TRIP TO GOA

Tropical Goa is the smallest state in India but also the most laid back and the most popular with tourists, both from India and all over the world. Most tourists flock here in the Winter months to enjoy sunny days, blissful beaches, fresh seafood, spicy curries, vibrant markets, wild nightlife and much more, all infused with the special and captivating blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures. There really is nowhere quite like Goa and there are not many people who know it like I do so.

And, there really is something for everyone in Goa, from luxury hotels and world-class fine dining restaurants to a mellow yoga retreat to adventure sports to wild all-night beach parties, to cheap and cheerful beach huts and hippie markets.

Although Goa is the most westernized and touristy state in India, there is still so much to explore and love, and the best parts are usually away from the main tourist hot spots (cough cough Baga and Calangute) zipping through paddy fields and colorful villages fringed with palm trees past whitewashed Portuguese churches and discovering quieter beaches.

Quiet Cavelossim

We tapped Goa onto the end of a week touring the Golden Triangle and were looking for something quieter, relaxing and less developed – with all this in mind, we were advised to head South and chose Cavelossim Beach at the Dona Sylvia Beach Resort.

To ensure the area doesn’t become monopolized with high-rise hotels in the North, the resorts around Cavelossim are not allowed to be more than two stories high.

The sand at Cavelossim beach was white, soft and crunchy – it felt a little like snow underfoot (only warmer!). On our first day, we relished in feeling the warm refreshing Arabian sea lap against our toes. We watched crabs dart across the beach and watched locals trying to sell their wares.

Dudhsager Falls & Spice Plantation

Dudhsager Falls (pronounced dud-sager) means “sea of milk” and is located in Colem, two bumpy hours on a coach from where we were staying. To reach the falls, we were transferred into an overland jeep for the final 45 minutes of the journey and we drove through 3 lakes (very cool!) followed by a 10-minute walk over stones and boulders.

Peaceful Palolem

Considered to be one of the best beaches in Goa, Palolem was an hour’s taxi drive from our resort. It is an idyllic white crescent beach naturally blessed with palm trees lining the shore, calm turquoise sea, and colorful beach huts. It definitely had a laid back vibe and we watched as fishermen gathered their nets on the beach – all very picture-postcard.

Our Final Evening In Goa

As the sun set on our last evening, we sat on the beach and reminisced at how magical our time had been. Even though the sun had disappeared, there was such a nice atmosphere we chose to stay a few hours. We listened to the music playing, danced on the sand and watched the high tide lap against the beach tables.

People lit paper lanterns and set them adrift into the sky. We watched as they faded into the distance forming an orange dot on the skyline, noticeably different to the gleaming white of the stars.

It was the best way to end our magical trip.

Travel Facts For India

• A tourist visa is required for most nationalities but there is an e-visa scheme to apply online.
• The International Airport is in Dabolim on the west coast roughly in the middle of the state.
• 4 languages are spoken – Konkani, English, Marathi, Hindi
• Seasons: November – March – dry and cooler (by Indian standards). April & May it is unbearably hot and June – Sept/October have the monsoon rains.

Other Things To Do In Goa

We were attracted to Goa purely because someone recommended it! We had already looked at the Golden Circle tour with tiger safari, so Goa was the natural place to add-on. Incidentally, whilst staying here, tour operators to give the option for overnights trips to visit the Taj Mahal and for tiger safaris.

Other Attractions

• Panaji/Panjim – The capital full of historical Latin & Portuguese culture
• Bom Jesus Basilica –(for St. Francis Xavier tomb)
• Old Goa
• Wildlife Sanctuaries – Bhagwan Mahavir (of which Mollem National Park is a part) or Cotigao Lamgau Caves
• Spice plantation visit (there are many all over)
• Casino cruise
• If you’re hanging out in Goa, head further south and check out the cool state of Kerala. Backwaters, surf, and tonnes of cool things to do!

Markets In Goa

• Anjuna Flea Market (every Wednesday)
• Arpora Night Flea Market
• Mapusa Market (every Friday)

A small selection of the best beaches:

North

• Mandrem
• Arambol
• Morjim
• Ashwem

South:

• Cavelossim
• Palolem
• Utorda
• Agonda
• Varca