GOA: Fun Unlimited... Day 1

Goa, the smallest state on the west coast of India, is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. Being ruled by the Portuguese for 450 years, Goa is visibly different from the rest of India. However, Goa is better known and recognized for its vast stretches of beautiful sandy beaches and enthralls visitors with it's exclusive atmosphere.

Goa may mean many things to many people. For some it is the ultimate party destination and apart from North Goa everything else may seem like a waste of time. Others may come looking for peace and quiet vouching the paradise is to be found in the South alone. Then there is Old Goa and the Portuguese connection to be explored. For some the magnet is the water sports.

Though it is not advisable to try and do everything in one vacation, we not only tried, we did and we did it remarkably. A little intro on the 3 Jokers who have made this trip exceptional. Jishu (aka Subhabrata), a friend from college; Jethu (aka Arnab), another friend from college and Judha (aka Judhajit), friend of Jethu.

So, starting with Day 1 activity, I reached early morning and checked into our already booked hotel and booked 2 bikes till my buddies joined me. We are staying at Hotel La Bamba which has nothing to boost about except the location. The beach is hardly a minute's walk from the hotel. We freshen up ASAP had a brunch and left for North Goa.

We started from Arambol. Arambol has a distinct bohemian feel which is no longer found in other areas, mostly from Russian subcontinent. The popularity of Arambol as a beach destination is growing every year, but so far, Arambol beach still retains an uncommercialized feel. Local pressure has ensured there are no resorts or classy hotels at Arambol. Just basic guesthouses, most of similar standard, and huts on the beach.

The northern part of the beach holds some spectacular rock structure. Once you cross those rocks and move to north, you'll find a small beach with a fresh water lake. We missed the spot. :(

Our next destination was Chapora Fort which is situated beside the estuaries of Chapora River. The fort was built long before the Portuguese arived in Goa. Many people are confused that Dil Chahta Hai was shot in Aguada, but in reality it's shot in Chapora. The fort offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the surrounding ocean and shoreline.

Estuaries of Chapora River

Vagtor Beach and Chapora Fort in one frame

Once you move to south, there is Vagator Beach (aka Big Vagator). This beach is also accessible from Chapora Fort. Due to lack of time we didn't hopped into this beach.

We directly went to Ozran beach (aka Small Vagator). The Ozran beach tucked away amid the hillocks. It's hard to find any Indians in the bunch of foreigners here. You have to park your vehicle above the hill and have to walk down via rocky stairs to reach the beach. We had spectacular sunset here with a couple of beer.

Ahh, it's night. It's time to food and booze. We went to hotel, freshen up a little and moved to Calangute beach with half dozen Corona, Chicken Tanduri and some snacks.

Dinner was made more interesting with Squid fry and Barracuda along with whiskey, rum and feni. After dinner, Jethu  and Judha had more and more as the night goes more and more. That was 2.30am and I was worried that whether they were gonna make it to South Goa next morning. Let's see, good night.

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