GOA-The hidden gems

Goa continues to enthrall visitors with its beaches and the overall atmosphere. Traveling to Goa for trip or two every year is a known remedy for coping with the otherwise routine life! But then there are decisions to be made, which hotel to stay in, how to travel, should one go for independent planning or go for a holiday package? With so many hotels and holiday packages to choose from travel and with so many decisions to make sometimes planning for a holiday could also seem like work! And we have not even started talking about what to pack!

However having a minimum plan in hand seems like a good idea. After people can help us plan better only if we can articulate what we as a customer want. 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. Some of the activities on offer are-

• Banana Boat Ride
• Bumpy Ride
• Parasailing
• Boat Ride

Goa a vibrant, living entity. But more than being a geographical sunspot on the western coast of India, GOA is ATMOSPHERE. Referred to as "the Rome of the Orient" in days gone by, GOA's  recorded history dates back to the 3rd century B.C. A former Portuguese colony.

Goa is a delightfully picturesque tropical paradise, with secluded golden beaches, gleaming white-washed houses and amiable, easy-going people.

Goa has a charming blend of Indo-European architecture and cultural influences. The rich heritage of Goa is manifest in the brilliant expressions of Goan traditional folk arts, dance, music, drama, literature, colorful pageants, feasts and festivals, majestic temples, churches and mosques.

GOA is quietly SEDUCTIVE... A serene countryside amidst sylvan surroundings. With lush green valleys and silver streams. Nature forever in her element. The ideal holiday destination for an entertaining and tranquilizing vacation at unbelievably LOW PRICES. Goa is also famous for its exotic variety of seafood, International, vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.

For people who wish to do more off beat things, there are trekking options in Goa too, check out the Dudh Sagar waterfalls and adjoining areas. Having clarity about what one wants will go a long way in making the vacation memorable. Also it may be a good idea not to try and do everything in one vacation.

Having decided upon the vacation focus the next critical decision would be picking up a hotel in Goa. One is blessed because there are so many hotels to choose from in Goa. Once again having an idea of the budget would give the traveler a better chance at finding the dream hotel. After all Goa has it all, from the big name five star hotels to friendly guest houses. So knowing what one wants may help in receiving a better service when it comes to choosing Goa hotels.

There are some usual suspects on the Goa packing list-

• Sun glasses,
• Sunscreen,
• Beach wear (whatever you are fine with, one can find everything from sari to bikini and trousers to swimming trunks on a Goa beach),
• Hats
• Comfortable footwear.

And visit it during the monsoons, which though is the low season, assures you of a sight you're unlikely to find elsewhere! Lush green hills, swaying palms in the breeze and the wild waves of the sea crashing against rocks! North Goa is where the action is - let your hair down at Tito's, sip some chilled beer at the bamboo shacks and funky restaurants and rummage through the innumerable goodies at the stalls calling you with their fair share of 'heart-shaped keychains', sea-shell anklets, I Love Goa t-shirts, packaged cashewnuts & authentic Goan feni. South Goa is quieter - it has more hotels, almost all boasting of a private beach. Remember, the real essence of Goa lies in its winding lanes, with a church at every corner. So hire a scooty and explore on your own - the smiley locals would only be glad to help you with directions! And if you'd rather spend time on the beaches, just follow the safety instructions and stay within limits! There is much to rave about here - just capture your share of utter bliss!

Though, Goa has a moderate climate ideal for tourism all through the year, still, the best time for a Goa tour is from mid

July to September end or November end to mid February. Situated on the confluence of seven rivers (the principal ones being Mandovi and Zuari) and the Arabian Sea; Goa has many sobriquets "Queen of the Beaches", "Land of Churches and Temples" and is also called as "The Pearl of the Orient/East" by the western countries. Goa is also a bird watcher's paradise; epicenter of water and adventure sports, and is home to some of the most captivating waterfalls in India. The distinguishing feature of Goa tour is the Coco/Sunny beaches, which are small white sand banks by the seashore. The religious tourists can find a pleasant refuge at the ancient temples and churches in Goa.

GOA BEACHES:

Goa's long stretch of sandy coastline is renowned for its multitude of beaches. There's something on offer for everyone, from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, and trance parties to tranquility. The Goa India beach that's right for you will depend on the kind of experience you want to have. Want water sports? Head to Baga. Want to hang with the hippies. Try Arambol. Prefer isolation? Agonda or Patnem might be the beach for you.

Arambol Beach

Arambol served as the rudimentary getaway for travellers from Anjuna Beach when Anjuna came under scrutiny of the police and the locals. Arambol North Goa Beach is a beautiful stretch of silky sand dotted with basalt rocks, and is still comparatively uncluttered. There is a freshwater lake and some sulphur springs, close by.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach in North Goa is a stretch of straight sand, with a backdrop of feathery coconut groves. Its a big favourite with backpackers and travellers staying on for a long time. Anjuna beach took the relay from Calangute, and became the next haven of the flower children. The beach still has an intoxicating atmosphere and draws a motley crowd of passover hippies, travellers, philosophers, thinkers, babacools, rastamen and musicians. Its a great place to meet people and generally collect material for a thesis on human psychology. Anjuna is known for its flea market, held under the shady coconut groves, every Wednesday. You can pick up trinkets, get a tattoo, or just hang around to enjoy the crazy colourful atmosphere.

Chapora & Vagator

The old Portuguese Chapora Fort stands on a hill which looks down on the tiny Chapora village, the estuary, the coconut groves and the beach. With their hidden sandy coves and creeks, Chapora and Vagator North Goa beach are easily amongst the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Besides the strip of the Little Vagator Beach , the North Goa beaches are quite peaceful, as they are not yet a major hub for travellers.