As I was wondering where to escape to during this time of the year, I received a call from Catherine, a friend of mine from Kolkata who wanted me to join her on a trip to Goa. Wow!!! I just jumped out of the chair and said yes immediately. 

As we were both camping at different locations, we decided to meet up at Mumbai Airport. It was on the morning of 24th October, I took the newly introduced Spice Jet flight from New Delhi and reached Mumbai in the afternoon and was joined by Catherine who was waiting for me since morning.

Goa, often called, the "Pearl of the Orient" is located on the beautiful coastal belt known as Konkan region on the western part of India.
 

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Goa is a favorite destination for travelers from around the world because of its magnificent scenic beauty, wonderful beaches, and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses.

Panjim the state capital is located on the banks of the Mandovi River.Vasco Margao Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns.

After calling up a few hotels from the Lonely Planet pages we decided to stay at Resorte Marinha Duarado which was near Baga Beach in northern Goa.It took us nearly 1½ hrs.to reach the hotel.

Goa is famos for beaches the world over. It seems like people here eat, drink and breathe beaches. On most beaches, you will find shacks where beer is sold at cheap prices; you can also eat seafood from the Kiosks, inside of which you can see husbands tossing the pan and the wife taking the orders.

The quiet atmosphere and isolated location and freshwater river has made Baga Beach one of the favorites of beach lovers. 

The Portuguese ruled for nearly 400 years in Goa and other rulers who ruled prior to them have left their influences in the lifestyle of Goa; this can be seen in Goa's varied culture and architecture.

Some of the most beautiful churches in India are located here, which are largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization. Basilica Of Bom Jesus, Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier, Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi, Chapel Of St. Catherine and St. Cajetan Church are located in old Goa. But the most beautiful amongst them is the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

We were surprised when told that this is the only church in Old Goa which is not plastered on the outside, the lime plaster having been stripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950. 

Other than beaches and churches you can see the forts that have stood the test of time and have a lot to say about the past. They are Fort Aguada, Cabo da Rama, Chapora and Terekhol.

Getting There

Goa is well connected by all the major airlines in India.