Located midway along the length of India's west coast, Goa is the fabled land of natural beauty featuring long sandy beaches, coconut groves, verdant paddy fields and dense forests. If you go around exploring this little part of India a little, you'll discover that Goa's 450 years of Portuguese rule is very much evident in its multicultural heritage. Diversity in religion, cuisines and architecture is the hallmark of this state. Amongst the baroque churches and grand resorts are some beautiful hideouts, ranging from simple beach in a nook to quaint little hotels. Add to all of this the warm tropical sun, and Goa gives you your ideal winter destination.
Goa's 100km-long coastline offers visitors some of the finest shorelines in India. Palolem's palm-bordered streak of white sand is a standout amongst the most beautiful of beaches. Set between lush greenlands, it extends far at low tide, and you'll see the odd snuffling pig roaming the beaches. The water is shallow and good for swimming. In spite of being a genuinely casual and relaxed resort, the developing number of explorers and shoreline bistros are making it more swarmed and grimy nowadays. In the event that you prefer to be in a place which is as yet untainted, make a beeline for The Cape Goa, a close clifftop hideaway resting over an immaculate bend of brilliant sand in southern Goa.
The shoreline houses give a groggily private view of Goan drift. Cross a wooden extension traversing Otter Creek and you enter somewhat different and unexplored part of Goa. Reestablished nineteenth-century Portuguese abodes speck the coconut forests, their pastel shades softening amicably into the scene. Here, you can just lie down and watch the anglers pull in their watercrafts toward the beginning of the day, drink and eat a hearty meal toward the evening, and stargaze in the night sky during the evening. Butterflies flutter, birds chirp and wild animals slither – all of this can be observed from this stunning spot.
Taking its name from the common word for 'internal voice' or 'self-voice', SwaSwara is the perfect yoga retreat. Set in a section of land filled with coconut forests and paddy fields, its routine programs incorporate different yoga and meditation sessions, so you can pick whatever suits you. There are 2 levels – delicate and dynamic to choose from depending on your stamina and enthusiasm.
If yoga isn't one of the things you try your hands on while on a vacation, you can just spend sluggish days on the shoreline, swimming in the pool and watching colourful birds in the backwoods.
The state also boasts of a very efficient and reliable transportation network apart from numerous food outlets and shopping zone. All of this will ensure that your stay will be comfortable and hassle-free. You will not face any problem whatsoever in finding an accommodation in Goa. The streets of south Goa are dotted with hotels.
Martin Wynn
