the sunset on the upper deck is an invigorating prelude to the adventures which await on the lower deck. Roulette, Black Jack, Rummy, Stud Poker, Baccarat, Pontoon and Flash are the most popular tables. Players are dealt to by highly trained croupiers who conduct gaming sessions with internationally accepted standards. For the less hardened gambler, there are Reel and Poker slot machines as well as live entertainment, a restaurant and a wonderful sun-deck bar.


Ayurvedic Massage

massage
Ayurvedic Massage stems from the ancient Ayurvedic healing system of the Indian sub-continent. It is traditionally used within the family and helps to promote the importance of health to the younger members of the family. Ayurveda is primarily preventative and is based on treating the causes of disharmony in the body rather than the symptoms. It works on physical, emotional and mental levels and is a deep and strong treatment involving the use of oils, herbs and herbal powders. The massage takes place on a futon mattress on the floor, is carried out by the masseur using hands and feet and transmits a life giving energy that assists all systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. A massage will typically last approximately one hour, after which the client will be left to relax for a short time. A consultation can also look at the client’s lifestyle and diet.