A popular tourism destination in India which is famous for its innumerous beaches, boozes and parties.Its dream destination for almost everyone especially college students, to plan a trip to goa for once with their buddies.My basic mountaineering course begins in April and I still got one more month left to kill my time. So I thought of going somewhere and Goa popped up out of blue.I am neither a drinker nor a party person and all my friends were busy, So I have to take this trip alone that’s I am used to.Now here I am back from my trip trying to pen it down. “The trip is a Huge disappointment for me”. yes, and disappointments are not solely based on the places but it depends on a lot of factors which I will let you all know as I list the places that you should visit If you are not a drinker and party person.
Dudhsagar Falls:
Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the border of the Indian state of Goa and Karnataka.And If you are going from Chennai or Bangalore via train then you will witness some stunning views of the waterfalls from the train itself.If you are attracted to stories then this is a place.There is an old legend that centers around the name of the falls. The tale goes that there was once a princess who was the daughter of the King of the Ghats. This young lady was as modest as she was beautiful and believed in the purity of heart, mind and body. The legend goes on that she used to bathe in the lake near her father’s castle every day.
After her bath, she and her handmaidens would congregate on the shores of the lake whilst the princess consumed a jug of milk. The jug, it is said was wrought of pure gold and inlaid with sparkling diamonds.
One day, as the princess was drinking her milk, a young and handsome prince was making his way through the nearby woods. On hearing the laughter and chatter of the ladies, he stopped to have a look. The princess was much abashed by her scanty bathing attire and her handmaidens poured the milk in a cascade in front of her, thus creating a curtain behind which she could don her clothes.
This cascade of milk, which preserved the modesty of the princess, is the namesake of the Dudhsagar falls.
You can reach this falls by taking a train from Vasco or Madagon to Dudhsagar station and take a 1km trek to the base of the falls or you can Hire a cab.
Forts.
Goa is also famous for its Forts.These military buildings are remains of time.The scenic beauty they offer from it is astounding.
1- Chapora Fort -This one is famous for its appearance in Dil Chata Hai movie
2-Aguada Fort
3-Cabo da Rama Fort – This one is in South Goa.
Arvalem caves.
Apart from beaches and waterfalls, one can find beautiful examples of historical architectures and monuments.One such monument is Arvalem caves, which is located 9km from Bicholim, North goa.These rock cut caves are also called Pandava caves derived from five Pandavas of Mahabharata.As the legend has it, the Pandavas sought refuge in these caves during their exile. The presence of five compartments and Shivlingas in the cave complex provides relevance of this fact. However, the caves have also been claimed to be of Buddhist origin due to the presence of a huge statue of Buddha near the place. The architectural style of the caves also speaks loud of the Buddhist possession. The opinions regarding the origin of the caves have been ambivalent from years.The architecture of the caves is yet appealing.The presence of the famous Rudreshwar temple and a waterfall in its vicinity makes this place a must visit in Goa.
Divar Island.
Though there is nothing particular to do in Divar Island, but to see the picturesque Piedade.While stepping off from the ferry from old Goa you have the distinct feeling of entering the land that time forgot.You can sense the old Goa en Architecture in the houses of Divar Island.you can get to Divar Island by free ferry service from old Goa.
Naval Aviation Museum:
India’s one and only Naval Museum is located in Goa near Goa International Airport.The Museum initially had a small collection of 6 aircraft of World War II vintage – Sealand, Alize, Dove, Vampire, Sea Hawk and Hughes Helicopter. Today there are 15 types of aircraft at the museum and wide-ranging exhibits including a scaled model of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, complete with a ski-jump runway, and Sea Harrier jump jets on its deck. The museum also preserves the historic Super Constellation aircraft, which paved way for Indian Navy to take over Maritime Patrol duties from the Indian Air Force.It would not be possible to describe in detail here, the wealth of information at the museum except to say that if you are a historian, an aviation enthusiast, or just plain curious to learn more about naval aviation, be prepared to spend at least a few hours here!And don’t go there on Monday- it’s Holiday.
Houses of Goa:
The museum is built on a traffic island in Torda, Salvador-do-Mundo, Goa.Strangely enough, it is in the shape of a triangle and resembles a ship.Viewed from the outside it is a mystery, but as you begin your visit, it slowly unfolds its charms.The museum has the wide collections of pictures of Goan House which is a treat to watch.It is located at the distance of five km from Panjim.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary:
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is a 240 square kilometers protected area located in the Western Ghats of South India.Though Goa’s rich wildlife diversity may not be as famed as it beaches, Goa also has sanctuaries such as the Bhondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Beaches:
Though there is a number of beaches to name it, few of the beaches are notable like Baga beach which is most populated by tourist and you can take part in various activities like Banana Ride, Parasailing, Jet skiing which all are available in Baga beach and this also a good place to do shopping.But I personally suggest you try kayaking in Bambolim beach in the evening.That was an amazing experience with a stunning sunset.Anjuna beach is also a popular beach.If you want all solitude means then try out south goa beaches like Agonda and PALOLEM. Butterfly beach is like out the Hollywood movie which is like a stranded Island, you can get there by ferry or hike through the forest but there are chances you get lost if you try to hike on your own to butterfly beach.
The best way to travel around the Goa is to rent a bike that would cost you few bucks around 300 Rs/day.Make sure you had your tank filled when you choose to go longer distance because petrol bunks are not very frequent even though you can get petrol in a bottle in nearby stores but that would cost you extra 20 bucks.
Let me come to the point why this trip turns out a huge disappointment for me.I always travel on a budget so this time I opted to try Couchsurfing as a host accepted my request.But when I started from Chennai I got a message from my host that he is in some kind of emergency that he is traveling to his hometown so that he cannot host me. which means I have to spend thousand and two hundred rupees for accommodation, this is the first cause because money plays a role :P.
This sight of Dudhsagar falls broke my heart ????
The second one is Dudhsagar waterfalls, when my train passes through this falls all my imagination and plans to make a one-day trek to the falls shattered when I saw very little flow :(. My Camera got exhausted on the second day of my trip and not charging that means I should take the pictures on mobile which specs are 5 Mp on the back and 2 MP on the front, I guess you got my frustration. and the next one is planned to spend a night under the sky in my tent at Agonda beach on day 3 but fate has other ideas.i got allergic to something that causes a continuous sneezing throughout the day made me impossible to move my ass in the eve so, I have to call it off.And another blunder I did is to visit the Naval aviation museum on Monday which is Holiday for that museum.Even though all these a single kayaking experience for three hours in the sea on my own made up for every disappointment I had.This made my Goa trip remarkable.But When I got the pics which were taken during the kayaking by my trainer made me feel unfortunate because those pictures were pathetic ????
The feeling of being in complete control of something you are doing for the first time is addictive xD
But yes the disappointments are all on my perspectives. Hope you will have the best holiday ????
