One Week in Coastal Paradise of India

Story and Photos by Rajdeep Bhattcharjee

Goa is a name that always find its place on the wish list of every traveler visiting this coastal paradise in India. After months of traveling East India, I decided to head for the western region and to start from Goa, the 25 th state of the Indian Union, better known as the land of sun, sea, and sand.

It was the 24 th of October when I boarded the jet airways flight to Goa, often called the "Pearl of the Orient." It is located on the striking coastal belt known as the Konkan region.

Goa is a favorite destination of travelers from around the world because of its scenic beauty, wonderful beaches, and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches, and old houses. It has Maharashtra to the north, Karnataka to the south and east and the Arabian Sea to the west, which forms the magical coastline. Panjim, the state capital, is located on the bank of the Mandovi River. Vasco, Margao, Mapusa, and Ponda are the other major towns.. Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, and Calangute Beach are some of the beautiful beaches in north Goa. Anjuna Beach, 8 km. west of Mapusa, is one of the most popular beaches. Anjuna Beach is the main venue of big parties held each year during Christmas.

After calling up a few hotels from the Lonely Planet pages, I agreed on Resorte Marinha Duarado, which is near Baga Beach in north Goa. It took nearly 1 ½ hour to reach the hotel. Goa is famous the world over for its beaches. It seems people here eat, drink, and breathe beaches. You will find shacks where beer is sold at bargain prices, and you may purchase seafood at mom-and-pop kiosks where you will see the husband tossing the pan while the wife takes orders.

The quiet atmosphere and isolated location, added with the scenic beauty and creek that surround it, make Baga Beach a favorite.

Portugal , who ruled here for 451 years until late 1961, and prior rulers, have left their influences on the lifestyle, culture and architecture of its towns and villages. Some of India's most beautiful churches, largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization, are located here. The Basilica Of Bom Jesus, the Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier, the Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi, the Chapel Of St. Catherine, and the St. Cajetan Church are located in Old Goa. The most beautiful amongst them is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture completed in 1605. It is located 10 km. east of Panaji, and is a World Heritage Monument. Other than beaches and churches, you can see the forts that have stood over time and speak volumes of Goa's past. They are Fort Aguada, Cabo da Rama, Chapora, and Terekhol.

Your trip to Goa is not complete unless you spend at least one night in its favorite discotheque, Club Tito's. Located at Baga, Tito's does not need introduction and is always chock-a-bloc with partiers.  Olli's Pub, located at Anjuna on the way to Mapusa, is a favorite amongst travelers.

Getting There:

Goa is well connected by all major airlines of India. The Goa Airport at Dabolim, near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama , is owned by the Indian Navy and is around 30 kms. from the capital city of Panaji. Check www.jetairways.com for a detailed flight schedule. Other airlines, like Air Sahara, Air Deccan, Spice Jet, and Kingfisher Airlines also connect Goa from all major points of India. If you choose to enter India via the gulf region, check www.airindia.in , which has direct flights to Goa from the gulf.

Accommodations:

From rented houses to 5-star resorts, all options are available in Goa. Resorte Marinha Duarado, 1 ½ km. from Baga Beach is quiet and pleasant. Some of the 5-star resorts are: Park Hyatt, Taj Exotica, and Leela Palace. Inexpensive rooms begin at INR 200 and go up to INR 10000 a night, depending on the category of hotels you choose.

For a worry-free trip to Goa, visit www.travelpack.com/goa, or contact Durga Srinivas or Ms.Pearl at TRAVELPACK, B4, SESA GHOR, PATTO, PANJIM, GOA. Phone: 91 832 2438678/79/80; Email: durga.talamraju@travelpack.com for a holiday of a lifetime.

I was in Goa for a week before I returned to Mumbai, which was the second stop on my tour of Western India.

Will be back with you soon from Mumbai.

Safe globetrotting…