I made the trip to Goa in January this year partly to get away from the severe cold wave in Delhi. I was booked to travel by plane to Bombay and from there catch a train. The experience started on bad note as the plane got delayed and we missed the train. Stranded in Bombay we had no option but to stay in a hotel as the next delux bus to Goa was in the morning and there were no suitable trains as well. However to our delight the bus journey from Bombay to Goa turned out to be real good. We took a sleeper A.C. bus and the price was just 250 Rs per seat. We took a first floor seat and the comfort was unmatched. I would rate it better than a tarin journey. There were frequent pit stops and you had plenty of time to soak in environs. It is worth mentioning that scenic beauty on the stretch is quite enticing.
We reached Goa in the morning and were picked up by our hotel cab. We had taken a packaged tour for 3n/4d whcih costed us around 18000 per person.
We stayed at Hotel Highland Beach Resort ( 4 star supposedly) . The resort turned out to be disappointment. The room was good , but the food and ambience was pretyy average. The resort was situated in North Goa near Candolim beach. The climate was pretty good with afternoons very sunny and slighly hot. This was a complete contrast to Delhi weather.
We started the first day by going around the resort and a few eating joints to taste some spicy Goan food. And my spicy it was. There is no shortage of rerstaurants. There are a lot of restaurants on the beaches itself no doubt.
Second day was a guided tour to all the beache. South beaches, North beaches. Most of the beaches are good. It is so difficult remembering names. Also worth watching are churches like St Francis and St avier churches.
We avoided bathing in the sea as the tanning is real fast there with sun beating on the wet skins mercilessly.
We also tried our hands with adventure sports. We did paragliding at 800 Rs for 2 persons together. It was quite an experience. We also tried motor scooters at 500 Rs a ride. It was costly but the thrill was worth it.
We ended our stay with a cruise on Mandvi river. The cruise is 30 min duration with a live performance on the deck. The performers present Goa’s culture in song and dance sequences. For uninitiated people it will be good.
Over a good sojourn.