PARADISE OF SOUTH ASIA: GOA

Author : Aanya Agrawal, Delhi Public School, Varanasi

One of India’s most popular tourist spots, both for domestic and international travellers is ‘Goa’. Goa may be the smallest state in India but the largest at heart. Travelling to this spectacular place can never be a cliche in one’s entire life. It is one of the unique places in India where you can find people of every kind, from explorers to hardcore travellers, Hippies, foreign travellers or anyone who is passionate about travel.

I am lucky to have travelled to this picturesque gem of India. My journey with my family to the Paradise of South Asia began from Dabolim International Airport which is the sole international airport in Goa and is indeed decent and exemplary. 

We stayed at the Baga Beach Resort, one of the best luxury beach resorts in Goa with an exceptional world class hospitality and the best of what this beach town has to offer. Baga Beach Resort is situated in North Goa, which is always crowded and partying.

Just a few meters away from Baga Beach Resort comes the Baga Beach. It attracts thousands of tourists and watersports lovers to its heart. Called “The Hometown of Nightlife,” Baga beach is reputed for its cranky music celebrations by late-night, mouth-watering food, designer shops, and adventure sports. We did the Banana Boat Ride, which was indeed a fun and exciting activity that both children and grown-ups could enjoy, and parasailing, which isn’t that scary as people say, you’ll glide up into the air and the experience feels like floating and peacefully quiet. 

One thing I heartily want to recommend to you is the coconut water of Goa, they are way more stronger and sweeter compared to other regions and it gives a really happy vibe  drinking them with shades in the sun.  

Then there is Tito Lane, a few miles ahead which is a hub of shopping, dancing etc.. After every two shops, there’s a tattoo atelier. We bought a lot of small gifts for friends and relatives since the lane offers a diversity of shops with items like sea shell galores, wooden carvings, a variety of hats, bracelets, lockets, dreamcatchers, kunbi sarees, coconut craft etc.. 

There is a fish pedicure salon in Titos lane which you should definitely endeavor. We tried that out and literally didn’t regret it. We had to place our feet in water tubs containing nearly a hundred fishes. In turn, the fishes feed on our dead skin and tickle us as much as it can. It is indeed an enchanting experience.

Apart from the vibrant and lively beaches, Goa also houses numerous churches. We visited the oldest standing Church of Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in the ‘Old Goa’,which is worth a visit. Even foreigners come here to witness the historic moment. We were provided a guide who accompanied us throughout the church. He said that, here, the saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing which makes this place special. The interior of the church is in abundance of minute handiworks and crafts and is very alluring. The church also holds paintings of scenes taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier. It is one of the most famous attractions of this little paradisiacal state of India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture.

Goa’s unending beaches, the pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical hills and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms – all make it a fairy tale land for the traveller. It is an enriching experience to witness the rich culture of Goa. I was delighted to behold this magical and mystical place, and trust me, Goa is gonna steal your heart!!