Unusual Beach Vibe: Goa, India
Why Goa?
Image by Abhimanyu Jhingan
Goa is not your average beach town. It is not your average Indian town. And it is not your average place.
Located on the coastline of western India, Goa is a destination that offers a blended rich history, environmental range, and fun ambiance.
One of the main reasons to travel to Goa is its intriguing mix of these things. However, it’s also one of those touristic hangouts of the country that in large part don’t exactly portray the essence of India. It’s something else.
All About Goa
Goa was a former Portuguese colony and encompasses a distinct mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures. On-site are the Basilica of Bom Jesus and a beautiful Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, to visitors, perhaps the most prominent on-site of Goa is its peaceful beach vibe that seemingly superimposes all else.
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Known throughout the past decades as a party hub for backpackers and Israeli soldiers post-consignment, Goa's stunning beaches are a major draw for travelers. The beaches have palm-dazzled shores, soft bright sand stretches, and reflective sparkling waters. Goa hosts some of the most picturesque beaches throughout the country of India but can be raucous as well.
Goa includes interesting paradoxes: a party platter of a beautiful beach environment mixed with spirituality and relaxation. This further adds to its appeal to some and makes it a perplexing place to others. It’s home to yoga retreats, healing practices, and meditation centers as well as top-tier restaurants of seafood, Italian, and homestyle Indian make.
Goa is a mood, and hosts celebratory festivals, such as the Goa Carnival and the Sunburn Festival, which feature the verve and diversity of its culture. Because it’s been a place that attracts foreigners accustomed to casual beach culture, Goa’s locals are used to welcoming foreigners with gusto and there’s an innate hospitality amongst the beaches and yoga retreats within the destination.
During the Goa Carnival, a tradition called “King Momo Coronation” takes place which crowns a person to play King Momo, a fictional character. As tales go, one year a foreigner was spontaneously chosen much to his surprise, and donned the costume to lead the procession. As is evident, foreigners are a part of the vibrancy of Goa’s pulse from beach-side to special annual events.
Kakolem Beach, Image by Chirayu Sharma
There are a lot of informal wooden one-room shacks throughout Palolem Beach. Then you have the occasional Brahman cow sitting unapologetically on the same beach you’ll swim in. Along the stretch are cafes that serve Western-style breakfast, beach drinks, coffee, and classic Indian food. It’s a roster of mostly casual and beach-friendly atmospheres with the essence of Indian culture that’s notable in the kitchari and lassis likewise served on the sand.
Cafe along Palolem Beach. Image by Kishore V
Huts right on Palolem Beach. Goa is Indian in evidence by the cows that dot the sand. Image by Raja Sen
Beaches…!
The beaches, in addition to being pretty, are more tame than many of the other beaches of the country and I think this is a huge part of what makes it an international draw. Beaches include the happening and popular ones of Baga and Calangute as well as more laidback and secluded ones like Palolem and Agonda. There is something for every beach lover and beaches can be explored at your whim, especially with the rental of an easy motorbike.
Village side street, Image by Wandering Indian
Where to Stay? O3 Beach Resort or Nirvana
O3 Beach Resort is precious, a location with adorable huts perched beach-side. The wooden interiors provide a cabin feel. With a restaurant on-site, they also deliver airport pickup via shuttle. It’s a steal for a spot right on the beach.
For a stay that’s more remote, and nature-immersed, Nirvana Hill is like an intriguing compilation of architecture from treehouse and glass-paneled chalet to larger villas. Nirvana delivers a more peaceful environment, removed from the bustle of the beach life.
Image by Jess Aston
*Safety tip
One thing to note is that outside of the direct beach area, you’re still in India, and dress depending on where you go should take account of Indian modesty. The temples particularly require something other than a bikini or swim shorts.
Bottom line
Goa is a warm place to relax and to get an unusual integration of a small village in India with lustrous beaches. It’s flavorful because of its nucleus in traditional Indian culture supplemented with a lot of foreigners who are magnetized to lounge there. Goa has sites to explore, and bike-riding paths to meander on. There are precious stones to barter for and fresh fish to consume.
There is something like a hangover cure about Goa. It’s kind of just what you need when you need it.
