TheNomadLife

#72HoursInGoa for a Life Makeover

I believe that like some people, movies, quotes & books, some places happen to you for a reason.

We always have this bucket list, with places ear-marked under categories. The romantic getaway, the post college trip, the weekend of undiluted fun, the journey towards self-discovery or simply to escape the mundane. There are places we wish to be left alone in. There are some where we want to party the night away. Be it Joie de vivre , rejuvenation or to literally getaway- whatever be the reason , we always have this place in mind that fits the bill.

And then there’s Goa.

The muse to lovelorn artists , the party destination , the corporate travelers haven , the couple’s retreat. So many places rolled into one. Like a chameleon it moulds itself to become what one seeks to find.

How does one manage to pack all that in #72HoursInGoa? I’ve tried to do that to a week [ here] and also a little over 48 hours [here] quite living up the two starkly different facets myself.

Like a wise person once said – There are something’s in life , you should do once. Well Goa you should visit once too. Once every time you are at a turning point in your life coz whatever kind of traveler you might be , this place would make for great stories , fascinating discoveries , interesting adventures or just fantastic food and fun experience.

Here’s what I think #72HoursinGoa would be for the discerning traveler in you. Whichever kind you are!

#72HoursInGoa for The text-book traveler

Fresh Air and the Blue sky

This one’s destined to have the most fun. Coz you’d literally go by the book and there’s little room for disappointment there. Also considering that it’s your first trip [ and you think your only trip coz at this point you don’t know #72hoursinGoa are just not enough] you are hell bent to have a blast.

Day 1 : Hire a two wheeler , walk down the most popular beaches [Baga & Calangute – the most popular and packed], haggle at the Friday flea market , laze around , get a tattoo maybe and party like there’s no tomorrow at a shack[ ‘brittos’ and ‘anthonys] , a lounge[ capetown] or go clubbing at Cabana[ at Arapora]till wee hours.

Day 2: If you have planned well – check out the sunburn fest or spend the day in Panjim clicking pics at the Church and Donna Paula and wrap up the night at Casino Royale.

Day 3: Start your day with some breakfast at a roadside bistro of anda pav and cutting chai . Head to the incredible Thallasa for a super romantic lunch and taste some authentic goan cuisine at Viva Panjim.

By the time you are through, you’ll be soaked in the sun and the sand and will have plenty of posts on your facebook wall as memoirs. Now that the touristy way to do Goa is out of your system, the urge to return as a more evolved traveler would take over.

#72HoursInGoa for The Enthusiastic Explorer

Explorer

You take pride in taking back memories that few know about. So for an experience collector like you – Goa’s rich cultural heritage has enough to offer and we are not talking the churches here now, are we?

Day 1: Revisit Goa, the way it was before people made it as crowded as if travelling was free! Book yourself a homestay with a local. That would take care of the home cooked authentic goan cuisine and also the stories of good old days. But seeing is believing, so head to an ethnographic museum ( likes of Goa –Chitra in Benaulim) and experience the bygone era first hand.

Day 2: Taste a bit of history as you explore Fountanhas, the Portuguese side of Panjim. You’ll thank whoever invented digital cameras, coz you’d want to capture its vibrant coloured buildings from every possible angle.

Day 3: You’ve heard about the Dudhsagar Falls, the spice gardens and also the forts. But those are experiences that people have captured at great lengths. What could be an amalgamation of the true spirit of Goa – in all its festivity and colours? The Goa Carnival it is. Be a part of the merry making – experience the joy , the singing and feasting like a true Goan . And yes did I mention there’s fenni too?

Plan a romantic 3 day getaway for valentines and she’ll worship you for the rest of her life.

#72HoursInGoa for The Lost Wanderer

Wanderer

The best way to discover any city is to get lost in it. And when you plan to get lost – you don’t do that with the clock ticking inside your head. Choose from various off-beaten experiences like the spice plantations ( Savoi and Sahakar Spice Farm) , the butterfly conservatory ( in ponda) , the trek at the majestic Dudhsagar falls or watch the dolphins play. For the traveler that wants to explore the untouched beaches, the mystical ruins, the solitary forts, the quiet views – Goa has enough and more to offer that might not fit in the itinerary.

But then again like I mentioned – the idea IS to have no Plan!

PS : Read Shivya Nath’s mind-blowing list of off beaten experiences in Goa here . Pick 3 that suit your mood and budget . Thank me later!

There are many more Goas that live within this magical city.

junkie

The one that promises water sports (kayaking & scuba diving) or adventure sports (parasailing , bungee jumping) and so much more to #72HoursInGoa for the Adrenaline junkie. Host of beach action and clubbing options for #72HoursInGoa for the Party- enthusiast.

And then there’s the burnt out working mom like me , who wants to relax and rejuvenate (read: eat, lounge and repeat) spending every moment of #72HoursOfGoa getting spoilt silly.

My idea of #72HoursInGoa for The Seeking Life-Makeover traveler [that’s currently me] is soaking in the easygoing indulgence of Ramada Caravela beach resort & Goa.

Armed with no plan and #72HoursInGoa at one of the most luxurious spaces, leisure would mean lounging with my laptop( in between hearty meals and rejuvenating ayurvedic massages ) and finishing those long pending travelogues lying around incomplete in the draft folder of my soon to be defunct blog.

One day of free flowing wine , serene views at the beach or better still in my Garden View Suite ‘overlooking sprawling, manicured gardens’ and life perhaps would never be the same again.

Wholesome flavours, scenic views, soothing sounds and refreshing aromas – #72HoursInGoa at The Ramada Caravela Beach Resort would be a grand feast for senses. Finely curated, perfectly served and holding promises of an aftertaste for a long long time.

I am picturing myself with the proverbial sand in my feet and wind in my hair. If the power of belief can change life , mine’s ready for a transformational #72HoursInGoa.

The post was submitted as an entry for the #72HourInGoa contest by Ramada Caravela. Head to their website to plan the perfect life makeover for yourself at Goa [ at www.ramadacaravela.com ] and talk to me & the world about it by following them on [ their Twitter & Instagram handle – @RamadaCaravela  ]

14 thoughts on “#72HoursInGoa for a Life Makeover

  1. Go Go Goa… my favourite place 🙂 I am a beach lover!

    Went on a official trip 2 years ago and now I want to go on an unofficial one, just like the way you have described without any plans!

    Looking forward to reading more of you now…

    1. Thanks for dropping by Privytrifles , Goa is done to death yet like a pheonix it rises – especially when one needs to write Blog entries for contest giveaways .. hope you get to experience the touristy side of Goa. The boardroom version is super boring like you’d agree.. done it too many times to know what I am talking about. Look forward to seeing you here more often!

  2. The blog post on Goa is the best amongst any article that I have come across. None of the writers have even come close to your descriptions. Thank you for writing such a brilliant piece. Looking forward to reading more of your works.

    1. You havent been to Goa!! really? Ive not met too many people who havent been to that place.

      You know we just might visit the city with my 4yr old and then I would have a mommy version also of the trip.. .LOL!!

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