Goa....pack your bags for an extended vacation

Vagator Beach

College days are the colourful days of our lives. And class trips and outings leave a memory in our hearts for a lifetime. In my senior year of college, we had been on a trip to Goa. This was around the time when a super hit Hindi movie - Dil Chahta Hai had released and was running successfully in the theatres for a long time. This movie was when I actually saw the beauty of Goa. I remember having a lot of fun with my friends on that trip....the beaches, the parties, the shopping, the food..... And when our trip was over, and when we got back home....I always had the urge to go back to Goa again.

That's the kind of feeling that Goa leaves you with.  Goa is not the place that you visit once and cross off from your list. After the first visit it becomes an urge to go again and after the second, it might turn out to be a tradition!

Famous for full moon beach rave parties, a hippie-run night market and the kind of laid-back tropical vibe that you can really only find in Asia (I feel).... Goa is definitely one of India’s most touristy areas. The many years of Portuguese rule led to a very different population and culture in Goa compared to the rest of India. The combination of Portuguese colonialism in the past and a high number of foreigners visiting in the present, make Goa seem like the least Indian part of India. 

Beach Shacks & Beds under colourful big umbrellas by the Majorda Beach

Mr. Peter had also been to Goa a couple of times...once before we got hitched and after that as well for work related stuff. It had been on our list for a very long time to go together as a family....but always something or the other kept coming up. 2015 December turned out to be perfect for us. Everything fell in place and we packed our bags and hopped on an aeroplane to Goa. We've often heard that Christmas is a wonderful time to explore & experience Goa....and it totally was.....indeed!!!!

The beautiful beaches

Anjuna Rocky Beach

It has to start with the beaches! While the beaches in North Goa steal the limelight, South Goa beaches are less crowded. The Colva beach in South Goa is famous for its white sands that is lined along its shore by coconut palms. Majorda beach which is close by...is a quiet and calm beach which is not that crowded. 

Jet Skiing in Candolim Beach at sunset time

For North Goa--Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Vagator and Anjuna seem to be top favourites among people. Water sports on these beaches include jet skiing, parasailing and falling from a banana boat. All these are a must try coz each of them is an exhilarating experience. Miss J had an awesome time at the Jet skiing.....the speed and the waters splashing on our faces....and going deep into the sea was all superb!!!! 

Sinquerim Beach by Fort Aguada

The Sinquerim beach is another beautiful beach that has a spectacular stretch of sand. It is an ideal place for swimming and one should not miss visiting this beach when on their travel to Goa for beach holidays. Near the beach one can see the famous historical Fort Aguada that was built by the Portuguese to defend them from any attack from the sea route. All the beaches (....well, all those that we've been to) are constantly monitored by lifeguards, and the swimming areas are flagged for warnings. There are many beach shacks in almost every beach and they serve amazing food and cocktails.

Fresh fish of the day

Sunset time brings out the best in the beaches and most of us enjoy seeing the magnificent sun, set into the horizon of the Arabian Sea. We had explored the beach in the morning time as well.....and it was a wonderful sight to see local fishermen bring in their fresh catch of the day to the shores in their fishing boats. It is hard work indeed....







Old Goa or Velha Goa (velha means old in Portuguese)

The Se Cathedral 

Famous for the architecture, Goan churches are worth a visit. In Panjim, history comes alive. There are so many churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries to explore. Not to forget, today Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Yet, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Sé de Santa Catarina are the most visited ones. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is known for its architectural magnificence. It holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is over 400 years old. The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina also known as Se Cathedral is the largest church in Goa. It has five bells. The existing tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa and often referred to as 'Golden Bell' on account of its rich tone which has been immortalised in a Portuguese poem....so I have been told. 

St. Cajetan Church

In the same vicinity there is one more church- St. Cajetan Church, which is a very beautiful church. It is said that it had been modelled on the original design of the Basilica of St. Peter, in Rome. Right beside the church is the Viceroy's Arch (an arch that was erected in memory of Vasco Da Gama) that leads to a ferry station.

Panoramic view of the beautiful architecture inside St. Cajetan Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, located in the heart of the city, in Panjim, is one of the first churches to be built in Goa. Its most striking feature is the double flight of stairs that leads up to the pearly white church. History wise....it is said to have acted almost like a lighthouse for Portuguese sailors, who would come here to offer thanks after their long hard voyages from Portugal. 




Forts and view points

Chapora Fort

The Chapora Fort was once ruled by the Portuguese for over 150 years. But today it is a crumble of picturesque ruins with only the outer walls remaining. Although the fort has lost its glory....the main reason tourists climb up the hill is to see the beautiful panoramic view and relax. From the fort, magnificent views of Anjuna beach, Chapora beach and Vagator beach can be seen. 

The lighthouse inside Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved 17th century Portuguese fort standing in Goa, on the Sinquerim beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name, Aguada: meaning water. Crews of passing ships would often visit to replenish their fresh water stores. The fort also houses a four storey Portuguese lighthouse.....one of the first and oldest of its kind in Asia. 

The architecture inside the fort

Dona Paula Viewpoint

Dona Paula is a secluded bay with a magnificent view of the Marmagao harbour. This idyllic rocky spot is where the two rivers - Mandovi & Zuari meet at the Arabian Sea. There are a few romantic myths associated with Dona Paula. One of them being that Dona was married to Paulo, a lowly fisherman. He had ventured into the deep seas for fishing and is said to have never returned. Dona, his dutiful wife waited for him at the jetty for so many years that she finally turned into stone. 

Another myth says that Dona and Paulo were lovers separated by their caste and nationality and with no other option left, they decided to end their lives by jumping off the cliff. The statue in the rock is dedicated to them. 

There are more stories and myths like these been said, not sure if there is any truth in them....but it does bring in many tourists to this place. And the view from up here is splendid. 

Night Markets & Clubbing

Night market in all its glory

Once upon a time...but not that long.... a German named Ingo set up this new market on a leased property. Fondly known as Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, this market in Arpora  is on for about six months of winter and presents a potpourri of junk jewellery, footwear, bags, imported T-shirts, hippie merchandise, jackets, Indian and global cuisine from parts of India and Europe! And the surprise factor for Mr. Peter and I was the traffic jam........we were stuck in traffic for almost an hour in our cab at 2 am to get there. We're not shopping enthusiasts....but it was worth a visit to the Saturday night market.....the lights, the ambiance, the energy, the food and all the colourful and bright merchandise......all great!!!

Nightclub in the sky - Club Cabana

Apart from great picturesque beaches, Goa is also considered the hub of the greatest parties in the country. Some of the happening clubs are the SinQ Beach Club, Cafe Mambo, LPK Waterfront, Club Tito's....to name a few. Mr. Peter and I headed to Club Cabana, Asia's No. 1 nightclub. Often referred to as the "Nightclub in the Sky", this multi levelled and secluded club is a winding maze of levels and terraces. This is a hilltop venue and one of the most legendary places to party in North Goa. With all things fluorescent, the club provides a warm and buzzing ambiance like no other. Club Cabana is a glamorous joint, with a hilly entrance and popular for its late night pool party scene, which it had been hosting for about a decade. 

Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike at Sunburn Goa Festival 2015

Plus, there are music festivals like Super Sonic, Sunburn and After Dark.....for those who enjoy EDM to keep them entertained in Goa. 








Food for thought 

Mussels in Goan Masala

Lobster

A trip to the beach can cure a bad mood and so can Goan food !!!
The Goan cuisine is an interesting mix of varied influences. The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine. Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables and local spices are some of the traditional main ingredients in Goan cuisine. 

Garlic Prawns

The area is located in a tropical climate, which means that spices and flavors are intense. With over a hundred kilometers of coastline it’s no shocker that fish and seafood are staples here. A Goan meal is incomplete without Fish, Rice and Curry cooked with coconut. Apart from fish, pork is widely available too. Some of the dishes to definitely savour apart from the Goan fish curry would be the rawa fried fish & prawns, squids, chicken cafreal, prawn xacuti, pork vindaloo & sarpotel. And when in Goa, do try their local spirit - Feni....especially the one made with cashews. 

Beef Steak at Brittos, Baga Beach

Continental food is also widely available around Goa. The beach shacks are filled with awesome food. Brittos in Baga beach, was our favourite place. 




Goa, noted for its ancient churches, architectural buildings, picturesque beaches, unique food, and Bollywood destinations, is a distinctive state in India. The party-scene, especially in church - studded North Goa, adds a zing to this place. There are some excellent nightclubs, bars, shacks, casinos, etc., to keep you busy. So, without further ado, pack your bags for an extended vacation and head to Goa. 

I'm definitely going back.....again!!!!

View of the Vagator Beach from on top of the Chapora Fort