Goa– Simply Irresistible

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Weekend Independent

Friday, 17 February 2012

Author / Source : Dr. Shamim Ahmed

Goa is a paradise for all those who wish to enjoy a perfect afternoon, baking in the warmth  of sun, sand and sea. Goa is beautiful, stupendous, gorgeous and irresistible. With shimmering beaches, azure waters and kiss of the sun and palms, it’s an ideal tourist destination. A visitors who once travels to Goa,  nurtures the memories in their treasure box!
Known for its Gothic churches, palm fringed beaches, coconut plantations, Goa is a land of dreams and romanticism. It is in true sense a lush green paradise. Goa, with its pristine beaches and its rich heritage, has always attracted tourists from all over the world.

Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. However, Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole. This fantastic tourist destination also boasts a rich past. The Portuguese merchants colonized it for around 450 years. After India's independence, Goa was annexed as the part of Indian territory in 1961.

We were greeted with welcome showers as we landed at Dambolin Airport – the only airstrip and later whisked for an hour through mesmerizing lush green forested landscape fringed with coconut plantations. For the next few days, we were lodged at Goa Beach House, a heavenly tourist resort buried in green forest bathed by sunny beach. The rains would come heavily within minutes and then vanish in thin air! Such is the beauty of Goa during rainy season.   Goa has two tourist seasons. The rainy season is preferred  by the locals, where as the winter months are preferred by the Europeans who come to Goa to escape the biting cold of the north.

In many parts of Goa, particularly in South Goa, mansions constructed in Portuguese style architecture still stand straight, though in some villages, most of these mansions are in dilapidated condition. Goa has two world heritage sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica and churches and convents of Old Goa. We did not miss the opportunity to visit the imposing Basilica of Bom Jesus, a world heritage monument site in South Goa. The expression 'Bom Jesus' means 'Good (or Holy) Jesus'. One of the major attractions of the church or the basilica is the 450 years old mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, regarded by many Catholics as  saint

Panaji or Panjim, the state’s capital is a small quaint city on the banks of “Mandovi” River. The city centre “Fontainhas” has been declared a cultural quarter, showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. It is a gambler’s paradise as well. World class casinos aboard luxury boats lie anchored along the banks as well as offshore in mid river. In the evening, we were entertained to a lively cultural show with live bands and traditional Goanese and Portuguese dances aboard the hour long boat cruise. I kept wondering why we could not venture similar entertainment aboard motor vessels on a regular basis along Buriganga. I guess I was being too ambitious.

As we travelled through the length and breadth of Goa, we could not but appreciate the stunning beauty of the countryside. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese. A number of impressive mosques can be seen at Panaji and also around Margao.Madrasas and halal restaurants are to be found at several places. We were told that Muslims comprise around 20% of the total 1.3 million population. To our surprise and delight, we also came across a sizeable Bangla speaking population (from West Bengal) inGoa.

Blessed with some two dozen captivating beaches dotted with resorts, cottages and villas, Goa is perhaps the most popular tourist destination of India. In fact, North Goa boasts of the mind boggling beaches. Calangute Beach is called the Queen of Indian beaches. It is vibrant with numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and bars till the wee hours. The life guards were busy were at work with one of them found blaring cautionary messages over megaphone as others kept watchful eyes over the beach. Among other well known beaches are Anjuna, Colva and Baga.

We found time to visit Fort Aguada in the south – the fort and its lighthouse is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort on Sinquerim beach, overlooking the vast expanses of Arabian Sea. On the fort stands proudly a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, the oldest of its kind in Asia, reminiscent of the bygone days.

It was also worth visiting Ancestral Goa/Big Foot at Loutolim, a 30 minute drive from Margao. The virtual open air museum depicts the lifestyle, the customs, cultures and traditions of Goa. The mock village gives a picture of old architectural styles and portrays the art and beliefs of the Goanese. 

Sandwiched between the seas and the lush forested hills, Goa, an endearing abode of scenic charm is inviting and a paradise in the true sense. It’s worth drowning oneself in one of the golden and intoxicating beaches of Goa.