It’s no secret that Goa is one of the most sought-after and fantastic tourist destinations in India.But after my maiden trip to the place I have discovered that it has much more than just the beaches to offer.
It all started on the night of Friday (11th of August).We(group of friends) boarded the train from Kacheguda (a station in Hyderabad).We had initially considered the option of travel by air but after this train journey we unanimously agreed that our choice was right.Because for a major part of the journey on Saturday afternoon we went through the Western Ghats which were covered with clouds and mist.There were valleys, grass lands , waterfalls , forests .It was a wonderful feeling travelling through these serene landscapes.We reached Goa(Margaon) in the evening of Saturday.
Once we reached there our first job was to get to our hotel where we had earlier booked our accomodation.It took more than an hour as we went from South-East Goa to west Goa.On the way to our hotel I just couldn’t help but notice the calm and tranquility of the place. Our hotel was situated very close to one of the beaches (Dona Paula beach).This beach is named after Dona and Paula who loved each other and had committed suicide there.Why? I have no idea.Anyway we settled down in our cosy rooms from where we had a nice view of the sea although the beach there was quite filthy.We had dinner that night nearby in a restaurant and went to sleep.
Next morning we woke up to a bad sight .It was raining heavily.We thought we are screwed up.But it receded in an hour or so and the sun came out.So we set out on our explorations.First we went to South Goa which is more famous for it’s churches and the OLD GOA charm.We took a town bus trip from the central market i.e Panjim.First place we went to was the Bassilica cathedral devoted to St.Fransis Xavier.This is a huge monument with wonderful ornate sculptures.Right beside there was the Se Cathedral which was even more magnificent and I was told that it was the biggest Church in whole of Asia.Then we went to see the point where Vasco Da Gama had set foot for the first time where there is a monumnet in his respect.After all this we came back to Panjim where we decided to spend the evening in a cruise trip which is conducted on a nearby river daily.This mini ship has a DJ playing to people’s choices, A bar , A disco and an open deck.This went on for more than 2 hours.We had nice fun there.It was a nice way to wind up the day.
The next morning we had planned to go around some of the beaches.We had hired a Qualis for the purpose.That day we first went to Fort Aguada(The one that was shown in DCH).This is a Portuguese era structure overlooking the Arabian sea which is now in a not so well maintained state.Still it offers nice views and numerous opportunities for the tourists to take some snaps. Then we went first to Sinquerim beach, then to Vagator beach (This one was nice) and finally to Calangute beach.Calangute is the main centre at North Goa with a bustling market and always choc-a -bloc with tourists.We had a sea-bath at Calangute , played some volley and football there.Then we headed straight to the Anjuna beach which is famous for the birds one can get to see there(u know what I mean).Coming back we spent some time at the Miramar beach which was quite close to our base there.
Now it was our last day of stay there.We were a bit tired by all the hectic activities in the past 2-3 days.So we woke up and relaxed a bit at the swimming pool in the resort we were staying.Then we set out on a mission of roaming around as much as possible.First we went to the Panjim market where we had lunch and did some shopping.There we saw another great looking church which I , figured out , has been shown in movies .Then we headed towards East Goa which is mainly the territory called Vasco.That too was a nice place.
Roaming around Goa is such a soothing feeling as u mostly have green paddy fields (Monsoon time) , sleepy villages and tranquility to accompany with and very little traffic.(Traffic here in Hyderabad leaves me with a sickening feeling).The next time I go there I will hire a bike and roam around (They are available easily).We tried a lot of sea food there and mist of it was delicious.The restaurants are quite affordable and rates of liquor are quite cheap.The only disappointment was we couldn’t indulge in water sports like Para sailing or riding a motor boat. Being the rainy season these activities were closed as the sea is a bit disturbed at this time of the year.
Next morning i.e on Wednesday we were in the same train back to Hyderabad .Again we were treated to the splendid and delightful sights of the mountains and thus finished our joy-ride.
I am sure from now on Visiting Goa will be an annual ritual for me.