Leisure: Go Goa this year end !

BANGALORE, INDIA: How about celebrating the New Year's eve on the golden beaches of Goa!

This New Year's eve can be much more than just wine and dance to the tired souls in the IT/BT and BPO sectors on the famed beaches of Goa this season. Thanks to the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) which has organized a year-end trekking, biking and even family camps on the unexplored countryside of Goa to usher in the New Year.

Goa provides a multitude of natural attractions and its spell is so deep that one cannot resist the temptation of visiting again and again. The participants get a chance to enjoy a splendid panorama of hills, sandy beaches, beautiful landscapes, groves of palm trees and sun kissed waterways.

Courtesy: http://www.trek2goa.blogspot.com/

According to YHAI, the Goa State branch is organizing the National Trekking expedition 2008-09 and Biking Expedition 2008 to fulfill the growing demand of the countryside and beach trekking. Alongside, the 

association also has arranged family camping for the benefit of those would like to be part of adventure along with families and friends.

Organizers have taken care to ensure that the trekking route offer thrills and excitement to the participants as in any mountain besides organizing a boat ride in the Arabian seas for the first time. Additional attractions include chance to take part in rock climbing, rappelling besides short bus rides and train journey.

Trekking

The eight-day trekking expeditions will be organized for different batches till December last week. The expeditions will begin from the base camp at Sport Authority Ground, Campal, Panaji and include rock 

climbing, rappelling, sailing from base camp to Velsao beach on day two and three.

The activities on other days include trekking from Velsao to Dudhsagar (10kms), Kuveshi (10kms), Castle Rock (12 kms), Dhargem (16 kms) and Mollem(8kms).

Biking

The 6-day biking expedition will start from the base camp at Sports Authority Ground, Campal, Panji and pass through Mormugo harbor, Cavelossim (day2), Cavelossim to Netravali camp (day 3), Dudhsagar camp ( day 4), Bondla camp ( day 5) and return to base camp ( day 6).

Participants will have to bike an average distance of 45 kms per day on a even terrain. Geared bike, helmet and knap sacks will be provided by YHAI. Every group will be accompanied with a motorbike carrying a guide to show the way and an expert cycle mechanic in case of breakdown.

For details on starting dates, bookings and fee, log on to : http://www.trek2goa.blogspot.com/