Goa beach holiday destinations for that
special vacation, off the beaten track.
The
state of Goa in India, was a Portuguese colony until 1962, and is famous
for its Indo-Portuguese culture and architecture. Goa's beaches reflect
its colourful mosaic of history.
The combination of
the "sosegãdo" or laid back lifestyle, bracing weather
and Goa's carnival-like nightlife has been known to lure many into a
psychedelic trance.
As you vacation in
Goa and feel the soft sand beneath your feet, you'll find that there
is no place like a warm, inviting beach in Goa to make you feel at peace
with the universe.
Since we usually
stay at my parents' flat at Monte-de-Guirim, near Mapusa, the only time
we check into a hotel or resort is when we don't have our own transport
and want to spend more time at the beach. The transport in Goa being
what it is, its always better to have your own car or bike.
I love to spend my
Goa holiday gorging on the local crab, king prawns and typical Goan
delicacies like chicken rechãdo and xãcuti. I also make
it a point to visit my aunt's house in Mapusa, where she always has
a delicious plate of fresh oyster deep fried in rava ready for me.
The local brews,
like cashew and coconut "feni," with their strong aroma, are
definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach). If you visit in
the right season, you can sample the local "Urak," a lighter
and sweeter-smelling distillate of feni.
How to get
there: You can take a cheap flight to Goa from Bombay (Mumbai).
The more adventurous can opt for an eight-hour trip to Goa by Konkan
railway or a sixteen-hour bus journey from Mumbai.
Where to
stay: Beach resorts and budet hotels are numerous, and accomodation
is often included when you opt for a cheap Goa holiday package or tour.
The
state of Goa in India, was a Portuguese colony until 1962, and is famous
for its Indo-Portuguese culture and architecture. Goa's beaches reflect
its colourful mosaic of history.