11 November,2010 06:30 AM IST | | Tunali Mukherjee
Busy planning your shaadi that you forgot about that romantic getaway? Fret not. Pack your bags now, for starting today, the trip brings you a four-week honeymoon special. Choose from eight dream destinations, so you and your partner can soak in the moments
Think Goa and one is transported to a land of sandy beaches, tranquil waves bursting into a million bubbles at your feet, wine, great food and long walks under the moonlit sky. Take your pick from North and South Goa, and escape with your loved one for a picture-perfect honeymoon.
North Goa
Arambol: hippy-go-lucky sands
One of the few beaches that stand testimony to the hippies love for Goa, Arambol is a picturesque beach dotted with coconut trees and small shacks. A short walk away is another secluded beach and a hot spring, which feeds into a freshwater lake.
The silt produced as a result on the lakeshore is presumed to have curative effects on the skin. Low hills surround a jungle valley, where one can find an interesting sculpture called the 'Money Stone'. Sculpted by the American artist Jacek Tylicki, the money stones asks one to 'Give if you can, take if you have to.' Tourists dutifully add to or borrow the money that has been placed on the stone.
Very few hotels are available around Arambol, hence book in advance, unless you fancy a home-stay with the locals around the beach.
Best time: December to February
How to reach: Arambol beach is approximately 50 kms from Panaji, Goa's capital, while Mapusa is the nearest bus station (9km).
Chapora: Leisureville
Nestled in the shadows of a majestic Portuguese fort, Chapora beach is perfect to indulge in the pleasures of doing nothing. Besides relax and enjoy the easy-paced life by the sea, that is. Development has stayed away from this beach, preserving it like it was in the good old days.
Villagers from the nearby hamlets make a living of fishing and boat-building on the beach, giving Chapora a distinct Goan personality. The nearby Chapora fort and its proximity to the Vagator beach make it a popular pit stop for those who want to steal a few moments away from the maddening crowds.
Best time: December to February
How to reach: Direct buses arrive thrice daily from Panaji (25km), and every fifteen minutes from Mapusa (10km). Motorcycle taxis are an adventurous option for free-spirited souls.
Bogmalo: Diver's Retreat
Inviting blue waters, soft white sand and shady coconut trees. Bogmalo beach will make you gasp in appreciation of the beautiful spectacle it presents. You have the option of sun bathing or sharing a delicious meal with your better half at the many shacks on the shoreline. The adventurous can check out a diving school (www.goadivingschool.com) set up on the beach that offers the pleasures of exploring the sea. For those who'd rather stay on the shore, the gentle sea breeze and secluded shoreline will soothe you into a peaceful trance.
Best time: November to early February
How to reach: Dabolim airport is 4 kms away, while Vasco da Gama Railway Station is 8 kms from Bogmalo. Plenty of taxis and buses can be hired from both points.u00a0
South Goa
Palolem: Coast along paradise
It's easy to figure why Palolem is nicknamed India's 'Paradise Beach'. White sands spread across a crescent-shaped bay, dolphins playing hide-and-seek in Arabian Sea's waters and coconut palms silhouetted against the clear, blue sky, Palolem is your picture-postcard beach destination.
During the low tide, one can swim across a tiny stream on the northern end of the beach to escape to their very own island. Hop on for a dolphin cruise and enjoy a ride with Flipper look-alikes and friends. Though Palolem a popular tourist haunt, it shies away from a commercial overkill, making it an unforgettable experience.
Best time: November to March
How to reach: Palolem is an hour's drive away from Karwar, Karnataka and 37km from Margao. Buses and taxis frequently ply from both places. Canacona Railway Junction is the nearest railhead.
Agonda: the peaceniks' abode
Agonda beach is 3kms of pure tranquility. Such that all you can do on this beach is laze on its soft sands; be forewarned as the sea here is considered slightly dangerous to swim in. A hill occupies part of the beach, and the other parts are marked by the lack of tourists.
Agonda Beach.
Agonda is a favourite among those who seek solitude and are looking to capture a few precious moments with their loved ones. Don't mistake the lack of tourists as a marker for its beauty. Agonda is dotted with coconut palms and casuarinas, and is also famous for dolphin sightings. If you dig a bit of mythology and trekking, head to the nearby Cabo de Rama, a fort where Rama and Sita are believed to have lived during their exile.
Best time: November to March
How to reach: Agonda is a 15-minute drive from Palolem beach
Benaulim: get hooked, on holiday
Few things are as romantic as spending the day with your better half, sailing on a boat, in the middle of the azure sea. Add to it your own catch to take home, and you have yourself a memory to treasure forever. One of Goa's quietest beaches, Benaulim is considered ideal for fishing. Nature spoils you for choice as the cool breeze and shady coconut palms make it one of the most beautiful beaches in South Goa. Visit Benaulim during festivals, and you will be treated to the fantastic local culture as well.
Best time: The feast of St. John falls in the monsoon, when the place wears a festive look. However, November to March is perfect for your sun and sand moments.
How to reach: The nearest railhead is Karmali (11km) while Dabolim Airport is 70 km away. Panaji is 41 kms away and Colva beach is 2 kms.
What to eat
Seafood lovers can binge on spicy, tangy Konkani curries that blend sinfully well with shellfish and sea fish. The Ambotik and Xacutis are a must-try too. Beach side shacks will whip up the pretty decent fare too; in fact, its chefs will happily prepare your dish to suit your taste buds.
Goa is infamous for its Dodol, Bebinca and the localised toddy-based indulgence, Feni. Goan-made beer is quite popular and cheap. Johnny's Fisherman on Benaulim, Taamara Bar & Kitchen at Agonda and Coconut Creek at Bogmalo are popular eating options
Trance tunes
Goa trance, which originated in the state, enjoyed great success from around 1994-1998, and since then has dwindled significantly both in production and consumption, largely being replaced by its successor -- psychedelic trance. Goa Gill remains one of the most recognisable names in this genre of music. Head to one of the many beach discos to get your fix of Trance.
What to do
There's never a dull moment in Goa. From luxury cruises to just sunbathing on the beach, Goa has something for everybody. Adventure sport enthusiasts can indulge in a wide range of sports like parasailing, diving and water scooters. Those who prefer to dig into heritage and culture can revel in its Portuguese influenced churches and forts. Visit Goa in February to enjoy its colourful, riotous carnival for a taste of the state's rich, varied culture.
