Goa keeps all enthralled to the hilt. There is never a dull moment while you are in Goa. Goa is an enigmatic blend of a rich mixing of two opposite cultures. It is the stage of mixed hues of the West and the East. A kaleidoscopic subtle fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures get richer by the warmth of sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality of Goa. Vacation in Goa is experiencing a dose of enlivening nectar of life in this pocket-sized beach paradise of India.
The Blessing of Beach
A mix of soft and wild, hazy and lazy, glamour and simplicity, rustic and uber — Goa’s beaches are plentifully rich in the fibres of India’s best tourism spirits. Goa has almost uninterrupted stretch of golden sandy beaches. This fantastic line of beaches and the associated fun stretches along the coastline bordering the Arabian Sea from one end to another in the state. Each of its beaches have a district character and belong to various different communities that have developed their own personality and colour since the days of the Portuguese invasion of the state. They satisfy the lust and cater to all tropical whims of various different travellers.
While Arambol is bold and a backpacker’s paradise, Baga sings scintillating harmonious melody of fun-loving night owls. Palolem Beach entices with the palm-fringed shores and gentle lapping of tame waves while Anjuna excites with the bustling hippie market with the sweet sweat of determined and enthusiastic shoppers. Mandrem has the lazy vibes of laid-back resting coves and is filled with the glittering charm of expansive combed sand banks adorning the front pieces of plush five-star resorts. Calangute is defined by the Hippies of 60s and Vagator poses pretty with its surreal shades of sea from aquamarine to emerald green. Mobor entices with the magical footprints of scuttling crabs and wet trails of snails while Palolem lets you be on your own soaking the seclusion and idyllic scenery of the crescent-shaped beach bordered by swaying coconut palms.
Paradise on earth: unbroken spiritual sanctity
Watch the awe the wonderful co-existence of spiritualism and materialism in the sands and seas of Goa. Goa has inherited the charm of spiritual heritage from its historical antecedents and still retains the spiritual inheritance. It gives a warm chance to top up your Zen while you darken your tan and lighten your stress. The winter Goa is revved up in yoga sessions and meditation allures. The options of spiritual activities grows more bountiful each year. Sunrise yoga sessions on the beach gives you a glorious start to a vacation day, fills you with peace and revives your positive energy. The reiki healing courses purge you of a lot of curses of modern-day fast life such as stress and strain. Meditation calms your mind and lets your mind free and relieves you from the bondage of life’s darker phases. Goa allows you to practice all forms of spiritual exploration with a free mind and without compulsion. Many travellers from all across the world come to Goa to undergo serious yoga courses and all across the state you will find drop-in classes, teaching and training courses and secluded and peaceful spiritual retreats imparting knowledge and wisdom. The music festivals of Goa specialize in psychedelic and trance and are immensely gaining prominence worldwide. The grand and artistic temples and churches present an amalgamation of the spheres of influence sustained from Goa’s rich past. The grandeur of its architectural edifices demand a visit and is bound to add value to your Goa trip.
The Colours of Spice
Goa is famous for its pleasant climate and the beauty of the climate encourages to try the various local delicacies spiced up to the brim. The tropical climate contributes towards making the food of Goa intense in flavours and spices. Taste the best of the combinations of rice and fish curries which is also the staple food of the people of Goa. Relish the hint of flavours of coconut and curry leaves in the dishes. They also use rice, fish, pork, meat and a local tangy attribute of spices like kokum in most of their dishes. Portuguese occupancy has lend the distinct influence in most of their preparations. Goa is a food lover’s heaven. Relish the scents, spices and flavours of Goa’s cuisine and get tantalized. The breakfast menu of bhali pau will brighten your morning as you enjoy the taste and feel of bread roll dipped in curry. You cannot miss a piquant vindaloo, complete with its blend of wine vinegar and garlic accompanied by the thrill of spicy Xacuti sauce that will offer a fusion of Indo-Portuguese treat for your taste buds. A visit to the countryside spice farms to learn secrets of spices and the see, feel and smell the freshness of the aroma, texture and freshness of the various spices hanging from trees up close at hand will be a reason to remember the pleasures of Goa immensely.
Cultural potpourri and Goan old world charm
Goa has a distinctive air, an aura oozing out of the colonial remnants of the Portuguese architecture, grandeur and heritage. The Portuguese touched the shores of Goa in 1510. They were lured by the exoticism of the oriental fad and the mysticism of the East with the promise flourishing business through the lucrative spice routes. They enjoyed the dominancy till their rule was rooted out in 1961. The marks of Portuguese influence are still evident in the flamboyant architectural splendours of the whitewashed churches, massive and some crumbling forts, the regalia of colourful ceremonies, the faded walls and ancient colours of the Velha Goa steeped in history and the gift of unique style of Renaissance and Baroque architecture to India. The narrow roads and the tall standing UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Old Goa today will sweep you off your feet.
The unmistakable and breath-taking red laterite stone building of Basilica of Bom Jesus is special and included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Similarly, the Chapel of St. Catherine is another small and elegant chapel and the Convent and Church of St, Francis of Assisi built by the ancient friars in 1517 have been identified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The premium examples starting from the Se Cathedral dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria of present day Egypt and the Viceroy Arch close to the Mahatma Gandhi Circle to the Church of Our Lady of Rosary that was built by Afonso de Albuquerque in the honour of Our Lady of Victory by the Portuguese general to commemorate his win over the Islamic army of Deccan Sultanate, and the Church of St. Cajetan form good spaces to breathe fresh and enjoy the serene charm of landscaped lawns dominated by grand old structures.
