Goa – The Beach Paradise
Goa, with its charming beaches, thrilling nightlife, exotic cuisines, and historic edifices, and a unique blend of Konkani and Portuguese, it is one of the much sought after anytime summer holiday destinations in India. Another aspect you may note about Goa is the carnival atmosphere it wears all the time. This is a phenomenon you cannot sense anywhere else in India. For a vacation with a difference, this is the place you should visit.
If there is anything that Goa is synonymous with, then it is its many stunning beaches, which are interestingly markedly differ from one another – in the nature of the sand, crowds, or depth. Anjuna is one such sea coast known for its shingle-sand and sixties-style flower culture. Agonda is ideal for a peaceful beachside stroll, while adventure enthusiasts may feel at home in the rocky and sandy Arambol. Further, Baga is quite popular, Polem and Palolem are unspoilt and lack crowds, and the enchanting Colva is a must-visit. Not to mention are the charming red sand Calangute and Vagator beaches. In fact, there are still more unexplored beaches in Goa, but it’s your job to find it out.
However, it is not about beaches alone as Goa has still much more to see and experience, like the enchanting backwater cruise in Zuari and Mandovi rivers, dolphin cruises in the high seas, adventure sports like waterskiing, parasailing, and wind surfing, and dancing by the fireside to the tunes of a strumming guitar, especially if you are there with your partner. A guided trip that takes one through the colonial past of Goa, through its old cathedrals, temples, and forts, is also a good option if you love visiting heritage sites. For wilderness seekers, there are some exciting forests and rivers in the outskirts of Goa.
But, no visit to Goa is deemed complete without tasting the delicious Goan and Mediterranean cuisine and sea food, something for which its roadside restaurants are famous for. If you are not a teetotaler, also add port wine, local feni (a cashew brew), and passoa – a passion fruit derived liquor – to the list. Finally, there is this pomp and splendor of the various Goan carnivals and festivals, which you simply cannot afford to miss. There will be some festival being organized all the time, and for tourists, it’ll be a nice experience to be in the thick of the things as the excitement unwinds around them.
Goa has a lot to see; hence it is advisable to hire a vehicle as it would save your time. Motorcycle taxis are popular, but bus services are quite erratic and hence not so reliable. Goa’s Dabolim Airport has connections to all major cities in India.
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