Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Goa Nightlife

For a state that is on holiday all the year through, where tourism is a major source of income for the state and the population living here, a lot credit goes to the nightlife of the state. What adds to the merriment here apart from the sun sand and sea is the terrific nightlife of the state. Even the most developed metros of the country cannot compete with the nightlife here. The beaches are popular undoubtedly but what makes them popular is the never dying party spirit of the people. Ever since the hippies made Goa their hangout zone, partying has come to be an integral part. The laws of the state are liberal with alcohol, you can get a drink almost at any spot in the state. However, it comes strict against drunken driving, nudity and drugs.

What surprises is that every third house at some place is a bar cum restaurant selling chilled bear and reasonable Goan delicacies and sea food.

There are numerous ways and places to have a wonderful evening ahead once you are in Goa, but don't plan ahead. If you plan to dine, drink and party at three different places through the evening then you might end up doing all three at a single place. Most restaurants also have bars, many bars have night clubs here. The atmosphere is relaxed. Nightlife in Goa is not just wine, dine and party, there are many options to choose from to spend your evening.

Party, Party and Party!

If you are a party animal then Goa is a party zoo. Rave parties became the mark of Goa in 1960's with hippies introducing them. Drinks, drugs and loud music marked these parties. However with government crack down on drugs and efforts to promote up market tourism instead of backpackers tourism, the rave parties have become trance parties. 'Trance' is the unique Goan music style developed by local music bands. The parties are now called Trance parties with dance and live bands performing, and controlled boozing. Anjuna, 'freak capital of the world' is popular for its night long trance parties. There is a pounding music system here on the beach. Its a rave party venue around Christmas and new year. But it's not just Anjuna raving with parties, Calangute, Baga, Colva, Dauna Paula are all venues for parties. Tito's at Baga, Ziggy's at Colva, Temptations at Red Cab on Vagator, Lido's at Dauna Paula. Except for few uncommercialized ones, you will find places of beach parties.

For a Laid Back Evening

If you have tired after exploring Goa through the day and are not in the mood to party or if you are one of those laid back kind of people then may be heading to a beach party will not be on your list. Goa has something to offer to every one. You can spend the evening gorging on sea food and chilled bear in a beach side shack. The shack owners in the evening organize bonfires and beach side barbecues. Just look for a shack and enjoy the fire, take your guitar or listen to recorded Goan trance. Or better still sit listening to the waves sipping your cocktail.

Goa Casinos

'Life is a game' if that's your take, then Goa has the best casino's to offer you. Though many casinos are on board cruises but there are others on the lands of Goa as well. Of late, government has been trying to implement a deadline of 11pm but has not been successful so far. For now casinos are open till wee hours in the morning. Goa's top class casinos offer games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps . Some of the famous casinos are Cicade de Goa Beach Resort and Casino at Dauna Paula, Las Vegas - the Gaming Club Leela Palace Hotel, Treasures Casino Majorda beach resort.

The Night Cruises

For a truly out of world experience and party in a different way try the Goa night cruises. Several options are available on Mandovi river. Music, dance, drink and food all are included in the ticket or else take a luxury yatch. The journey will take you through the lights of Panajim - Miramar one one hand and Aguada fort and Reis Magos on the other side. You can also hire a private yatch for party purposes or other such affairs.