Our one-hour flight from Mumbai to Panjim, Goa was a much better alternative to the 12-hour overnight train, for similar cost. The state of Goa is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. Panjim, the current capital & Old Goa, the previous capital & now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boast old world colonial influence, whitewash churches & beautifully restored buildings. The relaxed culture & endless beaches were certainly appreciated after the hustle & bustle of Mumbai.
We stayed & wandered the tangled streets of the Portuguese-era quarters in Panjim, enjoyed the delicious Goan cuisine (a blend of Portuguese & South Indian flavours), strolled the tree-lined boardwalk along the Mandovi River, enjoying the twinkling lights of the many floating casinos, each evening. A beautiful church watches over the Panjim city centre where shopkeepers hawk their wares & cafes line the streets. We were fortunate to discover a festival on our first day & although loading up with the beautiful handmade crafts from the various areas of India was such a temptation, it is definitely too early in the game to entertain such purchases. We did enjoy the evening shows highlighting music & dance from around India.
Antonio, our Air B&B host organized a driver to take us to the historically & culturally significant sights. Old Goa, once considered the ‘Rome of the East’, was a highlight. This old town boasts 16 churches & cathedrals within 3 kilometres, many still in use & in remarkable condition. One famous church, Basilica of Born Jesus, contains the tomb & still intact remains of St. Frances Xavier, the so-called Apostle of the Indies.
Two local buses & a rickshaw ride later we arrived at our current location, Palolem Beach, located in southern Goa. This continues to be a fishing village with wonderful fresh seafood & fish available in restaurants. Beachfront huts, restaurants & shops line the curved beach, which surprisingly isn’t overrun. Many huts sit precariously on stilts, are ridiculously overpriced & dismantled at seasons end. Regardless, they are booked solid & offer wonderful views of the Arabian Sea. There is a good mix of the young & ‘more mature’ traveller, a haven for back(flash)packers & those who prefer longer stays. The weather is perfect, around 23C morning & evening, however the heat builds early afternoon. Our daily walks in & around Palolem, quieter Agonda, Putnam & Raijag beaches keeps us in shape & provides excellent exploring opportunities.
You are SO much smarter than we are! We opted to take the train from Mumbai to Goa, and on top of the regular 12 hour length, we stopped for a few hours because a truck full of coconuts rolled on the tracks.
Marlow says you’re having way more fun than we are this year! How does Indonesia sound next year!!?? He’s tired of looking at your fun blogs!!
Hey, bring it on! We shall see how train travel goes tomorrow – heading to Hospet/Hampi.
just glad to be along for your trip – Heather
what a wonderful trip, so many memories you will have. You look so relaxed in your pictures. We are here enduring the cold & snow. Only good thing is I’m taking this opportunity to sort through pictures, do some sewing & painting trim in the basement.
We are definitely starting to relax & getting into groove of how things work here.
Beautiful!!! Awesome photos, you guys look soooo relaxed…..enjoy!
I am enjoying my visit to India thank you. You transport all of us with your commentary and your beautiful photos. Make sure you see everything and let us see too. Lynda