Yes, it was allowed

Yes it will be hot and humid when not raining and whenever it rains...rains continues

mon to sat 9 am to 6.30 pm on Sunday 10.30am t0 6.30 pm

The Basilica is open on all days, Sunday and Festival days ...If mass is being celebrated I understand they ask you to wait till it is over .. I reached the Basilica just after mass ... The main pews (Seating arrangement area ) is cordoned off and and tourists are allowed to move on the side to view St.Francis Xavier's Casket.... If you are a Roman catholic and are carrying a Rosary show it to them and tell them you would like to pray in front of the Alter with the number of your family members... They allow you to go up to the Alter ... Tourists on Sundays and Holidays are plenty and of various religious beliefs and the Authorities would like to maintain reverence when you are near the Alter. Have a nice visit and pray peacefully..

Plain roasted cashew nuts with the outer skin is a specialty of Goa... spices are also good but you must find the right shop after inquiring. Alcoholic drinks and feni are very cheap but if you want to take outside Goa a permit is issued for 2 bottles... But the permit is not recognized if you are travelling by bus...They fleece you in the name of penalty if you are caught outside the border.

You might get occasional rain. Best time in Goa is in December.

Hi, there's no entrance charge for the church but mind the dress code - no shorts and sleeveless clothes for the guys or girls. The main Feast happens on 3 Dec every year with a 10 novena preceding it but nothing I'm aware of during the time you're going. Regarding places to stay, I wouldn't recommend staying in Old Goa since its far from most things. Most people prefer the beach or near the beach (if you're the type who likes places not overrun by tourists) Transportation by bus is mostly private. I'd recommend a private taxi. Hope this helps! Have a wonderful trip!

Avoid that time

It's open on all days

Transport: You need to hire a taxi or two wheeler for BoBJ from Colva. Public transport is not so good. If you are coming from Colva to BoBJ, you can ask the taxi or auto driver to take you via Ponda so that you can also visit the famous Shantadurga & Mangeshi Temple. Food: Not much option nearby. There is only one Ratna Sagar Restaurant which caters both Veg & Non Veg Food. A Monginis store is nearby for cakes & pastries. Shopping: You can find small vendors selling tiaras and goan mementos nearby. Just adjacent to Ratna Sagar there is a good shopping arcade for buying handicrafts, mementos and other Goa visit memories etc. etc.