My
first trip to Goa! Yes, it's one of the memorable moments of life. I
visited Goa in February first week of 2021. We went on the bike from
Hyderabad. Goa is 15hrs journey from Hyderabad, and the total distance
is 670 km only.
Goa is always a dream for nature lovers. The surroundings, charming spots, beautiful ghat road, and the lively of the state. The smallest state of India offers tourism at any season. This one of the smallest states of India, situated in South West of the country. Goa is bordered by Maharashtra in the north and Karnataka in the east. The Arabian Sea on the north side is another important factor. This state is India's highest worthy state with a GDP per capita. It is ranked as the best state by the Eleventh Finance Commission. The quality of living makes it different than other places in India.
The capital of the state is Panaji, though Vasco Da Gama is the biggest city here. The culture of Goa is influenced by the Portuguese, who landed here in the 16th century. Goa is a tourist place, and people from around the world visiting here. It is well-known for beaches, worship places, and world tradition structural design.
My journey was also exciting as this was my first trip to Goa. I did not get much time to explore, but the places that I visited will always remain in my memories. I can say it is one of the dream destinations, especially for people who love the calm beach. Just imagine sitting at the beach and having your favorite drink in your hand.
We started our trip at 5 am from Hyderabad on 5th Feb, 21. We reached Goa at 11 pm on the same day. We traveled for 15 hrs, and we were at Goa at 11 pm. It was so tiring, and we thought of taking a break journey, but then we decided not to waste time and reach the place on the same day. We spent that night at Calangute and got the OYO room for just 1000 Rs. Frankly telling, Calangute beach is very crowded. Many bars and pubs are running the whole night so obviously, you will not get peace here.
We enjoyed a full night here. Drinking, eating, and enjoying the cool breeze was the only thing we were. However, we decided to shift to a different beach as it was full of noise. We checked at Baga beach and it is the same as Calangute. Now our mind was diverting and we were thinking about where to go. We selected Arambol beach which is again 29 km far from Baga beach. We started from Baga at 11 AM, from here we got a beautiful ghat road for Arambol and reached the place by 12. Now we were at our favorite place and there we booked the hut at Sydney-X beach hut cafe.
From here our actual fun started as we were at Arambol beach. The reason behind stay here is calm nature, a silent beach, and ample time for water events. Yes! we spent 2 full days at this beach only and it is that beautiful that you will not think of going to any other place in Goa. The hut at the beach is economic and the food is awesome. However, food in any restaurant in Goa is expensive so if you have a fixed budget make sure you carry some extra cash or add some misc into your budget.
I enjoyed beer and fish at this beach. Service at your table is another feature so you don't have to wait or go anywhere to buy your drink.
Let's discuss some famous tourist attractions.
Monsoon Attraction: Here wildlife sanctuaries are also popular and they are open complete year. Mollem National Park and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary are two big parks to enjoy wildlife. Dudh Sagar waterfall on the edge of Mollem National Park is a big tourist destination here. However, we did not get time to visit Dudh Sagar due to the short time frame. Please plan your trip in a way that you can visit Dudh Sagar waterfall. The most beautiful waterfalls of India so please don't miss them.
Attraction:
Alorna Fort: This fort is in the village Alorna that is just 30 km away from Mapusa though it is only 10 km situated for highway NH 17 from Malpem, built in the 17th century.
Methane Dam: It is at a 20 km distance from Mapusa. Nothing much to do here, but tourists can enjoy watching the dam and the garden.
Arvalam Waterfalls: It's around 2 km from the Sanquelim. The high fall and green surrounding is the best thing to watch here.
Arvalem Caves: It is near Sanquelim town. Visitors have to go through detour roads to reach caves. The caves are built in the 6th century, and the best part is no articulate sculpture or paintings.
Chapora Fort: Famous as Dil Chahta hai fort, given after the super hit Bollywood movie. If you are going to the place and don't remember the actual name you can ask for Dil Chahta hai fort. It's ruined, but the view of the Arabian sea from the fort is beautiful.
Some other famous spots are Banastari bridge, Boca De Vaca Spring, British Cemetery, Budbudyanchi Tali, Cabo De Rama, Governors Palace, Chapoli Dam, Chorao Island, Churches, Chapels, and many more.
Transport:
By Air: Closest airport is Dabolim airport, placed 30 km away from Panaji. Goa is well-connected to many international counties as people from around the world are visiting this state.
By Road: We selected going by road as we were going on the bike. We decided to go through Vikarabad> Yadgir> Bagalkot> Belgaum> Goa. However, our decision was not right. While returning, we selected a better road. We came back to Hyderabad through Hubli> Badami> Raichur> Mahbubnagar> Jadcherla and then Hyderabad. There is construction going on in Bagalkot road, so we selected to divert. It was quite a good decision, though it is 50 km extra the scenery on this route is way better than Belgaum. Also, you get a chance to visit Dudh Sagar if you are going through Hubli.
Goa is well-linked with all states and cities. The national highways 4A, 17, and 17A are the best routes if you are going by car. State buses are available from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
By Rail: Vasco-da-Gama railway station is linked to almost all big cities of India. If you are going from Hyderabad, you have to go to Madagoan as no direct train for Vasco-da-Gama. It takes 36 hours by train from Hyderabad.
By Sea: It is connected with Mumbai by sea. Visitors can enjoy the sea as well as cruise trips to this place.