Going to Goa and having fun!
This is on top of the list of most youngsters and I was not any different but never got a chance to go there during my graduation. So when my joining came in Mumbai, I had decided that I'd cross Goa off my travel list asap.
The chance came in this year March and I thought of utilizing the most of the long weekend and immediately planned a trip to the most popular travel destination of India.
Getting There: I had taken a train from Thane (CST- Mangalore Express) at 10.30 pm which reached Madgaon(if ever you need to search on IRCTC, please type Madgaon and NOT Goa) the next morning. The journey through Konkan is visually pleasing as the barren lands are replaced by wonderful Coconut trees. I'd especially mention the bridge which links North Goa to Panjim and a river flowing beneath that; forms a picturesque view.
Getting There: I had taken a train from Thane (CST- Mangalore Express) at 10.30 pm which reached Madgaon(if ever you need to search on IRCTC, please type Madgaon and NOT Goa) the next morning. The journey through Konkan is visually pleasing as the barren lands are replaced by wonderful Coconut trees. I'd especially mention the bridge which links North Goa to Panjim and a river flowing beneath that; forms a picturesque view.
After reaching Madgaon, the first important thing I did was renting a 2-wheeler which cost me around INR 300 per day.Since my cousin was to arrive a few hours later, I had ample time before we started our holiday.
After reaching Madgaon, the first important thing I did was renting a 2-wheeler which cost me around INR 300 per day.Since my cousin was to arrive a few hours later, I had ample time before we started our holiday. I decided to explore the nearby beaches by my own.Google Maps started searching and it found Colva Beach which is where my epic journey and love for Goan beaches started!
The first thing I observed once I reached there was that it was CLEAN! This may sound bizarre to some but I had visited a few Mumbai beaches (Juhu, Girgaon, Dadar). Every beach in Mumbai has 2 layers. One layer is of the people, and other layer after that is the Garbage which is thrown by the people and after that you'll see the sand followed by water. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here. There was peace which was broken only by the sound of waves.
After spending some time there, I went to 2-3 nearby beaches as well before embarking on the most awaited destination - Palolem!
I decided to explore the nearby beaches by my own.Google Maps started searching and it found Colva Beach which is where my epic journey and love for Goan beaches started!
The first thing I observed once I reached there was that it was CLEAN! This may sound bizarre to some but I had visited a few Mumbai beaches (Juhu, Girgaon, Dadar). Every beach in Mumbai has 2 layers. One layer is of the people, and other layer after that is the Garbage which is thrown by the people and after that you'll see the sand followed by water. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here. There was peace which was broken only by the sound of waves.
Now when you plan a Goa trip, the most important decision you've to make is - South Goa or North Goa. Each has its own pros and cons and finally we zeroed in on going to Palolem after plenty of discussions.
They had told me about Palolem being a wonderful beach but no one told me that the Road to it would be equally exciting! Palolem lies in Canacona region of South Goa and is around 70 kms from Madgaon. Our actual Road Trip began here and the amazing voyage is still etched in my mind as if it happened yesterday! A highway with magnificent coconut trees on both sides followed by some small turns and roads in between with a puddle of water and a cool breeze constantly blowing. Ah! Delightful! One thing to keep in mind though is that on the highway, helmets are compulsory otherwise the Goan police would issue a fine.
After spending some time there, I went to 2-3 nearby beaches as well before embarking on the most awaited destination - Palolem!
Now when you plan a Goa trip, the most important decision you've to make is - South Goa or North Goa. Each has its own pros and cons and finally we zeroed in on going to Palolem after plenty of discussions.
They had told me about Palolem being a wonderful beach but no one told me that the Road to it would be equally exciting! Palolem lies in Canacona region of South Goa and is around 70 kms from Madgaon. Our actual Road Trip began here and the amazing voyage is still etched in my mind as if it happened yesterday! A highway with magnificent coconut trees on both sides followed by some small turns and roads in between with a puddle of water and a cool breeze constantly blowing. Ah! Delightful! One thing to keep in mind though is that on the highway, helmets are compulsory otherwise the Goan police would issue a fine.
En-route Palolem
As the beach was getting closer, my heart was pounding in anticipation and as the sound waves increased, so did my excitement. The first view that we got of Palolem was enough to be awestruck and reach a state of ecstasy! The Arabian Sea looked phenomenal from there and the beach was extraordinarily long with one end of it terminating in a valley shaped island forming a beautiful landscape. Luckily, we found a place nearby where we quickly kept our luggage and just jumped into the ocean for a dip! One deep lunge into the water took away all the exhaustion of our long journey! We lost the track of time as I don't remember for how much time I was simply floating in the water taking in everything. At that moment, I felt so relaxed and free from all the worries of the world. Wish life could be like that! Finally when the glorious sunset happened and the life guards started calling all the people inside, we came out of the water ending the first day of our exciting trip.
En-route Palolem
As the beach was getting closer, my heart was pounding in anticipation and as the sound waves increased, so did my excitement. The first view that we got of Palolem was enough to be awestruck and reach a state of ecstasy! The Arabian Sea looked phenomenal from there and the beach was extraordinarily long with one end of it terminating in a valley shaped island forming a beautiful landscape. Luckily, we found a place nearby where we quickly kept our luggage and just jumped into the ocean for a dip! One deep lunge into the water took away all the exhaustion of our long journey! We lost the track of time as I don't remember for how much time I was simply floating in the water taking in everything. At that moment, I felt so relaxed and free from all the worries of the world. Wish life could be like that! Finally when the glorious sunset happened and the life guards started calling all the people inside, we came out of the water ending the first day of our exciting trip.
Beautiful Palolem evening.
We woke up early next day and went for a boat ride which after negotiation cost about INR 600 per person. The boat took us to monkey island and during the journey, we saw graceful dolphins popping out of the Arabian Sea frequently and the driver stopped the boat at regular intervals so that we can enjoy the playful dolphins. After about half an hour, we reached an isolated beach which was an okay-ish place considering our expectations. The beach area was quite small but the water was shallow. Eventually the dolphin view laden boat journey turned out to be much more interesting. By noon, we came back to Palolem and continued with our South Goa wanderlust. If the highway journey was charming, then the internal South Goan roads turned out to be much more refreshing! Each lane was scenic and an artist's delight. Free from any kind of pollution, no blowing of horns, it was a great feeling driving on roads without any traffic hustles!
Beautiful Palolem evening.
We woke up early next day and went for a boat ride which after negotiation cost about INR 600 per person. The boat took us to monkey island and during the journey, we saw graceful dolphins popping out of the Arabian Sea frequently and the driver stopped the boat at regular intervals so that we can enjoy the playful dolphins. After about half an hour, we reached an isolated beach which was an okay-ish place considering our expectations. The beach area was quite small but the water was shallow. Eventually the dolphin view laden boat journey turned out to be much more interesting. By noon, we came back to Palolem and continued with our South Goa wanderlust. If the highway journey was charming, then the internal South Goan roads turned out to be much more refreshing! Each lane was scenic and an artist's delight. Free from any kind of pollution, no blowing of horns, it was a great feeling driving on roads without any traffic hustles!
Our next halt was Agonda Beach situated around 10 kms from Palolem. This is much less popular beach but if you ask me, I thought it was at par in splendor as Palolem. It was equally long and adding to that it was less crowded resulted in it being cleaner and much more peaceful. Also for some reason the waves there looked much bigger. We spent plenty of time there clicking random pictures and overall this beach must be added to the itinerary of a person planning a South Goa trip.
Our next halt was Agonda Beach situated around 10 kms from Palolem. This is much less popular beach but if you ask me, I thought it was at par in splendor as Palolem. It was equally long and adding to that it was less crowded resulted in it being cleaner and much more peaceful. Also for some reason the waves there looked much bigger. We spent plenty of time there clicking random pictures and overall this beach must be added to the itinerary of a person planning a South Goa trip.
The soothing Agonda Beach.
During the whole trip, one of our most important companion was Google Maps. The places which we found on Google Maps never disappointed us. Palolem Beach was the only place we had knowledge of but as they say, a traveler never stops exploring, we came to Agonda which was equally good. The next destination we chanced upon also turned out to be a Winner.
The soothing Agonda Beach.
During the whole trip, one of our most important companion was Google Maps. The places which we found on Google Maps never disappointed us. Palolem Beach was the only place we had knowledge of but as they say, a traveler never stops exploring, we came to Agonda which was equally good. The next destination we chanced upon also turned out to be a Winner.
After having our lunch at a nearby restaurant, we continued going northwards to a distant Fort Cabo De Rama around 15 kms from Agonda. Again after a pleasant and scenic journey, we reached the Fort. The fort looked like it was built by the Portuguese to keep a watch as the fort compound was pretty small consisting of a small church and a tower. It could have been considered a decent location but once we reached the top of the tower, we were again pleasantly surprised as the view from the top of Cabo de Rama formed another marvelous picture! That view was simply breathtaking which we couldn't find anywhere else in Goa during the whole trip and its difficult to describe that so I'll just post a picture of it below.
After having our lunch at a nearby restaurant, we continued going northwards to a distant Fort Cabo De Rama around 15 kms from Agonda. Again after a pleasant and scenic journey, we reached the Fort. The fort looked like it was built by the Portuguese to keep a watch as the fort compound was pretty small consisting of a small church and a tower. It could have been considered a decent location but once we reached the top of the tower, we were again pleasantly surprised as the view from the top of Cabo de Rama formed another marvelous picture! That view was simply breathtaking which we couldn't find anywhere else in Goa during the whole trip and its difficult to describe that so I'll just post a picture of it below.
View from Cabo De Rama Fort.
Just for the above view, going to Cabo de Rama was worth it!
After spending around an hour or so in the Fort compound, we left for Palolem again as now it was time for us to pack our bags. We reached there around evening and forgot everything else. The beautiful Beach of Palolem was calling us again and we couldn't resist the temptation of taking a deep lunge into the Sea again! Eventually we ended up watching another Palolem sunset for which I have no regrets! At night, the Palolem beach is a nice place with the beach restaurants playing music. I just relaxed and soaked in the moment.
The next morning, we bid adieu to the peaceful South Goa and started our return journey to Madgaon marking an end to one of my most memorable and cherished vacations.
Breathtakingly beautiful with amazing waves. A perfect spot for clicking some scenic photos and an artist's delight!
The view you get from here is one of the most amazing view you can ever get of Goa, which is what makes this place so much special.
Paradise on Earth - If you haven't yet been to Palolem while in Goa, then you've missed a lot in life. The tranquility of this place takes all the tension away and you can just sit there for hours.
View from Cabo De Rama Fort.
Just for the above view, going to Cabo de Rama was worth it!
After spending around an hour or so in the Fort compound, we left for Palolem again as now it was time for us to pack our bags. We reached there around evening and forgot everything else. The beautiful Beach of Palolem was calling us again and we couldn't resist the temptation of taking a deep lunge into the Sea again! Eventually we ended up watching another Palolem sunset for which I have no regrets! At night, the Palolem beach is a nice place with the beach restaurants playing music. I just relaxed and soaked in the moment.
The next morning, we bid adieu to the peaceful South Goa and started our return journey to Madgaon marking an end to one of my most memorable and cherished vacations.
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