Very few things in a person's life alter the way their senses see the outside world. One of these times was when I visited Islands of Goa the previous summer. You get a completely new perspective on the surroundings thanks to the variety of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and sensations found on the beach. It provides you with a wealth of information about the locals, including what they eat and do in their spare time.
Our five senses allow us to experience a wide range of things that have an impact on our life, and my trip to Island is the one that has had the biggest influence on the way I view the world.
The best view on the island was, of course, from the beach. Compared to other bodies of water I had seen, the water was the clearest. In contrast to Miramar Beach, the waves were gentle and didn't often tumble over one another and crash. From where I was sitting on the beach, I could see small children playing in the water and on the sand with their parents. The water was so calm that the children were either building sand castles or floating on tubes.
Despite living in Goa, I had been planning this trip for four years, but my sister’s workload prevented me from seeing any islands. Finally, last summer, everything went according to plan. Goa has a lot to offer for both families and solo travelers, despite its reputation as India's party capital.
Islands of Goa
Divar Island
One of the six islands in the river Mandovi-Divar is only a few kilometers from Panjim City. August is the month that this island celebrates Bonderam, a distinctive festival.
Attractions:
Holy Spirit Church
The only remaining structure at Naroa Fort is the Holy Spirit Church; the rest of the fort is now in ruins and covered in shrubbery.
Porne Thirth
Porne thirth is merely an old thirth, a site of pilgrimage. The Saptakoteshwar Temple, dedicated to the family deity of the Kadamba Kings, originally stood here.
Hatkeshwar Temple
Pleasant and fantastic location on Divar Island This is the island's most extreme corner. Beautiful Shiva temple encircled by the Mandavi River.
Where to get food:
*Avanish Bar and Restaurant
*Rock Inn Restaurant and Bar
Chorao island
This island was previously known as Choddnnem which means ‘ jeweled headwear’ and is where the famous Salim Ali bird sanctuary is located.
Salim Ali bird sanctuary and Kayaking
A peaceful island in the Madovi River, Chorao is well-known for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where guests can kayak or foxhole canoe through mangroove wetlands and see eagles and purple herons. Colonial mansions, whitewashed Portuguese churches like St. Bartholomew's and Our Lady of Grace, and small Hindu temples like Shri Devaki Krishna Temple mark the rest of the island.
Where to get food:
* Neelima Bar and Restuarnt
Sao Jacinto
This is one of the smallest island in Goa. When you are on this island, don’t forget to visit abandoned light house and the church decicated to St Hyacinth of Pland and a chapel dedicated to St. Dominic (São Domingo). The village is off-limits to tourists because it is a residential area.
Where to get food:
* Sheela Restaurant and Bar
My favorite restaurant of all time is this one. If you happen to be on the aforementioned island, make sure to stop by this restaurant and sample their fish dishes that have racheado masala. and you have to try the frozen strawberry daquiri if you enjoy cocktails.
Cumbarjua
This island is known for its relaxed atmosphere and the Cumarjua canal surrounding. It is known for its crocodile tours. The island is also known for festival of Shantadurga Kumbharjuvekerin Devi Shishirotsav. It is also eminent for its annual boat festival (sangodd) which is celebrated on the seventh day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Canacona island
A 20 minutes boat ride from Palolem beach will take you to Conco island. Also known as ‘Monkey island’ the place is an ideal location for picnics.
Where to get food:
* Dropadi Bar and Restaurant
Ilha Grande (Grande island)
One of the most poplar islands in Goa, this one is famous for its great weather and watersports activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling or simply swimming.
Where to get food:
* Sheela Restaurant and Bar
* Filomena’s Kitchen
Butterfly island (more of beach)
Ensconced island is known to attract a range of butterflies and also has a beach that is shaped like a butterfly, thus, the name! Enjoy the comfort of a secluded beach and other fun activities that await you.
Attraction:
On the island, there is a little beach. Need to walk over 4 kilometers to the parking lot. Without any justification, the café charges 100 rupees for parking. Nothing is on the beach, not even shacks. Few tourists cook on the beach itself since it is crowded. While the scenery is breathtaking, it is somewhat uncomfortable to stay and enjoy because of the trash and grilling on the beach.
St Estevam
This island is also known as Jua oe Zuem. A prominent attraction here is the St Francis Xavier Fort and the shrine of Christ the king.
Depending on what each person orders, two individuals can spend between 400 and 2000 rupees at any of the establishments listed above for food and drinks.
Budget for this tour:
Resist the temptation to believe that Goa is an expensive place. Goa may be an affordable and memorable destination for travelers of all budgets; High costs in Goa are not always the case; with careful planning and economical decisions, Goa can be an unforgettable and reasonably priced trip destination for visitors of all income levels.
For two people sharing an average place to stay and eat, twenty thousand is plenty. You will require about Rs 50,000/- if you want to stay in hotels like the Raddison Blu, Park Hyatt, Vivanta, or Taj hotels.
