The childrens’ vacations are round the corner, but this time they do not want to visit their grandparents – they remind you that they have done it the last four times. The little one promptly comes up and says, “I want to see the sea”.
The older one says, “Then I can sing, ‘she sells sea shells on Goa’s sea shore’. They look excited and the name of Goa brings to mind images of sun-kissed beaches, games on the sand, majestic forts and carnivals – and yes, people.
My cousin and her husband bow to their children’s wishes – quite happily. They have known Goa through cartoonist Mario Miranda, singer Remo Fernandes, feni, cashew nuts, and Shyam Benegal’s film ‘Trikaal’ and are now ready to experience it on their own – suitably primed with a travel guide.
Even before they can ask me, I have packed my Bermudas and sun cap. As the people of Goa will tell you that’s the only way to be.
But, you do need to plan in advance as a large number of hotels remain heavily booked during the peak season, from October to May. Try and plan your visit around the spring carnival that all of us have vivid images of without ever having set foot inside the state.
Of Sand Castles and Soaring Spirits [Illustration by Anup Singh]
By Air: The airport at Dabolim, just 29 km from Panaji, is small but very busy and is well connected to the city.
By Rail: The opening of the Konkan railway has opened Goa up to the rest of India. The major railway hub is at Margao city, and there are frequent trains from Bombay and Delhi. The railway provides one of the most breathtaking views of the western coasts, and that is when you and the children realise that geography can be pulsatingly exciting.
By Road: Panjim, the capital of Goa, is connected to the rest of the world through a neat network of roads as well.
Beached!
There are a huge number of popular beaches. Calangute is the most famous but is generally crowded. If you want loads of sunshine and a calm and serene environ, then Colva is the best option. Colva is a delight, with 40 km of uninterrupted white sand fringed with coconut palms along the whole of its length and a warm, calm sea.
Palolem about 37 Kms from Margao is one of the most enchanting beaches in Goa and relatively deserted, with a backdrop of the Western ghats.
Activities
Announce a sand castle building competition and see the mad rush for the best model – and we are not just talking about kids here! Or you could play frisbee, beach volleyball or, better still, kabaddi, and make the beach come alive with the cries of “hu tu tu..”
Then there are the plastic kites that you get there (paper kites get soggy with all that humidity) with which you can measure the distance between the earth and sky, along with your children – and watch your spirits soar alongside.
But, Goa is not all beaches, though many typical tourists would have us believe that. It’s tempestuous history and weave of cultural influences are visible if you have the inclination to see. For, the lives of the people of Goa bear the rich textures of the landscape – the forts and churches, wildlife sanctuaries, and the bubbling markets.
A tour through historical time will do for the family (especially the children) what history and geography textbooks can never do – enthuse them to discover more and more. Here are a few personal favourites that have survived my transition from childhood to adulthood.
Fort Aguada: A reminder of Goa’s colonial past, it takes your breath away – this imposing structure silhouetted against the skies and seeming totally impenetrable. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to control entry on the river Mandovi, to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. A perfect time for the family to take out the notepads and sketchbooks and recreate the lives of men, women and children as it must have been then.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus: This basilica built in 1541, is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world since it contains the tomb and mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier.
Bondla wildlife sanctuary: Bondla is the smallest and most accessible of Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries. It is 52 km from Panaji and 38 km from Margao.
What to keep in mind when travelling with your family
- Since the theme of the vacation is water babies, keep the swimming costumes handy – in plenty, to get around sogginess.
- Remember to take a good sunscreen lotion along.
- A water bottle is a must in hot and humid Goa, where water is scarce.
- Do not allow children to venture out in the sea alone. Nights are not a good time to venture on the beaches because of the high tides. Make sure, there are lifeguards on the beach you visit.
- Mosquito nets, insect repellents and appropriate clothing are of paramount importance in certain areas of Panjim, Margao, Vasco, Mapuça and the major beach areas.
- Since snakes and scorpions are known to exist in rock crevices remember to use shoes and full-length jeans; and carry a flashlight – in the dark.
So, are you ready to travel?
