'Vacation' is a term illustrating an essence of relief, some fun and frolic and immense relaxation. After having a tight schedule, every individual craves for a vacation and every vacation calls for a celebration - something new each time to ensure perfect rejuvenation. Hence, a vacation must call for a pleasure trip to your dream destination and what can be better than going on a trip to Golden Goa.
The first thing that you notice once you enter the airport terminal building in Goa is the huge welcome sign from Pablo's Restaurant and Bar. The sign just arrests your attention and no matter where you look you are drawn to it like an ant to sugar. Goa is perhaps the only airport which does not distinguish between arriving and departing passengers. While other airports in India have such a facility in their departure lounge, Goa's laidback attitude invites, and perhaps even incites, its visitors to have fun, right from minute one.
Goa, although the smallest state in the country, provides the most opportunity for a traveller to unwind, relax and have fun. There are only a few other places on this planet that have been designed for one simple objective, to have a good time. And all this without breaking the law. No wonder the self proclaimed king of good times, Dr. Vijay Mallaya, has his own seaside villa here.
Just before leaving the terminal building, I went across to a tourist taxi booking counter to hire a cab, a facility that is easily available at almost all hotels, both large and small, in Goa. My trip to my hotel in Majorda, which is about 15 km from the airport cost me 700 rupees. It might seem a little steep, but considering the fact that it's hassle free and safe, it was a good bargain.
The ride to my hotel in Majorda took me about 45 minutes but I was lucky to have a driver who was very keen to share the new sights and sounds of Goa. He held forth on the various activities that one could undertake in Goa, most of them wicked and some not so immoral. The journey was quite pleasant and became pleasing to the eye after we turned right on our way to Majorda.
The road lined on both sides by paddy fields overflowing with rice crop, swaying to the summer breeze, was a sight to behold. Soon the pain of the scorching sun was forgotten and I was eagerly looking forward to my stint in this land of excitement. I reached my hotel, a four star beach resort, an hour before sunset and was greeted by a soothing welcome drink of tender coconut water. Unlike Hawaii, there were no ladies in hoola hoops waiting to garland me, but the staff's smiles were a sight for tired eyes.
As soon as I checked in, my attention was diverted by a rushing sound which was unmistakable and I had no doubt what it was. Few more steps and I was in the arms of the Arabian sea in all its roaring glory. I wanted to rush in but I had four more days to soak in the sun and the sea.
Contrary to popular belief, Goa is not only about beaches, though they are its single biggest attraction. Goa is filled with historical artefacts, churches of heritage importance, temples, spice gardens, a world renowned flea market and some of the most happening nightclubs in the world. Don't take my word for it. Just ask Matt Damon, if you are privileged enough to meet him, and he will tell you about his experience in Goa, un-censored.
But today was not the right day to go around Goa. I was tired and had decided to rest. Tomorrow, as they say, is another day. Early morning, my ride was waiting for me. In Italy, the vehicle which would be with me for the next three days would be called a scooterette. Here, it's called a bike or to the less knowledgeable, a Kinetic. A gearless, two wheeled 100 cc vehicle which is highly fuel efficient. If you know how to ride a bicycle, then with fifteen minutes of trial and error you will be able to ride it almost as well as Valentino Rossi. It's the most convenient way to move around Goa, which is just 120 km from one end to another and I was going to use bike from today.
Since I was in Goa, I decided to go beach hopping. So I took a change of clothes - a must have on your beach trips - and something most of us forget when we leave the confines of our hotel, sun tan lotion, and no hat. If you ask why no hat, well, that is because, in Goa, it's mandatory to wear a helmet on the highways, and there are ever-vigilant cops waiting to pounce on you if you are caught without one. My first stop was Colva beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Goa. It was crowded, noisy and full of vendors, not some place where you would like to spend an afternoon reading your favourite Ludlum.
So I headed further south to Benaulim, then to Majorda and lastly to Bogmalo. Most beaches in mid south Goa are heavily infested with tourists and if you want a peaceful time, this is not where you should come. But if you are looking for really mouth watering seafood cooked in practically any style you want, try any of the beach shacks that dot the beach. Almost all restaurants big and small sever liquor and beer is a great drink to have with the spicy Prawn Balchao and steamed rice. The afternoon slips away with the rush of waves accompanying your food and soon its time for your afternoon siesta.
Goa won't allow you to frolic in the afternoon sun and it's best to take a nap and be prepared for the wild evenings ahead. As soon as the clock struck ten, I was dressed in my nightclub best and headed for Tito's in North Goa, about fifteen kilometres from where I was put up. Contrary to popular belief, Tito is not as wild as one would imagine. It's wilder. It's a place which tests the limits of human ability to have fun without hurting anyone. A joy ride like no other. The place is crowded all days of the week and stags are frowned upon and may even be barred from entering. I could manage to overcome this issue as my resort had called Tito's manager and hence I was allowed in.
The club is open from 9 pm till 3 am on weekdays and I don't think it closes before sunrise on weekends. As I was heading back to my resort I had a look at my watch. It was already 2 hours past midnight but I was eager for more. As soon as I entered my resort I headed to its private beach soaked in the sea and its sounds and soon it just overwhelmed me with its charm.
Next morning, the last day of my stay in Goa was reserved for Palolem, the beach on the southern most tip of the state. Palolem is still one of the few beaches inundated by tourists and still a place where one can experience the idyllic sea side life. It takes a little over an hour to cover the distance and I suggest you hire a cab instead of using a two wheeler as the heat can be numbing. One must take NH - 4 down from Madgao and head towards Cancona. Just as you reach Cancona, turn right which will take you right to the beach.
As soon as I reached Palolem I realized that the place did live up to its reputation. Although not as long as the other Goan beaches, it has a charm and attraction which can be addictive. Most of the beach shacks will offer you a beach umbrella along with a settee which you can pitch almost right in the sea. As the waves greet you with their splashes you can enjoy the scenery, read a book and sip your lager till sunset. A perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday.
The setting sun too is a sight to behold and can be cathartic in more ways than one. As I got up from the beach to head back to my resort, I could not help but feel the magnetic pull of this place. No wonder people keep coming back to Goa. I headed back to my resort and it was time to rest the tired body after a day of sun soaked fun. So I went to the hotel's pub and ordered for my favourite poison and watched the local band belt out some Goan, Hindi and English numbers.
Over all, my two days in God's second abode were invigorating in more ways than one despite my hectic schedule and scorching sun. Being in Goa is like being in a relationship with a pretty girl. The more time you spend with her the more you get to know her and more you enjoy her company. Next time, I promise I will invest more time in this already budding relationship. Viva Goa.
About the author
Pushpita Saha loves reading, travelling, sketching and writing.
'Vacation' is a term illustrating an essence of relief, some fun and frolic and immense relaxation. After having a tight schedule, every individual craves for a vacation and every vacation calls for a celebration - something new each time to ensure perfect rejuvenation. Hence, a vacation must call for a pleasure trip to your dream destination and what can be better than going on a trip to Golden Goa. 
g. So I took a change of clothes - a must have on your beach trips - and something most of us forget when we leave the confines of our hotel, sun tan lotion, and no hat. If you ask why no hat, well, that is because, in Goa, it's mandatory to wear a helmet on the highways, and there are ever-vigilant cops waiting to pounce on you if you are caught without one. My first stop was Colva beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Goa. It was crowded, noisy and full of vendors, not some place where you would like to spend an afternoon reading your favourite Ludlum.
