Goa in high 'spirits' !!

Goa – the very name is magical. There are scores of other beachy places in India but Goa is Goa – a class apart as sworn by the 3 million annual visitors – with a majority of them being repeats. This smallest State of India sells the biggest dream-holidays every year. No wonder then that Goa is India’s richest State with Tourism being its primary industry!

Maybe it’s the palm-fringed beaches of white sands and sparkling waters.

Maybe it’s the charm of a 600-year old Portuguese colony with its world heritage architecture of Churches and houses.

Maybe it’s the bio-diverse hotspot that it is.

Maybe it’s the zipping around on rented bikes or lazing and strolling aimlessly on the beaches.

Maybe it’s the addicting flea-markets and hangout beach-shacks.

Could it be about all the sunburn and rave Goa beach-parties and discos with low-duty booze? It must be all of the above and more!

The best way to optimize your visit to Goa is to club your visit with a Goan festival. That’s when you can catch the true essence of Goa.

Countless festivals, events and parties dot the Goa calendar all year. This June, Goa would be buzzing with fun and frolic when it celebrates the onset of monsoons (Feast of St. Anthony on the 13^th); celebrates newlyweds (Sao Joao Festival on the 24^th) and celebrates fishing in the monsoons (Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul on the 29^th).

The traditions that are practiced during these festivals truly smack of Goa – interesting and vibrant and very Portuguese!

The Sao Joao Festival which is centuries old is a lively street festival where the Goan youth go berserk with fun activities. Sao Joao Festival or the Feast of St. John’s commemorates the Christening of Lord Jesus Christ in River Jordan. On this day the youth of Goa jump into ponds and wells in remembrance and play games and sing songs and pray. On this day you will find the Goan youth scurrying on the roads from pond to pond and well to well. The newlyweds are given centre-stage by giving them prominent roles on this day of distributing goodies to the others. Mothers-in-law prepare and layout an elaborate meal for their sons-in-law. There is also an annual boat-parade that is held on this day. ‘Copel’ or a tiara made of fresh flowers is worn by the participants all day. There is also a long procession that meanders through the streets of Goa and leads to a Church. Upon reaching the Church there are fireworks, games and other fun activities held. The Goan locals spend the entire day on the streets participating with gusto in a host of events.

Goa is ever-inviting. Question is.....how would you like Goa served to you!

 Pix courtsey: Top News, Goodreads, Goa tours and travels, Goaindiatourism, Mygoatour, Festivalsofindia, Indianetzone.

Mesmerising Gokarna

While everyone was rushing to Goa to escape the heat, we decided to explore Gokarna beach in Karnataka about 80 km from Goa. We reached the main junction, Hubli (160 km from Gokarna) and took a cab to Gokarna which was more comfortable than a bus. People coming from places like Bangalore can just drive down (500 km from Bangalore).

We were amazed when we reached the town through the beautiful Ghats and valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. Gokarna is a unique combination of hills, valleys and a beach that is rare to find. The Gangavali River flows through the town. And the best part is it is still not commercial and crowded unlike Goa. A few tourists including foreigners generally visit during November to February.

There are many hotels in the town where accommodation is easily available. But a stay on the hill top and valley facing resorts is undoubtedly a better option. And they are not very expensive. Plenty of cabs and autos are available for transport.

There are three beaches in the radius of five kms – Om Beach (named so for its Om shape), Town Beach (in the heart of the town and hence a little dirty) and Kudle Beach (the most exotic beach one can find).  The drive to the beaches is amidst the hills and valleys and the serene lush green, clean and calm beaches are heavenly. You can do boating, fishing, play in the water or simply relax and hear the waves or watch the sunrise and sunset. The small walk towards the Kudle beach was unforgettable through the rocky slopes of the hills as though you are heading towards a water fall. The coconut and mango trees all around the beach added to its beauty.  There are restaurants near the beaches that have some amazing sea food. 

Although not very popular in the glorified list of beaches, yet it is one of the best beaches of the country in terms of serenity, cleanliness and natural beauty. An ideal family holiday destination and a getaway from city stress.

There are some ancient temples like – the over 500 year old Mahabaleshwar Temple (one of the Jyoti Lingas of Lord Shiva where the Linga is underground), Parvati Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, and Ganesh temple, Bharat Temple, Rama Temple, a holy Kund, and Shiva Temple etc. The temples are beautiful and believed to be very sacred.

The town is very small but really interesting with small houses belonging to the colonial and pre-colonial construction that is worth having a look. People are very humble and helpful that makes the stay very comfortable. Food is good with a lot of options and quite economical. Not much of shopping to do except for some western clothes and shell jewellery. There are some nearby tourist spots like water falls, ancient temple etc. about 90 km from Gokarna.