IN PICS: Goa, a paradise by the sea

Aditi Bose travelled to Goa recently and returned with these pictures.

You never need a reason to head to Goa. Rediff reader Aditi Bose hit the beaches of the state armed with her camera and returned home blessed.

Landing in Goa

'Paradise' is just a stone's throw away from Mumbai. We took the 1215 pm Indigo flight and by 145 pm we were in the SX4 pick-up car sent by our hotel, cruising along coconut-tree-shaded roads.

Emerald green coconut groves acts as an eye-soother

As I looked out of the window and breathed in a lung full of the fresh air my eyes were soothed by the greenery. Our itinerary was to cover an area of 1,736 sq km of North Goa. Well, at least, as much as was possible in the four days we were going to be there for.

Where the 'King of Good Times' resides

As we were nearing the resort, we passed by the palatial villa of Vijay Mallya. The structure is magnificent, to say the least. I wonder what luxuries it provides to those fortunate enough to spend time in the inside.

Reached Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada

It took us over an hour to reach Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada which is 45 km away from the airport.

From this Taj property one can see the fort that was built by the Portuguese in 1612, one of the most important forts in Goa.

This 'U' shaped water front was one of the first places we visited right after our check-in.

Watching a man stand here and throw his fishing net into the sea below while the huge waves wet us with its spray every time it crashed onto the walls of the fort was indeed an enthralling experience.

A 'Submergred' Sinquerim Beach

Unfortunately a walk on the Sinquerim Beach, this time, was impossible. The rains had made the Arabian Sea rough and the beach had almost disappeared with the almost constant 'high tide'.

Starting the vacation by experiencing the carnival-like atmosphere at the  Calangute Beach

We hired a car from one of the private operators and decided to do visit the 'queen' beach of Goa – Calangue on our first evening itself.

It's barely a few km away from the resort and we reached it in around fifteen minutes. Thankfully it was not raining!

If you wish to indulge in all the water sports and paragliding that this beach offers then visit during the tourist season that starts from October and continues till April.

When in Calangute don't miss seeing the Church of St. Alex that was constructed in 1741.

Ending the day with baked crabs at Souza Lobo

We ended our first day at Goa with a scrumptious meal at Souza Lobo. It definitely should be on the 'must eat' list on everyone's itinerary.

Their most popular dishes are the baked crabs, king fish fry and the pork vindaloo. You can also try their desserts and especially the Bebinca (a layered cake). Go late in the night when the party is just beginning with all the live music.

Second day starts religiously

The second day was reserved for Panaji. We started by visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus, 10 km to the east of Panaji, where the relics of St Francis Xavier's body is kept even to this day embalmed in a glass coffin in a silver casket that was designed by Giovanni Batista Foggini. in the 17th century.

This church dedicated to the 'Infant Jesus', with its opulent white marble and alters with gilded inlay work is surely a remarkable piece of architecture.

The evening is spent cruising on the river

Next on our agenda was the ferry ride. However, that was not till late evening. So we whiled away the in-between hours eating sausage 'polao', mussels and the 'catch of the day' at George and then shopping for feni, port wine, packets of cashew and some shell handicrafts too.

I missed buying a hammock that was being sold near Miramar beach, 3km away from the city.

Our sunset cruise on the Santa Monica jetty began around 6pm. With charges being only Rs. 150 per head, the hour long cruise over the river Mandovi filled with dance, music and even a canteen supplying snacks and drinks, was quite a treat.

The jetty sails past the Adil Shah Palace, some old colonial buildings, the Mormugao Port and finally the Aguada Fort in the distant darkness.

...and sadly there was no gambling

Pity that for this time I had to satisfy myself with only a picture of the Casino Caravela.

However, next time I am sure to try my hand at the gaming machines not only here but even at the Casino Royale, the largest floating casino in Goa and at the Chances Casino in Vainguinim Valley Resort.

Third morning spent sun bathing at the Baga Beach

If in North Goa, a visit to the Baga Beach with the never-ending rows of umbrellas and sun decks is a must – rain or no rain. With all the little girls selling shell ornaments and fishermen selling their fresh fish on the beach itself it seemed to me that this was one of the most welcoming beaches of Goa.

It being off season, we managed to get a pair of sun decks for Rs100 for an hour together with a complimentary half hour long foot massage and coconut water but be ready to shell out around Rs.300 during peak season.

Once you have has enough of the sun (or rain), sand and the sea and are headed back to your hotel, stop on the innumerable shops that dot the roads.

They sell almost everything – from clothes, slippers, bags and jewellery to shell art, magnets and even hookahs.

Climbing up the lighthouse in the evening

Don't miss visiting the lighthouse complex that is right next to the Aguada Fort. However, do go early because they shut down by 5pm.

The climb up can leave you panting, especially if you have kids with you. But once you reach the top, the views are spectacular. Don't miss the opportunity, after all, how many times does one really get to do so.

...And then the fort to watch the sunset

The Fort, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, was constructed by the Portuguese in 1612 to protect the coastline against the Dutch and the Marathas. At the cost of sounding a little dramatic, I think, it became more popular once the film Dil Chahta Hai was shot here!

Although the ocean views from the top of the fort are breathtakingly stunning, be prepared for quite a hike up. So don't forget your sneakers. 

A rain-soaked morning at the Anjuna Beach

It took us more than forty five minutes to reach Anjuna and I was quite disappointed to have missed the Wednesday flea market which was off because of the rains.

There were still plenty of stalls selling clothes, shell crafts and bags though. It is best f you go well past noon if you wish to see them open and don't forget to mercilessly bargain.

The beach, however, bore a deserted look and we were, in fact, the only inhabitants on it that day.  The rains and the spray from the waves had turned it into quite a photographer's delight though.

Final evening at the hotel

Our holiday had almost come to an end. We wanted to spend the last evening lazing at the hotel. So, while the little one whiled away her time doodling at the 'giggles' room we  experienced a dip at the infinity pool, a drink at the Martini Bar and then an hour long signature detoxification massage at the Jiva Spa.

Goodbye Goa, Hello Mumbai

Next morning, after a hearty morning meal of scrambled eggs, sausages, donuts and juice; with a heavy heart we had to bid adieu to Goa.

As our aircraft began to make its descent in Mumbai I thought; "No matter how many days one decides to stay in Goa, truly it's never enough. This was our third visit and many more would surly follow because this fun-filled beach town had still a lot more to offer. Most of all were all the flea markets and the night bazaars which we missed out on during this off season time."