Memories of an experience in Goa
The first thing a Mallu thinks of when going to Goa is about alcohol. It would be an understatement to say that Goa is all about purity and divinity. ‘Wow’ is the term that would aptly describe a real Goan experience. Beaches, drinks and a carefree attitude is a heady combination, but this would be a perfect cocktail to enjoy in Goa. The attitude of the Goans reflects this spirit. In stark contrast to the scenes seen in Kerala, not a single man can be found lying in the streets in a drunken state. Drinks are a part of Goan culture and are never overdone.
We leave Hospet along the Konkan railway route before disembarking at Madgaon station. After the luxury bus ride, we stopped for the night at Aldeia Santa Rita, a cozy resort near Candolim beach, where I hid that night to enjoy the moonlit sky over the sand. This beach is not as crowded as other beaches in Goa, however it is lovely. The experiences at the resorts were truly lovely, be it the food or other amenities including the pool. There were a number of foreign tourists at the resort enjoying the atmosphere.
The number of foreigners who prefer Goa to other destinations in India really surprised me. The fact that the influx of foreign and domestic tourists is on the rise in Goa is testament to the hard work the official has put in to improve the quality. Goa, the land of beaches, owes its popularity not only to the bounty of this nature, but also to the friendly community of tourists which, in my opinion, is lacking in Kerala. It is true that Goan culture is mixed and has its own drawbacks, but for Goan people, this is the way of life.
Our first major stop was Palolem, located 43 kilometers from Madgaon, one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, also called the paradise beach. Water sports such as scuba diving, boat cruises, water biking and paragliding form the main recreational activities and are an important source of income for the local community. These recreational activities are available year-round. Another major attraction is Agonda Beach, famous for the historic Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese to protect Goa from foreign attacks. The peaceful and pristine surroundings with the fort as a backdrop make this a perfect weekend getaway. It is surprising that Agonda beach is only fifteen minutes away from the busy Palolem beach. Another popular destination is Calangute beach and it is often referred to as the queen of beaches. This beach is thirteen kilometers from Panaji. Other notable beaches are Baga, Colva and Doña Paula.
Apart from the beaches, the churches and temples in this state, which is the smallest in terms of area in India, attract many visitors. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica in Old Goa houses the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. Old Goa was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule. A visit to Goa cannot be complete without visiting this monument. The architectural splendor added to the majestic environment offers the visitor an experience that will remain etched in the memory.
The return trip down the Konakan road was just as memorable because it was daylight. There was lush vegetation all around thanks to the abundant rains. The Western Ghats, now a biodiversity hotspot, was in full bloom. When the train stopped at Dudhsagar station, the waters of the waterfall appeared milky white and the reason why it was named Dudshsagar became instantly clear. This impressive drop at the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa in the Western Ghats along the Karnataka and Goa borders is over a foot high.
The Goan experience stays fresh through the years as some places leave their impressions on them in a unique way, as some people do. This was one of those.