Our eyes light up with joy at the mention of a trip to Goa — me and my families. Despite having been there several times, have not got bored of it. Every time it’s a different experience. Goa was a unanimous decision for a family getaway, no two ways about that! For a person who adores beaches, I was on cloud nine!
Overall Vibe
Situated on the western coast of India, Goa is a ‘happy’ place, always full of surprises, attracting hordes of national and international tourists. Famous not just for its satiny white beaches and happening nightlife, but also for strikingly beautiful centuries-old churches, heritage architecture, and pretty, natural landscapes adding to its charms.
You’ll be treated to a variety of rejuvenating experiences as well, whether it’s exhilarating water sports at the beach or heritage walks in Old Goa, which has compelled people to make it a yearly vacation destination!
Joys of Parasailing
For the adventurous, parasailing is the most exciting activity on the beaches of Goa, though personally, it gives me the jitters. I would say this is the most daring activity, unlike that category of people for whom parasailing is a highly thrilling activity.
My interpretation parasailing — dangling precariously from the infinite sky, above the ocean, with a fifty-fifty chance of falling off.
Adventure junkies take — the most fun, adrenalin-boosting activity; blown away by the wind, in the open skies; great aerial views of the world.
Even though it may sound cliché, there is more to Goa than its beaches, let’s begin by exploring those spots :
The Charms of Panjim
The capital of Goa, Panjim is located in north Goa along the banks of the glittering Mandovi river. Where else would you find a spectacular white church, a red and gold temple, and grand ochre-colored mansions crowned with terracotta tiles all sharing a lush, terraced hillside? A perfect blend of cultures and traditions.
Panjim manages to retain its colonial-era glory to this day. Goa is one place where you’ll find floating casinos on the river Mandovi, which look resplendent when lit up at night.
Delve into the lively vibe of heritage, art, music, and food at the Old Latin Quarters — Fountains. Walk around the streets to discover houses and buildings painted in vibrant hues, cafes, and art galleries. This is what we did.
Evenings are a good time to explore this part of Goa, as afternoons might become sweltering.
Where else would you get to gaze at miles and miles of the endless ocean than in Goa? Though there are a host of beaches in Goa, the popular ones are worth exploring :
Calungate’s Vibrancy
The coastline here seems to stretch with uniform-colored shacks and beach umbrellas as far as you can gaze. Tourists can stay comfortably on the beach chairs for as long as they wish. Order a variety of yummy food and chilled drinks served while you are lounging!
When in Goa, feast on the delicious seafood. It’s fresh and full of authentic, regional flavors. I would recommend the succulent and juicy `masala’ lobster or crab. Because Indian food is typically spicy, anticipate it to be spicier than expected.
Calangute is where you can indulge in water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, boat ride, and much more. The beach is quite popular with tourists so it can get crowded.
One of the drawbacks of this beach is that it can get noisy and crowded owing to its popularity.
Serenity at Colva and Majorda
If you prefer quieter beaches with a laid-back vibe then definitely it has to be Colva or Majorda beaches. These are more off-beat spots, have patches of greenery around, and are less crowded.
The sound of waves crashing around you and the cool sand between your toes is heavenly. Staying in North Goa like we did, and going to these beaches in South Goa is an experience in itself. You get an opportunity to experience the typical Goanese village by the name of Salcate, traversing serene Churches, emerald fields, spice plantations, and forests.
Miramar Beach at Sunset
This beach in north Goa, though devoid of shacks, eating joints, or water sports activities, is great for spending a casual evening during sunset hours. Enjoy the natural charm, sunset, and cool breeze, as you watch tourists’ boats passing by.
Typically, Goa has something for everyone and that is the highlight of the place. Along with tanned skin, and a little sand in our belongings, we returned rejuvenated, refreshed, with tons of beautiful memories.
Weather:
Goa has quintessential beach weather. Sultry during the summer season (April to June), heavy rains during monsoon (July to September), and pleasant in the winter months (November to January).
