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The
former Portuguese colony of Goa is one of the most sought-after
destinations in India. Situated on the western coast of India, the
state is blessed with many attractions including, sun drenched
beaches, forts, churches and beach resorts, colonial charm. Last but
not the least it is the culture that makes it different from other
states of India. However Goa's main claim to fame are its beaches.
Mumbai
is the nearest international airport. Goa is a 45 min flight from
Mumbai or you can come to Goa cheaply on a 14-hour bus or train
journey. Apart from this, several charter companies fly into Goa's
Dabolim Airport direct from the European countries. There are also
regular flights between Dabolim Airport and Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi,
Chennai, Bangalore, Udaipur, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. With the
completion of the 760km Konkan Railway Mumbai has been linked with
Goa while the later has been linked to Mangalore in the south. As a
result there has been dramatic cut in the travel times along the
western coast of India. There is also option for buses, which play
from Panaji and Margao to Mumbai, Mysore and Bangalore.
You can
visit Goa at any time of the year, because this Indian state of Goa
is ready to enchant you any time of the year, be it winters or
monsoons.
GOA IN WINTERS
If you want to travel to Goa during winters, then it would be an
ideal time, because Goa becomes very pleasant during that time of
the year. November to mid February would be the best time to travel
to Goa. During this time, you can enjoy the sun through out the day.
And who would want to miss the Goa carnival in February, wherein Goa
is decked up like a bride and all the Goans play host to the grand
carnival.
GOA IN MONSOONS
Come monsoon and this Indian state of Goa is washed clean by fresh
rains. The cool rains come as a reprieve after the hot summer. Once
the rains hit this small town state of Goa, then it is definitely
not the time to stay dry indoors but to go all out into the rain,
let your hair down for once and party at one of God's beautiful
creation.
Goa has always been associated with the sun and the sea, but the
combination of rain and the sea manages to spread even more magic.
Cool breeze teasing your hair, raindrops dancing on your face,
swaying palm trees waving at you while the dark sea invites you to
enjoy the ripples created by the rain. This will be the world you
would be entering if you chose to go to Goa during monsoons.
Go for the small romantic places. A few miles from the main town of
Panaji are the beaches of Colva and Sernabatim. The soft, golden
sand invites you to walk bare feet while the sea breeze caresses
you. Suddenly it starts drizzling and the air gets cooler. The
raindrops make their own little designs in the soft sand along with
the impressions of your feet. Before you know it you have reached
the palm fringed Benaulim beach. Let the magic seep in while you
enjoy a hot cup of coffee or rich Goan port, relaxing under an
umbrella and hearing the beats of the rain. These umbrellas are a
part of the restaurants that dot the beaches. The tempering aroma
from these restaurants makes you feel hungry and there is plenty to
indulge in. Over the weekends each restaurant has a little carnival
of its own with barbecue, bonfire, fire works and lots of sea food
and fun besides the Goan dishes and sweets. Goan vindaloo is a must
try unless spices are not for you! |
