Mar 20, 2001 06:39 PM
7320 Views
Friends, Romans and Countrymen!
To you all I submit a dream...A dream called Goa... From Sinquerim to Mapusa and Panjim to Colva, I can go on and on telling you about the pristine beaches, the unassuming lifestyles, the phenomenal Portuguese architecture, the exquisite Vindaloos and Xacuti, the indefatigable parties, the splendid carnival, the royal river cruise....and of course impeccable hospitality of the people. But I will try keep my emotions aside while giving you a description of each of these:
Ok guys! Now without getting carried away and to put it simply I would just say that if one has lost an opportunity or had not come across an opportunity to visit the pearl of west India, then he/she has missed an experience of lifetime.
Now you all must be wondering if the Goa tourism department has paid me for writing this review...i am sorry to disappoint all such cynical hearts. I am going gaga over the place because I have worked there for 7 months (with the Taj Group) and very recent ones!!.I have experienced the beauty and hospitality of the place like no other can.
When I went there on a deputation, I was extremely apprehensive about the place, culture, work environment and the people. You someone who has lived the fast paced life of Delhi for 24 yrs, shifting bags and baggage to a place where the clock does not really denote time but functions as a showpiece was not a very pleasant feeling. But as it was to happen my very short stint of seven months in the company has developed into a life long association with that place.
1) History of Goa:
This Pearl of Oreient was a Portuguese colony till mid 70's (if I remember it correctly)but even after so many years you will find their legacy in terms of their music, dance, cuisine and particularly architecture still breathing true Portuguese life as it must have been in those years. The fort aguada and aguada jail still remain tall telling the tales of a glorious era.
2) Season:
- November to February:
This is the BIG TIME in Goa. If you are a die hard party trooper, have a gang of absolutely wild freaky friends, not to mention you are young (even young at hearts included)and want to experience a mini Europe in India...this is the time you need to get your protoplasm in Goa. If you wanna CHILL and relax this is the season you should attack... A word of caution (all this comes at a premium!! ) The prices are as high as the spirits are. Christmas Carols, New years 9u al know about this !!)Carnival and guess what Water Sports....WOW!!
- June to August:
Now for the nature lovers... I bet u cannot see it in a better form anywhere. This is the monsoon time..just before the on set..it is breezy with slight nip in the air, high tides etc etc. Now if u r the kinds who want no nonsense and just want to run away from the pressures of city life... Just carry a hammock with you and let nature take care of you. But for the party troopers..guys I am sorry ain't happening... the local restaurants (most of them) would shut down, no major crowd and no major pubs.... the brighter side - Smaller dent in wallet with millions of irresistible packages by hotels
3) Beaches:
Goa can be divided into north and south goa. North goa is more developed (commercially) with more civilization and places to hangout. on the other hand south goa is not so developed but beaches are pristine and one can see nature at its best.
Sinquerim (Next to Fort Aguada Hotel):
Situated in North goa. Clean and Clear Exciting Watersports (in season only and at a PRICE) Apt for swimming.
Calangute (Next to calangute market):
North goa. Crowded (always), Clear, Good location, closer to main market.
Baga:
North goa. Haven for parties and fun. Closer to the legendary club Tito's.one can find entire Europe here!! Crowded yet clean
Anjuna:
North goa. Now Now Now..this is the place where people dare to BARE....entry restricted to only those who dare..no scope for the free loaders or casual spectators.......(Just kidding guys..it is a place where u can do ur own thing!!!!!)
Donna Paola:
Central Goa.This is the one that goes with a legend of love between a girl and sailor who could not make it together. It is said that her spirit still visits the beach in search of the sailor. Again Crowded, not so clean, closer to panjim, water sports.
Colva:
South goa. Absolutely pristine, virgin beach with white sand. one should not be surprised to see dolphins rise from the horizon. This is in South Goa, which is relatively less populated
Vasco:
South, the lesser said the better it is!! bad experience
4) Hangout joints: (valid only for season)
If you are a party animal then check out these most happening places. Places that will sweep you off your feet!
The legendary CLUB TITO's:
This is the ultimate haven for party pumpers. The place is almost generic to goa as anyone who has heard of goa has heard of Tito's. MY FAVOURITE JOINT (that went without saying)Rave, booze, Music, Crowd, U just name it.
Club Extreme (Panjim:
New kid on the block. This Disc has opened recently and what crowd it attracts!! (Even local goans are at their partyin best). Fantastic place ..don't miss it for a fortune. Good Music they have
Martins: (South Goa)
If u have the appetite for spice..u have to other way but to be here..check out the spicy prawns, Crab and the fish curry..Slurp Slurp
Aubergine, Flavors:(Vagator)
Now this is for the connoisseurs and the deep pocketed ones. Aubergine is the brain child of the great designer '' Wendell Rodricks''..need less to say its pretty exquisite
Mrs Braganza's house:
For 200 yrs Old Portuguese art and architecture. The old lady here will more than welcome u.
Souza Lobo:
U ask anyone in goa where this place is and the guy will be just short of taking u there in person. You get to savor the most mouth watering seafood here. Trust me it can't get better than this any where.
St Thomas Church:
U have seen this one in khamoshi and many other movies. This is a tourist's delight. Again Must see.
Then there is River Cruise..not really a flambouyant thing but decent fun especially when it is drizzling, there are a couple of functional cinema halls, The panjim market is a nice place...Guys don't miss the bakery shop (i somehow can't recall the name but its close to HDFC bank)it is just fantabulous..try their chicken kathi and black forest pastry. Apart from all these there are temples, sanctuaries, water fall (all in the outskirts). So all in all a complete holiday destination for everyone.
OK guys now I give up. I just don't seem to stop and believe me this is not even 25% of what is there...So if any of you have any queries on this stupendous place, don't hesitate to drop in a mail....
Before I sign off just one word for the lovey dubby ones... This place can romance the lights out of you! If only u know where to do that!
WOW those lovely days. PS: Guys if u want to take a glimpse of what this place looks like u can log on https://collegeclub.com and search for member- riks1234 in photogallery.
Guys just be there!!!
