A tiny piece of Portugal nestles on the Indian sub-continent. Well, technically not any more, since Goa was absorbed by India in 1961. But for 450 years this was Portugal’s foothold in Asia. While the surrounding countries were bloodying themselves in conflicts, Goa went calmly about its business of fishing and farming. That calm, relaxed, time-doesn’t-matter attitude was my most overriding impression when I visited. I knew all about the miles of gorgeous palm-fringed sandy beaches, and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. Every guidebook, travel brochure and website has pictures of them to tempt you. I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised, however, by just how much more this tiny province has to offer. Attributed to: http://www.simonseeks.com/travel-guides/goa-indian-gem__111642
The charming Hotel Golden Eye is a pleasant mid-range hotel, run by a Swiss-Goan family. The rooms were comfortable and the restaurant was excellent in seafood.
The lively bustle of people and traffic, combined with the exotic mix of aromas when the spices of the local food stalls meet the fragrant sea air, made this an intriguing place to explore.
One should try the Souza Lobo, right on the beach, where I downed a very agreeable dish of tiger prawns and stuffed avocados.
Anjuna provides the tourist-poster white sands. Renowned for its flea market which is a fabulously colorful event, with goods from right across India, Tibet and the Himalayas. It’s the best place if you’re souvenir hunting.
Part of the citadel now serves as a prison and hence is not open to the public, but above that the rest of the structure is suitably magnificent. A huge water cistern sits in the main square, which could hold up to 10 million litres of fresh water.
Near Fort Aguada is Asia’s oldest lighthouse.
The historic former capital called Old Goa made an interesting visit. I wandered the maze of winding streets, saw the wealth of beautifully preserved churches. The main Cathedral Square also a picnic spot has perfectly manicured lawns.
The huge wildlife park ranges from mountains in the north, through dense forests that take on an almost jungle-like appearance, to open plains with tribal villages and gentle rivers.
I had been told of the stunning Dudhsagar waterfalls, and was determined to see them for myself. The jeep trip through the breathtaking countryside turned out to be every bit as special as the falls themselves.
This is a historic land, with traditions dating back centuries, and a visit to the Mahadeva Temple – said to be Goa’s best preserved ancient monument – made me realise just how long people have been carving a living here.
A brief visit to the Devil's Canyon, with its picturesque scenery, and deadly crocodiles, made me wish I’d opted for the overnight version of this excursion.
