Goa India
Goa is amongst all the Indian states, a little unique. It was only returned to India from Portuguese occupation in 1961 and as a consequence many of the old Portuguese villas and gracious white baroque churches, which are still an important part of everyday life are still much in evidence. Chorao island is the Goa of yesteryear. Tourist hotels are unknown although the very popular beaches and restaurants of Candolim, Baga and Calangute are no more than 40 minutes drive away including a short ferry crossing. The central position of Chorao, makes it ideal for those who also want to explore Panjim and the World Heritage sites of Old Goa while still having access to the beaches and shops.
So that you can take full advantage of this delightful rural location, we provide two cars with drivers in the price of your holiday for your exclusive use. All you pay for is the petrol you use and any overtime.
 

The cottage

Bulbuls is one of several bungalows located in a select private development of villas and apartments on the fascinating island of Chorao. This lovely bungalow is set in a beautiful garden ablaze with a profusion of exotic plants and flowers –’ Early morning and evening will see flocks of Brown Babblers and red and yellow vented Bulbuls visit the garden. The bougainvillaea is a mass of colour screening the house from the lane that leads to the resident’s swimming pool only minutes walk away. There are two attractive veranda’s either side of the front door with cane chairs and coffee tables so that you can fully enjoy the beautiful garden setting over a morning coffee or light a few joss sticks while enjoying sundowners before dinner. The spacious sitting room is furnished with a comfortable cane sofa set and chairs and there is a separate dining room. There are three light airy bedrooms fitted wardrobes, bedside tables a dressing table. The kitchen has a full range of utensils, crockery and glassware, a large fridge and a two ring gas burner. The restaurant within the compound will serve you meals in your own dining room, or if you so wish or you can stroll down the lane and eat there. Meals can be ordered in advance and they will call you when they are ready. The whole thing is about relaxing and doing it at your pace.

The restaurant will cater for almost anything you want but may require a days notice as all foodstuffs is brought in fresh on a daily basis and can be ordered for you. You can also order things like bread, water and beer or ask you driver to get them for you. If you are up early enough then the bread man delivers hot bread buns on the back of his bike around 6:30 each morning.

Chorao is a very quiet resort. Ideal if you need to relax and wind down from the western pace of life. Having said that a short car ride and your in the thick of the bars and restaurants and you can party with the best of them.
There are several five star hotels in the area, ideal for that special occasion. It is advisable to book especially at Christmas and New Year



 

Attractions
Chorao Island situated in the middle of the Mondovi River has the advantage that it is mid point between the beaches and markets to the north and the historical sites of the hinterland which make it a good base camp to explore. Join the morning rush hour on the ferry and rub shoulders with the locals setting off for work in their colourful saris’ and clean white shirts. The Island is safe to walk around and on an early morning walk before the heat of the day or an evening stroll you will see and hear many of the local birds. Dr Salem’s Bird sanctuary is located next to the Panaji ferry and this can be a very pleasant morning out.
You will be able to organise your trips with your driver to places like Mapusa Market, The spice plantations, Anjuna Flee Market, Calangute and Candolin beach, Dudhsagar falls and many of the old temples and churches and the “not to be missed” boat tour of the backwaters on “Jake the Snakes” boat looking for crocodiles. All the drivers have good local knowledge and will look after your best interests. With a little bit of research before hand you will get the best out of it.
A day at the Beach shacks’ at coco beach, offer good local food and cold Kingfisher beer, sun beds and toilets, some also offer boat trips. This area tends to be a little less crowded then the main beaches of Calangute and Candolin but does not have the shops and bigger restaurants of the main beach area.
Many of the bars and restaurants have live bands, some even let you join in. They all offer western food for those a little less adventurous. In general the local food is not too spicy and the use a lot of coconut milk which make it all very tasty and the seafood is just the best.
Mapusa Market is a vibrant local market where in a couple of hours, you can pick up souvenirs’ and presents to take home. Bartering is expected.
The flee market at Anjuna is a must and should be a full day. The way we tackle this is for the men to establish a base at one of the tables in the little beach bar. This allows the ladies to shop all day and bring their purchases back for the men to look after. It’s a bit unfair on the guys as they have to sit there all day and drink cold Kingfisher and watch the world go by while listening to the local band. You can all meet up for lunch and then the best part at the end of the day; sit and watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean.

 

Washing can be done through the staff as a private arrangement. The restaurant will take you order by phone and call you when its ready or deliver to Bulbuls cottage A driver will be available for 8 hour day extra time and petrol negotiated localy.

The cottage comprises 3 bedrooms in total; 2 double, 1 twin and 2 cots, 2 of the bedrooms with en-suite facilities. . This gives room for up to 6 people. Bed linen and towels are provided for your use.

The cottage has 3 bathrooms and 3 WCs for your party's use.

The cottage has television satellite/cable. The music system will play cassettes, cds. If you need to keep in contact there is a telephone for incoming and outgoing calls and a fax machine.

There is room for 6 in the living room and 6 in the dining room. To prepare food you will find a cooker, a fridge, a freezer, a kettle, a toaster. The owner has also provided cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils.

Smoking is allowed in this cottage.

Pets are not welcome 

Not suitable for wheelchairs 

The cottage is in a very quiet area. It has access to a shared swimming pool, a garden, a patio area.

The cottage is right beside swimming, walking, a restaurant.

Close to the cottage you will find fishing.

Within easy reach of the cottage you will find a beach, sailing, water skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, historic sites, a museum, shopping areas, a food shop.

The cottage is....

45 min from Dabolim airport.
20 min from Panjim (Capital).
20 min from Old Goa.
35 min from Calangute (Beach).
40 min from Mapusa market.