Plan Your TEDx
About Goa
Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, the 25th State in the Union Government of India, is also known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient". The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world.
Panaji (also referred to as Panjim) is the state's capital. Vasco da Gama (sometimes shortened to Vasco) is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
For more details, please visit the following links
http://goagovt.nic.in/welcome.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/goa
http://www.goa-tourism.com
http://www.goa-hotels-resorts.com/index.html
How to reach Goa?
By Air
Goa is well connected with major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin, Calicut, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, etc. Airlines that provide services to Goa include Indian Airlines, Kingfisher, Indigo, Jet Airways, GoAir, Spicejet, etc.
By Rail
Goa has 2 major railway stations viz., Vasco and Margao.
Margao railway station is about 25 kms and Vasco railway station is about 15 kms from the venue.
By Road
Goa has two National Highways passing through it. NH-17 runs along India's west coast and links Goa to Mumbai in the north and Mangalore to the south. Mumbai is 594 Kms from Goa and Mangalore is 402 Kms from Goa.
Local Transport in Goa
Moving around in Goa is not difficult at all as one can avail the various transport facilities that are available in Goa. There is a sound provision of various modes of transportation for getting around in Goa. One can hire them on a full day basis or can go around from one place to another in different ones.
By Bus
The passable and smooth roads in Goa provide the tourists with an effortless access to all the important tourist places in Goa. The buses are either state owned or run by private companies and are readily available from almost all major tourist places and locations within Goa. Buses prove an efficient means of local transport in Goa connecting all places in Goa.
By Car
Cars, both self and chauffer driven are available on rent for local touring of Goa. Another rational and viable option is the tourist taxis that are available near the Airport, resorts and hotels, and the local taxi stands in Goa.
By Motorcycle / Bike
One of the most unique modes of transport in Goa is the yellow motorcycle taxi, locally known as the "Pilot". It is not only speedy and agile but also the most cost-effective option for getting around in Goa. For the adventurous and fun loving tourists the motorcycles/bikes are the best mode to explore Goa. The motorcycle taxis are distinguished by their yellow mudguards and white number plate.
By Auto Rickshaw / Autos
A popular option, these three-wheeled vehicles, run by the meters, are a good way to roam around in Goa and get to the places one wants to visit. There are independent auto rickshaw stands and are also easily available at the Airport, the railway station and the bus terminus.
Launches and Flat-bottom Ferry:
Taking the water-route is a unique way to travel in Goa. There are several services of boats and ferries in Goa. With numerous creeks and rivers criss-crossing Goa, water transport provides one of the cheapest and easily available mode of transport in Goa. In some places, crossing the water becomes essential if one has to go to the other side; and at such times, taking the services provided by the boats and ferries in Goa is either the only way or the easiest way.
Tourist Attractions in Goa
Panjim (Capital City) - Approximate driving time is 35 minutes & distance is 25 kms from the Conference Venue. It is a heritage location with many renowned churches and buildings constructed in Gothic Style.
Old Goa - The holy Basilica of Bom Jesus, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among Roman Catholics. Other well-known churches are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine.
Dona Paula Beach - It derives its name from the daughter of a viceroy who chose to kill herself when forbidden to marry the man she loved. This beach is also called Lovers Paradise. This beach offers various water sports activities including water-scooter rides motorboat rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.
Calangute Beach - Perhaps the best known of Goa's beaches, this beach is a stretch of 7 kilometers of golden sand. Curving across the coastline of North Goa, Calangute beach is popular with people of all ages. Food and trinket stalls add to the tourist attractions of the idyllic beach itself.
Anjuna Beach - Located 18 km from Panaji, this beach, popular among young revelers, was known for being a favourite hippie party spot in the 1970's. Even today the Anjuna beach is the site of trance parties, on moonlit nights. A flea market on Wednesdays, where trinkets and memorabilia can be bought is also a popular tourist attraction.
Colva and Benaulim Beaches - Located in South Goa, 20 km from Panaji, these beautiful beaches are quieter and more laid back than the more popular beaches near Panaji. Colva beach is stretches for 20 km and is Goa's longest beach. The festival at the local church, bull fights in the vicinity and stalls on the beach selling trinkets are some of the attractions of this beautiful getaway.
Dudhsagar Waterfall - These exotic waterfalls, which appear like milky streams from a distance, are located 60 km from Panaji. The landscape around these falls in the Western Ghats is truly breathtaking, particularly when the falls are at their fullest after the monsoon rains.
Palolem Beach - Located in South Goa, this beach is 37 km from Margao. This beach, also known as Paradise beach, has a peaceful atmosphere and is less crowded than some of the more popular beaches. Dolphin cruises and fishing expeditions are other attractions of Palolem.
Temples of Goa - Goa has a number of Hindu temples that have historical significance. Temples worth visiting are the Shri Mangesha Temple, the Shanta Durga Temple, the Shri Ganesha Temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple, and the Shri Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Shri Anantha Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple and Devaki-Krishna Temple.
Food in Goa
Rice with fish curry is the staple diet in Goa. Goan cuisine is renowned for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil is widely used in Goan cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavour.
Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Goan Catholics. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate, is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma. Sannas a variant of idli and Koilori a variant of dosa are native to Goa. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas.
How to reach BITS - Pilani, Goa Campus?
Nearest railway stations to BITS - Pilani, Goa Campus are Vasco-da-Gama and Margaon.
You can either hire a taxi/auto anywhere from Vasco, Margaon or Panjim. From Panjim you can take a shuttle service bus from Kadamba Bus Stand (Panjim) to Vasco which run at frequent intervals. It is advisable only if you have less luggage. Buses from Vasco and Margaon also run at regular intervals. Should be preferred only if you have less luggage.
Hire a Pre-Paid / Post-Paid taxi from the Goa Airport to BITS-Pilani Goa Campus. Buses are also available from the airport to campus, but should be taken only if you have very less luggage.
On reaching the campus, alight at the Reception Desk. Here you will be given further directions.
Accommodation and Food
There will be a separate registration form for availing accommodation. Accommodation will be provided to all the registered attendees on payment basis. Accommodation will be provided from the day prior to the fest to the day after.
The various options for food during your stay are the following (on payment basis)
- Extra eateries put up at the Food Court during the festival.
- Mess
- Two cafeterias inside the campus.
Instructions
- Consumption of alcohol, tobacco or any intoxicant is strictly prohibited within campus premises.
- Any flammable liquids, knives and explosives of any kind are strictly prohibited inside the campus. Any other item if deemed unsafe will be prohibited.
- All food stalls will only use coupons for selling items. Direct monetary transactions are not allowed.
- The organizers of TEDXBITSGoa are not responsible for any loss of property or mishaps that occur during the period.
- All the essential facilities are present inside the campus. These include a medical centre, a shopping complex and an SBI ATM.
NOTE: Please keep seeing this page for further details. Register for accommodation here.
Contact Us
P. V. Praneeth
+91 9011272616
P. Varun Prasad
+91 9823097966
