Goa

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I've lost count of the times I have been to Goa but each time I desire to unwind and let my hair down, I know I'd end at this coastal paradise. Miles and miles of golden sun kissed beaches fringed by coconut palm trees lapped by the waves of the sea, it seems like God created a tiny image of Heaven on earth. Over the years I've known that the true experience of Goa can be enjoyed by spending the day lazing on the beach till the sun sets and frolicking through the night at open air pubs.

I would ideally love to have the airport closer to North Goa, the hour long trip makes me impatient. The entire journey from the airport to my resort makes me ponder on the stark difference between Mumbai and here. Away from the din and bustle of the economic hub of India, I find the drive soothing. My eyes strain as I try to capture the beauty of the swaying trees and the sea against the twilight. Luckily, it is a full moon light. The water shines silver as I catch the reflection of the trees in it. Makes me want to live in Goa forever and bury myself into natures luxury.

With this hope I reached my quaint resort close to the beach in Candolim. I had a comfortable room on the ground floor, beautifully done up. A small attached balcony had a view of the pool, where I would sit for hours reading. With Goa increasingly catching up with other great holiday destinations around the world, hotels are mushrooming everywhere. Most of the resorts here are done in a Indo-Portuguese architecture with modern amenities inside the room, making stay a pleasure.

Each evening, I quickly head towards the bar. Perfect ambience - karaoke night - candle light dinner with my favorite drink in Goa - the local port wine. And eventually I’d end up ordering for some seafood done in some Goan sauce. Perfect reason to drink through the night - the weather is dehydrating! The most amazing thing about Goa is that the smallest of shacks and bars offer delicious food cooked to perfection along with wine and cocktails to get you into the idyllic rhythm. People are warm and friendly and more often than not I find myself in a lively conversation with other tourists, talking about our experiences in Goa.

Goa offers a great nightlife and I love the party scene here. The best is that there is no dress code, I walk in and walk out in my shorts and flip flops simply because I am here to have a good time and I know no one here cares about appearances. I have by far visited all possible hang outs here however my favorite place is definitely Paradiso. Situated on a hill top in Anjuna, its one of the most rocking clubs in Goa. Being at a considerable height it offers a panoramic view of the sea. I personally like getting in a little early so that I can enjoy the ambience and my first couple of drinks before it gets really crowded around midnight. Drinks are on the house for women, so I can just walk in and drink n dance all I want.

Another place I like hanging out would be Mambo’s. Close to Baga beach, it’s a huge place, most of it done in wood. The same place caters to various moods, if I want to shake a leg, I walk up to the dance floor but if I simply want to sit back and enjoy my drink, then I step into their lounge. If I feel my tummy rumbling, then I head towards their open air restaurant for a snack or stuff my face with some of the desserts.

Then the best after party hub on this same road is Kamaki. The only place I know which stays open serving alcohol even in the morning. The crowd here is going to keep you on till early into the morning and is a great place with perfect ambience and amazing music with the DJ playing all the request he can! Thronged by people in all age groups and from all nationalities it makes the perfect cultural hub too. It is a trendy spot to meet friends and dance all night long.

I wake up early most mornings and tuck in some traditional goan sausages for breakfast and head straight to the beach. Depending on the season and the beach, it can be crowded or sparsely occupied. But I wonder what keeps me going back to the same shacks. Is it the hospitality offered where even after months the owner would recall my earlier visit and extend his benevolence? Or is it my attachment that keeps drawing me back to the blissful seaside. Maybe its just me and my habit of getting attached to things and places I love.

I know I can be here for hours each day. What keeps me going is the sheer bliss of lying lazily on the beach sipping on port wine, going to the sea for a swim and savoring prawns and calamari. I'd occasionally carry a book but I cant read much on the beach. There are too many peaceful distractions. Oxymoronic but true. Also what adds spice to the beach is the local women, children and men selling fruits, coconut water, or beads and trinkets or trying to cover you up in tattoo’s or braid your hair. Buying jewelry, tops and sarongs on the beach is common and you can easily bargain and get a good deal. Keeps the place buzzing with activity and there is never a dull moment.

Something else I like to indulge in while I'm here is the water sports and boat trips. Goa is a paradise for water sports lovers. You can take a speedboat and venture into the sea for a thrilling water skiing experience. When the motorboat speeds off in the water, you actually sail on air above the water and the thrill is in the effort of keeping your balance and gliding over the waves. Parasailing can give me a high by the mere thought of it. I love parasailing after I'm tipsy; gives the feel of being a bird in the sky! Or I'd just love to take a water scooter and ride it above the waves with the blue water below and the waves trying to break my speed. The banana and ringo rides are the freakiest, never know when you're going to get flung into the sea and that is when I am thankful for the mandatory life jacket strapped onto me. For some other moments when I prefer something fun yet not as exciting I go for a ride on the speed boat that takes you for a spin or go for a dolphin ride where I've been blessed enough to see dolphins each time.

Something unique I indulged in my trip to Goa this time was going to Casino Royale - reminded me of James Bond and now Daniel Craig is on my mind :-). Anyway, Goa has casinos on river Mandovi at Panjim. The ladies at the reception are very amiable and gave all possible information about the Casino. A speed boat plies between the port and the main ship every 15 minutes and we reached our destination almost immediately. Casino Royale has a live band, international dancers, a lounge, bar, restaurant, children’s area and lifts to carry you across floors. The actually even have a children's playroom with nannies to keep an eye on the kids while you gamble away. The food was average, nothing exciting compared to what you are used to in Goa, but then I dont think anyone comes aboard for the food.

I was quite kicked about the entire experience and I gambled too! Kept asking directions from the staff there on what I could play and how I could play. I am sure they were glad to see the last of me, but they were so polite that I dint feel embarrassed about my first experience at a casino. I am still learning the names and rules of the game. I understood black jack and made money on the slot machine!

I run out of words to describe the exquisiteness of Goa, the sight of blue sky all around and blue water below is the real essence of this place. The vibrant energy of the people keeps you going through the day and all through the night till wee hours of the morning shaking your leg over some groovy tunes and ceaseless flow cocktails keeps you charged up. Goa for me is the most charming abode to relax in and feels like a place that has nothing to do with India. All the beaches here are welcoming and by day its sun, sea and surf and by night its fun, fish and feni. I can shop till I drop and love the amazing shopping bargains I delight it. The vast variety of local seafood balanced with Goan hospitality and tropical climate for sunbathers like me make Goa very special and very close to my heart.

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Photos

Green Fields
On my way from the Airport

Sunset
The boat on the sea against the sunset

At Ruffles
First Sip of Long Island Iced Tea

Club Paradiso
The angels at Paradiso

Me at Mambos
At Mambo's, in the day

Sea View
After a long day of water sports

Casino Royale
The International Dancers on the Deck

Casino Royale
The only male dancer

Shiny..Disco...Disco
At some club...

Calamari
This pic always makes my mouth water

Speed Boat
View from Calangute Beach

Coconut Trees
The trees swaying with the wind

Rocks in water
The view from Taj Village of the sea

Comments

[Sachin]

Hi Tanya, Good to know u enjoyed ur Goa trip. Wish u many more pleasant visits here. Cheers Sachin

[A V]

You can never keep the count of GOA
Heyaa Tanya... I just got to read your lines...and i must agree to you...though i have been six times to goa during my university days in Bombay...still...there is so much goa in me...that i almost feel at home..everytime i go there.....