When I think of my best vacation, the only name that comes to mind is Goa. It was last summer that I went to this secular state which can be called mini India, thanks to the diversity shown in the form of tourists coming in from all parts of the country. I reached Goa at night and was hence unable to venture out that day. But the next morning I woke up to a wonderful view of the sea from my hotel room at The Lalit. The morning was spent in tanning on Calangute beach, followed by a brunch with my family.
As I took a walk on the beach in the evening, I collected shells from the shore – something that I have enjoyed doing since my childhood at any beach destination. The quietness along the shores with only the curling waves sounded like music to me. As the evening passed by I dined with my family at Souza Lobo at Baga, bringing a wonderful evening to a close. Goa tourism has much more to offer than one can probably imagine – having snacks at Bob Marley Shack at Candolim is definitely worth recalling, while the lively beaches with golden sands still hold a special place in my memory. It’s wonderful to take a stroll at dusk to find flickering lights in the shacks with Goan music playing, the air moistening the skin and filling your senses with the aroma of sea food. There was so much to do and so little time, that I felt I wanted a little of Goa with me when I return.
Photo by kathleenjoyful
Goa beaches are a rage for their adventure water sports. I went parasailing, which gave me a good adrenaline rush. The most memorable part of my trip was the river cruise. After all the local sightseeing and shopping, this cruise was a great way to relax and unwind. The azure waters of the Mandovi River, along with the gentle melody of a live band was the best thing that happened to me on the trip. The vibrant performances on the river cruise gave a vivid reflection of Goan traditional values, as the local performers sang and danced the Goan way and soon got us thumping with their music. The next day we visited a spice plantation in north Goa. It was an hour’s drive from our hotel. We were welcomed with garlands followed by a guided tour. Where we were shown around the plantation and told about all kinds of spice trees with medicinal qualities. After the tour we were served a buffet lunch and were given small pouches of spices as warm goodbyes. After a long day at the plantation, the hotel spa was provided welcome relief and made me sleep soundly. The last day started with a visit to the prettiest beach of Goa. Palolem is by far the most serene place I have visited. A round cape, rocks and boulders mark the edges on either side, while the southern tip provides a majestic view. Followed by an ecstatic evening where I tried my luck at the casino, we went to a rest-o-bar. Even though, my luck didn’t favour me that day, I enjoyed all the games. I would like to recommend a visit to Goa just for its scenic beauty, golden beaches and authentic food.
About the author
Kirat Sodhi loves to travel, read and is a theatre enthusiast.
