Eenie, meenie, minie, mo. He has gone round and round the globe and his finger landed in India. But where should you go in India? The travel agent narrows it down, suggesting the west coast of the Arabian Sea. It is a stretch of fine sandy beaches and hidden coves. It’s called Goa.
The state of Goa was under the rule of Portugal for 450 years, so despite being part of India, there is strong evidence of both cultures. Wherever you look in Old Goa, there are the marvelous architectural mansions, which demonstrate the wealth and power of the Portuguese people.
Carnivals, which occur during Christmas and Easter, are an exuberant mix of religious and cultural traditions. You will experience Christian influences mixed with the Hindu celebrations of Divali and Holi.
If you’re wondering about nightlife, there’s something to please everyone. The largest hotel offers local singers and bands who can tackle selections from the ’50s and ’60s, as well as what’s currently playing on the charts. Even if you are staying in a villa or guest house, folk singers can be summoned.
Browse the small restaurants and beach shacks serving lobster, tiger shrimp and crabs, all fresh from the sea. Be sure to also indulge in Chinese, Thai, Italian and French food, including specialties like grilled pomfret stuffed with masala.
When shopping for trinkets or food, remember that this is a tropical country and most places have a nap break between 1pm and 4pm. Keep this in mind and you’ll soon be napping like the natives.
You’ll be amused to see the bread man delivering his fragrant loaves on a bicycle, not once, but twice a day. For things like milk, butter, and eggs, head to the stores.
Communication and keeping in touch is not difficult. The common language is English, and most people can speak it. Hindi is the national language while Konkani is the local language of Goa. Larger hotels and guest houses offer online connections so you can keep up with necessary work or send and receive emails.
If you’re visiting Goa as the calendar approaches the summer monsoons, be sure to pack some bug spray. Consult with your doctor, who will recommend the appropriate anti-malarial tablets, sprays, and lotions to combat insect bites.
Air temperatures during the most popular months of November, December, January and February stay around 30 degrees Celsius during the day under sunny skies. The nights get a bit cool at 25 degrees. With lower humidity during this period and nice sea breezes, air conditioning is usually not needed. This heavenly weather begins to deteriorate in mid-April when the temperature and humidity begin to rise again.
In May, most tourist facilities close as the monsoon season progresses, bringing with it 3.5 meters of rain. These places will not reopen until the first half of October. The sea will be rough so beach activity is not recommended during this time. However, you can still have a nice vacation if you choose accommodation with air conditioning and pool access.
In Goa there is no need to remain confined to your tourist area. It is generally safe to explore the towns, beaches, and countryside on foot, by bus, or by rickshaw. Many villas also include a car and driver in their prices.
If it’s peace and quiet you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Goa. In the countryside, you can hear the distant crowing of a Hindu temple or the crowing of roosters at dawn. In the villages life goes on, so there will be traffic noise and music from the bars and restaurants.
During Christmas and New Years, Goa comes alive with dancing, music and large family gatherings with firecrackers, which can last until the early hours.
Goa is a holiday destination with a lot going for it. You can choose the accommodation and location that best suits your personal tastes, and then take full advantage of everything this area has to offer. Choose Goa, you will be very pleased.