Goa: A Tropical Paradise

After a long wait we finally got an opportunity to visit Goa in the first week of December. Goa is perfect blend of dazzling night life and exquisitenatural beauty. We spent first few days in the north Goa and remaining in the south. We explored some fascinating beaches and forts and enjoyed the rides on beautiful roads of Goa surrounded by series of coconut trees. In my opinion you should never limit yourself only to famous and throng places while you have opportunity to explore some distinctive yet amazing places as Goa has plenty of these. Goa can be broadly divided in North and South Goa. North Goa is known for its night life while South Goa is best known for spending some leisure time and relaxing. Whatever your interests are, Goa has got something for you. It has everything whether you talk about luxury hotels to low budget huts, fine dining restaurant to beach shacks, yoga retreats to casinos, adventure sports, dazzling night parties, hippie markets and it is full of natural beauty. Goa has 25 amazing beaches offering wide range of options whosoever you are- a party lover, a water sports enthusiast or just a peace seeking soul.

Opposed to the popular belief, Goa is not just about beaches. In fact, one can find many Churches and Convents which are part of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, ruins of erstwhile Portuguese forts, beautiful roads passing through dense forest and picturesque Dudhsagar falls. Goa is also known for its cultural uniqueness. Goan cuisine offers variety of seafood although you can always find here some amazing veg options as well.   

Though Goa is beautiful throughout the year but in my opinion October to March is best to visit. December-January is the peak time to visit Goa when Goa is in festive mode. World famous Sunburnis also organized in late December and people from all over India come here to be part of it. Hotels at this time become quite expensive.  Goa is also famous for its water sports like Scuba Diving, Parasailing,Bungee Jumping, Jet Ski, Fishing, Dolphin view, Snorkelling, Kayaking, and Banana Ride etc.

Day1: Let’s do first things first (lying on the beach and watch sunset)

Once we reached Goa airport there was huge climatic difference. It was quite warm even in the month of December as compared to Delhi from where we boarded which was really cold. Next thing we did was to book a cab for our resort, which was near Baga beach. It took us 1 hour to reach there. Since it was already 5 in the evening, we got ready and started walking towards the beach passing through Tito’s lane and reached Baga beach. Lying on the recliners by the beach, listening to the splashing sound of the waves and watching the mesmerizing sunset was the best way to spend our day. Later we spent our night on Baga beach with some amazing food & sensational music.

Day2: The Fort and The Beach

Today we checked in to another resort near Anjuna. Once we were done with check-in, we had our meal in the same resort (which was superb by the way) and rented a scooter. We started our ride to Chapora fort, not very far from there. In the afternoon, the climb to the top of the fort was slightly exhausting but once we reached there, the view was simply breath-taking. Rather more interesting name given to this fort is “Dil chahta hai “Fort, which was shot back in 2001. The fort overlooks the Vagator beachand has an amazing view from the top. Now it was time to explore more beaches so we decided to ride further north to Arambol. You will find here unique hippie culture and superb Goan traditional village feel. There is a sweet water lake just around the corner from the main beach stretch. We spent our evening at Arambol Beach.  Arambol was 40 min ride from the hotel with amazing road trip and beautiful views. It also attracts many foreign visitors for its pleasing view.

Day3: Vagator and Aguada fort (Beach or Fort)

After having an amazing morning breakfast, we decided to visit Vagator beach which we could not visit yesterday. In my opinion, morning and evening time is best to visit beaches and fort. Watching sunrise on beach is such a wonderful experience. Vagator beach is adored for its fascinating red cliffs and waves crashing over the rocks. Our next destination of the day was Aguada Fort and light house. It is one of the ancient forts built by the Portuguese in Goa. We rode back to Calangute beach to relish candle light dinner and thereafter we sat on the sand losing ourselves to gentle breeze & tranquilizing sound of the sea waves.

Day4: Let’s switch the mode

Before moving to south Goa we went to Vagator beach once again. This time it was early in the morning which made the beach more flattering to the eyes. If you love taking pictures then Vagator makes perfect frame for you with its big and small red cliffs. You will definitely love rustic charm and sun set from the cliff side. South Goa is great place to laze on the sandy beaches and chill out. Once you move to south Goa you will realise that south Goa is greener, more calm and peaceful unlike crowded beaches of north Goa. The beaches in south Goa are distant from each other in comparison to north Goa.

Day5: Cola, Butterfly and Palolem : Which one is your favourite ?

This was my favourite day among all. If you are looking for tranquilizing natural beauty then Cola Beach is one of the finest pieces for you. It is beautiful, calm and fun at the same time. In case, you are not satisfied with gushing waves there is a blue fresh water lagoon right next to the beach. Another jewel of south Goa is Butterfly beach. If trekking is something you like then you will definitely love Butterfly beach. It’s around 2 to 3 km trek into thick forest before you reach the beach. This beach is surrounded by high vertical cliffs with thick forest cover around makes it absolute treasure of south Goa. Both these beaches have lesser footfall and one can come here and get lost in the serenity of these beaches.

Last but not the least, Palolem is one of the most fun beaches in south Goa where you can find huge crowd unlike other beaches in south Goa. The beach is famous for its water sports activities like kayaking, banana ride, parasailing, boat ride to other beaches and dolphin sighting trip. We got slight late reaching to Palolem beach and opted for kayaking in haste. Bidding adieu the setting sun in the middle of the sea on our kayak was so fulfilling.

Day6: It’s never a Bye

Yes, it was our last day in Goa. For one last time we wanted to spend our all time we were left with at beach. We got up early in the morning had breakfast and went to Benaulim beach and took our final dip in the Arabian Sea.

While returning, we really wanted to take everything with us in our memories, deep at heart. The soothing breeze, the sound of the birds chirping, waves splashing, sun kisses, relaxing on beach shacks and what not. Goa is a lot more than beaches or its dazzling night life, a lot more than its Churches, Temple or Forts, a lot more than its scenic views & roads passing through lush green forests. It’s up to you what you want Goa to be. Come here and explore!