A fun filled Saturday @ Ingo's Night Market - Goa

This is not just ordinary Goa'n market which you'll find near all the beaches. It's different in many aspects and that's what makes Ingo's a must visit in Goa!

Note: A fun filled *Saturday* since it's a 'Saturday' Night market. Do plan your visit accordingly.

Located in Aprora (Near Baga and Calungate beach), this one is not difficult to find. The market is situated in a huge open area with ample parking space, sometimes it's a bit difficult to find the spot because of the heavy rush... The parking and entry is free (there are guards and metal detectors on all the entry gates).  

 

Entry Gates

Yes, It's a drug free zone :)

We stopped at Ingo's for a quick detour but ended up spending the whole evening there! 

 

A little history first:

The market was started in the 70's by a German guy called Ingo. Anyone was allowed to pay up and open a shop. Started as a low key affair where people used to collaborate to open small shops and trade along with enjoying their beers, this has now become a phenomenon in Goa.
 

 

What all is here?

In simple words -- Shop + Eat + Enjoy!

 

Shop-o-holic

A variety of shops and stalls where all kinds of stuff is available at great bargain. Also, other than that we found a lot of unique stalls by the foreigners. The designs are good and unique, & also at a good bargain!

A maze of numerous such lanes make the market.

A lot of foreigners can be seen here.

 

Some nice artifacts I saw there...

Puppets...

Interesting Fact: Almost every local Goa'n shopkeeper there speaks fluent Russian! We were amazed by their communication skills. An owner of one of the shop told me that there are a lot of night schools in Goa teaching Russian (almost everyone learn it as approximately 80% of the tourists in Goa are from there).

If you are skillful, there is a lot of scope of bargaining..!

 

Food Food!

There is a dedicated space reserved for the food stalls... and we found a mix of all the international cousines being served there. All the best restaurants have a stall there... A great place to try out all the different cousines at one place!

 

Yes!

The food Stalls..!

Kebabs.. Burrito's...

And the Fun!

Music is everywhere. There is a stage in the middle of the market where many visiting artists from all over the world perform. There are lot's of performances which can't be missed. There is a seating area and a bar around the stage (which is most occupied all the times). We saw some awesome jam sessions and performances by a visiting Dutch couple...
There are a couple of restaurants with a dance floor (and a DJ) also.

Photo booth... tag along in FB!

The live performance...

Ingo's is definitely a fun filled evening. Try reaching there early (by 5-6PM) to get the most of it!

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A busy day @ Dadar - The most busiest station in Mumbai!

A routine day in life of Mumbaikars!

Evening visit to Arambol Beach - Goa

Arambol beach is one of the clean and less crowded beach of North Goa. We had spent all of our morning and afternoon around Vagator/Chapora Fort and wanted to spend some quality time on a beach and enjoy Sunset..

Clean beach ... Nice Walk!

Not many people in and around...

 
Anjuna Beach was our first choice, but since it was closer to the main stream North Goa (the happening beaches - Calungate/Baga) we decided to go for the farther one on a drive while we still had time... and parked Anjuna for some other day!

(Friendly Advise - you too are confused if Arambol is worth a visit? - NO. Nothing great to travel the way to this one, only if you are passing by)

The beach has all the amenities (parking, washrooms, food joints...).

It's good and peaceful... had a nice evening walk, but don't expect clean or blue water beach around here. We Had a great peaceful time on the shacks.You get to sit on the free of cost (just order something at the restaurant who owns the shacks.. and that's all)

You don't have to pay for these (just order something on the restaurant)...

View from the Shacks...!

Also, the beach has mostly foreign crowd visiting and you will hardly find any Indians. That means very few or no hawkers as well

The market around the beach is nice (less crowded, if you are looking to shop in some peace).

There is a fresh water lake around the beach, ask the locals and they will guide you on directions. We decided to skip that one as we were tired. From what we heard about the lake, It's worth the visit...

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The 'Dil Chahta Hai' Spot - Chapora Fort, Goa

The only reason I (and probably most of the Indian crowd) visited this fort - Dil Chahta Hai...
"The scene from the movie, when the trio meet on this location overlooking the seas and the beautiful sunset..."

Dil Chahta Hai (Image Courtesy: Google)

The Fort rises high above the Chapora River and covered from the seas on the other two sides. The location of the fort is very well suited for good scenic beauty.

Reaching there can be a pain point if you are not interested in a lil' bit of trekking. Parking is available but to reach the fort you would have to climb up on uneven / rocky surface. Once you are done with it, the cool breeze and the awesome views will make up for the tiredness.

Parking available. Fort visible at the top

You'll have to trek your way to the top... !

Chapora River

Chapora Fort walls...

Also, there are no amenities available in and around the fort, so better be prepped with water / some snacks / beer :)

Make sure to plan the trip when weather is favorable. Best time would be early morning or during sunset. 

Flat surface on the top ...

The fort is flat from the top and you can view 'Vagator Beach' on the left and 'Morjim Beach' on the right side. Apart from these there is nothing much to explore on the fort itself.

View of 'Morjim Beach' from the top

View of 'Vagator Beach' from the top

Small Hill (You can further trek down there from the fort)

You can spare 1-2 hours (including the trekking) to visit this fort.

Cheers!

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