Goa, while some tourists call it the Vegas of India, what with legal boat casinos and the best night clubs, it may be fitting. Then, there are the postcard perfect beaches to hang out at, cocktail or beer in hand. The small islands, backwaters and waterfalls in the state have slowly gained popularity as well.

This post isn’t about the top things to do in Goa, the best places to stay or eat or any such recommendations, that I am usually asked about. The smallest state in the country, receives tourists from all over India & le monde for all different reasons and in all different seasons. There are few, who choose to visit Goa, away from the chaotic peak touristy season and simply unwind. These are simply my favorite kind, because they don’t add to the already crowded beaches and traffic jams, which means lesser pollution of every kind.

The Goa that I remember growing up in, was not this commercialized and didn’t have tourism written all over it. As a kid, I could still hear the sound of the waves on a quiet night, about 2 miles away from the beach, at my home. Then came the holiday resorts and shopping complexes and slowly the soothing lullaby of the waves was gone.

Sure, some may call it development, but where does it stop? It helps the state economy alright, but does it mean that every inch of the land has to scream “for the tourists” , “come drink here”, “best cashew nuts”, “100 rooms hotel”. This is a vicious circle where we all are responsible for the deterioration of the lands we once saw all green with trees now converted to concrete jungles, the once free to walk on clean beaches, now filled with shacks , umbrellas and deck chairs. It’s on all of us, the locals , developers, businessmen and visitors for the huge influx of migrants, for straining our resources, for adding to the waste and pollution, for the hike in real estate prices ; the list goes on.

Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach

Now that the north side of the state is so crowded, lets go explore south Goa, (now promoted by the tourism department as well) and many visitors are happier finding the quiet, untouched beaches on the south side. But how long until these unspoiled sands are fringed with dried palm-roof beach shacks and deck chairs? Take Palolem & Colva beaches as examples, with tourists en masse. How long more till the garbage reaches this side of the ocean too?

The sea is not our trashcan and no one likes a filthy beach.

Cavellosim
Cavellosim Beach

So, let’s have a good time in Goa, a bit more consciously. Most beaches now have bins to put your trash in. In case you’re going to have a beach picnic or any touristic spot and don’t find the bins, I suggest bringing an empty trash bag to dump it all in and take it back with you for proper disposal from your hotel or home. Also don’t be the ones to leave plastic water bottles, beer bottles and broken flip flops on the shores. Say no to plastic straws in your tender coconuts and other drinks (something many of us forget about). You could go a step further and stop anyone you see littering the beach. The government and locals are doing what they can to keep the state clean. Let’s do our part.

If you’ve read this far, hang on, I do have a lighter , happier side coming up in this post.

Sinquerim Beach

If everyone does a little something, we can accomplish a lot of anything.

We were at the beach side, standing around the tender coconut stall and I overheard a honeymoon couple. The wife said to her newly wed, “Let’s walk further and drink our coconut water on the go. We can throw the coconut ahead.” To which her hubby replied, ” Let’s not litter elsewhere, this vendor has a bin right here.”

I hope by now, you’ve got a little perspective from this local’s eyes.

View from Fort Aguada

Let the pictures do the talking

Here’s a peek of Goa, through my lens, this summer. Oh and when you see me in the photos, the credit goes to my darling husband. Click on each, to see the bigger picture.

Some days we spent going for sunrise walks on the beach and other days watching sunsets. The kids loved bringing back home, a part of the beach on their sandy little bodies. They enjoyed our little visits to the local market and even made friends with the local fruit seller. We did a short unplanned visit to the oldest and famous churches at Goa Velha ; proved to be fascinating. Have you ever taken a ferry ride across any of the rivers in Goa? If not, it’s an experience you’ll surely cherish adding to your list and it will give you a feel of local travel.

Concluding this post here, with colorful pictures from the capital city. Our drive to Panjim, was exciting this time around, as we drove on the new Mandovi bridge, which is 98 ft in height and a 5 km stretch ; the third longest cable stayed bridge in India.

New Mandovi Bridge

We took a stroll in the vibrant lanes of Fontainhas , Goa’s Latin Quarter. This bright side of town has a lot of Portuguese style houses, an influence of colonization, that can be seen throughout the state across our many villages. The tiled roof houses, with mica windows and beautifully shaped iron railings of the long verandas, make a pretty sight. Many of these houses in Fontainhas, have been converted to boutique hotels and restaurants, others as art centers and it’s a good place to buy azulejos tiles.

If you explore this side of Panjim, a perfect way to end the visit would be a walk along the riverside promenade and later watching the sunset at Miramar beach.


28 Comments

Swapnil · February 6, 2022 at 11:17 am

It was a pleasure to read the article you shared with us, and I found it extremely helpful.

Danielle Rice · July 2, 2019 at 3:32 pm

It is a beautiful place to visit. I am with you on playing your part in the beautification. You don’t know how many times I have frequented my local beach with my family only to want to leave due to the trash.

Erin · June 30, 2019 at 11:20 pm

I’ve never heard of Goa before! Thanks for sharing!

Alita Bhadana · June 26, 2019 at 6:37 am

Viv, I purposely took time to post my comment, to coincide with my departure from Goa so as to put my thoughts into perspective. As a Goan returning to Goa every 1-2 years, each time I am not at all pleasantly surprised at the many changes that have taken place, especially in the name of development and construction, most of which seems unplanned and haphazard. Too many outside, vested interests are trying to make a quick buck in the name of tourism at the cost of our Goem and Goemkarponn, while the locals are happy to sell off their assets or accept rent for the same. It’s high time that we take matters into their own hands and run our own businesses. We are so lucky to have subsidised, quality education in our aided schools, for which equivalent other states’ residents pay in lakhs; too bad the Goan youth don’t realise it’s importance and the power that they can harness through it by getting into the public services and government jobs and effectively bringing about a change. Most are content working for outsiders in the tourism sector or going to the Middle East at the most! I hope this mindset changed. However, it warms my heart to see the same amount of love and hospitality from our Goan folk; fortunately, I don’t think that innate nature will ever change!

Heather · June 26, 2019 at 5:38 am

Love seeing the pictures. This place looks absolutely beautiful!

Jessica Hughes · June 26, 2019 at 4:54 am

It’s sad to see areas getting more and more commercialized, especially in terms of pollution as you had mentioned! Sounds like Goa would be a great place to visit!

Lavern Moore · June 25, 2019 at 9:03 pm

Goa, from your description seems like a great place to visit in India especially if it is anything like Vegas like your description indicates.

Tiffany La Forge-Grau · June 25, 2019 at 4:58 pm

What an absolutely beautiful place to visit! I would for sure love to see this in person one day.

Myrah Duque · June 25, 2019 at 3:04 pm

What a beautiful destination. Goa is definitely a bucket list item for me now. The beaches are spectacular.

Ntensibe Edgar Michael · June 25, 2019 at 1:53 pm

Nnnniiiccceeeeeeee….I love Southern Goa already!

Emman Damian · June 25, 2019 at 1:52 pm

I haven’t been in Goa! It’s one of the places in India where I really want to visit. Hopefully I can visit India again and swing by!

Terri Steffes · June 25, 2019 at 1:49 pm

I have been to Las Vegas many times and I promise you, Goa is a much prettier town! I love the water and the architecture!

Krisy · June 25, 2019 at 9:09 am

I am in love with that sunset photo! This looks like thr perfect beach if you’re looking to relax and unwind. Thanks for this!

Kristine Nicole Alessandra · June 25, 2019 at 8:11 am

Goa is beautiful! I love the beaches. It would be perfect to sit there and witness a sunrise or sunset! I wish people (both locals and tourists) would care enough not to litter or cause damage to this natural beauty.

Carolyn · June 25, 2019 at 12:03 am

This place is gorgeous, I can definitely see why you would want people to preserve it. Hard balance finding the line between keeping a beach undisturbed while also allowing tourists to enjoy it as well!

Foodie Finds Home · June 24, 2019 at 10:57 pm

Can you please tell me when a good time to visit is because I have family in Mumbai that I would like to visit with either this year or the beginning of the next and Goa was definitely on my list of must-dos.

    Viveena Rodrigues · June 25, 2019 at 3:59 am

    If it’s early next year, I’d suggest February a good month to visit Goa , weather wise it’s not as hot as the summer months as well and less crowded . If you make it this year , avoid the month of December.

Brianne · June 24, 2019 at 9:07 pm

Your description and photos of Goa make me want to go there! The beaches look amazing, and there seems to be plenty of things to do.

Amy-Lynn Denham · June 24, 2019 at 8:43 pm

Just beautiful! I hope that it doesn’t become overused to the point of losing that beauty.

Colleen · June 24, 2019 at 4:18 pm

I’m a big fan of traveling in the off season. I just don’t want the crowds. When you travel off season, you can see everything without being crushed by a sea of humanity.

Stacie · June 24, 2019 at 4:16 pm

I would love to see Goa one day. It is absolutely gorgeous. Those beach views are spectacular.

Simona · June 23, 2019 at 6:28 pm

Enjoyed the post!! Well written and lovely pics!

Celia Cardozo · June 23, 2019 at 5:40 pm

Whow Beautifully expressed n loved the pics you guys visited. Let’s make a south Goa family trip this time.

Viren · June 23, 2019 at 8:53 am

Brilliant piece of work

Mariia Shendrik · June 22, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Wow, those places look gorgeous!

Geeky Daddy · June 22, 2019 at 11:26 pm

Unfortunately just about everywhere has become more commercialized than when we grew up. Thanks for sharing the pictures!

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