Think of Goa and your imagination takes you to those buzzing night clubs, water sports on the beach, bikini babes enjoying the sun, lot of alcohol and stash. Goa and parties is a passé. If you are a nature lover and want to experience the real beauty of Goa, then monsoon is the best time.
If you want to be closer to nature, if the view of mother earth covered with blanket of lush green grass enchants you, if you love getting drenched in unexpected showers, if the sound of raindrops is more soothing than the music in clubs then consider visiting Goa in the monsoon.
From the scenic Mumbai-Goa journey in the Konkan railway to an eventful journey to Dudhsagar Falls, I got to see a lot of local spots and scenery. The ever-smiling coconut trees, tiny huts, brightly coloured houses and waterlogged paddy fields were a sight for sore eyes. Goa gets transformed into a different world altogether and the Western Ghat hills put on a very soothing green cover! You need to see Goa to believe how blissful this sheer beauty is!
Goa plan getting foolproof came as a shock to me. Seeing the history of my group mates, I thought this will be just another plan gone flop. But God had different plan for us. We 3 Musketeers always make plans of going on a trip (read: inspired by Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) but things never worked out. This time it was definitely a miracle.
1. Rail Tickets Confirmation – Done Rs 2100/-
2. Hotel Confirmation @ Colonia Santa Maria – Done Rs 1000/- for 5 days
3. Flight Tickets Confirmed – Done – 8000/-
4. FUN WE HAD – PRICELESS
Day 1. (10-06-2014)
7:00AM – Caught Mandovi Express from Chatrapti Shivaji Terminus.
We had reservation in second class sleeper compartment. We were lucky to get 2 window seats. But in this summer heat those 2 window seats were of no use. As the day passed, heat started taking toll on us. I and Jasmine decided to stand near the door to get some fresh air, but it was still so hot. Then we decided to take a stroll across all the compartments till A-1 where TC sits. We inquired if there are any seats vacant in AC compartment. To our relief we got 4 seats available in the AC compartment.
6:30PM Reached THIVIM Station
7:15PM Reached our Hotel – Colonia Santa Maria @ Baga
We managed to get the best deal at Colonia Santa Maria Hotel. Thanks to Poorva’s Mom. Her mom’s best friend who works with RBI managed to get 2 rooms for Rs. 100 per day per room. So the cheap deal was Rs 1000/- for 5 days.
The rooms were well furnished with Jacuzzi, pool facility and FREE UNLIMITED BREAKFAST.
Day 2 (11-06-2014)
12:15PM - Sahakari Spice Farm
3:30PM Dudhsagar Falls - One down from my bucket list
7:30PM Meri wali Maggi
After 3 hours of off-riding and spending time in the waterfall, we were hungry like hell. There was no electricity in the village due to heavy showers. We found a small Tapri – cum cane furniture factory. Maggi comes to our rescue. That’s the tapir had to serve us. Tempting hot magi splurged with veggies - it was mouth watering indeed. Maggi was followed by a cup of cutting masala chai and a puff.
DAY 3 South Goa and Churches
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Sé Cathedral
- The Tower of the Church of St. Augustine
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
To say I had fallen in love with the Goa in monsoon would be an understatement. I will let the pictures speak about the beautiful place in the beautiful monsoon.
And yes I am documenting only 3 days of my vacation in Goa because 'What happens in Goa, Stays in Goa'.
Between 45 minutes or an hour out of Calangute, crossing the Mandovi River at Panaji (the capitol of Goa) we had a delightful visit at the Sahakari Spice Farm at Ponda. There was the aroma of vanilla orchid spice, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and many, many more spices coming from the trees and plants grown at the farm. The most exciting part of the day is yet to come as we made our way to a nearby lake to mingle with the kings of this jungle – Goan elephants! Marvel at the wonders of nature as you watch these elephants bathe in the peaceful lake. Feed them or, better yet, join them on a refreshing swim in the lake. This is one experience not to be missed!
Dudhsagar falls is situated in Collem National Park i.e.. 24 kms away from Ponda. After reaching Collem, we hired bikes along with the riders that take you to the Dudhsagar Falls. Yes, the same location where the film Chennai Express was shot. The road towards Dudhsagar was rocky, muddy, narrow and slippery but my rider and Yamaha FZ made it safe for me. Also, my past off-road experience helped me a lot. It was a thorough adrenaline rush. The cold breeze brushing past our cheeks; the sky frowning with the dark clouds; the drizzle made the ride more adventurous. The lush green paddy fields, the river bulging with water flowing under the bridge, the wet long winding roads, the beautiful birds, wild insects, frogs and crickets making sounds, seems they were singing a welcome song for the rains. The clouds emerging like a smoke from the mountains seemed so romantic. After seeing the breath-taking view of Dudhsagar Falls, I felt accomplished.The riders were locals who stayed in Collem village. My rider was Jayesh aka Prince Knight (his facebook name). They were innocent, honest people and took utmost care about our safety. They guided us properly through the rough terrain of the sanctuary.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika (Portuguese: Basílica do Bom Jesus) is located in Goa, India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[1][2] The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule.[3]'Bom Jesus' (literally, 'Good (or Holy) Jesus') is the name used for the Ecce Homo in the countries of Portuguese colonization. The Jesuit church is India’s first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India.
The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. Located in Old Goa, India, the largest church in India is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and is one of the largest churches in Asia.The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Since the day of the victory happened to be on the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her.
The Tower of the Church of St. Augustine is recognized as a highly praised landmark in Goa. This is a 46 m high tower that used to serve as a belfry and thereby it formed a major part of the facade of this religious site. The Tower of the Church of St. Augustine is 400 years old.
The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is at Church square in Panjim. It is among Goa's earliest churches built in the mid 16th century. It was completely rebuilt in 1619.The massive bell atop the church was constructed in Portugal and was originally at St Augustine's Church (which I have reviewed separately). After the St Augustine's church collapsed, the bell was kept at the Fort Aguada Lighthouse for a while and then in the 1870s brought to this church.The Panjim Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is placed on the hillside and just high above the Idalco Palace built by Adil Shah.
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