Escape route.. Go..ahh!!

Cafe Mambo

Cashew Factory

This sea sojourn has been the best escape for not only Indians from the length and breadth of the country but also overseas.Dotted with various beaches and a happening life, shacks and pubs complementing the natural charm and sultry weather

However this time I planned my trip in summer season, though monsoon had arrived in Goa...it was few months since I took a break so started getting withdrawal symptoms...lol!!

So Goa became my escape route this time in June 2018.

After Mount Abu and Udaipur, even for Amdavadis, with introduction of direct flights, and great deals.. Goa gives respite from busy schedules.

The gigantic waves splashing on the rocky beach, worth a sight in monsoon!

Apart from a regular city tour and beaches, which generally is the case with most of the tourists. This time I saw Goa with a completely different perspective. Gifted by nature, the region is rich in all formats. Fishing industry, spices, churches, temples, cultural diversity, scenic beauty, healing and much more...

The Union territory transformed into a state demonstrates that there is enough room for all which nature has gifted in bounty, and nothing lasts forever. The colourful Portuguese villas reflecting European influence to the local Konakan style houses with thatched roofs. Christian Churches and various temples; clearly, showcasing the democratic and modern approach towards life and inclusive living.

Few highlights of my tour were:

Sahakari Spice Gardens: Let the nature allow growing; nurturing and being a part of it, then you have bounty. This place takes you to a tour around, showcasing spices in their natural habitat and shares the medicinal information also about them. Vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cashew, jackfruit, cardamom, pepper, Portuguese chilli etc. Later you get to eat a traditional Goan lunch, enriched with fresh aromatic spices and cocunut.

Price per person: Rs. 400/- inclusive of tour and meal

Pineapple - A composite fruit, in its original form

St. Augustene: This gigantic citadel between two pillars is the remains of a church, where the Queen, who has been given the prime seat, had connections with Georgia.  The convent acquires a major part of this widespread area over a hill. Believed to be one of the highest located places in Goa, travelling across time, the structure loudly gives a message of our journey on this planet as voyagers for a limited period of time.

The main Altar with inscriptions beneath

 Declared as a Unesco World Heritage site, A must visit place where you can read all the names of nonexistent yet high and mighty people.

Church of St. Augustine

I stayed at Casa Ahana, which is located in North Goa near Vagator beach.. however, the beach isn’t accessible but a good deal for a budget holiday.

Casa Ahana

Rain Gods had been kind to us as all throughout during the tour we never had to encounter them while out in the open

While returning back, heading towards the airport; I could smell cakes (my weakness :) and the driver mentioned that we have one of the best bakeries ahead.. Baker’s Street! We halted thinking we will swiftly pick up some stuff!! But the affordable rates and absolutely fresh preparations hooked us for more than thirty minutes carrying additional sweet memories and lots of goodies.

Besides all the good stuff, the sad part was seeing the nature being abused by civilians. The scenic beaches which are known to soothe our souls, revisit our own selves, connect with families and friends have been littered all across. Despite of being literate enough; having the purchasing power and travelling so much, we don’t respect the nature which we worship!!