"Chal yaar Goa chalte hain!"
We all have been guilty of uttering these words at least once in a year. Well, for me, it has been thrice and I can totally imagine all the face palms and dropped jaws in disbelief. Even my friends have disowned (being dramatic) me and ridiculed my three Goan expeditions in a year. My love for Goa has now witnessed all the seasons- bustling touristy season, unbearably hot summertime and luscious monsoon season.
I visited Goa 3 times in one year.
Visiting the same location during a different season is like meeting your beloved an year into relationship. I'll tell you why.
Like you all, the first time I had jumped and screamed my lungs out on a Goan beach was during peak touristy times.
Think of it like when you initially start dating your boyfriend. The first few months are so playful and Geez those sparks! Goa, the most popular, charmingly athletic and "Kukkad kamal da" guy in the college and you are finally going out with him. Sparks fly and it's love at first sight with Goa. You are still getting to know each other better, just like how you are getting to know Goa better. You are just touching the surface of your boyfriend's heart just like you realise the cheapest booze you could ever buy in this vivacious state. The mesmerised lover in you does everything by the book be it celebrating those hard to remember anniversaries, romantic dinner dates, flirtatious kisses just the way you follow the tourist bible by dipping in Baga and Anjuna beaches, trying luck in floating fancy casinos and laying around on the shacks with chilled beers.
The beginning phase of a relationship isn't called the 'honeymoon period without a reason. Of course, your arm candy will throw tantrums to grab your love and attention and oh! you so madly in love will curl up a tight hug and makeup with a kiss. Goa will throw sunny tantrums with hot scorching afternoons and your smitten heart still enjoys crisped skin calmed with icy chilled beers by the beach.
Goa during monsoon is a warm comforting hug like from your beloved who waited anxiously for you to look deep into their eyes and is now topsy turvy in love. By now, you are so comfortable in each other's company that you don't need to put up with hissy fits. Just like your love, Goa will fill your heart with warmth, peace, serenity, security and love. You'll now witness this crazy beach destination in its full glory comforting you on post an unbearable long distance relationship.
The streets skirted with tall and lush green coconut trees swinging and dancing to your hums, rain soaked crisp roads dreaming your way to paradise, cold breeze with drizzly rains and if you are not lost in this beauty, you might spot rainbows too.
Now you must be wondering "baarish mein karenge kya?". Here are my top 3 recommendations:
1. Soaking in Harvalem Waterfall
Goa is my bundle of joys and lovely waterfalls. Just when you think you know him for the mighty and famous Dudhsagar waterfalls, he's got another trick up his sleeves to charm you- Harvalem Waterfall. Situated in Sanquelim, this might not be the tallest, but definitely one of the most scenic 50 metered waterfall, with a huge plunge pool, especially during monsoons as the gushing water roars through the rocky roof.
You can reach Harvalem waterfalls by car or bike pretty easily. The broad white out pour of gurgling stream, surrounded by thick green aura, is so majestic that you won't be spared by the pure bliss of tiny drops falling on your face. It's surely love at first drop.
2. A walk to remember in Fontainhas
He's an introvert but with you he's a kid, coloring your life with his presence. Fontainhas is a such flamboyant bright colored Portuguese neighbourhood near Panji and is a photographer's paradise. Someone has taken out a box of crayons and painted the town with all the bold colors...Red, yellow, blue, green.. you name it and you see it.
Just take a walk and soak in the colors, architecture, quirky paintings. Narrow streets flanked with vibrant colored houses will lift up crankiest of the days and make you pinch yourself to make sure you are not taking a casual evening walk in Europe.
And did I mention pretty little doors?
3. Cozying up with vitamin sea
Even after an year, cuddles and long conversations are the best part, right? How can Goa treat you any differently? A cozy and quiet spot at Ashwem beach is all you need to listen to what the sea waves are singing heart-to-heart... Kya kasoor hai mera. The occasional peeps of sun will add finishing touches to your craving for a tropical holiday and that's when you feel lucky for falling in love with him.
Now's the time you are dreading the most – to bid adieu to your long distance boyfriend. You are trying to clinch him, not ready to go and soak in those last moments of love with a heartfelt promise of meeting and cherishing each other again.
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