So, what do we do when we plan a holiday at a new place! We Google! And what’s the first search we run? ‘Best time to visit’ isn’t it!
Yup, that’s how I started my journey to Goa & even though the search results would tell you the ideal time to visit is from October to January, I must say that Goa in monsoon is equally mesmerizing & fun.
A warm and affable Mario, who would not just be our chauffer but also a friend & guide for the next three days, greeted us at the airport and took us on an hour long drive from Dabolim to our guest house at Sinquerim through lush green landscape of Goa dotted by towering coconut palms and a serene Mandovi river that flows past the city.
Set around tropical flora, our quaint guest house was a perfect getaway from the hullabaloo of metropolitan cities. Just as we entered our room and started to unpack, the amiable amicable owner of the guest house along with his son and staff, came in with a freshly baked pineapple cake to celebrate the birthday of my Mom. Could the day be any better!?
Divine!
After a flurry of selfies and poses, we headed straight to Sinquerim beach, 5 minute walk from our place. As we approached the beach, the unmistaken roaring and gushing sound of waves filled our ear as the strong currents blew through the evening. We strolled past the breezy shores as the sun began to set along the horizon. A warm comforting dinner at a cosy little cafe and night walk amidst the buzz of crickets & monsoon bugs marked the end of day.
Next day started with a visit to the majestic Fort Aguada. This iconic 400 year old Portuguese bastion sits atop Sinquerim beach & gives a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea from its parapet walls. Rest of the afternoon was spent frolicking on the golden sands & blue waters of Calangute, Anjuna & Baga beaches.
As we explored the city of Panaji, imposing Baroque style churches glorified the strong European & Portuguese influence over the region & reminded of its past grandeur. A walk through Fontainhas left us awestruck where lanes were flanked by colourful homes decked in brightest shades of yellows, blues, reds & more. Our last destination for the day was idyllic rocky bay of Dona Paula famous for its romantic legend & a perfect place to relax.
We woke up to the pitter-patter of raindrops the next day. Our first stop was the famous ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ spot of Goa, the Chapora fort that gives a mystifying view of Vagator beach. Sandwiched between the twin beaches of Ashwem & Arambol, the picturesque Mandrem beach was our next destination for a relaxed afternoon. We lazed in the silver sand of Morjim beach enjoying the crimson sunset. A lipsmacking Goan meal was a perfect end to the delightful day.
An early morning walk on the serene shores of Sinquerim beach brought an end to our beautiful journey, the next day
Adieu beautiful Goa
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