Goa’s Magic: Sun, Sea, and Freedom
Goa has long been a dream holiday destination for most Indians, whether from the affluent or middle class. A trip to Goa in December or January—its peak season—not only provides respite from the harsh, foggy winters of North India but also evokes a sense of freedom, enhanced by abundant sunshine, a warm breeze, and clear, open skies.
Like many others, I was captivated by Goa at a young age when, in 1986, a coursemate and I embarked on a motorcycle trip to this coastal paradise. Back then, Goa’s beaches were serene and quiet, with hardly any tourists even during peak season. We spent our two-day excursion at Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna, mostly drinking beer and savoring the delicious seafood.
My next trip to Goa was in 1990, this time with my wife. Soon after our marriage, I was assigned to attend a course in Pune, from where we traveled to Goa together. Once again, we stayed in Calangute, spending our days lounging on the beach. That trip left a lasting impression, not just in our hearts but also in our lives—our twins were born nearly nine months later! Today, they share our passion for travel, beaches, and the joy of exploration.
A Fun-Filled Family Getaway
In 1998, I returned from an assignment with the United Nations in Angola, which called for a much-needed family holiday. Goa, and more specifically Calangute, was the unanimous choice. The five days we spent together remain some of our best memories. While mobile phones were yet to become ubiquitous, we captured those moments through video and still cameras—memories that never fail to lift our spirits whenever we revisit them. Compared to 1986 and 1990, Goa had grown more crowded, but the beaches were still clean, serene, and spacious enough to walk, run, or simply relax. We never felt the urge to explore South Goa, except for the occasional visit to a historic church or temple.
The Carnival
In 2007, I was fortunate to experience Goa during the carnival season, an event that showcased the vibrant and rich culture of the state. However, by this time, Goa had changed considerably—its beaches were bustling, and commercialization had begun taking its toll.
South Goa: A Family Destination
In 2021, just a month before my retirement, we traveled to Goa again as COVID restrictions had momentarily eased. This time, we chose to stay at the Taj Exotica, a stunning beachfront resort in South Goa. That visit was a revelation! South Goa, with its pristine, quiet, and sun-kissed beaches, won us over completely. Since then, it has become our annual winter retreat, where we now spend 8-10 days each year. The beaches here are not only clean and serene but also dotted with charming cafes and restaurants, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and indulgence.
South Goa’s beaches primarily attract families and couples, including a significant number of European tourists. Interestingly, they have also become a hotspot for Indian tourists of all kinds, including numerous influencers and aspiring YouTubers looking for the perfect backdrop for their content. Another fascinating observation was that animals, especially dogs, seem to love the beaches as much as humans do! One of the most unique sights was a champion buffalo named Raja, worth a staggering Rs 20 lakh, being exercised and bathed by his devoted owner right on the beach.
Club Mahindra
As avid travelers, we decided to become members of Club Mahindra, which has proven to be a cost-effective and comfortable option for our vacations. They have three properties in South Goa—Club Mahindra Varca, Emerald Palms Varca, and Acacia Palms Colva. The flagship property, Club Mahindra Varca, is right on the beach and offers excellent facilities, including two swimming pools, four restaurants, open grounds, and a spa. The Club Mahindra model has worked well for us, making our Goa trips even more enjoyable.
Leaving Goa and returning to Gurgaon—where severe cold and pollution awaited—was disheartening. However, we departed with a firm resolve to extend our future vacations and spend even more time in this tropical paradise.
That said, Goa is grappling with the challenges of mass tourism. Unregulated construction, pollution, and excessive commercialization threaten its charm. Additionally, the tendency to overcharge tourists is becoming increasingly prevalent. A prime example is the taxi union in Varca, which prohibits outside taxis from picking up guests at Club Mahindra Varca, compelling them to use local taxis at exorbitant rates.
Despite these challenges, Goa remains close to my heart, and I look forward to returning.
Goodbye, Goa—until next time!
