Travel to Goa: A Journey of Discovery and Experience

Escaping the biting cold of Kathmandu's Poush-Magh for a few days and getting to know the new world of South India and Goa up close, a flight departed from Kathmandu on 082 Poush 20, via Delhi, towards Goa, India. The journey itself had its own thrill, and due to the short winter days, the sky was already dark by the time we reached Goa. This trip to explore a new place was filled with excitement. The very first step here felt thrilling and attractive. I had traveled to many places in North and East India multiple times. This trip to Goa, or South India, was a long-cherished desire. This time, the auspicious moment finally arrived. Goa, the paradise of tourists. It truly felt like a different world within India. This city, bearing many historical epithets like Gomantak, Gopura, Goapuri, Gopakapattan, also reflects its importance by remaining under Portuguese rule even after India gained independence in 1947. The fact that this region was integrated into India only in 1961, after nearly fourteen years, makes its history even more special. Only on May 30, 1987, did Goa establish its identity as the twenty-fifth state of India. Here, one can still witness a beautiful confluence of foreign civilizations, including Portuguese, and Indian culture. Perhaps that's why every day spent in Goa offers a distinctly different experience. With the eagerness to enjoy Goa's beaches, we slept after eating South Indian food cooked by a Nepali chef on our first night there. Waking up early the next morning, we all hurried towards the nearby beach. I, who never tire of looking at the water, was as delighted as ever, marveling as if seeing the sea for the first time. The sea is truly a vast, mysterious world, reflecting both the deep beauty and power of nature simultaneously. Its endless expanse always attracts me. After breakfast, our team headed towards Old Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus church there connected us all with history. Built in the 16th century, this church is considered an excellent example of Baroque architecture. The body of Saint Francis Xavier is preserved here, making this church a major pilgrimage site for Christian devotees worldwide. The peaceful environment, archaeological significance, and religious devotion there deeply touch the hearts of not only Christians but everyone else. We were no exception. From there, we proceeded to Coco Beach, located at the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. This shore felt very peaceful and scenic. This beach is primarily famous for water sports. Activities like jet skiing, bump rides, and parasailing are very popular here. We boarded a boat to see dolphins from here. Wearing life jackets and traveling on a boat in the sea in the middle of the day is naturally enjoyable for people from countries without a sea. Some of us were busy taking selfies, some making videos, and some were engrossed in gazing at the sea view. The guide on the boat was narrating every moment in a very engaging manner. Tourists gathered from various parts of the world were busy making the most of their enjoyable time. After cruising for a while in the vast ocean, our motorboat stopped at a spot, and after some time, dolphins were seen leaping above the water. We all welcomed the dolphins by clapping. We don't know how much they understood our welcome, but watching their dives in the sea gave the impression that their dance was for us. This experience was difficult to describe in words. Our team, all over sixty years old, became as joyous and cheerful as children in that moment. We only realized the journey had ended when our boat suddenly reached the shore. We quenched our thirst by drinking coconut water. Although coconuts are abundant in Goa, the price seemed more expensive than expected. Shops there displayed various souvenir items, attracting tourists. Our next journey was towards Fort Aguada. This is an old and historical lighthouse. Below the lighthouse were old prison cells. To protect against sea attacks, store water, and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea and the beautiful sunset from here, it was also built by the Portuguese in 1612. We were all busy capturing the scenic beauty of this place in our minds, brains, and cameras. The old prison without inmates, located here, was converted into a fort-turned-prison after the Portuguese rule. Especially during India's independence movement, many freedom fighters were imprisoned here. This place, surrounded by thick, tall, and strong walls, sits in the lap of the vast sea stretching in all directions. Due to the natural barrier created by the constant crashing of sea waves and the strong structure of the fort, attempting to escape from here was considered almost impossible. Today, times have changed. This prison, holding those painful memories of history, is now peaceful, silent, and a center of attraction for tourists. However, due to security reasons, entry into its interior is not permitted, so visitors can only observe it from the outside. Nevertheless, standing there, one can easily feel the terrible stories of past struggles, courage, sacrifice, and torture. The next morning, we headed towards South Goa. We reached the Shri Mangeshi Temple, the auspicious form of Lord Shiva. This temple was previously in the Kushasthali region, and during the Portuguese rule, when Hindu temples were destroyed, it was moved to its current location. This temple, with a history of about 400 years, provided special joy to the mind with its peaceful atmosphere. Its artistic white structure and the lamp tower in front were its special attractions. It was even more interesting to hear that this temple has a connection with the family of the famous singer Lata Mangeshkar. The surname Mangeshkar is said to have originated from the name of this temple. It is said that the Lata Mangeshkar family came from Goa, and as they were devotees of this temple, they named their surname after this deity. After visiting this temple, we reached Tropical Spice Plantation. There, all tourists were welcomed with a traditional drink made from flowers and herbs. Walking through the spice garden with a guide, we got to see plants like pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom up close. The natural environment there refreshed all our minds. The tradition of pouring chilled spice water prepared in an earthen pot onto the back provided us with both laughter and coolness. This is also considered a method of treatment. We bought some of their products for sale there and then left after eating. During our stay in Goa, we also visited various beaches. Each beach had its own specialty, but the most captivating aspect was the sunset here. Where the sun slowly disappears into the ocean, and the sky fills with fiery colors. But not all travel experiences were just enjoyable. Some places in such a beautiful Goa were so dirty that it still saddens me to think about it. The behavior of the locals towards tourists in some places was also not as polite as expected. Thus, the Goa trip became not just a tour but a collection of experiences, feelings, and learnings. Goa, filled with warm sunshine, blue seas, historical heritage, and a confluence of diverse cultures, left an indelible mark on each of our hearts. The warmth received by staying away from Kathmandu's cold for some time was not just of the weather but also of memory, which will always remain as a light in some corner of the heart. Finally, with the feeling of 'It's time to leave, who knows if we'll meet again,' we bid farewell to Goa and headed towards South India.