As an Indian, Goa is always a no-brainer. The ultimate getaway for every kind of break you’d want. From living the shack life, to experiencing the more opulent villas (now), to enjoying expansive resorts on the beach shores; from food, to history, to partying, to keeping kids entertained, Goa caters to everyone!! Landing into the city, you feel the sea breeze wrap around you like an old friend. Palms sway gently against the blue sky, the sound of waves carries a promise of freedom, and the King’s beer (or your cocktail of choice) make for the perfect holiday where relaxation and discovery blended seamlessly.
From starting my days with a barefoot walk along the stretches of Calangute and Baga beaches and a leisurely breakfast at Lucky Star (Calangute), to now racing for water sports with the kids, followed by brekka at Elephant and Co. (Anjuna) or Mujigao (Assagao), life has come a long way 😊. But the sand remains warm, the sea inviting. Shacks open early to serve, whatever be your preference—a typical Western breakfast or strong Goan coffee and poha. By noon, the beaches transform—paragliders dotting the skies, music drifting from cafés, and crowds gathered for water sports. Just a short drive away you’ll find rows of clifftop places in Anjuna and Vagator, where red cliffs meet the sea in dramatic silence. One of my favourite places for brunch on a lazy day, off to a late start, is Artjuna Café (Anjuna); lovely food and great retail therapy (window-shopping or otherwise).
On a Saturday evening, I highly recommend the Saturday Night Market in Arpora. The stalls overflow with handicrafts, jewellery, spices, and quirky souvenirs. Music filled the air, food stalls offering everything from Goan vindaloo to international bites, it felt like the entire world had gathered under a canopy of stars.
South Goa reveals a different side of the state—serene and unhurried. Palolem’s crescent-shaped beaches are breathtaking, with calm waters perfect for kayaking. Agonda is even quieter, where you can sit with a book, listening to nothing but the rhythm of the waves. Between beach days, you can explore old Portuguese churches in Old Goa—the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral stand as reminders of the region’s layered history. Must to mention here, my all-time favourite shack at Palolem, Dropadi. Great food, great vibe, authentic Goan shack experience.
Goan food is an adventure in itself. I savour plates of prawn balchao, spicy xacuti, and the famous Goan fish curry with rice. In North Goa be sure to visit Anand for authentic Goan cuisine. Every meal was elevated with a glass of feni, the local cashew liquor, or a chilled King’s beer by the shore. One of my most memorable meals was at a beach shack, where fresh seafood was grilled right in front of me as I watched the sun dip into the horizon.Â
Some favourites on our food trail in North Goa – Burger Factory, Thalassa, Olive and Purple Martini (for Continental food and breathtaking cliff top views), Calamari, Pisco by the Beach and Saz by the beach (for a more plush shack experience), and Cavalas and Antare (for great local, English retro, jazz music options – this for me is Goa, away from the Bollywood influx)!
The nights spoil you with choices from Cohiba, Raeeth, Titlie, Romeo Lane, Noah, Hammerzz, Goya, to off-beat trans and electronic parties with local and international DJs performing. There’s something for every music lover!Â
When I finally leave goa, it’s with a hangover of relaxation, calm-mind, and the perfect escape.
0
