The next time you plan a break, head for Goa - the land of sun, sand, and surfing! 

Ever wondered what is common to breathtaking land forms  thickly forested hills, sun-kissed and palm-fringed beautiful beaches, exotic parties, a honeymoon getaway and a bowl of prawn curry served hot! No prizes for guessing, GOA it is! As one paces up the pebble roads that circumvent round dense green forests, one can’t help but marvel at the natural beauty that thrives in this most sought after holiday destinations in the world! And yes, of course, the warmth and cordiality that Goans exude makes this tiny yet striking state an absolute holidaymaker’s paradise. 

Timeline

With the western Konkan belt lacing its coastal territory, this ‘Pearl of the Orient’ was formerly a Portuguese colony until 1961 when it became a union territory of the Indian union and was conferred state hood in 1987, hence becoming the 25th state of India. Conjointly, Goa’s soul delves deep into its unique history that, on one hand, legends Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, with its creation, and on the other deems in St Francis Xavier as its progenitor!

Exotic Beaches of Goa

If you happen to be a stickler for parties, night clubs and discos, then friends, north Goa is the ultimate beach spot you got to hit on.  And that’s not it! For those ‘just-married’ hearts that covet for some cosy personal honeymooning, south Goa boasts of a perfect blend of stunning scenic beauty, serenity and tranquility!

Anjuna Beach

Post an 18km road-drive from the capital city of Panaji, awaits you the north ‘Goa freak capital of the world’, the hub of late moonlit dance parties with loud floor burning music, to give you a real high! And still if you are left with the nerve of experiencing some more adrenalin rush, then go, run to let your body loose as you para glide in the lucid azure sky, windsurf on the gushy foamy waters and play a yachtie on the Arabian sea.

Colva Beach

A 180’ turn from the Anjuna beach for a drive of some 40kms from Panaji lands you on a 20 km emerald stretch dotted with rows of swaying palm trees, a long silver sand shoreline bathed by the fresh sea breeze. Colva beach besides cocooning romanticism also prides itself in being the largest and the oldest beach of Goa and is a must see for all seeking a laid back holiday vacation.

Calangute Beach

16km from Panaji you bump into another spot where the sea and the sun mingle in perfect harmony! Once a quiet fishing village, this ‘Queen of the beaches’ also is witness to the footprints of a lazily, hand-in-hand, strolling couple on its sands. Being the largest commercial resort of Goa, Calangute beach bursts with its three Ss: Sun, Silver Sand and Sea food. And for the same reason is home to a multitude of international tourists.

Baga Beach

Sandwiched between the Colva and the Colangute, lies this perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the city. Nestled at the confluence of river Mandovi and river Zuari, Baga beach gives you your most awaited dolphin and backwater crocodile spotting thrill as you marinate in the sun there or go paddle boating!

Holy Churches

Goa has a vibrant cultural diversity that seeps deep into the social fabric and makes it synonymous with churches. Living testimonies to the legacy of indo colonial architecture, these churches make Goa the ROME-OF-THE-EAST!

 Basilica of Bom Jesus 

The silver casket, enclosing the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, contained in this 16th century archetype speaks volume about the unwavering faith that Goans stem in their founder. 

So folks, on visiting this famous, inlaid with precious stones and beautifully glided altar church, don’t forget to light the candles given to you by your guide at the church entrance; coz if traditional beliefs are anything to go by, and the candles lit by you don’t extinguish even once before they completely burn themselves out, then you’re the lucky one man! Go! All your wishes would be granted!!!

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi 

Right across the Basilica in old Goa, is standing another 16th century superstructure, the most striking feature of which is the Golden Bell hanging in the topmost tower of this church. Though you wouldn’t get a chance to ring the bell, (I know its... Awww! Sad!), yet clambering up the apples and pears leading to the bell tower will certainly give you a real view of the largest bell in the world. A sight worth the plight!

Shri Bhagvati temple

Oh yes! How can one forget the epitome of female grace, grandeur and power- the Ashtbhuja that reins over Goa – Maa Durga. Located in Pernem, the temple displays the blend of Indian and Portuguese architecture, the most impressive part being the two imposing elephant statues at its entrance. And Guys! Do have a sneak peak at the shopping market in the by lanes that lead to this temple! Also, lots of ‘Nariyal-pani’ available there!!!

Goan Cuisine

Awesome was the word reverberated amongst the other tourists, in a candid chitchat with me, as they went on describing the mouth watering Goan delicacies. I mean seriously, all thanks to the vast water expanse that engulfs Goa, this exiguous state thrives in sea food – prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are most popular both with the visitors and the locals. While fish and rice remain the staple diet in Goa, the travellers have a plethora of spicy and non vegetarian dishes that their tastes buds would identify with. Owing to the Indo-Catholic orientation of the Goan cuisine, the Fish Sarpotel-a preparation of diced fish flavoured with Portuguese vinegar and sautéed with Indian spices is a must try! Trust me. You’d love this delectable delicacy!

Goan Feni distillation

Feni

And then is FENI, to wash all that down!

Sitting on the sun kissed Calangute beach, staring into the blue Arabian Sea, holding a bowl of Feni... you couldn’t ask for a better heady concoction. FENI is a local refreshing drink that has a distinct aroma and comes in two variants: Coconut and Cashew. An alcoholic beverage that doubles up as a cocktail, Feni is the first drink in India to possess a GI (geographical indicator), a sign that authentic Feni can only be sourced from Goa. Double distilled, pure in colour, this drink sells brand GOA to the world. Point to be noted: Fenni shouldn’t be left untouched!!!

Goa Carnival

Celebrated every year in the month of February and spanning over 3 days and 3 nights, this is the most awaited time of the year when the entire Goa is soaked in dance, fun, music and food providing a fulsome entertainment to young and old alike. What was once a rowdy affair full with street fight and lavish food has now transformed itself into an improved not-to-be-missed Avatar. All hell breaks loose during these three days, as people come together to celebrate the most colourful festivals of Goa. 

Right at start you stand a chance to be the king of the carnival, also called the King of Chaos, ‘momo’, and preside over it for the next 3 days. The days and nights are all fun filled, the streets have floats pouring in, live bands playing loud and the frenzy is on an all time high. Carnival brings out the best in you so if haven’t had enough of Goa, Go Carnival!

Goa Wildlife Sanctuary

Blessed with mesmerising natural beauty and dense forests, Goa offers an ideal haven for its vibrant wildlife. Home to myriad species of birds and animals, Goa also houses the ‘Gaur’, the state animal and ‘Yellow Bulbul’, the state bird. 

Move into the hearts of Goa and you might chance upon flying lizards, kingfishers, elephants, oysters, sloth bear, giant squirrels and hold your breath… A Tiger! Thousands of migratory birds, including cranes and pelicans can also be spotted in and around the river Mondovi. So now you know, there is something really ‘wild’ in Goa besides the ‘wild’ parties!

And do let me know whenever u're heading for Goa! I'll always have something interesting to tell....

But before that have a look at these! 

The dockyard as visible from the out tourist bus. 

The various colorful cruise at the dockyard. Its beautiful! 

Yes it is! The Central Jail of Goa! 

Our Cruise. Isn't it mesmerizing!!!

Coral Queen was her name!

The famous bungalow of a diamond businessman. The palace where "HASEENA MAAN JAYEGI" was filmed! 

The wax museum in Goa. displaying the "Last Supper". The statues are made of wax, that can melt at room temperature.

The meandering roads of Goa! 

The birth of Jesus displayed at the wax museum! 

Para sailing was so much fun!

The folk dances at our cruise!

Needless to say anything!

The Bridge visible at a distance behind the ships is the same on which the stars of Dhoom 2 raced, and several parts of the movie were filmed! Wow, what a thrill!!!