I am cashew-nuts
about Goa! Went there for the very first time back in 2008, and have made it a
point to head there for a weekend getaway at least once a year, or even twice.
From Mumbai, Goa is reachable by flight, train, bus, or car—if
you’re up for a crazy road trip. No matter what mode of transport you choose,
the journey would be ranging between 1.5 and 12 hours, i.e., it is just hours
away. Yet once you reach Goa, it feels like a completely foreign destination.
The vibe, the chilled-out atmosphere, the lovely people (both local and
tourists), and the beaches!
I personally prefer taking a train because, thanks to Indian Railway, there is a very nice train called
Jan Shatapdi that departs from Panvel early morning and reaches Madgaon station
at afternoon. And all the money you save that you would otherwise spend on
flight tickets can be used on booze or shopping! #SoMuchWin!
So what would you do if you had only 48 hours in Goa? Let me
tell you how to make the most of that! If it is a Saturday–Sunday, make sure you book a
train/flight/bus and reach Goa by morning. Even noon is fine. If you want to
chill, party, spend the night out, then you must stay in North Goa. If you want
a peaceful, silent retreat, then South Goa it is. There are countless Goa Resorts you can check online, fitting
every budget.
Minus the empty bottle of water, this is what it looked from my seat. The sea, the sand and the sheesha! |
Once you check-in, get fresh, change into your shorts and
tank tops and head out for lunch. You must have the local cuisines, i.e.
seafood especially (Prawns, Fish etc), and if you've got a sweet tooth, do not
forget to try the local desert, Bibinca, which you can get at any local
bakery/confectionery.
After a lazy lunch, you can take a short nap in your room or
even better head to the beach, grab a space on one of the shacks and lounge
there. Cocktails, the local Kings beer, fries, wedges are must have at any
shack. The owners are usually very helpful and courteous. Read a book, listen
to some hippie music that usually plays around, or simply put on some sunscreen
and snooze!
From my 1st trip in 2008, the water scooter is still my favorite. |
If you’re up for an adventure, go for the water sports—Water
scooter, Para-sailing, Banana ride are among a few musts. This way, it will soon
be approaching night, and if it is a Saturday night – The Saturday Night Bazaar
is where you must head. At Arpora, it is a bit crowded during peak seasons, but
still worth it. Food, Drinks, Live Music & other performances and a lot of
stalls to shop from! Antiques from all around the country, clothes,
accessories, music CDs, etc. Make sure you bargain though! And the food is to
die for; this is where you should have your dinner. World cuisine – there is
something from every part of the world!
You better not be tired yet, because after this, you
definitely must head out to party! The real parties begin only post-11 pm. Try
the old famous spots like Titos or Mambos or newer ones like LPK – Love Passion
Karma. Dance like you have never before and let your spirit free. You can then
head back to your resort or hotel to crash or take a drive around the empty
roads. If you’re hungry again, there are a few 24x7 options like Subway where
you can eat some more.
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Believe it or not, this one is part of the awesome decor at club LPK. |
If you were me, you would get up early next morning even if you
are sleep deprived. You can catch on the sleep on the way back home (or at work
the next day…hahaha). The beach at
sunrise is absolutely blissful. Do some yoga or simply walk along the shore. I
personally love that. Have a nice heavy breakfast or lunch – I would recommend
going for a proper English breakfast with eggs, pancakes, toast or whatever
else you like.
If you want to visit the churches, you can do that next. Or
go shopping for cashew and other local delicacies if you want. I recommend you
packing your bags and keeping them ready for the night train/flight so that you
are not in any last minute hurry. After this, spend the evening chilling at the
beach again, or get a temporary tattoo made (they last a month). Have a nice
fancy dinner at Thalassa, a Greek-theme restaurant, and head back home with
memories that will last forever!
Goa is calling, resistance is futile.
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