Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Exploring the Coastal Paradise of Goa

Who say's a trip to Goa is never successful...!!!

Yuppp...we proved them wrong.

Originally, a group of 10 friends prepared for the plan, but ultimately, only four of us were fully committed and confirmed.

Two individuals were journeying from Mumbai, while the other two were coming from Kolhapur. The planning started around 20 days before the trip.

We choose to stay in North Goa, specifically near Baga Beach. This is because of abundance of entertainment and shops availability.

Did some extensive research on various online websites to compare prices for hotels and rooms for stay. And finally we found the perfect place to stay which matched the special requirements of every group member.

"AirBnb Stay" - The room that we booked for our trip (No promotions are involved). The room costed us around Rs.13,000 for 4 Nights (4 Adults).

After the room booking was confirmed, it was now time for travel bookings.

The most feasible option is Train. Since, we wanted to travel during day time (due to CHECK-IN timing of the room is 3pm), luckily we found couple of empty seats in "Tejas Express" and it is the fastest option to travel. The confirmed train tickets costed around Rs.2500 (for 2 people, excluding Food option). Although for return journey we could not secure confirmed train tickets, but still hoped they would be confirmed till the end of the trip (We got RAC seats for return journey).

Day 1

Panvel Railway Station

Boarded "Tejas Express" at 7:10am(Train is generally delayed by 10-15 minutes) from Panvel Railway Station. The total journey time if for 7 hours(till Karmali Railway Station). Once boarded, even if you have not opted for food option, the railway personnel will still ask you whether you want Breakfast and Lunch. Both Veg and Non-Veg options are available. The train journey was quite comfortable and smooth. The seats can be reclined and even they have tray table(like those in an airplane). Although the number of charging sockets are very limited. Since it was summer season, could not enjoy the outside view much. This train also has Vistadome. I had packed my lunch from home itself so did not opt for train food!!! We reached Karmali Railway Station at 2:00pm after a brief delay of 15-20 minutes. Taxi service is available outside the station. Our friends from Kolhapur had just arrived in time to pick us up. It took us 1 hour to reach to our stay near Baga Beach. Luckily, the beach was just 5 minutes walking distance from our stay. After reaching the flat, we freshened up, ate lunch and took a nap. After a brief rest, we went to Baga beach to witness the sunset. The lanes that lead towards the beach are filled with various clubs, restaurant and shops. Shack are also available on beach side. After roaming near the beach, we went to have dinner and ended our day.

Day 2

North Goa

We had planned to visit Aguada Fort which is around half hour from Baga Beach. On the way we took a Pit stop for breakfast and continued the journey. Once we reached the fort, there is charges for parking. Near parking area there are beverage stalls and couple of stalls for minor shopping.

Parking Charges - Rs.50 per vehicle

Fort Entry Fees - Rs.25 per person (Can be paid only in CASH, no online payment available)

The fort is wee maintained and marvelous. There is watch tower and couple of other points to look out on the fort. From the walls of the fort, one can enjoy the view of Indian Ocean. After clicking some photos we headed towards All About Alcohol Museum(AAA) in Candolim. The museum boasts of various types of alcohol glasses and bottles many of which are probably decades old.

Entry Fee for Museum - Rs.300 per person (It also includes Feni Tasting Session)

The visitors are given a brief tour of the museum and how the Feni is made. It was quite a good visit rather than just visiting forts and beaches. We were even given a tasting session of Feni which is included in the entry ticket. After the tour was complete, we then captured some nice photographs of various types of glasses showcased there.

Then our next stop was the FLAT. We rested for a while and decided to catch the sunset at Morjim Beach. It took us around 45 minutes to reach there. We were before time of the sunset. The beach pretty much secluded, clean and quite.

It was now time for dinner. We headed towards "Burger Factory" located near Anjuna Beach. I personally found the burgers to be a bit expensive but the quantity is good enough on single person.

Day 3

Dudhsagar Falls

It was now time for most awaited destination of the trip - "Dudhsagar Falls." On the way to the falls, the journey is quite beautiful with lush green trees on both sides of the road. After reaching the base of the falls, we have to park our personnel vehicle and hire a separate taxi.

At the ticket counter, we have to book tickets for jeep online only. Next step is paying the remaining amount by CASH (ONLY) at the counter there. The visitors are then allotted jeep number and the jeep driver would take us towards the falls. Tourists are also provided with life jackets(Chargeable) and it is compulsory to wear the jacket while swimming in the falls. Plastic Bottles are banned up in the falls. Each jeep can accommodate maximum 7 people. Changing Rooms, Toilet facility and refreshments are available near the ticket counter

Falls Timing - 8am to 5pm

Parking Charges for Vehicle - Rs.100

Jeep Online Charges - Rs.25 per person

Total Amount - Rs.725 per person

It takes 40-50 minutes to reach near the falls. The road is in very bad conditions due to heavy rainfalls. Thereafter reaching the upper parking, there is another walk of around 10-20 minutes for reaching the final destination. The tourists are provided only 90 minutes to return back to the taxi.

It was pretty much crowded at the falls. But the water is cold enough to enoyyy.

Once returning back to our private vehicle, we planned to visit Shree Mangeshi Temple. Preceding taking darshan at the temple, we headed back to our room for rest. Then again went to Baga Beach to enjoy the sunset.

For dinner we visited FAT FISH which is quite famous for their Fish Thali (Only available in afternoon) and seafood. Thereafter we headed back to the room.

Day 4

Today we thought of visiting some place in South of Goa. We started off well early in the morning with a breakfast break at "Caravela Café and Bistro" located in Panjim. The siting area is bit small, but have a vast amount of food options. Even the bakery items are delicious. The lane that leads to this Café also houses several other food joints which are worth visiting. Also, each house in the lane has different aura and vibe, so don't forget to click some nice photographs.

After a appetizing breakfast, we continued our journey towards South Goa. The roads are in very good condition. Petrol Pumps are little difficult to find in Goa.

Our first stop was "Cabo De Rama" Fort. Well the fort is not so well maintained, but through it you can visit the infamous "Pebble Beach" which is located the downside of the fort. The beach is full of varied sized pebbles instead of sand that is usually found on other beaches. The beach was very less crowded and the view was charming. Some stalls are available outside the fort for refreshments.

The next in our list was "Cola Beach." From the top side of the beach one can observe a pinkish shade near the the beach. The beach is not safe for swimming. Stay options are also available near the beach. It is popular for Kayaking. On one side, there is the vast ocean and on the other side there is river in which kayaking takes place. After reaching, it is quite a trek to climb down the beach. Due to summer season, the water level in the river is quite low(almost 2 feet maximum), but the experience is quite nice. Suitable food options are not available on the beach.

Charges - Rs.200 per person (Half Hour)

Our final destination of the day was "Palolem Beach" which is known for the sunset and calm sea water. There is major issue of vehicle parking near the beach. Although private parking spaces are also available which might charge some excessive amount.

Public Parking Charges - Rs.100 (Only valid till Midnight)

Near the public parking place, neat and clean washroom and changing rooms(Chargeable) are available. A lot of shacks and stay options are available at the beach. Watersports and Kayaking can be enjoyed along with a boat ride to Butterfly beach can enjoyed. After witnessing a mesmerizing sunset it was now time to head back to our room. The road back to North Goa is a long journey but is in very good condition. Till Panjim majorly it is Ghat road. Although we experienced a bit of traffic but al together it was a smooth journey.

End of Dayyy!

Day 5

It was now time to bid adieu to our Airbnb stay and Goaaa. Our train was scheduled at 2:10pm from Karmali Railway Station. On the way we had heavy lunch in Panjim and our friends from Kolhapur dropped us at the station and headed back to their respective home.

That's a "WRAP-UP."