Thursday, September 22, 2011

A splash of the sun and sea…

IIPM Mumbai Campus

The smooth roads along the Western Ghats flushed with flora sun and seaon both sides and the caressing soft breeze were the first signs that Goa would stand to its reputation, that of being a perfect host. One of the most visited tourist destinations in India, Goa also tops the charts for ‘Best Quality of Life in India.’ A first-time visitor, I was all set to dive headfirst into the experience I’d only heard and read tales about. Right after checking in at the resort, I hopped onto the bike I’d hired for my short jaunt and rode to the beach.

Divided into north and south, the coastline packs in numerous beaches along its 125 kilometer-long coastline. Baga beach in North Goa, which hosted me during my stay, is the most commercial and crowded beach with inviting shacks that serve authentic sea food and a variety of drinks that can be enjoyed while music serenades the lilting wind. Calangute is another famous beach in North Goa which does not have the same bustle as Baga, but is a place where you can bask in the sun and enjoy a beach massage with the rhythmic sound of the sea lulling one into deep slumber. Being there during the peak season has its own advantages. It was easy to haggle with the touts for a reasonable rate for water sports, which is best at Aguada Beach and Fort. From parasailing to jet-ski, one can find all sorts of adventurous water rides. And at Aguada, the waters of the coast seem to jump with joy at the sight of tourists gearing up for the surf. The beaches of North Goa are inviting to those waiting to plunge into the energy pool. However, if you fancy a relaxed atmosphere, beaches of South Goa, namely Agonda, Majorda, Palolem etc, would be the perfect picks.

With a bike to ride on, I spent one sunny afternoon visiting the local markets, the Cabo De Rama and Corjuem forts, and rode past some Indo-Portuguese style constructed mansions around the village areas. Some temples in Goa, for instance, the Shantadurga Temple and Mahalasa Temple also reflect the Portuguese times and can be a delight to an aficionado of art and architecture.

In Goa, beyond dusk is the time to say ‘cheers’ to some soulful music and dance, for the streets of Goa are choc-a-bloc with restaurants, clubs, pubs and karaoke bars that promise to keep the excitement from dwindling after those enthralling and exhausting water rides and hours dodging the cool waves of the Arabian Sea. Somehow, Goa instills an inexplicable groove in its visitors which doesn’t fade away even days after a stint along the sandy beaches, soaking oneself in the gushing waves, savouring Goan food and downing those umpteen swigs of Fenny… this is the place that can actually make you relish the true vibe of staying alive!


Destination Dossier

Steering the Course
It’s easy to travel to Goa from any destination in India. Various flights are available at every few hours from Delhi. Mumbai to Goa is a smooth 11-hour drive; a flight from Mumbai can get you there in 45 minutes.

COSY CORNERS
Nazri Resort at Baga offers a cosy and comfortable stay with rates that suit every pocket. If an opulent accommodation is what you desire, then the Taj Resort or Cidade De Goa are the obvious picks.

THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW
December is the season to enjoy the true flavour of Goa. If you don’t wish to get cramped for space in the crowds, then visit anytime in November, January or February.

‘SAVOUR’ FAIRE
Prawn curry and rice all the way! Don’t miss out on the various cocktails and mocktails offered at the shacks on the beaches and do indulge in some mouth-watering desserts after a wholesome Goan meal.

GET TO WORK
Some beaches in Goa host theme parties where one can eat, drink and dance all through the night. Rave parties are also a rage; ask people around and you might get a chance to visit one of those. Spend a quiet time visiting the museums around. The new wax museum is popular.

WHAT’S THE WORD
Hindi and English are easily understood, though spoken in typical Konkani (local language) accent and style. And to befriend someone, you could start with ‘Tuggele naav kithe?’

KEEPSAKE COURTESIES
There are shops aplenty dotting the streets of Goa, selling key chains made of shells; neckpieces and bracelets made of beads; colourful scarves etc. to quell one’s shopping cravings as also to pick souvenirs to take back home.

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri Dean Business School IIPM
IIPM Excom Prof Rajita Chaudhuri
Kapil Sibal’s voters want Jan Lokpal, not Government-proposed Lokpal Bill

IIPM: What is E-PAT?

IIPM Adds Another Feather to Its Cap: This Time Gets the Best Business School of Asia Award
Item Numbers Are The New Mantras of Bollywood
Noida CEO rules out hike in land compensation
IIPM, GURGAON
Noida Extn dreams breaks as court scraps new acquisition

No comments:

Post a Comment