
A Glimpse of Goa
Goa is a little bit of sun-soaked, palm-bordered, lavish green-field heaven, evaded by white-topped splashes of salty blue waves. But then, it is a lot of things. This little shoreline state, with a personality that is a consistent mix of the Latino impact of an Indian convention, was popping enough to have been one of the millennium goals of the world. The quintessence of Goa lies in its sublime spreads of palm-bordered beaches and sky-blue ocean, all warmed by the sun and neighbourhood friendliness. Goa is about a loosened-up way of life, charged by the Goan love for music and dance, spiced up by its wonderful food. Summers on the golden sands, winters in the warm water, or absorbing the Goan rain – Goa remains mesmerising all around the year. The picturesque quality of Goa amazes as nature exposes its fortune, unfurling miles and miles of heavenly vistas of streams, lakes, lush slopes and valleys.
Explore More about Goa
It was in the Sixties when the magic of Goa’s beaches was discovered by folks often referred to as “Hippies”: in a way, they moulded Goa as a tourist destination for the more unremarkable voyagers. Throughout the decades, travellers have come in large numbers to be charmed by the drama of the sinking sun on isolated beaches and coastline cliffs, by the fusion of old Indian customs and later Catholic practices, by the environment of fun and activities coinciding with ocean profound quiet and rest; by the stately churches and the Portuguese-enchanted streets; and by the cheap booze and the supreme feni.
While the facts confirm that there is life here beyond the sun, surf and sand – the Goa inland, its town life, culture and wonderful legacy – it’s on Goa’s bustling beaches that the matter of recreation is sought after right sincerely, just with the goal that you do not lose yourself here. Goa is being partitioned into two segments: the North Goa and the South Goa. Panjim, Madgaon, and Vasco are the centres that prefer to encounter the delights of Goa from the vantage purpose of a shielded environment.
For travellers who would prefer to encounter the delights of Goa from the vantage purpose of a shielded environment, there is a choice of beach resorts, And for those who go on siestas to be progressively dynamic, not less, there are water sports, the celebrated Goan nightlife and shopping to explore experience.
North Goa Beaches
Two considerable sentries protect Goa’s dazzling northern beach belt. Toward one side of the sun-and-sand bonanza is the Tiracol Fort, located at the northern tip of the Pernem Taluka, offering a delightful vista of Keri and Arambol beaches. At the opposite end is Fort Aguada, in Bardez Taluka, underneath which spread out the state capital Panjim, the hilltop Cabo Fort, and the Miramar and Dona Paula beaches. Chapora Fort, the enchanting, sun-kissed and extraordinary district of such Hindi movies – Dil Chahta Hai and Khamoshi, looks down on Vagator and over the Chapora River to Keri.
Dreams considerably greater than those peddled by film producers work out as expected every day in North Goa’s beach paradise. A stretch that offers everything that a voyager’s heart desires, and that’s just the beginning: adventure on the sea, energetic nightspots. The renowned Candolim-Calangute-Baga Belt is a whole 7 km stretch of sand. Without a doubt, this is Goa’s most created vacationer stretch. The northern beaches still hold their appeal since they oversee – despite their captivating viewpoint – to remain the Oceanside towns they initially were. The tradition keeps on living close to modernity, making this part of the world just otherworldly.
South Goa Beaches
One can see from the air a line of sand and surf that stretched solid nearly to the extent the eye can see. What’s more, for sure, Goa’s southern beach stretch is 26 km covered with grainy, delicate, flour-like white sand and is referred to by the same number of names as there are villages along with it – from Velsao in Mormugao Talika. Right at its centre is the town of Colva, only 6 km from the town of Madgaon, which houses Goa’s major railway station. What’s more, remember the sands of what many hail as Goa’s most scenic beach, Palolem.
The resorts are built far from the beach, which implies the sands are moderately pristine. The vast majority of the beaches are gotten through small paths, and it’s best to ask for directions. Generally, few people have stalls selling snacks at a beach’s entrance points. When you are on the correct path, hit the sand and surf, and let the great occasions roll…!!!
Panjim
Panjim or Panaji, the capital of Goa, where the river meets the ocean. It is on the banks of the river Mandovi and was originally a major port. Regardless, it holds the old, narrow lanes in Fontainhas. An evening cruise on the river is an absolute necessity. Here, you get a wonderful perspective of the capital. There are refreshments and traditional entertainment on board.
Cuisine
Goa is famous for its seafood. Try the vindaloo and classic sorpotel. Also, the local red wine and feni are made from cashew nuts.
Festivals
The Goa Carnival is very popular here. Held just before the season of Lent, it is a period of festivity and jollity. A parade of decorated floats in the city is for sure a pleasure to the observer’s eye. Numerous visitors from India as well as abroad come down to Goa, particularly for the Carnival.
Ponda is known as the heartland of the Hindus in Goa, where one can visit a lot of temples like Laxmi Narasimha temple, Mangueshi temple, Naguesh temple, Mahalsa temple, Shantadurga temple, Ramnath temple and Shri Mahalaxmi temple. It is additionally well known for spice plantations.
Safety Tips for the Beaches
Goa has several drowning deaths every year. You can maintain a distance from the inauspicious end by keeping the following important tips in mind:
Tip 1: Swim at least 300 metres away from any river along the beach.
As the high tide comes in, water gradually fills into the low-lying region along the riverbanks. At the point when the tide begins to fall, the water surges out through the river mouth, setting off a strong ebb and flow out to the ocean.
Tip 2: Don’t go in deeper than your waist
A common phenomenon is of tourists drowning in water that is just an inch or two higher than they are. If you stray too deep and accidentally slip into a pit, the surf will batter you from the top and prevent you from getting a firm balance on the ground.
Tip 3: Don’t panic and utilise the intensity of the waves to return to shore.
If you do get swept off, don’t whip your hands and feet about. That prompts exhaustion. Focus on swimming towards the shore with every wave until you can put your feet solidly down. Between waves, just focus on floating.
Trip Planning
How to reach Goa?
Air: The only airport in Goa is located at Dabolim, 7 km south of Vasco da Gama city. Both domestic and international flights operate from here.
Rail: The main railway station is Madgaon station.
Road: Goa’s state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation buses and many private operators connect Mumbai, Pune, Banglore and Hyderabad to Goa.
Those driving to Goa from Bangalore and Mumbai can take the NH 4 route, which is extremely smooth and well-maintained, while those coming from Mangalore can steer their wheels through NH 17.
The only route to Goa from Delhi is via the National Highway 48. This route is very long, so you will have to make stopovers in many places.
Route Map: Delhi > Jaipur > Ratlam > Dhule > Pune > Satara > Kolhapur > Belgaum > Goa
Climate
Summer (March-May):- Goa experiences a hot and humid climate all around the year. May is considered the hottest month of the year, with a minimum and maximum temperature recorded at 25 – 45 degrees Celsius.
Monsoon (June–September):- Heavy amount of rainfall during these months in the region of Goa. Monsoon in this region makes the weather pleasant. One should carry adequate rain gear during the trip to Goa.
Winter (November–February):- Goa Weather has a short cool season that lasts between mid-December and February. A major number of travellers visit Goa during this season. Temperature varies about 20″C and warm days of about 29″C. Humidity remains in moderate amounts.
Best time to visit Goa
In October, as winter is around the corner, Goa puts on its make-up, and the first tourists begin coming in. At that time, Goa’s suitors plunge in thousands in November. A large number of travellers will remain till the Carnival in February, or even later. But, for those who love this state, Goa is never out of the season. The late spring brings a variety of sweet mangoes and the first refining of cashew juice. Amid the monsoon, Goa is excellent, but it is dangerous to be on the beaches.
So feel free to find your very own niche on the Goan coast.