Goa is one of the bigger local tourist regions of India. It’s generously appointed with Casinos, Higher end restaurants (which I didn’t frequent) and all of the usual tourist trappings. One of the things that really stood out was the relative cleanliness compared to Mumbai.
As you step off the train & pull out your phone to book a Tuk-Tuk or taxi into town with Uber or Rapido, in the carpark, you’re rapidly informed those apps don’t work in this state. Transport is totally Union controlled with every fare set by the union. No negotiation, no alternatives. No surprises either to find they’re the most expensive in all of India. Many people are screaming their “Chokehold” on transport and higher food costs and the like are pushing a large proportion of Holidaying Indians overseas for their breaks.
Goa’s Tuk-Tuk’s certainly were a cut above the general standards in Mumbai. They even had …………… DOORS! More important was the sense of humour many of the drivers had.
I certainly noticed the overall differences but didn’t see them as much different proportionally to Australias tourist area pricing. An average meal was ballpark 30-40% up on Mumbai.
Traffic certainly seemed a lot better behaved! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they’d use a Road Rules book for anything other than a fire lighter but the super-closeness and assertion levels were reduced. It was almost like a different country in many respects.
I really quite liked the place. The people were friendly and helpful. The number of beggars (and the apparent condition of them) seemed markedly better. To me, it looked very much similar to what the property value growth has done in places like Torquay, Port Macquarrie or the Gold coast. In those areas, often, the locals get pushed out as values rise because of tourism.
The Dorm, Sudhakar Dormitories, was a welcome step up. The bed was comfy, the toilets and showers worked properly and the place was cleaned every day. The only thing they laacked was a common room or somewhere to use a laptop. They were qute rigid with quietness 24/7, because many of the parons were shift workers, sleeping during the day. I’d certainly give them a plug. I appreciated their standards.
The historical sites of Old Goa were the first items on the Agenda, Starting with Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, the SE Cathedral, Viceroy’s Arch and the Church of St Cajetan.
An unexpected enjoyable diverion was Wax De Goa
Following on from that is Shree Mangueshi Temple, meetiing Dr Keith, then Dudshagar Falls