Goa in Monsoon was like a fairytale to me two years back. So when I was looking for a perfect monsoon oasis this year, I was instantly reminded of Goa.
Even after three visits to Goa, this place keeps calling me back and there is always something new to experience.
Read further to know what all Goa had offered me this monsoon!
Influence of Portuguese architecture near Saligao
Panjim to Saligao route is exceptionally beautiful dotted with pretty Portuguese houses. So be ready for a lot of pitstops to take photos of the lovely houses.
Even after three visits to Goa, this place keeps calling me back and there is always something new to experience.
Read further to know what all Goa had offered me this monsoon!
Influence of Portuguese architecture near Saligao
Panjim to Saligao route is exceptionally beautiful dotted with pretty Portuguese houses. So be ready for a lot of pitstops to take photos of the lovely houses.
Enjoy the cloudy day in Baga Beach
We started our Goa trip with a visit to Baga beach(Blame it on the hotel for not giving us early check-in!). As Baga beach was near our stay, we headed to Baga to kill our time. Surprisingly that day Baga beach was not that crowded. But Parking fee was bit high.
We started our Goa trip with a visit to Baga beach(Blame it on the hotel for not giving us early check-in!). As Baga beach was near our stay, we headed to Baga to kill our time. Surprisingly that day Baga beach was not that crowded. But Parking fee was bit high.
Take yourself down the year in Basilica of Bom Jesus
Located in Old Goa, the basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the oldest churches in India and is declared a Unesco world heritage site. This church holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier.
From the ornamented church entrance to baroque styled main altar, this church will sure take you back to the bygone era.
Know Goa's history and culture in Archaelogical museum
Just opposite to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, this archaeological museum is a must visit for those interested in knowing Goa's culture and history. Though small, this museum has got some good piece of information about Old goa.
Surprise yourself in the sleepy Divar Island
Divar Island was a pure surprise to us in all it's way. As we entered this sleepy town welcomed by swaying paddy fields and beautiful backwaters, we assumed it to be yet another beautiful quiet town.
Divar Island was a pure surprise to us in all it's way. As we entered this sleepy town welcomed by swaying paddy fields and beautiful backwaters, we assumed it to be yet another beautiful quiet town.
As we headed to the church, we saw the change of scenery from the greener pastures to colourful colonial houses.
Church was closed when we went but we were all the more satisfied with the journey than the destination.
You can take the ferry from Old Goa to Divar Island. There are two ferries which operate every 10 mins transporting people between Old Goa and Divar Island.
Walk the winding streets of Panjim Fontainhas
Fontainhas is an old Latin quarter of Panjim. Even after so many years, it still maintains it's portuguese influence in its architecture. You can walk along the winding streets to find some quaint villas and buildings in traditional European style.
Do check out the restaurants in the fontainhas for a scrumptious Goan food. We had our palatable lunch in Viva Panjim.
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| Interiors of Viva Panjim |
Two failed attempts to Reis Magos Fort!
During my first visit to this fort, as the electrical wires were off the pole and were on the path to the fort, we were restrained from entering the fort.
During my first visit to this fort, as the electrical wires were off the pole and were on the path to the fort, we were restrained from entering the fort.
This time, we went all the way to Reis Magos fort to know that the fort is closed on a Monday. Wow! What a learning?
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| View of the fort from Church |
Bask yourself in the famed Chapora fort
Famed after hindi movie 'Dil chahta hai', this fort is a perfect place to see the sunset. Being monsoon season, we couldn't get to see the sunset this time. But the sun played a little hide and seek to offer us some pristine views like this.
Let the dog guide you to the pristine Heart Shaped lake, Chicolna
Meandering through the secluded greener pastures, with butterflies fluttering around us and the dog leading us through the way, when we finally reached this piece of paradise, we were almost out of words to describe the whole thing.
Meandering through the secluded greener pastures, with butterflies fluttering around us and the dog leading us through the way, when we finally reached this piece of paradise, we were almost out of words to describe the whole thing.
The beauty was one thing that took our heart and the another thing was this dedicated guide who we got along on our way and the final thing was the peace that went synonymous with this place.
With swaying coconut trees in the edge of the hill; the endless view of ocean; the wind that swept me off my feet, I felt complete serendipity. I could only do half justice to the place by my words.
When you start navigating in Google maps to heart shaped lake, don’t go till the google marked place. Instead take left to JMC Veira nagar and then take right and go straight. You may have to drive off road at the last stretch or you can even park your vehicle and hike to the heart shaped lake.
Take yourself to the western most tip of Goa, Grand Mother Yole beach
As we had two hours in hand, we decided to venture to the western most tip of Goa, Grand Mother Yole beach.
To reach this beach, you have to first go to Japanese garden. And from there, take the steps down to reach a beach devoid of tourists.
As we had two hours in hand, we decided to venture to the western most tip of Goa, Grand Mother Yole beach.
Here you go! Grand Mother Yole beach! Your own private beach!
On your route to this beach from Vasco, you can also pitstop for a good view of Goa Harbour.
Enjoy shopping near Baga beach
From pretty beach wears to flip flops to dream catchers to beautiful souvenirs, you would find many shops near Baga beach.
Treat your taste buds with Goan spices
Rich influence of Portuguese in Goa and the wide availability of cocunut and spices had perfectly complemented each other to offer us one of the exemplary culinary treat. Read a detailed guide on "Must have Goan foods"
So this is all my monsoon oasis in Goa is all about.
The spirit of Goa lies in it's quaint sleepy villages. You need to go further from the touristy places to truly experience the real vibe of Goa.
If someone asks me to name one reason as to why I love this sunshine state so much, I would sure be baffled to pick one.
What would I choose? The secluded sea shores; the magnificent trekking trails; the sleepy island villages; may be the ruined forts; the colourful portuguese buildings; the delicious Goan food or the warmest people I met(Ok! The list goes on), Goa had offered me so many surprises that it's pretty hard to pick one.
Enjoy shopping near Baga beach
From pretty beach wears to flip flops to dream catchers to beautiful souvenirs, you would find many shops near Baga beach.
Treat your taste buds with Goan spices
Rich influence of Portuguese in Goa and the wide availability of cocunut and spices had perfectly complemented each other to offer us one of the exemplary culinary treat. Read a detailed guide on "Must have Goan foods"
The spirit of Goa lies in it's quaint sleepy villages. You need to go further from the touristy places to truly experience the real vibe of Goa.
If someone asks me to name one reason as to why I love this sunshine state so much, I would sure be baffled to pick one.
What would I choose? The secluded sea shores; the magnificent trekking trails; the sleepy island villages; may be the ruined forts; the colourful portuguese buildings; the delicious Goan food or the warmest people I met(Ok! The list goes on), Goa had offered me so many surprises that it's pretty hard to pick one.
What had Goa offered you on your trip? Do drop in your comments.
Happy Tanning in goa!
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