….there’s Goa that you didn’t know of!
Speaking of Goa, how many cancelled plans come to your mind? Not to rub salt over your wounds or anything, but we get how sensitive everyone is when it comes to a trip to Goa. It has garnered popularity as a holiday destination for all the right reasons. This is one place that you can head to without having any itinerary, schedule, reservation or purpose. It’s a calling that you can’t ignore. Whether you’re happy, sad, exhausted, clueless or plain bored, Goa has something to fix you. You can’t really put a finger on it, the beach, the shacks, the beer, the food, the people, everything is just right there. While you read, there’s already a reel that’s playing in your head of everything memorable that you experienced when you were there. For those who haven’t yet been there, how have you resisted the urge to go to Goa, thus far?
The Goa that you’ve been to, heard about, spoken about and read about is marvelous, without a doubt. But, the Goa that Vincent takes us through seems like a place that isn’t even on the map. This is the Goa that’s like a underrated movie star that’s taking its own sweet time to surface, but when it does, it’ll become the talk of the town. There’s a lot more to Goa than beaches, parties, repeat. Brace yourself as you find yourself astounded.
Mystic Woods is a butterfly sanctuary in Goa, founded by Dr. Jyoti and Yashodhan Hablekar, who are as loving and committed towards nature as parents are towards their child. You’d be able to be around more than 100 species of butterflies with colours flaunting colours that you may not have seen before. It’s in Ponda, which is about 45 kms from Panjim. Mystic Woods is a haven to the nature enthusiasts. You could book an appointment with the lovely couple before you decide to head there. They’d love to engage in a wonderful conversation with you as you stand mesemerised by how beautiful the sanctuary is.
If you’re a food connoisseur, you shouldn’t miss out on Spice Garden. There are more than 50 spices that are cultivated in the garden which includes coriander, nutmeg, curry leaves, cloves, black cardamom and turmeric. The people there would love to help you understand the process of planting and nurturing these spices. You would also know how they make the most popular Goan drink - feni. What you may really like is the vanilla plantation there! Also, could you imagine beedis being made out of jackfruit leaves? Yes, they do that there! Ensure planning your day in a way that you could have lunch there. It is delicious and healthy, on account of being made organically with the freshest ingredients there are.
Safa Shahouri Masjid is a beautiful architectural masterpiece that would make you wonder whether it really is a part of Goa. A freshwater tank adjacent to the mosque is all the serenity you may be seeking in your life. You’d find none or very few people in and around the masjid, which you’d realise is actually a great thing. The quietude, peace and solitude that you may be seeking everywhere will be found there. If you have a book, your favourite playlist or your dearest person, you could spend as many hours by the mosque as you want to.
There are untouched islands there which don’t see many visitors, so you may want to grace those by your presence. One of the immensely beautiful islands is the Diwar Island, which is bordered by Portuguese houses. You could spend a relaxed day there by cycling around the city or go fishing if it excites you. Another underrated beauty is the Shora Island which houses the most beautiful churches. So, to delve into solitude, spend some time leisurely at one of these churches. For nature lovers, Salim Bird Sanctuary is the place to be at. But, you may have to plan this day in advance as the migratory birds arrive and depart at their stipulated hours. You would also be able to spot crocodiles lazing around there in a rather Zen mode, if we can say so! Jusinthau Island, next to Vasco da Gama is a picturesque mine for the photographers. Butterfly Island, named as such because of the top-view that makes it look like a butterfly, that’s all set to fly! It is one of the more-known islands in Goa and sees some flocking of tourists every now and then. Portuguese Colony is a colony that’s picked right up from Portugal and placed in India. You’d for a moment forget that you’re in India, given how distinct the architecture and the people there are. If mythology interests you, pay a visit to Arvalem caves, where Pandavas are said to have resided when they were in exile. Another very interesting tourist spot that isn’t spoken about much, is the Netravali Bubble Lake where the bubbles pop up in response to your sound. So much for listening, isn’t it? If you’re a gourmand, it would also interest you to visit a local bakery and observe how they bake their local bread, poi. In fact, you could even request them to let you bake some bread to taste your own creation.
One of the many bests about Goa is that you need not have a splendid budget to have the most fun in Goa. There’s nothing as amazing as experiencing Goa like a nomad. Try living in one of the beach huts if you want to sleep to the sound of the breeze and wake up to the crashing of waves. It’s an experience to live for! If the adventure junkie in you seeks an adrenaline rush, try white water rafting in the blues of Goa. Share local food with the locals and acquire their unique taste of life. Be yourself and everyone else you want to be in Goa!
“Let’s Get Lost” is Katapult’s endeavour to help you look at the travel destinations in a completely different light. Every place you go, becomes a part of your story and there’s something that the place picks up from you. We bring you narratives of places that the traveler in you will deeply connect with. Before you could get on a physical journey, we’ll take you to a literary one! Enjoy the journey and let us know how you like it by reaching out to us through the comments or connecting with us on our social media pages.
Checkout our entire chat with Vincent and know more about his tryst with Goa. If you’re a travel enthusiast and are seeking a fresh perspective on travel, check out his website Offbeat Roads India
