In the search for our destination, we often forget the beauty of a journey, without recognizing that it's often not the destination but the way till there, which makes us able to truly enjoy the ultimate destination.
And when the journey is traversed Solo along with a backpack and quest in the eyes to discover something new, it becomes more beautiful ❤
DISCLAIMER: One rule of thumb, you should not let strangers know that you're traveling solo, at least if it is your first time. Pretending that I was sleeping and my friends have gone out, which made me go out by myself, would be one such way out.
Let's get started then...
Travelling Solo! In the quest for something new.
This time, I have decided that I am going to Goa, the party destination of India. But this time more than just parties, to explore new places, engage in the beauty of nature, Goan culture, art, architecture and obviously some beach bums. This smallest state of the country is also famous for beaches, Konkani seafood, cashew funny, international travelers.
It was a long weekend and I booked my bus tickets and dropped off at Panjim Bus Stand, early morning 7. It was raining that day, and hence I have to drop the idea of renting a scooter, which is the best deal if you're in the Goa. Renting a scooter would cost you around 250 bucks for a day, which is pretty cheap.
Time has it's mastery in bringing in challenges,
That's where the real fun lies,As it gives us a chance,
To have a sip of coffee or whatever makes you crazy,
To make our fucking way,
Through this rainy day.
I had an option to either book a cab or hop on to a couple of connecting buses to reach my stay in Arambol, the north most beach of Goa. I chose the bus, the first bus was till Mapusa and then again another from Mapusa to Arambol, which cost just 40 bucks in total.
After getting off the bus at Harmal Bus stand I have to take a stroll of around 200mtrs to reach my stay ImagiNation - Artists' Hostel, which is again at a walkable distance from the serene, clean, and has a pretty long spread beach. The stay was at 300 bucks a night, which god up to 500 bucks if you are traveling in peak season.
The dorm rooms here are beautifully poised with painting and comfortable bunk beds. Gorgeous wall-paintings, serene balcony, common area to socialize with other travelers, a small cute bar along with the hostel, and kitchen are other major attractions of this place.
PS: Even if you are an Indian, you need to carry your passport if you want to stay here, maybe this is to filter out and have a quality crowd.
Also, they offer you free WiFi which is perfect to keep in touch with your friends and family members, as you may hardly get a good mobile network here. They also have books, musical instruments, and games to keep you engaged. And the host Prasoon is just awesome.
During the course of my stay here it seems like I'm living inside a movie set. And this particular afternoon I was inside the sets of some Music studios. It was 10 AM by the time I checked in to the place. And the owner helped me to get a scooter on rent since it stopped raining by then.
I was about to get out on the scooter ride around the Morjim, which is famous for its turtle nesting, I just sat there to have a cup of coffee. Coffee never felt as refreshing as this before, coffee with a wonderful blend of Indian flute and western instruments ( not sure what that instrument is called) music. Felt as if I had suddenly been transported to a studio, where these musical maestros are playing the music of life just for me.
And then I took the scooter keys and kept inside my pocket, I sat for hours just listening to the different melodies.
It was as if I was moving through the cosmic energies, asking me to just dwell deep inside each hum of Ragas.
I have to go see the turtle nesting for which I have come here, but I could not get up from the place I was sitting. These maestros kept playing and I was getting late. I was waiting for one last Raga.
I missed watching turtle nesting. But a smile surely emerged upon my lips.
A trance freak like me is sitting on the hostel couch and not going to one such party, would be the eighth wonder. With much needed peaceful time after a long bus journey, I have decided to hit a trance party place and asked Prasoon, the host, to suggest a nice scene around. He suggested a couple of places, and also told if you are getting into any party in and around Morjim, the entry is free before 8 PM. I headed to Rock Waters, which is a paradise if you like trance. The party happened along with the beach resort lapped area in lush green surroundings and a peaceful serene environment, on the shores of the Morjim Beach, which continued till 4 AM.
From there I came back to the hostel and slept till noon. After that, it was time for beach bums, time to head to Arambol beach.
There are other major attractions of this place like Drum Circles, Sweet Water Lake, Flea Market, Hippies around the place which I have shared in my another blog.
Tripping with Hippies in Arambol, Goa: Astonishing details you should know
After witnessing the gorgeous sunset it was time to head back to the hostel, get freshened up, and check out some party scenes happening around the center of Goa, Anjuna, Vagator & Baga. Also, I wanted to try something unique and new food which I have never tried. I did some research and here is how I have finalized my plan:
Hilltop - Know for its Psytrance parties having strict 5 pm to 10 pm gatherings, with international DJs playing.
Brittos - Variety of cuisine to cater to my gastronomic needs. I chose this place to have dinner.
Burger Factory - Go grab some relishing Mango Burger. They serve some unique varieties of the burger which you'll hardly find anywhere else.
Mambos in Titos Lane - Fully commercialized party places along this street. Mostly Bollywood, which was not my thing at all. I still wanted to come here to just experience this famous commercial place once.
Curlies - Know for its Psy Trance parties along the beach. You can't miss this place if you're a Psy lover.
The Mango Tree - They serve appetizing food and famous for its Italian and breakfasts.
DISCLAIMER: If you're a guy, shorts are not allowed in most of the party places. Dress accordingly!
With all these in my list, I was quite hungry so I stopped at Burger Factory to have a relishing Mango Burger, which I found very unique when I went through their Ala Carte online. And this place lived up to my expectation, maybe even exceeded, the burger was so huge and fulfilling. The exquisite food and elegant view from this place were mind-boggling.
The next stop was to the most revered place to psychedelic parties, Hilltop. Here they strict 5 pm to 10 pm gatherings, with international DJs playing the pulsing beats of Goa psytrance. The crowd here was from all walks of life across the globe. With its neon palm grove of glow-in-dark coconut trees, psychedelic art of luminous designs depicting mandalas, and its vast party area, makes this place most revered for the trance scene. After the party, my gastronomic needs were high.
I was hungry and as per plan time for the next stopover, is for the dinner, Brittos. The food here is a little expensive but it is worth spending. I had a seafood platter and some desserts to cater to my gastronomy.
The next stop was actually not a stop I just drove through the most crowded and over-hyped Titos lane, which is actually not that bad if you are okay to get along with the Bollywood parties. Not my thing though.
After that, I went to Curlies. I spent some time here along with the beach. After that went on to the dance floor and after that played pool and made new friends here. And if you are into Psy schemes, scoring here is very easy, you know what I mean;)
It was already the time for the sun to shine, and time to have something to eat too. I was tired as fuck to ride my scooter, but just enough to reach Mango Tree. Refreshing coffee was the savior, and trust me its one the best coffee you'll find in Goa. Sat here for a couple of hrs along with a Pan Pizza and banana lassi. This was the last night in Goa, and somehow I managed to reach back to the hostel.
Lying on my bed in the hostel, I had a sense of fulfillment for living my time here to the whole.
I got up by 11:30 AM had lunch close to the hostel, returned my scooter, walked back to the hostel.
I went to the verandah of the hostel, met many artists who traveled across from the globe, played cards for a while with them, tried my hands-on drums.
This solo trip has taught me so many things that a blog can't justify. I need to write a book maybe;)
It was 6 PM already and its time to pack my bags and head to the bus stand to catch my Bus.
I boarded my bus back to Bangalore, and I didn't want to go back. But with a hope to have many more beautiful journeys like this, sometimes solo, sometimes together, realizing all these are journeys which will make me able to enjoy the ultimate destination.
Poka-Poka till we meet next! ❤