CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
1. Dolphin Spotting
Terra Conscious: www.terraconscious.com • John Boat Tours: www.johnboattours.com
Some of the best beaches for dolphin spotting are Palolem, Sinquerim, Baga and Morjim. A number of operators such Terra Conscious and John’s Boat Tours organize dolphin safaris.
2. Splashdown Water Park
Calangute–Anjuna Main Rd, Anjuna • Open 10:30am–6pm • Adm • www.splashdowngoa.com
This water park boasts a number of high-velocity rides (multi-passenger as well as solo) down slides and chutes or tubes. Rides such as the “Curly Wurly” water slide and the “Tad Pool” have been designed for small children.
Splashdown Water Park in Anjuna
3. Dudhsagar Falls
The country’s second highest waterfall, Dudhsagar on the Goa-Karnataka border, attracts plenty of visitors all year round. Only accessible on foot or by jeep, this is a popular trekking destination. Kids can go on a jungle safari, enjoy birdwatching or opt for a dip in the waters here.
4. Goa Science Centre & Planetarium
Marine Highway, Miramar, Panaji • Open 10am–6pm daily • Adm • www.goasciencecentre.org.in
The fantastic Goa Science Centre & Planetarium is the perfect place to experience a fun day. The science centre has two interactive galleries to explain the basic concepts of physics to kids. In addition, there is a 3D theatre and a dome-shaped planetarium. The outdoor park also has life-size models of dinosaurs.
5. Naval Aviation Museum
Goa’s Naval Aviation Museum boasts 15 types of aircrafts and exhibits such as scaled models of aircraft carriers, INS Viraat and INS Vikrant. The two-storeyed indoor gallery features rare photographs and information about key battles in which the Indian Naval and Air force participated. The evolution of the uniforms worn by Navy personnel are also well documented. The outdoor exhibits include several decomissioned aircrafts, which are on display in the museum’s huge park.
6. River Cruises
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC): 0832 243 8866; tickets at jetty or visit bookings.goa-tourism.com
A leisurely sunset river cruise on the Mandovi is a wonderful way to take in Goa’s sights. The cruise, the duration of which varies from an hour to two, usually begins from the jetty at the foot of the Mandovi bridge, every day between 6pm and 7pm. The entertainment on board is provided by Goan dancers and musicians. These cruises are also organized by several private operators in and around Goa.
7. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary was named after Dr Salim Moizzudin Abdul Ali, one of the country’s foremost ornithologists. In addition to colourful kingfishers and egrets, visitors may also spot the bulbous-headed mudskipper leaping above the water. The mangrove swamps can be explored by taking a boat ride in a dug-out canoe. It is best to visit early in the morning or just before sunset.
Kingfisher at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
8. Ancestral Goa
This unique model village showcases Goan life and culture as it was a hundred years ago through miniature Portuguese colonial homes and life-size statues of tradesmen and craftsmen. Other attractions include the footprint of Big Foot on a rock and the longest laterite sculpture of Mirabai, a poet and devotee of Lord Krishna.
Statues of craftsmen at work, Ancestral Goa
9. Butterfly Conservatory of Goa
Kids will enjoy being introduced to the colourful world of butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa. Founded by the Heblekar family, this tranquil conservatory with beautiful verdant surroundings is home to over 100 different butterfly species.
10. Spice Plantations
Central Goa’s spice plantations offer a delightful opportunity for a family day-out. Most of the spice farms in and around Ponda have guided tours in English, which is a wonderful way to learn about organically grown spices, herbs, fruits and crops. This is usually followed by a traditional Goan lunch buffet. July to March are the best months to visit the plantations.
