Articles About GOA BEACH
Winter has well and truly set in and with it come the
grey skies, the rain and an overwhelming desire to get away from it all. Why not
trade your anorak for a bikini and set off for more tropical shores?
India may not be the first place you think of when
dreaming of sun, sea and sand but it is home to one of South-East Asia’s most
unique holiday spots; the gem that is Goa.
Goa’s unique history and culture, combined with its
tropical climate and picturesque beaches make it the ideal place to escape to
during the winter. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the
sun shines in all its splendour upon the shores of this the coast of Malabar,
before the monsoon rains set in in May or June. So pack your sunscreen and
flip-flops and get yourself to Goa this winter!
Brief History
Goa is India’s smallest state, and one of its most
unique. It is the only state that was never fully occupied by the British Raj
and was instead a Portuguese colony for over 450 years. Its location on the
coast made it a useful strategic colony for the Portuguese and the Portuguese
influence is still very much apparent in all aspects of the Goan lifestyle. The
colonial architecture, the local language, the food, and the religion of the
Goans were all shaped by the Portuguese occupation. Names like Fernandez or
Mourinho are very common among resident Goans, and there is a very strong
Catholic presence that has resulted in huge churches, monuments and convent
schools. The local language, Konkani, is similar to Portuguese and is perhaps
the most melodic of Indian dialects.
Where to go
Direct charter flights from the UK, Germany and
Scandinavia are increasing every year, and with it the influx of tourists. Most
of the passengers on these flights head straight to north Goa, where they can
stay in luxury all-inclusive resorts, only straying from the comfort of their
hotel for the odd bit of shopping. But there is another side to Goa, one that
will appeal to the more independent traveler searching for a less busy and
indeed more authentic experience. To find it, head south to the more secluded
area of Canacona, and stay on what is perhaps India’s most picturesque of
beaches, Palolem.
Palolem
Palolem beach stretches between two magnificent headlands
and the beach is lined with towering coconut palms. Every season bamboo-hut
resorts and restaurants are erected along the beach allowing tourists to stay
right on the sand, only a few meters away from a swim in the Arabian Sea. The
beach huts range from very basic to somewhat luxurious, with en suite huts
becoming more common every year. Palolem provides beautiful accommodation for
all types of traveler with prices varying throughout the season; Christmas and
New Year being the peak. Backpackers should have no problem finding somewhere
to stay by just turning up and looking around, but if you are looking for
something more exclusive it may be better to try and book in advance especially
during December and January. Palolem is also ideal for young families as the
atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and safe. Restaurants in Palolem are varied and
due to the amount of tourists, generally of a very high standard. You can get
anything from local Indian delights to authentic Italian pizza and pasta, and
an added bonus is that alcohol is completely legal and very accessible.
(Alcohol is illegal in some Indian states). The locally produced Kingfisher
beer is a favorite amongst all visitors.
Things to do
You may find that all you want to do is lay back in a
hammock under the palm trees but there is a lot more on offer. The local
fishermen offer ‘dolphin trips’ in their boats. They can usually take as many
as five people out and although seeing dolphins is not guaranteed, the boat
trip in itself is a great experience. There are several little bays to see and
a lot of wildlife around the surrounding cliffs. Dolphins do frequent the area,
and sometimes they are even spotted swimming in the bay right near the beach!
If you are feeling more adventurous, hire a motorbike or moped and do some
exploring. The roads are slow and as long as you are careful you should have a
fun day driving through the local villages and along some of the beautiful
roads. Alternatively catch a bus or rickshaw into the local town of Chawdi,
which is taken over every Saturday by an interesting market. The neighbouring
beach of Agonda, even more secluded than Palolem can also be easily reached by
rickshaw or by fishing boat. Don’t forget to indulge in some fresh fruit while
you are there, pineapples, mangoes, papayas and coconuts are all in plentiful
supply. The friendly beach fruit sellers will be happy to peel and slice a
whole pineapple for you. Delicious! Sunsets at Palolem are incredible so take
the time to sit and watch the spectacle of colours. For those who wish to seek
it, there is also a mild nightlife which centers around two or three bars with
late licenses along the beach.
Palolem is also quite a good base from which to visit
other areas of Goa. Arrange for a taxi in advance and spend a day in Anjuna,
where there is a weekly market that will dazzle even the most enthusiastic of
shoppers. Clothes, material, jewelery, gems, and all kinds of Indian delights
are available at bargain prices. Haggling is a must! For a more cultural
experience head for the Goan capital, Panaji and from there, to Old Goa to
experience a truly colonial atmosphere.
Contact Detail
AVE Beach Resort
Veerabagupathy,
Chothavilai beach,
Thengamputhoor,
Kanyakumari.
Call
Tel No: 04652 221337
+91 8220099080
Email: aveholidayhome@gmail.com
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