Goa: More than just an unsafe hotspot!

As I prepared myself for yet another ride in the scorching heat of Goa, India, this time, I was rather excited about the journey and the destination as well! After Goa's reputation being blemished with the media reviews about the safety factor in Goa, I really wondered whether people who blame this beautiful place really know about the essence of the real Goa. As a local out here, it has always been a common practice to be home by 19:00 hours, a things most girls detested; but nevertheless followed! I really wish the tourists out here would also exercise caution, because to me, no place is really 'safe' or 'unsafe' in this world, it largely depends upon the circumstances and our behavior as well. So, with a word of warning from my mom (just like any other mom!), I rushed off to my next destination in Goa, a place that would hopefully help me to restore my senses, which seem rather disoriented, of late!

Scorched in the heat, I really wondered whether this ride would be worth all the effort. If it weren’t for the enthusiasm of my real close friend and 'guide', I would have probably not discovered the beauty that is hidden in so many beautiful areas of Goa. Passing the hordes of annoying (Yeah! Annoying!) tourist's on the way, I was glad to have taken the road away from Calangute and Candolim! For most tourists, Goa holidays or vacations in Goa would mean hitting the shores of Calangute or Sinquerim with their picnic baskets and a particular thing I must make a mention of - leaving all their litter behind! I often wondered whether this was in a bid to make their mark on any territory in India? I wish people would be more careful wherever they traveled and showed some respect towards the place as well.



Pushing all these thoughts behind me, I looked forward towards finding my own space and boy! Wasn’t I really surprised when I finally reached my destination for the day-Mandrem beach. Mandrem beach is one of the many beautiful beaches in Goa. Located towards the north side of Ashwem beach, this is a vast stretch of isolated land that offers you a breathtaking view of the horizon. One can immediately get the feeling of some kind of purity and sanctity once you reach this place. As I gaped at the panoramic view, I was amazed that there was hardly any soul in sight! Perhaps, tourists have never heard of this beach or probably it was my lucky day to find a kind of solitude without the eyesore of wafer packets or mineral water bottles! The water sparkled as if it was bedecked with jewels and the roar of the sea was quite gentle that day. The most beautiful and amazing thing I witnessed was the formation of the river body, quite close to the mouth of the sea. To reach the sea, one would either have to cross this stretch of river or travel by road and find a direct path to the beach. I was too excited to try the latter; all I could think of was getting my toes submerged in the white sands! The whole scene looked straight out from a picture postcard and somehow, even the blazing heat did not deter me from throwing my cares (and bag!) to the wind and plunging into the calm water of the river. The depths of such water bodies can be deceiving; therefore I decided I really did not wish for any further unwanted excitement in my life! Laying there in the water, everything seemed really far away, the noise and pollution of the city life, the rude people you especially bump into at congested traffic signals and this endless need to be in a rush, though it's all heading nowhere! Lying in the calm waters which kept tugging me towards the sea, somehow, I felt completely lost and wished I could remain this way forever! A lone child paddled in the water with a watchful mom around and a young man decided to showcase his swimming abilities and had a lot of gimmicks in store with the hope of probably capturing the attention of the opposite sex! (It goes without saying he was making a complete fool of himself!)

There are loads of things you can plan out here, go for a trip to the creek with the help of locals, go dolphin spotting, walk around and explore on foot- the narrow lanes which are fragrant with the strong smell of cashews or visit the village area. Of course, a complete beach bum would require nothing more than the beach itself and I was quite content with where I was placed. The blazing heat and the drive had triggered off hunger pangs in my stomach already and although I really love this area, food might be a bit of an issue for those who are used to a luxurious ambience and all the fuss and frills. I found solace in a small shack that served me the usual fried mackerel and Goan fish curry with rice. All this with a touch of sand as well, owing to my habit of collecting and transferring sand wherever I went.



I did not really want to leave this beautiful place but knowing that I would have to head home and stick to my 'deadline' (And you thought Cinderella was unlucky!), I ruefully agreed to head home. On the way back, I stopped at this really quiet and beautiful village, which had a small chapel as well. Seeking some respite from the heat, I watched the calm water of the river, which had a houseboat, moored some distance away! Anyone would gladly pack their bags and go on board such a boat to find more sites to discover! I was not really lucky though, but nevertheless, I was elated with my experience so far.



Holidays in Goa can never be sufficient with just a week in hand. To discover this beautiful place, one needs to really spend quality time out here. This is the place where one can leave all their excess baggage behind and celebrate life in its true element. This is the place, where you shall encounter loving and caring locals who do not measure everything in terms of money! This is also the place, where I have made friends for life, those, which cannot be replaced by any! Rocking Goa is not just about the beaches, but the beautiful temples and churches which are also a must visit, no matter what your religion. Do not visit Goa simply because it is a happening tourist destination, discover Goa only if you wish to get a spiritual experience with nature! Chances are, you will unearth more than you ever imagined!

You might also enjoying reading about holidays in Goa and the kind of lifestyle followed