Goa: Beaches, Nightlife, History
Neatly tucked into the Western coast of India, Goa is the state associated most with touristy beaches, happening nightlife and over 300-year old Portuguese architecture. A typical Indian’s dream vacation within the borders of the nation has to be Goa, such is the scenario that prevails. What is the magic? Why are we making yearly trips to this Holy Grail of partying? The answer is not one to look for. It’s one to feel for. The experience of Goa, as a tourist destination, stands ineffable for many where some describe it as ‘cool’ or ‘fun’. Either way, to each his own. What’s funny is, how every age group fits in they are meant to be. You’re never too young or old for Goa.
On that note, let’s start off with the city that sends you epiphanies on every sight. There are countless things to do and places to go in Goa, much of that is available on the internet but personal experience speaks for itself. Goa is for the young ones is a myth. The vicinity of the beaches welcomes all wholeheartedly. Where every beach in Goa gives you a sight of people playing, supine or lost in solitude. The coastlines are best suited for aimless strolls or long walks with your loved ones. The sea that lay in front of you, grandeur and vast leaves you breathless over and over again and nothing can beat the playful sun setting right in front of you. It sure makes up for millions of moments and photographs. The blue and green hues of the waves in Anjuna, candolim, Bagha are stunning as well as the crowd. Morjim lays secluded for those who need some time off from people. Arambol, a two-dimensional coastline beach is one to die for and just if you go there, don’t miss the sweet water lake right behind it across a hub or a flea market. It’s paradise on earth. There are many others for you to have a good time at and as the sun starts to set, the nightlife unmasks from the sand ready at your service.
Goa has a vivid mix of Indian and Portuguese culture. The air of the place is very liberal and free. In all honesty, Goa offers you the best nightlife with places like Titos lane, full of clubs and bars. Other places to go are Cabana and LPK, clubs that are on the Hot List of every tourist offering you booze and crowd like no other. Lose yourself in the music with thousand other strangers from around the world. All having a story. For families and couples, Goa has one of the best restaurants and food to eat your heart away. Lovebirds can always find themselves strolling down the beach with the sea mellifluously singing to the night. Where one sits and eat facing the sea, one is busy singing in a karaoke night and one keen to fly a lantern. The beauty of that vista is incredible.
Interestingly, you can rent scooters at cheap rates and go for a long drive to south Goa, where the real beauty lies. People seem to miss the raw essence of the state for the mainstream one. A 50 km drive through the day passing from lush green fields to bright colored houses to small roads and highways and getting lost, the journey is one to make. The outcome is worth even more. Beaches in South Goa, hard to express in words, are absolutely exotic and stunning. An ethereal view can be expected from beaches like Bogmalo. Unreal as they are, they are also hidden and secluded.
There is so much that you can do, drink away your sorrows as the booze is cheap and best; read a book at a café or at a beach; party like an animal and put your dancing shoes on or make as many memories as you can. Families or people interested in sightseeing can also find Aguada and Chapora fort and lighthouse useful while there are churches to go and find your peace. There’s enough to leave you contemplating on choices.
Goa takes over the tourism scenario majorly in India. To think, every other facebook profile picture is of that one time in Goa or every winter, trips are made in advance. It is one place, you keep going back to. Coming from my personal experience, you cannot get tired of the heart-wrenching beauty of the sunsets, cheap shopping markets, fancy overly expensive restaurants, throwing up at parties, coming back to the hotel room at 3 am after a chilling drive, sharing laughs with your buddies or even just sitting in your hotel room and chilling. Its the fact that you’re in Goa, that gets you enthusiastic. At last, no matter how long your trip to Goa was, you know the time you are spending is ephemeral and parallel to anything like your daily life. Goa is a state of the free. Can’t say much if you haven’t seen it for yourself.