Tranquil Goa!

Tripoto
16th Feb 2018
Day 1
Photo of Ashwem Beach, Mandrem, Goa by Roshan Chugh (@vagabondfootsteps)

The northernmost part of Goa is unlike the run of the mill Goa we all know. Beaches of Ashwem, Mandrem, Arambol and Querim comprise this side of the western state of India. White sand beaches and breath taking sunsets make this paradise look surreal! The crowd in this happy side of Goa is dominated by many foreigners especially Russians, you won’t be surprised to see menu cards of various shacks and restaurant written in Russian. In this side of Goa I experienced the most susegad kind of holiday. Lying under the scorching heat in one of the popular shacks of Querim beach, around me were many voyagers some were just waking up and getting into pancake craving mode, somewhere further groups of friends were playing music on their loudspeakers and enjoying the view, while elsewhere I could see some taking a morning power nap. Furthermore, at the other side I saw families have their day out with their children who were getting under the waves of the roaring beach in a very spirited way. The surfers were testing the waves with their skills and many couples were getting into the sea splashing water on each other and sharing laughter. The many restaurants on Mandrem beach are set up in an amazing way which would bring out the romantic best out of anybody. Luxurious restaurants and small wooden bridges made above what may look like small mangroves leading my feet to the warm white sand further leading to the turquoise blue water was one of my specific favourites in Goa. Ashwem and Arambol beaches are some of the more popular beaches with mixed crowds of foreigner and Indians. Popular for its foods and beverages, cafes and shacks attract many here which serve all types of delicious cuisines with a lot of love and happiness. These beaches showed me many fishermen getting hold of their bounty. Oh I was in ‘paradise’ and I wished only if life was the same in the fast city from where I belong. Easily accessible from the capital city of Panjim by road and of course, once here you can always rent a bike to explore the various beaches and hidden gems. Accommodation available here is ample, from budget apartments and cottages to fancy resorts and villas. I had opted for FAB hotels reason being they are neat and clean with easy accessibility to many restaurants, super markets and beaches. I would recommend accommodation at any of the properties on Ashwem or Mandrem beach because of a location advantage to restaurants, beaches and close proximity to super markets , ATM's and places where one can rent a bike. A must visit restaurant at Mandrem beach would be 'Lazy Dog' for its brilliant set up on the beach, delicious food and its very beautiful pool overlooking the sea. Another recommendation on Ashwem beach would be 'Rai Resort' with a lot of options on the menu card serving almost all cuisines, this resort located bang in front of the beach also offers accommodation. To have a complete experience of this ridiculously beautiful place one must spare at least a week from their regular life, come here and unwind. The night life here is ordinary but the essential feature of this place is dissolving into the beaches by running into the waves, taking naps of the beach beds and enjoying a super chilled mojito trust me that is how tranquil this place is! I recommend all who visit Goa to experience this side as it is 100% worth it.