Dreaming of Goa – India

2017/11/24

Dreaming of Goa – India

In late 2013 I visited India for the first time. For three months I explored the northern Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakand and then the remote Andaman Islands. It was my Easy Trip to India, designed to avoid all the country’s most crowded, hectic, noise-laden destinations.

My ‘easy’ plan worked very well. I had a fantastic time, enjoyed every destination thoroughly and avoided the usual hassles and stresses that many visitors experience there.

Although I loved every place I visited in India and am thrilled I could escape the crowds, I have to admit that I regret missing a few choice destinations, specifically Leh, Kashmir, Manali (all in the northern Himalayas) and the famous beaches of Goa.

beach at Goa from Taj Fort Aquada – photo by Swami Stream on Flickr CC

I’ve actually been itching to visit Goa since the year 2000 when I started hearing stories from like-minded, offbeat travelers I met in Bali about the beautiful scenery, amazing alternative communities, bohemian markets and all-night dance parties on the Goa beaches.

I even looked up Goa on the map and located it just south of Mumbai (Bombay). Well, ‘just southwest’ is a relative term. India is a huge country, so like the US, distances between relatively ‘close’ places can still be quite far.

In this case, Goa is actually nearly 600 km / 350 miles from Mumbai. It’s a one-hour flight, a 10-11 hour drive or a 12+ hour ‘express’ train trip between the two destinations.

India map with Goa Goa is not just one beach, but actually one of India’s 29 states and is situated on India’s west coast along the Arabian Sea. With nearly 150 km / 90 miles of coastline, Goa has dozens of beautiful beaches, each with its own scenery, character and type of tourism. Several beaches in the northern part of the state have the alternative communities I’m drawn to and had heard about from other travelers in the early 2000s.

Since then, Goa’s fabulous beaches, renowned beach parties and famous Arjuna weekly street market have drawn the attention of more and more travelers, both domestic and international. As a result, some of Goa’s beaches have developed into mid-range or luxury vacation destinations for both India’s elite and international vacationers.

I also learned that Goa is not just beaches. The state has an interesting, unique history as it was colonized by the Portuguese, unlike the rest of India, that was colonized by the British. As a result, Goa has unique historic towns, churches, forts, art and cuisine. Inland, the scenic tropical state also has beautiful rivers and lakes, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, traditional Hindu villages, organic spice farms and lush forests.

colonial architecture in Old Goa – photo by patrikmloeff on Flickr CC

All sorts of accommodation, from budget hostels up to luxury resorts, are situated all over Goa state in its historic towns, on the shores of lakes like Resort Rio Goa, and in other scenic spots.

So visitors to Goa can head to their favorite type of beach for sun, sand and sea activities. Can party their hearts out. Can shop for interesting goods from all over India and the world. Can plunge into yoga courses, reiki, massage and all sorts of spiritual practices.

Or they can luxuriate at plush upscale resorts. Admire beautifully preserved-colonial architecture, museums and art galleries. Dine on Goa’s unique brand of seafood cuisine. Explore wildlife sanctuaries or go bird watching. In short, visitors to Goa can enjoy their own best style of holiday, all in a tropical, breezy laid-back slice of paradise in India.

I for one must definitely make another trip to India for an extended visit to Goa and then head north to the India Himalaya’s various Tibetan communities surrounded by mountains, sky and clouds.

You might also enjoy reading:

Dharamsala – India – Home of the Dalai Lama

My Sneaky Plans for an Easy Trip to India

My 10 Best Experiences in India

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