Goa,Well.....Even the name brings a smile and is ever refreshing.
Also known as pearl of Orient and tourist paradise. Goa is famous for two things - beaches and places of worship. This place is heaven for sea food lovers. Goa has attraction for all ages. Actually, as lot of local people say Goa simply means relax.
Goa is at its peak beauty during monsoons i.e., from June to September. However, tourist season is from October till January.
After multiple cancellations, I thought I will never be able to go there. But, now the day had come when we were on our way to Indira Gandhi Internatonal Airport to catch our Spice Jet flight for Goa. Everyone was excited! Our flight was at 1pm.
Kids were happy to see the sea from the Aircraft.The flight was on time and we reached Goa Airport. Soon we were in our cab. It was a beautiful route to our hotel in South Goa - Haathi Mahal, where we were supposed to stay.
Upon getting down, a big tall man standing with royal mustaches welcomed us. There was a big hall which had two elephants on the entry. We had our welcome drink and went ahead for our villa. Villa was nice and comfortable with functioning kitchen, two baths, two rooms and one drawing dining.
It was a luxurious resort with 4 swimming pools, Jakuzi, two restaurants, archade, gymn, library, spa and kids zone. Haathi Mahal was on a great location. On one side river Sal was flowing and on the other, it had Cavelossim beach nearby at a walkable distance.
First day we rested and visited the beach Cavelossim in the evening. It was very rejuvinating to see the sun set by the sea with cool breeze embracing to say 'rejoice'. What a great place I was at. Just wanted to sit by the sea and simply stare at nature's beauty.
Goa is divided in two zones mainly- North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa is a party place having low and medium budget hotels. South Goa is relaxing and peaceful in general having high end accommodations and private beaches. There are many properties where one can stay. Next day, we had to visit North Goa.Every time you want to visit beaches, you will have to hire a vehicle. We were excited to explore many beaches North Goa had to offer.
Dona Paula- There are many stories for this point. The one that we heard - It is said to be the suicidal point of Dona Paula who was a viceroy's daughter in love with a fisherman. Since she was not allowed to marry the fisherman, she jumped from the cliff. We went there to see the view, it was nice. There was a huge market which mostly offered clothes and small items. A good time pass.
Calangute- Beach which is highly crowded, it is mainly for people who like noise, rush and water sports. It was not possible for me to go near the sea due to huge crowd and little kids by my side. There are many eateries. We had some snacks to freshen up.
Baga-Comparatively less crowded but had water sports. Its a big party place and lot of youth festivals are organized here.I could enjoy the scenic beauty. Even the sand was less coarse.
Vagator- Another beautiful beach offering a scenic view.
Anjuna- Beautiful beach with rocks. Many hindi film songs are picturized here. I wanted to sit on the rock for long but since we had limited time, we had to leave early.
A famous Anjuna Flea market where one can see many vendors for unbranded stuff was interesting as well. You can explore it for clothes and ornaments.
Arambol,Bamboline,Candolim, Chapora, Miramar, Morjim and Sinquerim were other beaches which we wanted to visit but have parked for our next visit to Goa.
It was a tiring but interesting day.
Next day was a relaxing again with Cavelossim beach visit near the resort. There is an arcade on the way.
Third day, our list had South Goa beaches Agonda, Benaulim, Cavelossim, Kolva, Majorca, Palolim and Varka.
Cavelossim , Kolva and Varka were quiet and relaxing beaches. People who want to relax in peace would like them.
We decided to come back to Goa to see the remaining beautiful natural creations.
On our fifth day, we visited spice garden which was very unique in itself. We enjoyed herbal tea followed by organic lunch from fruits,vegetables, pickles and spices grown there itself. Volunteers took us to the spice garden's tour showing various medicinal plants and their properties. I even tried to climb a tree which was quiet an experience.
On our sixth day, we went to see famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. It was a peaceful and soothing church. I meditated for some time. It was relaxing. Then, we visied Shanta Durga temple. In the evening, we reached river Sal side near our resort and clicked some snaps.
We also went to see the Dolphins at Agauda beach in North Goa. On the way, we got to see the Goa Agauda jail from a distance where freedom fighters were imprisoned before independence and Agauda fort.Upon reaching some far in the sea, Dolphins were diving in the water. Hmm... what a beautiful animal but timid. After they heard noise of water boats, none came out.
I realized that North Goa and South Goa should not be combined in one trip to be able to enjoy better. That is because if you are in South Goa, you have to travel a lot for North Goa. By the time you reach only, you are tired. We spent whole day hopping from one beach to other but still could not see all and were tired. Money spent on travelling was not less. We spent around Rs. 5000 only for cab for North Goa.
Few interesting facts about Goa-
I would recommend this world famous destination to all.
Nidhi K.M
23 Feb, 2014
Also known as pearl of Orient and tourist paradise. Goa is famous for two things - beaches and places of worship. This place is heaven for sea food lovers. Goa has attraction for all ages. Actually, as lot of local people say Goa simply means relax.
Goa is at its peak beauty during monsoons i.e., from June to September. However, tourist season is from October till January.
After multiple cancellations, I thought I will never be able to go there. But, now the day had come when we were on our way to Indira Gandhi Internatonal Airport to catch our Spice Jet flight for Goa. Everyone was excited! Our flight was at 1pm.
Kids were happy to see the sea from the Aircraft.The flight was on time and we reached Goa Airport. Soon we were in our cab. It was a beautiful route to our hotel in South Goa - Haathi Mahal, where we were supposed to stay.
Upon getting down, a big tall man standing with royal mustaches welcomed us. There was a big hall which had two elephants on the entry. We had our welcome drink and went ahead for our villa. Villa was nice and comfortable with functioning kitchen, two baths, two rooms and one drawing dining.
It was a luxurious resort with 4 swimming pools, Jakuzi, two restaurants, archade, gymn, library, spa and kids zone. Haathi Mahal was on a great location. On one side river Sal was flowing and on the other, it had Cavelossim beach nearby at a walkable distance.
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| Haathi Mahal |
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| Sunset at Cavelossim beach, Goa |
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| Cavelossim beach |
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| After sunset at Cavelossim Beach |
Goa is divided in two zones mainly- North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa is a party place having low and medium budget hotels. South Goa is relaxing and peaceful in general having high end accommodations and private beaches. There are many properties where one can stay. Next day, we had to visit North Goa.Every time you want to visit beaches, you will have to hire a vehicle. We were excited to explore many beaches North Goa had to offer.
Dona Paula- There are many stories for this point. The one that we heard - It is said to be the suicidal point of Dona Paula who was a viceroy's daughter in love with a fisherman. Since she was not allowed to marry the fisherman, she jumped from the cliff. We went there to see the view, it was nice. There was a huge market which mostly offered clothes and small items. A good time pass.
Calangute- Beach which is highly crowded, it is mainly for people who like noise, rush and water sports. It was not possible for me to go near the sea due to huge crowd and little kids by my side. There are many eateries. We had some snacks to freshen up.
Baga-Comparatively less crowded but had water sports. Its a big party place and lot of youth festivals are organized here.I could enjoy the scenic beauty. Even the sand was less coarse.
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| Baga beach, Goa |
Vagator- Another beautiful beach offering a scenic view.
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| Anuja beach, Goa |
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| Anjuna beach, Goa |
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| Another view of Anjuna beach, Goa |
Anjuna- Beautiful beach with rocks. Many hindi film songs are picturized here. I wanted to sit on the rock for long but since we had limited time, we had to leave early.
A famous Anjuna Flea market where one can see many vendors for unbranded stuff was interesting as well. You can explore it for clothes and ornaments.
Arambol,Bamboline,Candolim, Chapora, Miramar, Morjim and Sinquerim were other beaches which we wanted to visit but have parked for our next visit to Goa.
It was a tiring but interesting day.
Next day was a relaxing again with Cavelossim beach visit near the resort. There is an arcade on the way.
Third day, our list had South Goa beaches Agonda, Benaulim, Cavelossim, Kolva, Majorca, Palolim and Varka.
Cavelossim , Kolva and Varka were quiet and relaxing beaches. People who want to relax in peace would like them.
We decided to come back to Goa to see the remaining beautiful natural creations.
On our fifth day, we visited spice garden which was very unique in itself. We enjoyed herbal tea followed by organic lunch from fruits,vegetables, pickles and spices grown there itself. Volunteers took us to the spice garden's tour showing various medicinal plants and their properties. I even tried to climb a tree which was quiet an experience.
On our sixth day, we went to see famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. It was a peaceful and soothing church. I meditated for some time. It was relaxing. Then, we visied Shanta Durga temple. In the evening, we reached river Sal side near our resort and clicked some snaps.
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| River Sal |
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| Another view of River Sal |
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| River Sal merging with Sea |
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| Boating at River Sal |
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| Hill view from river Sal |
We also went to see the Dolphins at Agauda beach in North Goa. On the way, we got to see the Goa Agauda jail from a distance where freedom fighters were imprisoned before independence and Agauda fort.Upon reaching some far in the sea, Dolphins were diving in the water. Hmm... what a beautiful animal but timid. After they heard noise of water boats, none came out.
I realized that North Goa and South Goa should not be combined in one trip to be able to enjoy better. That is because if you are in South Goa, you have to travel a lot for North Goa. By the time you reach only, you are tired. We spent whole day hopping from one beach to other but still could not see all and were tired. Money spent on travelling was not less. We spent around Rs. 5000 only for cab for North Goa.
Few interesting facts about Goa-
- Goa covers 125 kms of coast line.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus is 408 years old. It hold mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
- It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Culture of Goa is influenced by 450 years of Portuguese rule.
- People from all over the world specially Europe come to Goa mostly during winters.
- Temple Shanta Durga signifies the transformation of Hindu goddess Kali to Durga goddess of peace.
I would recommend this world famous destination to all.
Nidhi K.M
23 Feb, 2014
Nice details. .
ReplyDeleteI will definitely remember to visit either north or south goa in a trip. ..
Thanks
Great blog! Goa has a lot more to offer than just natural attraction of the scenic beaches and the traditional churches to the throngs of people visiting every year. For a traveler who is seeking offbeat and interesting places to visit in Goa, there are many options available. Tourist across the seas comes here to visit the amazing location and prefer best budget luxury hotels in Goa.
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