Avanilaya
inland, north Goa
Avanilaya is inland in north Goa, around the hamlet of Corjuem, which lies east of the Catholic village of Aldona, over a wide, beautiful river. The villas are on a hilltop surrounded by dense forested areas and landscaped gardens.
How to get there:
Taxi is the best option, from the airport, railway station or wherever you may be. You can also ask your hosts to arrange for you to be collected.
By air:
Goa airport (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 train:
For Avanilaya your nearest station is Thivim but if your train doesn’t stop 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.
Distances & travel times:
airport: 45km / 1 hour
railway stations:
Thivim: 10km / 25 mins
Madgaon: 55km / 90 mins
When to go:
Any time is possible, with both seasons – Tourist and Monsoon – having their particular charms. It all just depends whether you want sun or tropical rain. The usual November to March tourist season offers the most in terms of activities, facilities and people to meet. Naturally, that’s when the sun is out too.
Getting around:
Local taxi drivers can be called and being so far away from everywhere else, a taxi is the best bet.
Come with a scooter and you have more scope for getting out and about and exploring.
There are not many places of note that are near enough to walk to, but the local area is good for a pleasant stroll.