Goa...

Somebody great has said that exploring Goa is equivalent to exploring a whole new world and honestly speaking, we felt the same. Goa is full of surprises, colorful events and great moments. We really spent some wonderfully great and memorable days there.

If I am not mistaken, Goa was once called the “Pearl of the Orient” and this little drop of pearl (read heaven) on India’s western coast does the phrase every bit of justice. We stayed at Mira Hotel which is situated just ten minutes walking distance from Calangute Beach, North Goa. Though the hotel is small it’s extremely friendly – we became friends with two four-legged companions Pappu and Salma – and loved their company. We had a rejuvenating time amidst beautiful plants and flowers which created a perfectly tranquil setting for us. Though we can’t swim, we spent some peaceful moments in the swimming pool every evening!

Goa is incomplete if one does not indulge in shopping and Goa shopping was an integral part of my itinerary. Shopping in Goa was an absolutely pleasant and beguiling experience for us. I guess the best way to treasure some of our Goan dream and exciting spirit of Goa was by shopping there. It was the ultimate activity that attached us instantly – our first vacation in Goa could not be considered complete without shopping! Goa without doubt can be considered a shopper’s pleasure. Well, it was for me!

But honestly, it was the eating out in Goa which delighted us the most. Goan cuisine reflects the combination of Arabian, Portuguese and native cultures, which is a unique blend of richness and simplicity. We tried the famous Goa sausages; rock fish and prawn curry rice and other typical Goan cuisine. According to me, Tony’s Shack on Sinquerim Beach and Typsy Shack on Calangute Beach are the two most happening hangout zones in Goa. These beach shacks become more exciting at night when they start to play loud music on the beach, almost everywhere in the beach shacks of Goa. These shacks serve up a great ambiance, food (candle-lit) and view of the sea. They serve a wide variety of drinks and fresh sea food grilled or barbequed to perfection.

What we enjoyed the most was visiting the famous tourist attractions, enjoying the Christian – architecture of the ancient Churches, sun kissed beaches and shopping – it’s splendidly beautiful. Some historical forts like Aguada have kept the legacy of Portuguese alive.

Though there are beaches in Mumbai also nothing can compare to the beaches in Goa – they are awesome. Goa is predominantly famous for its breathtaking beaches and one outdoes the other. Each and every beach in Goa is unique in its own way. Goa has hundreds of beaches big as well as small that dot the Goan coastline (150 km of seashore stretch). Some of the important beaches in North Goa are Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Sinquerim, Anjuna and Vagator. Goa beaches are considered to be some of the most stunning and sensuous beaches in the world and I fully agree with it.

A tiny fishing village at one time, Calangute beach, with its refreshing sunshine, is also known as the Queen of Beaches but my personal favorite is Sinquerim. This beach is somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa. Baga Beach too is a popular beach and my second favorite in North Goa, located a few kilometers from the crowded Calangute beach. All the sun-kissed beaches in Goa are shaped like the new moon and fringed by swaying palm and coconut trees – an ideal holiday destination!

One thing I loved the most was the adventure water sports. Speedboat Rides is one of the famous water sports in Goa, and it lured me the most. The speed and the wind blowing against my face gave me a spine chilling experience. So sensational are these high-powered boat rides that I couldn't resist getting into it thrice!

I have heard that Goa is at its best during Christmas season but May wasn’t bad enough. With the sun, the sand, the sea and most importantly seafood on the menu and of course shopping, it was a pleasure to have visited Goa.