Plan my tour to Goa

 

Goa!! The name only excites all. From beaches, to long roads, from lush green trees to picture perfect churches. Goa has it all... 

I might have visited Goa like …..hhhhmmmm???? I think have lost the count. As a traveler, Goa is my favorite destination not for its beaches or parties but of how it treats and greets me. It has some spell and charm which has always pulled me towards it.For people who have seen Goa a lots of time and want some newness and twist and want to explore more. You have come to the right spot.

From silent beaches to clamorous night life Goa has it all for everyone. Planning your schedule for Goa can sometime become a very difficult task as there so much that Goa has to offer in each season. The Goa Film festival (IFFI), Sunburn festival to Goa Festival during Christmas held during the winters are a definite no miss if one visits during that time of the year  

I believe one should definitely do a road trip to Goa. A 10-12 hour drive from Mumbai is all it takes. But the fun on wheels is something that is a no regret.

Statuary disclaimer: - If you are expecting to read below about Baga, Calangute, Anjuna etc…ALERT wrong place

The itinerary that I present to you is not the conventional one. The beaches that you visit are not the one that you find on all travel sites. This is new this is my take on Goa.

There are plethora of websites which you can scroll through, blogs you can read through, travelers you speak to, there are many packages available from you can choose to. But important is when you have taken your time and money out from your busy schedule. It is of utmost importance, that you invest your energy and time explore the right spots. No miss on the Must see!!

Hence to ensure that one can plan ones tour from whichever source. It is important to know the Must See List (MSL)

MSL that’s what I call it (check below)

Following the MSL would help you while selecting a tour package or while customizing your tour plan according to your number of days available and zeal to explore the most!!

TA (Tag Along) is also an important parameter which one needs to consider while planning a tour. As an Adage goes “It’s not the place but the people that matters”. Similarly it is not what package you take it is about whether a specific package will help all your TA to enjoy the tour completely

So let’s get on with it  

MSL – 3 Night 4 day package 

TA – Backpackers and Friends

Objective – Adventure, Thrill, Economical, Juggadu types

Day 1 – Arambol beach

Reach Pernem early in the morning by 10 am after a long drive from Mumbai. OR if you traveling via train get down at Pernem and take a taxi to Arambol. It’s a 30 min drive from Pernem station. As you near Arambol you will be greeted with soft kissing breeze which will be the 1^st touch of Arambol.

Arambol is amongst one of the silent beaches in South Goa making it untouched and dead clean. It is a perfect place to be away from the crowd and have a small space to enjoy and relax, to unwind and find oneself.

My suggestion would be try to settle around 3-4 km before Arambol city to enjoy the serenity and peace from the minimal crowd that you may encounter.

There are many huts and shacks available on the beach. Yes, you heard it right ON THE BEACH. 

I mean in Arambol where ever you stay, you will actually be staying on the beach. I think that's why there are Huts and not cosy hotel rooms in Arambol. What is more relaxing than sitting on a sunbed across the sea, sipping a chilled beer, getting mesmerized in the silence by the sound of the gushing waves and that's how it get better and beautiful.

Once you get a hut unpack get into your shorts and just walk out on the white sand of the beach.

In the evening once you have seen the melting sun. You can sit beside a bon-fire, dance, sing, play or lay under the blanket of the stars the whole night

Day 2 – Dudhsagar

Start early get ready rent a bike, have a heavy breakfast and head towards a long day to visit Dhudsagar water fall. As the name suggest Sea of Milk the gushing water from a four tiered waterfall is a breath taking waterfall located on the boarder of Goa and Karnataka. India’s tallest waterfall, made its debut in Bollywood blockbuster movie Chennai Express... remember? Also has a mystic story attached to it?

The story starts with a powerful king who resided on top of a mountain. The palace was made of pure ivory and embedded in precious stones surrounded by an enchanting forest. At one end of the forest was a pleasant lake. The king’s daughter went to bathe and sipped sweetened milk which one of her maids served to her in a gold jug.

One day, while sipping at the milk, she found herself being watched by a prince, standing amongst the trees who stopped on hearing the sound of people nearby. The princess filled with embarrassment, poured the jug of milk in front of him into the pond to form an improvised curtain. Thus shielding her body from the glances of the stranger as the maids rushed to cover her. It is believed that the sugared milk still flows down in the torrents alongside the mountain.

Tales and fables are up to one to believe. But yes one has be very careful under the currents of the waterfall as there are many accidents been recorded. Play safe be careful

It’s not just the waterfall which is enchanting but the 1-2 hour road trip from the base village to the waterfall is the most memorable part. Driving a long in the woods on the hill with various animals and birds which you encounter on the journey. At the base camp you would be guided with a trained bike rider who is going to ride you up the mountain and get you back safely. Dudhsagar a define MSL with not two doubt

There are trains as well as cars available but they functional as per the season. So do keep these pointers in mind. In rains the car facility is generally shut

Get yourself one with the nature and enjoy playing in the chilling water

Return back to the base village by 4-5 pm. Drive your way back to Arambol reach by 8-9 pm. Enjoy the rest of the evening chilling on the beach beside the warmth of the bonfire

Day 3 – Water Sport, Shopping/ Gambling at Casino on cruise

Starting late by 10 am from Arambol to Baga beach a 1 hour ride on bike. Don’t forget Baga is not just one of the famous beach for its shacks but also for water sports activities undertaken. For all the water sport enthusiasts parasailing, Jet ski, Banana ride, bumpy ride etc.

Have your lunch on the shack. Leave Baga by 3- 4 pm on way back stop at Anjuna visit the flea market. Flea market is known for a good mix of Gujarati, Kashmiri, Tibetan shops make this one of the most sought after places. Shop here for souvenirs, artificial colorful jewelry, hip – hop dresses and decoration items in this market which is lively at night too.

OR – Gambling on Cruise

For the ones who are not interested in spending 4-5 K shopping and wish choose an alternative, gambling could be an option that one can explore to experience the luxury of Goa.

One can go to Panjim which is the hub in Goa for gambling. Yes you heard it right, gambling like the way you watch in action or gangster or corn Movies. There is a formal dress code so if you plan to go for gambling do carry extra cloths

Generally there is an entry fee of 2 K for which you will receive coins and some free drink and the meter starts from there.

The games that you can try your hands on are Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Big Six wheel, chuck a luck and many more. Trust me if you lose or win it is an experience and learning that you will never forget in your lifetime

So wear your tux, get to roll, play the game if you lose no one is to blame!!! LOL

Back to Arambol late in the night sometime early in the morning depending on how long you try your luck on the cruise. 

Day 4 – Manderm beach

Start early and enjoy a walk from Arambol to Manderm beach. Manderm beach is known for its pristine clear water and the tranquility. A perfect beach to end your trip with sumptuous breakfast across the sea. Spending some time in the water chilling

Walk back to Arambol capturing every bit that meets your eye. Pack your bags, time to leave, clear the bill and takes the most amazing experience and memories

Talking about MSL every spot mentioned is a non- negotiable, no- regret and a definite MSL

MSL:

• Arambol
• Dudhsagar
• Goa Film Festival (November)
• Sunburn 
• Water sports
• Manderm

There are many more permutation combination that are possible and can be done according to your preference and group which will be posted shortly

Have any specific questions/queries or need a planned cost estimate for a budgeted tour. Send your queries on planmytourto@gmail.com

Have views, feedback and suggestions you are welcome!!

Cheers have a superb tour and write back your experiences would love to hear!!