BETALBATIM
We used the package from JET Airways starting from Mumbai. The package included the following:
Flight MUMBAI-GOA-MUMBAI
6N Accommodation at the Coconut Grove (***) on BETALBATIM Beach
Buffet breakfast, Lunch, dinner inclusive in the package
Airport transfers
Half-day sightseeing tour
JET Airways leisure package
Package booked through:
NEW DELHI TCI
Cost of the package for 2 Pax 28726,- INR
HOTEL
COCONUT GROVE
Ranwaddo, Betalbatim beach
Betalbatim, Salcette
Goa 403713
Tel: +91-832/880123-125
Fax: +91-832/880124
E-mail: cgrove@goatelecom.com
www.goacom.com/hotels/coconutgrove
The hotel is located next to the Nanu hotel on Betalbatim Beach. Betalbatim is situated a 25 Min walk along the beach north of Colva. Colva can be reached in a 5-minute drive by car. The hotel is more or less a bit isolated. Taxi drivers take profit of this situation and request 100 INR for the short drive during daytime and 150 INR during dark hours (night time even more). Close to the hotel are four so-called shacks on the beach, where you can get food and drinks inclusive an umbrella and beach chairs. North of Betalbatim beach at 20 minute walking distance is Majorda beach located, with also some shacks. Betalbatim is a quite beach during the week. On weekends locals visit it. Shacks remain on the beach from 15 Oct till 15 Apr (government contract of 6 months). From 15 Apr onwards, beaches are deserted, as the tourist season takes an end. Monsoon starts in June and takes until Sep. Peak is during the Christmas and New Years period.
Coconut Grove is a brand new hotel, with good facilities (cable TV, fridge, nice interior) and located in a nice garden. Next to the classic menu there is a Thai food menu. Service was excellent. Food was good and drinks cheap (Alcohol is at very reasonable prices in all Goa). The hotel is located close to the beach. You have to walk through a paddy field with coconut trees to reach it.
Betalbatim is far from crowded and there is not much to see. The beach is only advised to people who are looking for complete tranquillity (relaxation) and huge playground for the children. The beach is very clean and the water delicious to swim. Sunset is beautiful. Nightlife with exception of Colva (if you can call this nightlife) is none. So moonlight dancers, go to North Goa!
The hotel is located 40 Min from Dabolim airport. Panaji, the capital from Goa is a good hour drive. There are a number of daily cruises available quite popular with the local visitors. We took an animated sunset cruise (100 INR) leaving Panaji to the mouth of the Mandovi river, passing along Aguada fort.
We visited old Goa, 9 Km of Panaji, but touristicly there is not so much to see - around a half dozen churches: the Se Cathedral, the convent & church of St Francis of Assisi, the basilica of Bom Jesus, the church of St Cajetan and St Augustine Ruins, the church & Convent of St Monica.