Bean Me Up is an open-air restaurant with rooms in Vagator, North Goa (about an hour and a half’s drive from Goa airport), that is full of wonderment and delicious surprises. The vibe Situated in a peaceful courtyard far from the shops, bars and beach shacks, is the Bean Me Up restaurant and café. In keeping with the Goan vibe, parachutes are suspended above the outdoor dining area and chill out music plays in the background punctuated only bird song and the sound of the occasional Royal Enfield chugging past on the main road. The food Every mouthful of each dish is bursting with flavour, which highlights the lacklustre Indian food we often tolerate at home in the UK. The extensive and perfectly presented menu filled me with joy, which is surprising as the menu is vegan and I never thought in a million years that I would love vegan food. Over the past week I've been eating only vegan cuisine and it has been such an eye opener; I'm not missing meat or dairy, and I'm loving my plant-based diet so much that I'm seriously considering venturing into this world full time. I know it’s typical to drink juices in a vegan restaurant, but Bean Me Up’s fruits juices demand attention. Go for the Watermelon Juice, Pomegranate Juice or Red Eye Juice (100 rupees each). You won’t regret it! Food wise, everything is amazing, but I recommend the Cosmic Sampler Platter (380 Rupees or £4.50) if for no other reason than its cool name. It’s listed as a “little piece of everything” and it didn’t disappoint. For dessert, the dairy-free American Sundae (250 Rupees or £3.00) was unbelievable. I'm an ice cream fanatic and I couldn't believe that the ice cream was dairy free. The verdict Bean Me Up is the kind of place you can easily spend a day chilling out and experimenting with cold- pressed fruit juices, sensational salads, pastas, pizzas and an assortment of international light bites and signature main dishes. Despite it being a 'restaurant with rooms' the rooms are very basic and shabby, so it’s best to stay elsewhere. This place is one in a million; a vegan taste sensation.
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South Goa’s pretty paradise beach
Pretty Patnem as it’s affectionately known by visitors, is one of South Goa’s most picturesque beaches. I’ve been told many regular visitors that come here that unlike its larger cousin, bustling Palolem, Patnem doesn’t really change,
A small crescent shaped beach, Patnem has a certain magic to it - the views are intoxicating beach dogs roam, sea eagles soar and if you’re lucky, wise-eyed sacred cows will also cross your path.
Keep fit while taking in the views
If you’re into running, visit the beach just after dawn to watch the businesses wake and individuals perform yoga asanas to welcome in the day. If early morning starts aren't your thing, the egg yolk sunsets are extraordinary, too. To get the best views, take a hike up the small hilltop in the adjacent Colomb Bay to enjoy the setting sun in its full technicolour glory. For yoga enthusiasts, there are at least 20 different shalas peppering the beach, offering drop in classes from as little at 300 Rupees (roughly £3.50)*.
Eating options in Patnem
Along the beach one will find an array of about 20 fine eateries, shacks and cafes all offering the usual beach snacks, European favourites and Indian classics. We've also rounded up the best places to find some of our favourite foods:
Learn to cook
If you fancy learning to cook healthy Indian food, then ensure you visit Yoga Cooking Classes to try your hand at making fresh and delicious Indian cuisine. Staying in Patnem If you're planning on staying overnight in Patnem, don’t book your accommodation until you arrive. Beach huts and rooms vary tremendously in quality and condition and there are plenty to choose from to suit all budgets (typically ranging between 1000 – 2000 Rupees or £12 - £24 per night*. *Prices accurate at time of writing Ben Ricci
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Kerala is a must-visit destination located in South India on the Malabar Coast that's renowned for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters. To help inspire your wanderlust, we've rounded up some of our favourite pics from this fabulous destination.
Cherai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the state. It's located in Cherai, a suburb of Kochi, only 25 km from downtown Kochi and 20 km from the Cochin International Airport.
No trip to Kerala is complete without a tour of the backwaters. Travel in style on a luxurious thatched-roof houseboat. You can hire houseboats from Alleppey, which is the start of the backwaters located between Kochi and Kollam. Whether you're interested in hiring a boat for one day or one week, there are tour providers on hand that can help you find the perfect tour.
Elephants are loved and revered in Indian culture. The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is one of the largest centres of its kind in Kerala.
Culture lovers should ensure that they see a Kathakali perfomance during their visit. Kathakali is an indigenous art/ dance form that's characterised by its elaborate makeup and bright costumes donned by the performers.
Kerala boasts an impressive 600k of gorgeous , peaceful beaches near the Arabian Sea. With so many beautiful sights and cultural experiences on offer, it's easy to see how Kerala has captured the hearts and souls of those who visit.
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The official capital of Goa, Panaji (or Panjim as it’s also known), is a testament to the colourful synergy of Portuguese colonialism and the soul of India. It has an energetic spirit peppered with a strong Catholic influence and is probably one of the only places in India where taking an afternoon siesta is the cultural norm. It’s a small city, so a couple of days is more than enough to explore it properly.
Top things to see and do in Panaji
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception The spectacular Church of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception is one of the hot tourist spots in Panaji. It is a fine-looking building, sometimes likened to a tiered wedding cake. Painted in Mediterranean blue and white, it's beautifully lit at night and attracts significant crowds - whatever their religious persuasions. Panjim Open Library India’s trusting culture that in many ways was founded on intellectual curiosity, can be experienced amongst Panaji’s beautiful central gardens. The Panjim Open Library is a lovely concept which allows people to borrow books for free. Maruti Temple The striking orange Maruti Temple (affectionately called the Monkey Temple because it’s the place of worship of the Hindi monkey god) is situated on the side of Altinho hillside overlooking the Old Quarter. Here you can watch monks pray while getting a feel for Hindu ceremonies.
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Vivanta by Taj - Bekal, Kerala: With the world-renowned Jiva Grande Spa, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy luxurious modern comfort whilst practising authentic and traditional yoga. Built by the backwaters with its satvik dining lounge, courtyards, landscaped relaxation spaces and meditation nooks and a fully-fledged wellness library, this tranquil pocket of wellness offers authentic, holistic and comprehensive Ayurveda programmes and yoga retreats for all levels.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur: A golden-hued desert sandstone monument, set amidst 26 verdant acres of garden, the scene is set for a royal experience of rejuvenation, harmony and healing. Improve posture, develop strength, motivation and refresh the mind with the Asanas yoga or expand your vital energy with the practice of Pranayama. Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove, Kovalam: Amidst white sand beaches and miles of greeneries is the Jiva Spa, with soothing white and earthy wood décor to calm and quieten the mind and body. Let the private waterfall outside the relaxation lounge serenade and rejuvenate the soul whilst you practice reviving yoga circulations.
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