Goa: The ideal destination to do what you want to do

Goa is a rather singular place in India, very different from the rest of the country. Before I went there, I thought it was a city, or at least a place of rather limited dimensions. It's not, because Goa is in fact a state in its own right, even if it's the smallest state in India. With more than 100km of coastline from North to South, there are many different cities, so it's best to study a bit before planning a trip to Goa.

The old hippie hangout of the 1960s now welcomes the new alternative backpackers who eat vegan and do yoga, but also many wealthy tourists who travel to luxury resorts. Above all, it is a popular holiday destination for Indians who come to see the beach and party in this state, where legislation is much more flexible than in the rest of the country, especially on alcohol.

It's quite common to hear travellers denigrating the "too touristy" side of Goa, but in fact, it should be noted that the majority of tourists there are Indian tourists. The strong difference between Goa and the rest of India lies in its history: the state was under Portuguese rule from the 16th century until 1961, when it gained independence, and the Goans are predominantly Catholic.

Doing yoga and meditation: Arambol


I might as well say it right now, Arambol is an incredible place in Goa. It has become a kind of rallying point for all the new vegan or vegetarian hippies, adepts of yoga, meditation and all kinds of oriental philosophies and therapies such as tai-chi, reiki, qi-gong... A lot of "soft-minded" people who are a bit crazy but nice and peaceful. Even if we don't really belong to this movement, we appreciate the joyful harmony and brotherly love that emanates from it. Moreover, it is also a good place to enjoy the beach.

Partying: Anjuna, Vagator and Baga



The Goa festivities are not what they used to be a few years ago. This is mainly due to the tightening of the state legislation which has banned noise pollution after 10pm. So there are no more big parties on the beach, but rather in clubs or bars. The three cities with the most dynamic night life are Anjuna, Baga and Vagator. It's especially paradise for lovers of psychedelic trance music, especially in Anjuna with Curlie's, a big beach bar and NYEX, a much more chic establishment much sought after by the Russians, and in Vagator with the Nine Bar and the Hilltop. If you don't like trance, on the other hand, it's hard to enjoy it...

For more general music lovers, you should rather go to Baga, the bars and clubs along Tito's Lane. The two most popular clubs are Mambo café and Tito's courtyard. Between Baga and Anjuna is one of the biggest clubs in Goa, at the top of a hill: the Cubana club.

To be pampered in a luxury resort: Candolim

This is the big advantage of countries where there is a big difference in the cost of living compared to the West: it is easier to afford a luxury hotel without going broke. Candolim is a city well located in the state of Goa, in the south of the northern part, which means that it is a good base if you want to enjoy the northern beaches, party in Baga or Arpora, or visit the cultural sites of Panjim and Old Goa.

Many hotels with spa, swimming pool, spacious rooms and even a casino have been established in the city of Candolim. This is the case of the hotel Grand 7 Casino for example. Here, you can laze by the pool all afternoon and enjoy a game of roulette or blackjack at the casino in the evening. At a time of social distancing, you may find it easier to opt for a game of online poker, but not just any way. Indeed, you can now find poker games with live dealer casinos, which will make you feel like you're at the casino with the ability to communicate with your opponents and the live dealer while being safe.

Shopping: Anjuna and Arpora

To go shopping in Goa and bring back beautiful Indian souvenirs, there are two weekly events not to be missed: the flea market on Wednesday in Anjuna and the saturday night market in Arpora. Even if you don't want to go shopping too much, both places are very good opportunities for a walk. To buy, however, you have to negotiate well and not hesitate to halve the prices compared to what is asked at the beginning. Always go around the stands and ask for prices in several different places to get an idea.

See cultural sites: Panaji, Old Goa, Quepem and Chandor


With its colonial history, Goa has a very beautiful Portuguese architectural heritage, with beautiful immaculate white churches and beautiful colonial style houses to visit. Most of the major sites are clustered in Panaji and Old Goa, in the northern part of the state, but there are also houses worth a visit further south, in Quepem and Chandor.

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Goa’s Prettiest Rural Holiday Destinations

I am sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘There is more to Goa than its beaches’ in your travel circles. I completely agree with it. There are many amazing experiences to be had in Goa apart from its gorgeous coastline and pristine beaches. Like, for example, Goa is one of India’s best monsoon destinations. I had recently written an article on ‘5 best monsoon experiences to be had in offbeat Goa’. Now, that the monsoon season is over and the peak winter season is fast approaching, I want to talk about another side of Goa that is as beautiful and charming as its beaches. They showcase true Goa. They are Goan villages. And the best part is that they won’t be as crowded as the beaches.

Here is the list of Goa’s prettiest villages that make for fabulous rural holiday destinations.

1) Aldona



Aldona is like a gem in the crown of Goa tourism. With a mix of hills, dense tree cover, rivers and backwaters, this peaceful village is as beautiful as it gets. Along with its scenic setting, it is known for its white church with white cemetery, creatively built houses, cable bridges, stone bridge, its old world charm and laidback lifestyle. All you need here is a bicycle, a camera and a place to stay and you will end up having one of the best rural holidays of your life.

Top Attractions: Corjeum fort, 16th century St. Thomas church

2) Assagao



Known as the flower village of Goa due to its rich Marigold production, Assagao also happens to be one of Goa’s most trendy villages with up and coming neighbourhoods. Located in the hills of North Goa, it is a tiny little village that is known for its beautiful streets, cashew groves, elegant colonial villas with pretty gardens and Portuguese era churches. It is the perfect base for those who love the beaches of North Goa, but wish to stay in a quiet setting away from flea markets and parties.

Top Attractions: Birdwatching, Cashew groves, Some of Goa’s best cafes and restaurants, 18th century St. Cajetan church

3) Saligao



This tiny green village of Saligao in North Goa is known for its maze like tiny pathways that connect the houses with paddy fields and coconut plantations. It is the perfect place to go to if reading or writing is on your agenda or if you just want to stay away from all the urban noise and modern day life.

Top Attractions: The Florentine restaurant, Mae de Deus church

4) Chorao

A paradise for photographers and birdwatchers, Chorao is an island on the Mandovi river. It is most famous for Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary that is home to mangrove forests and a rich array of flora and fauna. Apart from this lush habitat, it is made up of 3 sleepy villages, a fort in ruins, churches and temples. A highly recommended place for all nature lovers.

Top Attractions: Birdwatching and mangrove forests, 16th century St Bartholomew church

5) Chandor



This sleepy village of South Goa was once Goa’s ancient capital between the 6th and the 11th centuries when the Kadamba dynasty ruled Goa. Located by the confluence of the Kushavati and Zuari rivers, Chandor tells you great stories about Goa’s pre-portuguese era and how it was a wealthy and important trade hub. Examples of its rich past can be seen in the remnants of a 11th century temple, a Nandi statue and a fort. Even older inscriptions have been found here. In simple words, it is loaded with history and a perfect rural destination for all those history lovers.

Top Attractions: 350 year old Menezes Braganza Pereira house

6) Nerul



This coastal village, tucked right in the middle of the estuaries of the Mandovi and the Nerul rivers and the densely forested hills, is a sight for sore eyes. It’s rich alluvial soil makes it the vegetable basket of Goa. Groundnuts, sweet potatoes, watermelons and coconuts can be found in abundance here. With the ocean, rivers, backwaters and hills all in close proximity, one is spoilt for choice in terms of activities to do here. Fishing and kayaking are the most popular things to do here, apart from indulging in fresh seafood and living the laidback rustic Goan life.

Top Attractions: Coco beach, 16th century Our Lady of Remedies Church, Fishing, Kayaking, Seafood

7) Loutolim



This South Goan village is a perfect blend of beautiful Goan architecture and lush green nature. Bordering the Zuari river, Loutolim is made up of gorgeous looking contemporary Portuguese houses with baroque windows and large verandahs and green paddy fields. The highlight of this village has to be its palatial homes with exquisite interiors and wooden furniture. It becomes even more special when you stay at one of these places and watch the world go by from its wraparound verandahs.

Top Attractions: Figueredo Mansion, Casa Araujo Alvares, Jila Bakery, 16th century Saviour of the world church, Ancestral Goa and the Bigfoot museum

Now that you have seen this list of Goa’s best villages, all you now have to worry is how to reach Goa. Are you taking a flight to Panjim, opting for the scenic Konkan railway route or are you keen on doing a full-on Goan road trip. The choice is purely yours. Irrespective of the mode of transportation, these pretty little villages of Goa will bowl you over with their architecture, culture, natural beauty and rustic life. It is a unique way to spend your next holiday in Goa.

Photo Courtesy: Some of the photographs in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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11 South Indian Temples with the most scenic locations

India is a land of temples and this temple riches can be seen all over the country. While each one of them are beautiful in their own right through their spiritual significance, cultural riches and glorious past, there are a few that are set in some of the most scenic locations. The temples located in the Himalayas usually enjoy such heavenly locations, but there are some in South India that enjoy pretty locations too. Here is a list of 11 South Indian temples that enjoy the most scenic of locations.

T A M I L    N A D U

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam



It is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. It also has the largest temple complex in India. It’s southern gopuram, at 239.5 feet, is the tallest in Asia. It is a major pilgrimage site for Srivaishnavites. I am talking about Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, one of the 3 temples of God Ranganatha that are situated in the natural islands formed in the Kaveri river. The Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple is the most downstream one (Antya Ranga), while the other two upstream ones are Ranganathaswamy temple at Shivanasamudra (Madhya Ranga) and Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangapatna (Adi Ranga).

This temple is famous for the Anantasayana Vishnu or Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, but the interesting thing to note here is that the lord faces south unlike other Hindu temples of India where the lord usually faces the east direction. Built during the Chola empire, this temple rose to its current prominence during the Vijayanagara empire. Today, it is one of the most sacred spots in the country. On one side of the temple flows the beautiful Kaveri river and on the other flows its distributary, the Kollidam. Pilgrims visit this temple to absolve of all their sins, to immerse the ashes of the departed and to find the path to vaikuntam, which means no more cycle of rebirth. If you are offering any special prayers or wish to catch the abhishekham or opening of garbha griha doors, do keep a tab on the srirangam temple timings as everything works according to that. You might have to wait for a long time if you happen to miss these time slots.

Papanasanathar Temple, Papanasam



This 1000 year old Shiva temple is located by the banks of the Thamarabharani river and is surrounded by the pristine forests of Kalakad Mundanthurai tiger reserve. A few kilometers from it is the Agastyar falls and the Papanasam dam that stores water and generates power for this region. While it is surrounded by sensational nature of the Western Ghats, pilgrims come in droves to this temple to get rid of their sins. They usually take a bath in the Thamabharani river and climb the steps from the river ghat straight into the temple to offer their prayers.

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram



This island in the Bay of Bengal is considered one of the holiest places in India for Hindus. One of the four char dhams in the iconic Hindu pilgrimage circuit, this place is where Lord Ram built a Shiva linga and worshipped to get the blessings of Lord Shiva in the Treta Yuga. People visit this temple and drench themselves in the water from the different wells inside the temple complex to absolve of all their sins. A lot of people also immerse the ashes of the departed here. The highlight of a trip to Rameshwaram is the wave less ocean, the iconic Pamban railway bridge and the vast blue spectacle.

Murugan Temple, Tiruchendur



One of Tamil Nadu’s richest temples, this temple dedicated to Lord Subramaniya is located just a few metres from the Bay of Bengal whose waves lap the beaches of this temple. One of the 6 holy places of worship for Lord Murugan, this temple designed in Dravidian style is known for the different looks of the lord on different days, its stunning gopuram and its lovely seaside atmosphere.

Shore temple, Mahabalipuram



Another Shore temple, but this time a 7th century UNESCO World heritage site that is located at Mahalabalipuram. Built by the Pallava kings, it is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India. The highlights of this gorgeous temple are the lion monolith, the Ananta Sayana Vishnu, the cluster of temples, the Pancha Rathas (five chariot like monolithic structures named after the Pandavas of the Mahabharata) and the laidback sea side location.

K A R N A T A K A

Vittala Temple, Hampi



One of South India’s most intricately carved temples, Hampi’s Vittala temple that is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in northern Karnataka is a class apart. It’s musical pillars (that make sounds of everything from oceans to rivers to ragas and instruments) and its horse chariot (only 4 such chariots exist in India – Konark Sun Temple, Modhera Sun Temple, Airavateeswara Temple and Vittala Temple) are the main attractions. But, its main attraction according to me is its rocky landscape that surrounds the temple and through which the Tungabhadra river flows. This medieval wonder, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site was built by the kings of the Vijayanagara empire when Hampi used to be their capital.

Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna



Sandwiched between the mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, lies the temple town of Gokarna that is shaped like a cow’s ear (land that lies between the Aghnashini and Gangavali rivers). Amidst its rustic setting, lies the Mahabaleswar temple and inside it is the Atmalinga that is believed to have gifted to demon king Ravana by Lord Shiva himself. One of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers, Gokarna’s Mahalabaleswar is as popular for its spiritual significance as it is for its natural surroundings. Pristine white sandy beaches, cliff walks, beautiful waterfalls and a green setting completes its ensemble.

Bhutanatha Group of Temples, Badami



A 7th Chalukyan wonder, the Bhutanatha group of temples were built right after the famous cave temples of Badami. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this cluster of sandstone shrines contains architectural forms from different periods due to every Chalukyan king leaving a bit of their mark behind for close to 400 years. Located next to a large temple pond, the Bhutanatha group of temples is surrounded by the rugged sandstone mountain landscape of Badami and during the rains, even waterfalls seem to adorn this view.

A N D H R A    P R A D E S H

Kailashagiri Temple, Visakhapatnam



One of the best coastal views of Andhra Pradesh is visible from this mountain temple. It is a modern temple, but it offers some legendary views of the beautiful Coromandel coast near Vishakapatnam. A large statue of Shiva Parvati and a simple temple premises make Kailashagiri. A plastic free environment, a hilltop park and a cable car service completes this temple experience.

K E R A L A

Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad



This Vishnu temple built by Lord Brahma himself is located on one side of the Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. Located at an elevation of 3000 feet, this valley in northern Wayanad is surrounded by mountains, streams, waterfalls and beautiful forests of the Western Ghats. The place is so pretty that even Lord Brahma was enamoured by it and how this temple came along. There is a nearby mountain stream called Papanasini that is believed to carry medicinal water and that locals consider very sacred. Go to this temple for a full on forest, mountain and nature experience.

G O A

Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla



This 12th century Shaivite temple is the only structural temple of the Kadamba dynasty to have survived the Muslim and Goan occupations of the Goan territory. Set deep inside Mollem National Park, this Shiva temple enjoys as much nature, wildlife and greenery as any of the other popular forest zones of Goa. A forest trek and temple waterfall are some of the perks of being located in the Western Ghats of Goa.

Photo courtesy: The photographs that do not have the beontheroad logo has been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

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Offbeat Goa: 5 Best Monsoon Experiences

We all love Goa for its beaches, beer, parties, flea markets, churches and sea food, but do you know that there is a side to Goa that is equally beautiful, if not more. I am talking about the tropical forests, national parks and mountains of Goa that are a part of the biodiversity hotspot called the ‘Western Ghats’. This part of Goa is a hot bed of adventure during the monsoons when this belt is drenched by plentiful rains and thus making the alive ecosystem go into hyperactive mode.

These are 5 of the best monsoon experiences in Goa that you should indulge in during this monsoon season.

1) Go on a motorcycle ride through Chorla Ghat



Beautiful butterflies, rare wildlife species, panoramic green vistas, stunning jungle walks and umpteen waterfalls adorn this nature hot spot. Add to it winding mountain roads with hairpins and waterfall crossings and you have a dream motorcycle holiday destination. Chorla ghat is all this and more. Located in the lush Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Chorla ghat is located at the intersection of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The lush omnipresent nature, the mist on the roads and the consistent pitter patter keep you company during your monsoon ride here.

2) Try your luck on a delightful casino cruise

How about going on a luxury river cruise when it is raining? Not only do you get to see Goa from a different perspective, you get to enjoy the rains from a different vantage point and last, but not the least, you get to indulge in some gambling at one of the few casinos of India. You heard me right! Yes, you can legally gamble in India and that too at a popular holiday destination such as Goa. And one of the most popular monsoon ideas in Goa is to gamble when you float on the mighty Mandovi river in a lovely cruise boat.

Be it baccarat, roulette, andar bahar, poker, black jack, mang patta, Indian Rummy, Indian flush, slot machines or any of the other games, these casino cruises offer you innumerable avenues to spend your money while living in some luxury and enjoying some lovely monsoon spectacles from on top of the river. Big Daddy Casino, Deltin Royale, Casino Pride and Deltin Caravela are some of the popular casino cruise boats of Goa.

3) Trek through lush tropical forests that lead to pristine waterfalls



Tropical jungle treks and abundant water is the norm in the Western Ghats. One of the famous waterfall treks in Goa is the one that leads to the mighty Dudhsagar falls that literally falls like a sea of milk from the heavens above. This trek crisscrossing railways tracks, jungles and mountain streams is best experienced during the monsoons when the waterfall is in full flow and the picture perfect green views are legendary. A couple of points on this trek offer the perfect view of the waterfall, the dense Western Ghats and the train that periodically passes right next to the waterfall. For those who cannot trek, you can opt to take a jeep through Mollem National Park and head straight to the bottom of the waterfalls.

Other popular waterfall treks in Goa are the ones on Chorla ghat, Hivre falls, Arvalem falls, Netravali falls, Valpoi waterfall, Tambdi Surla falls, Kuskem falls and Charavane waterfalls.

4) Cycle in the rain through cashew plantations



Most of Goa’s forests and national parks are flanked by beautiful plantations and spice gardens that make for a lush and aromatic getaway. Since most trails here are narrow, it is best explored on a bicycle. That way, you can experience the beauty of the cashew plantations, the paddy fields, the small streams, the rich birdlife and a quaint village atmosphere, slowly as you ride in the rain. This is as romantic and authentic as a rural monsoon holiday can get.

5) Soak in nature’s Dr Salim Ali Bird sanctuary



An estuarine mangrove habitat lies on the Western tip of the offbeat Chorao island along Goa’s Mandovi river. This mangrove forest is home to a diverse ecosystem of birds, crabs, mudskippers, plants and flowers. Herons, bittens, avocets, fiddler crabs, mudskippers and a whole bunch of water birds can be seen on this island. This island and the bird sanctuary make it a perfect place for solitude seekers, nature lovers, bird watchers and water lovers. Go here during the early hours of the morning to revel in the divine sounds of mother nature.

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5 Reasons why Goa is a must visit during the Monsoons

The monsoons have arrived at India’s west coast with a bang and thus arrives my favorite season of the year. This is the time when the earth is fresh, the air feels clean, the fresh colors of green are visible almost everywhere and there is abundance of growth all around us. This is the best time for that perfect holiday to Goa. Yes, you heard me right! Goa makes for a fabulous monsoon holiday destination. And not just its beaches, but its forests, waterfalls and lush countryside are an absolute pleasure to experience in the rains. Here are 5 reasons why I recommend Goa as a must visit destination during the monsoons.

Dudhsagar Falls in Full Flow

Remember the scene from the movie ‘Chennai Express’ where Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Deepika’s Tamil family meet on a railway track overlooking a waterfall. This waterfall is Dudhsagar Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls. Located on the Mandovi river amidst the rich biodiversity of the Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Dudhsagar falls is a sight to behold during the monsoons when it is full of water. The spectacle is so rich that it feels like a sea of milk falling from the misty sky and hence its name ‘Dudhsagar’. This 310 m tall and 30 m wide waterfall not only offers a feeling of awe and joy, but it also allows you to indulge in some swimming at the waterfall pool at the foot of the waterfalls, some birdwatching and wildlife sighting in this bio diverse jungle and some amazing monsoon treks in the Western Ghats.

Cheaper Beach Villas and Other Stunning Properties



Goa is known the world over as a winter beach destination, which makes the monsoon season a lean season in Goa and thus makes for super cheap and affordable Goa Hotels. During the peak winter season, it is the beach shacks that are in high demand, but during the rains, one gets the opportunity to indulge in its iconic heritage beach villas and luxury hotels and that too at very attractive fares. My idea of a monsoon holiday in Goa is cozying up in a nice luxury room in a heritage villa overlooking the beach with a mug of beer or a cup of coffee (depending on the mood) and watching the local fishermen work their magic in the rains and with the rowdy waves.

Rejuvenate in the Fresh Greens



Goa is exuberant all year around, but during the monsoons, the vegetation is so dense and thick, that it has a very calming effect on the body, mind and soul. Whether you are staying next to the beach, in the city, inside forests or in villages, you will not miss these fresh green colors. I would recommend staying in a nice heritage property or a homestay in the Goan countryside, watch the locals go about their paddy cultivation, take those lazy walks and rides amidst dense greenery and feed yourself some delicious traditional food and beverages (Fresh Goan coconut curry and cashew fenny to cite an example).

Ride in the Rains



The gorgeous Goan countryside, the dense forests, the gurgling streams and rivers, the innumerable bridges surrounded by stunning mangroves and greenery, the panoramic vistas of the ocean, the laidback villages and the super friendly people make Goa a fantastic place to explore during the monsoons. And because the weather and the rain is warm, one can easily get wet in the Goan rains without worrying about falling sick. Nothing beats the joy of exploring the small tree covered roads of Goa by bicycle. The slow pace allows you to soak in your surroundings, the fresh rush of oxygen gives you a high and the thriving nature invigorates the soul. The abundant nature, smiling people, yummy food and intoxicating beverages are just the perfect icing on the cake.

Own the Beaches



During the winter, the Goan beaches are full of bustling activity and this can be overpowering to some of you. But, during the rains, there are hardly anyone except the odd local fishermen and that offbeat traveler such as yourself. This means that you literally own the beaches of Goa during the monsoons. While the waters may not be the safest for swimming due to stronger waves and heavy undercurrents, you can certainly enjoy the views of the larger swells in the ocean while sipping on a chilled beer in a beach shack or while you are playing one of your favorite games on the beach.

For someone who loves the rains and who loves beach holidays, Goa offers that perfect monsoon getaway. The lack of crowds and much cheaper stay and logistics makes it a win-win all the way.

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