I visited Goa first in 1981. I stayed a hotel in Panjim, It is Neptune. It is still there only difference is it is not maintained, I am stating this after observing the facade of the hotel from out side. In 1981 I traveled by a bus of Laxmi Travels, in that time it was famous. I stayed there for six days and returned to Bombay by Mughal lines ship. It went bankrupt!
Before that I never traveled by ship that too for 22 hrs. I must mention here at that time Bus journey took 16 hrs from Mumbai To Panjim.

My Next visit was in the year 1996. For Goa we took a bus and travel time was 16 hrs.  Myself and my four friends purchased timeshare (which was very popular at that time) in Dalmia Resort in Mabor(Cavelossim Beach).  It is about 15 km fro Madgaon. It is also there, Name is changed.  Bus services (Private) was available every 1 hour to Madgaon. I don’t know about present time

At that time also, we fantastic five returned by Cater man, run by Damania.

It took only 8 hres to reach Bombay.

It  became bankrupt!

So, in 2007 I decided that I will return by Konkan Railway, Which won’t go bankrupt!!!!!

On 6^th of September, 2007, I and my wife set for Goa by Konkan Kanya Express from Thane.

I reached Thevim 10.30 Am, instead of 09.30 And Thanks to Lallu’s rail.

From Thevim I hired a Taxi, It was Rs 350/- for full taxi, and we were lucky, we the old honeymooner (?) got a fine company of young honeymooner, who were going to Baga Beach our destinations. Any sharing on old man’s expenses is always welcome.

I always travel in off season and week days when the rates of the hotels are affordable.

Dr Sant Hemant are you in  all ears?

So, I, parked us in Uncle Peter’s Shack in Baga beach in north Goa, near Britto’s restaurant. It was dirt cheap. And no frills. One room with attached bath, the beach was25/ 30 steps away ( Depending upon state of your self, In Goa drinks are cheap), what more can you ask. Baga is the northern end of a long beach, starting from Aguada in the south.  3km away from Baga is the famous Calangute beach in south direction.  It is famous tourist’s destination.

Now the journey.    

While traveling by Konkan Rly, we had a fantastic view of Konkan.

Refer my blog

http://chanchal47.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/12/konkan-in-rainy-season.htm

We expected rain in Goa, that was not to be, It was dry and hot. I guzzled down beers just to ward off heat.

What   pained me most the destructions of nature by money hungry hoteliers and villagers.

Most of Goan cottages were crushed to grounds and in that place a bungalow or hotel has come up. Gone are the beautiful court yard with flowering shrubs/ plants and coconut trees. There they built concrete house to cater the high paying foreign tourists. In that process Goa lost its natural beauty, which I still cherish and enjoyed in 1981.

Calangute beach is 4km away by road.  There are plenty private buses, which are going to Mapusa via Calangute.  Autos are there, they don’t run on meter.

Calangute is the most famous beach. The beach is always crowded with tourists, except off season. Hawkers are pain in this beach. They are simply nuisance. Goa’s three main cities are Mapusa( North), Panjim ( The capital in old Goa section) and Madgaon ( South Goa).

From Mapusa all the beaches of north Goa can be visited.

Fort Aguada Beach – 14 km, Candolim – 12Km,

Calangute – 8 Km, Baga – 12 Km, Anjuna – 10 Km, Vagator – 14Km.

Aguada is a beautiful beach, more famous for Taj Aguada hotels, Hotel rooms are expensive are here, but beach is clean. More affluent tourists flock here.

From Aguada Beach, we reached Candolim beach and after that to Candolim  just walking by the sea side.

I was tired and thirsty, by walking about 7/8 km. And what can be the best thirst quencher in Goa? You rightly guessed it.

A beach in this stretch is similar to any other beach. Except Calangute all other beaches are less crowded.

For Anjuna and Vagator you have to walk down from the cliff to beach 40/50 feet.

In Anjuna, there more white skinned tourists than natives.

Vagator Beach is not fit for swimming.

Near Vagator Beach, the ruins of 500years old fort can be visited. The scanary fom the fort is marvelous. “Dil Chahata Hain” was shot here.

Goan foods are tasty and spicy. They use dry / wet coconut, milk of coconut and vinegar to give their dishes Goan flavour. Cashew nut (whole or powder) is also one of the ingredients depending upon what you have ordered.

During night almost all restaurants along the beach lay tables almost near the water line of the Arabian Sea.

The candle night dinner during full moon night is a memorable experience.

If you are willing you can visit Gurudutta Temple, One Shiva temple and Mayem Lake can be part of itinerary for North Goa.

You must visit Panjim, which has still touch of old Portuguese days. The superbly maintained river side, Miramar Beach and Dona Paula are the attractions.

For south Goa I hired a taxi. South Goa is famous for temples, churches and Colva Beach.

There are other beaches also, Majorda, Mabor, Varca, Cavelossim, Betul and Bagmalo.

To visit all south Goa beaches, it will be better if you stay in south Goa itself and hire a taxi. 

The Beautiful spot I missed is Dudhsagar at the Goa Karnataka border. It can be seen from train in the Miraj Vasco section.

After spending 6 days and 5 nights in Goa , I came back to Thane by Konkan railway, it is still running and till today is not bankrupt.