Comments on: Goa – Part II – Bird-watching

By: jyoti

jyoti — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:28:52 +0000

Hi Elisabeth…yes, I agree that Goa’s birdlife is amazing to take in. Even a casual walk through fields of North or South Goa can show many colourful Kingfishers. Till now, Bondla has been the most birdful place in our experience.

regards, Jyoti

By: Verheye Elisabeth

Verheye Elisabeth — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:29:40 +0000

Tout celà est du travail de “pro” et donne terriblement envie de venir découvrir ce fabuleux site d’oiseaux. Bravo

By: jyoti

jyoti — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:48:16 +0000

Hi Manoel, thanks for introducing me to Eurogoa – I had a look at the website and will keep it in mind on our exploration of South Goa. I haven’t seen any areas beyond Colva so Curtorim will certainly figure on my list next time I’m there.

By: Dr.Manoel Soares

Dr.Manoel Soares — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:00:53 +0000

Greetings!
We have just opened a new venture in Curtorim, in the countryside ofSouth Goa, India. Last WE we had hosted a group of 17 bird lovers arranged by an event manager. and our guests have loved our place! In the same way, we would love to host you whenever required. How about bird watching in South Goa? Why in Curtorim? Well, very close from Eurogoa, in Curtorim itself, there are 5 lakes which are renowned among the ornithologists for their endemic and migratory birds!
We know expert and reliable indian ornithologists, for half a day or longer excursions. Eurogoa is a small hotel on the “Bed and Breakfast” formula, but eventually there is a possibility to provide night food as well. It is on a hill in the midst of nature. Website: http://www.eurogoa.com. It is not a super luxury hotel but a small, comfortable and spacious one, with a family ambiance. We have 9 bedrooms, which are all spacious, so 18 people can be accommodate @ 2 people/room. We also have a huge covered terrace on which mats can be accommodate for big groups who wouldn’t mind sleeping on the floor.
Best regards,

Dr. Manoel & Mrs. Myriam Soares-Van Doren (indo-belgian couple)

By: jyoti

jyoti — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:10:11 +0000

Enjoyed skimming through it. The 13-day guided trip helped you cover a lot of ground – I’ve driven to Mysore-Ooty from Bangalore at some point but couldn’t dream of including Kerala as it had felt way too far.

Look forward to one on your upcoming travel.

Jyoti

By: Jeanie

Jeanie — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:40 +0000

Here is one I did earlier!!
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india-40-south/Kerala-march-06.htm

By: jyoti

jyoti — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:03:48 +0000

Thanks, Jeanie. This one may still be working. He’d said that he’d spoilt the other sim when the phone had accidentally dropped in water in March.

I haven’t been to Kerala yet. But I went to the Meenakshi temple many years ago, and remember being surprised at some amazing carving and colour in the busy city area.

If you do put a trip/birding report anywhere on the Net, please do send along its link. Hope you’d enjoy this trip as much, if not more, as earlier.

cheers, Jyoti

By: Jeanie

Jeanie — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:25:42 +0000

Hi Jyoti,
Rama’s home number is 9923484344
I too have the other number for his mobile and know that sometimes it was out of range from his home.
We fly to India on Wednesday. 12 nights birding around Trivandram/ Periyar and Thattekkad with a visit to Madurai to temple watch for 3 days.
Then Goa for 9 weeks.
Can’t wait.
Jeanie

By: jyoti

jyoti — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:56:14 +0000

Jeanie, thanks for sharing this view. It’s possible that my own disappointing experience with Raymond was a freak incident. I’d try to track him down on my next visit to see how he comes across. His number has changed from the one I used earlier — will have to leave word for him outside Beira Mer.

I’m surprised that despite the obvious interest among tourists for a local guide for birdwatching, there are still only a couple who can be depended upon.
Jyoti

By: Jeanie

Jeanie — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:24:40 +0000

Feel I must say that we have used Raymond (Rama) for many years and he has never let us down.
Since we spend 8 or 9 weeks in Goa in the winter we tend to book him twice a week and if he gets another offer we are happy to be flexible.
I do feel it is important for the local guides to be used. Have recently learnt of an English chap who has started guiding out of one of the hotels.
This is beer money for him but food money for the local chaps.
Very unfair.