Ready to escape the Canadian cold? Then strip off your gloves and scarves and let’s go to Goa. For desi travel adventurers heading to the Motherland, Goan beaches and parties are typically on the bucket list...but can seem like a far off dream when stuck with only one past time while abroad - visiting the relatives.
You know what I’m talking about. We’ve all been there. Between slurping your umpteenth cup of chai, visiting the distant relative you don’t know about and listening to the next door padosan constantly pestering you with “Arey beta, khab shaadi karoge?” your free spirit is dying to go out and explore. And Goa is a good place to start as any.
Once in Goa, I learned that the state is split into the North and the South. The North part was discovered by the hippies decades ago and is now over run by tourists of all kinds – families, backpackers, domestic Indian travellers, you name it. South Goa is what North Goa was like years ago – up and coming, quieter beaches, has tourists, but not as over populated as the North...yet.
Whether you’re in the North or the South, during low season or shoulder season you can enjoy the beaches with less crowds than in high season. Anjuna, Baga, Calungate and Candolim beaches can offer a lively, crowded atmosphere and a fun nightlife. But I like my own slice of paradise on a beach without having to fight for space
Here is a list of my favourite quiet beaches in Goa:
Arambol Beach – North Goa
Arambol is located to the far north and has become the new hippie haven, complete with yoga and meditation on the beach. Beware of spandex shorts though or lack thereof. You’ve been warned.
This is where my friend and I spent most of our time because it was quiet and offered comfy sun beds. Something you don’t always think about, but when the sand crabs come out, I’d rather be a few inches above the ground. The food and drink stand right behind us was a bonus. Russian expats and travellers have taken over this stretch of the beach so there will be no shortage of vodka being offered, but the cocktails could have been mixed better. What saved the day? Eating fresh prawns for lunch while looking out at the water.
Agonda Beach – South Goa
Agonda Beach was by far the quietest beach during shoulder season. It’s a favourite amongst the locals, relaxing and not as developed as the Northern beaches. You won’t get the heavy trance tunes here like you do at Anjuna Beach in the North. You can chill out until the cows go home. Literally. *Tip: If you have time, go further south to Palolem, a semi-circular shaped beach with picturesque palm trees, soft sand and mostly beach huts.
There are many beaches to choose from depending on what type of holiday you are looking for. The beaches in Goa may not be the best in the world nor the cleanest, but they can offer a relaxing getaway at the tail end of your trip to India and offer a nice break from visiting the relatives.
Contributed by Parm Johal
Parm is a travel junkie living in Vancouver and is the Editor-in-Chief of www.desiglobetrotter.com, a travel blog that connects South Asians passionate about independent world travel. Parm’s favourite travel moments include backpacking solo in Spain and Portugal, spending a night in the Saharan desert gazing up at the stars, exploring the streets of Mumbai, working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean with over a 1000 crew members from around the world and experiencing the magic of travel with her husband in Thailand.
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