http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18649
My family hails from the Konkan coast and I grew up eating this blend of European and Indian food. When in Goa make sure you sample the region's true cuisines - my personal favourites are pork vindaloo, a dish flavoured with vin (red wine vinegar) and alho (garlic) and the xacuti.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18649 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11627
Ask for Raymond who also has scooters for hire, this busy family concern caters for all walks of life and a stress free enviroment is ensured.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11627 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10085
Goa is my favourite place on earth and hey I gota say I’ve done fair bit of travelling in my time guys .. Peace and love to all. Go see for yourself the uniqueness of this paradise.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10085 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9797
Lots of bars abound on and around the beach areas and there's plenty of cheap accommodation for those on a tight budget.

The local nightclub is pretty impressive, even if it's all bang-gnab trance all night long.
The beach is medium sizee but really nice (just expect a lot of hawkers) and locals are as friendly as the tourists.

This is a really good place to relax on the beach by day and party by night. You also have a lot of options for exlporing the rest of Goa once you get there.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9797 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9783 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9783 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9782
It's a far cry from the mania of Baga or Calangute and I had one of the most glorious curries of my life at one of its beachside restaurants.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9782 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9759
Calangute is within walking distance in the other direction should you need the exercise, but a taxi or Tuc-Tuc will take you anywhere within north Goa for less than £10! The views from the top of Chapora fort or from Arambol lake are spectacular at any time of day and Vagator beach is fantastic for sundown.

The capital city of Panjim is also worth a visit as is Old Goa for the architecture and churches - a 3 day trip to Hampi is also well worth the time and trouble.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9759 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9755
Hampi is popular as a school visit destination and the children thought my wife was Princess Di (trust me - my wife is lovely but there is no resemblance!) and would creep up to touch shyly as they had never seen a white European! They drove in from India's little tourist visited interior.

We took a taxi to Hampi from Dona Paulo and paid about £70 for the two-day trip. On the way we drove through a chilli farming region and the chillies were laid out on the road for passing cars to thresh.

A fascinating trip all in all - and we had our cheapest meal ever there - £1.80 for a three-course meal for both of us! Just what do you tip when the meal is so cheap?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9755 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9752
There are some great beach huts to rent (average price £7 per day). My favourite has to be Dreamcatcher at the north end run by Jacky and Walter. Jacky is from Liverpool via the asteroid belt while Walter is an ex Kerelan wrestling champion. They make you feel so welcome it feels like home after about 10 minutes.

The food the cook serves up is fresh and tasty (prawns the size of bananas and curries that are far tastier than anything you've had in the UK) while the bar will serve you anything from a lasi to a Kingfisher.

If yoga is your thing, Wayne (yes I know not the most mystical sounding name) does a sunrise (well 9am) class and a sunset one. There's also a variety of massage too.

The place is magical at night as it is lit by candles. You can either sit around the campfire or relax on a daybed by the bar.

If you're going to Goa and want a place that's not commercial, Palolem and Dreamcatcher is where you should head to.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9752 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9721 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9721 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9691 huts right on the beach. Admittedly, ours was by a rubbish heap which seemed to attract cows day and night time...

But the beach was clean and there were loads of good bars and restaurants with fantastic seafood. If a bar wasn't playing Bob Marley, you were treated to either a chilled Ibiza or Café del Mar compilation as you settled down for the evening. The soundtrack should give you an idea of the place!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9637
For great food try "Sams Shack" on the beach outside the Holiday Inn, Mobor, or Edwins "Goan Village" in Cavelossim, somewhere new is the Riverview literally on the river behind the Old Anchor. The beach sellers are less hassle here, one of our favourites, Camilla has as she calls it, Paul Mcarries (Macca) autograph.

The best massage on the beach is from Abdul, about £7/£8 for a full hour of relaxation. We are back there in December, but don't come near us if you are in your shellsuit&trainers.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9637