Aashyana
North Goa
Aashyana is in the middle of Candolim, once sleepy but now the noisy centre of north-central Goa’s tourist scene.
Having said that, the property itself is reached via a narrow village lane, with no hint of the crowds, and the property is perfectly serene.
How to get there:
Candolim is easily reached, being one of the most famous areas of Goa.
By air:
Goa airport aka Dabolim is very well served all year round by domestic flights (Indigo/GoAir, Jet, Air India, SpiceJet), as well as international charter flights during the holiday season.
By rail:
The nearest station to Candolim is actually Thivim, but if you can’t alight there then get off at Goa’s main station which is Madgaon (in Margao) and is well-served by trains coming south from Mumbai and north from Kerala. Catch a taxi from either station.
By road:
If you’re coming by bus your best stop is Panjim, Goa’s capital, from where you can take a taxi a few km over the bridge and across to Candolim.
If you’re driving then you want the NH17, Goa’s main thoroughfare. Turn off to the right at Porvorim, before Panjim, if you’re coming from the north, or just left after the bridge from Panjim if you’re coming from the south. Candolim is on the coast, just south of Arpora and north of Fort Aguada., it’s hard to miss and is well signposted.
Distances & travel times:
airport:
Dabolim (Goa) 37km / 1 hr 15 mins
railway stations:
Thivim station: 20km / 40 mins
Madgaon station: 48km / 1 hr 30 mins
When to go:
Aashyana is open all year round.
In Goa, the sunnier, busier period is the main holiday season, running roughly from mid-October to April.
Expect Christmas and New Year to be very busy and book way ahead.
As for the off-season, know what to expect – no swimming, no shacks or resorts on the beach, limited food and drink options, lots of rain – and you can still have a fantastic time; Goa is beautiful at that time.
Getting around:
Taxi, scooter, car rental are all easily arranged, and walking is a good option in Candolim.
Scooter / motorbike is really the best way to explore Goa. Be aware that those upfront should wear a helmet and drive only tourist licensed bikes. Traffic from Candolim up through Calangute can be very hectic, and Goan roads often have unmarked speed breakers, so take it easy!