Finally the uncertainties with COVID-19 pandemic is gradually fading away. Travel restrictions are easing up and flights resumed their operations. And few Indian states opened their destinations for visitors. Like everyone, I was staying home for almost 7 months, wanted to go somewhere.
Some say, we don’t usually value whatever closer to us. So whenever I think of travelling, Goa was not a choice. But I wish to visit there during monsoon once. This time, Goa was one among the Indian state which was open for visitors.
After mulling on the idea of Goa for quite some time, the plan was made.
Ride to South Goa
From Panjim, we rented out a Vespa and started to Agonda. We mean me and my girlfriend. The short 65km ride to Agonda will give us an idea of what Goa really is. It was a pleasant day, we rode through a bunch of Goan towns and villages. Nargoa, Nuvem, Margao, Navelim, Chinchinm, Betul are few places on the way. Most of these tittle towns have beautiful centuries old churches which you can see on the way.
The old portugese influenced houses were something that kept my eyes busy throughout the journey. Small rivulets, coconut trees, small hills and vast cashew estates – that was the side of Goa I was looking for.
My suggestion would be to explore South Goa in a two-wheeler.
Agonda beach, favourite in South Goa
In Agonda, our stay was near the beach and it was a cool property. Our first plan was to stay at Agonda for 2 days and then move to some other place. But we ended up staying there for 2 more days. The vibe of Agonda was that good.
South Goa is popular for being laid back. This description exactly suits for Agonda. I am glad that the people here keep this place in such a way. I went to the famous Palolem beach once, it was crowded and commercialised. So for me, Agonda is the favourite.
Everyday, we start by a dip in the ocean and ends by having dinner in one of the beach side restaurants. During day time, we will be riding our Vespa through the villages, visiting other beaches and places. The roads are beautiful here in South Goa, if you find any interesting roads on the way, don’t hesitate to take it.
Another interesting thing I experienced in Agonda beach is the bioluminence. It was unexpected. We were having dinner on the beach side and my girlfriend asked to check the color change when the waves hit the beach. It took some time for me realise it is bioluminence. It was nice to watch those fluroscent coloured waves, though the reason behind this phenomenon is quite alarming.
Don’t miss the sunset in Cabo de Rama fort
On our second day evening, we went to Cabo de Rama fort for the sunset. Couldn’t reach the place on time, but we were able to see the sun going down over the cliff on the way. It was stunning.
We missed it, so came again the next day.
On our second visit to Cabo De Rama fort, we made sure to reach on time and find a nice place to see the sunset inside the fort. We saw the sunset. But there, we found out something interesting. On one side of the fort, there is a gate which opens to a small hill outside the fort premises, the hill looks very intriguing from the fort and it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It was dark by the time, so we decided to hike the hill the next day.
The next day, we came much earlier, to hike the hill. It was a weekday, so there were only few people inside the Cabo De Rama fort. We were on time for the sunset and found a place to sit, more specifically saying, at the edge of the cliff. The sun was hosting a special show for us that day, serene and beautiful.
South Goa trip won’t be complete without Cabo De Rama fort, you should not miss the sunset here. Come an hour early, so that you get enough time to hike. The small hill is on the exact opposite corner of the fort from the entrance. You will see a trail that leads to the tip of the hill. Be careful, at some places the hill is too sloppy, one wrong step, you are in water.
The freshwater lagoon of Cola Beach
Cola beach is another beautiful beach in South Goa, it is a bit rocky though. It will be less crowded. The road to Cola beach is narrow and dusty. The interesting thing about Cola beach is the freshwater lagoon that is very close to the sea. It is a small and shallow stream that comes and joins the sea. Swimming can be difficult because it is not that deep. You can take a kayak for rent and go upstream upto 200 meters.
Be careful about the broken beer bottles while you are walking in the lagoon, we are not a country of responsible tourists yet. The lagoon and its background will give you amazing photo ideas.
Butterfly beach, sorry, not that great anymore
I have not visited Butterfly beach but wanted to write a few things about this beach. Whenever you search on the internet for the “less known places in South Goa”, the Butterfly beach will be definitely popping up. But what we should realise is that it is no more less known. People like us have already found this place and now you will struggle to even get a picture of yours without the plastic wastes and bottles in the frame. That much worst is the condition. And this is the same with most of the secret or less known places we find on the internet or social media. Just give a thought about it.
People who sell themselves by giving us “the most secret places” ideas won’t realise how they are negatively impacting nature. These are not places to put our trash. Butterfly beach is not beautiful anymore.
South Goa vibe won’t suite for many of us. We have a general notion on Goa. The glamorous beaches, parties, colourful nightlifes, casinos excetra are most of us expect here. In South Goa, you won’t get any of these, coming here will be disappointing. It is better not to come here with that expectation. We should not force this place to change according to our needs. If we do so, obviosuly this place also will loose its charm. Better not to do that. We already have North Goa which is more vibrant, loud and glamorous. Let South Goa stay how it is.
There are many small things here which draws me again to South Goa. The fish thalis from the small road side restaurants, the tiny liquour shop run by the old shirtless man, walking on beach in moon light…the list is small but exhilarating.
Also, want to say that I stand with the struggle of Goan people to protect their land and culture. Read more about it in the below link;
Goa’s fight to save its biodiversity
If you are up for a small two day hike on the Konkan coast of Karnataka, do check out : Kumata to Gokarna trek
Let me know your thoughts, about Goa or need any information , on the comment section below.
Keep travelling….
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