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Goa is a place in India where everyone wants to go at least once. With a lot of lovely beaches, forts and churches there are a bunch of places in Goa to have a rocking trip. Although I had been to Goa once when I was a bachelor, but my wife had never been there. So, I planned for a trip to Goa with my wife on her birthday as her Birthday Gift. One of my college friend also reached Goa with his wife to accompany us on our trip.
A lot of people might feel that you must avoid Goa in Monsoons. However, I feel Monsoon is one of the best season to visit Goa, especially if you are with your partner.
A Monsoon Trip to Goa
As we are based in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, we had to plan our journey accordingly.
Day 1 (29th August’ 2016)
On 29th August’ 2016, we woke up early morning and drove to Vasant Kunj, Delhi at a relative’s place. As Vasant Kunj is quite close to the IGI Airport, we parked our vehicle there. As we had our flight from Delhi to Goa at 2:25 pm, we moved for the Airport at 12:30 pm.
Delhi to Goa : We reached at the IGI Airport T1 (New Delhi) at 1:00 pm and checked-in our baggage. We didn’t had to wait much when the announcement was done and we finally boarded the aircraft at 2:00 pm.
Although the Plane reached Goa on the right time, but due to no place for landing it had to wait for 10 more minutes. Finally we landed on Goa Airport at 5:15 pm.
Dabolim Airport to Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort : We took a cab (WagonR) from the Airport (at Rs.1200) to the Resort and it took about 45 minutes to reach Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort in Calangute. After a lot of research all of us booked this Resort well in advance and it was worth the price. We stayed in the Grand Swiss Cottages (Breakfast Inclusive) which were very unique and gave the look of a resort.
Dinner with Karaoke : After taking a rest of about 2 hours all of us went to the Restaurant of the Hotel for the Dinner. The restaurant had a Karaoke with popular bollywood numbers. Although the food did not taste that well. Being a north Indian I expected a lot better taste that what was served.
Day 2 (30th August’ 2016)
The 2nd day of our trip started with a great buffet breakfast.
Breakfast at the Resort : On 30th August, all of us met at the Poolside Breakfast table where we enjoyed the Buffet served at the Hotel. The breakfast was very nice and all of us enjoyed it. We got many options like North Indian, South Indian, Bread Omlettes, Juices, Sweet Dishes and a lot more. Although it was raining while we were having breakfast but it did not last for long.
Plan and Execution : Soon after the breakfast we booked a self drive WagonR from just outside the resort, where there was Taxi Stand. This is one big advantage of staying at Estrela that you can get Cabs, Self Drive Cars & 2-Wheelers just outside the gate. This self drive WagonR costed us Rs.1000 per day for 2 days. We booked at the condition that we need to leave at least the same amount of petrol in the Car as it was while booking it, otherwise it will be chargeable. One other condition was that we cannot move outside Goa. (Note: – Please do not try to move outside Goa with the Self Drive vehicles as they have GPS tracker fitted in these cars and if they get to know you may even get beaten up by the goons, So just take care 🙂 )Anyways, He just took my original Aadhaar Card and the complete amount in Advance and we got the card.
Anjuna Beach : First we headed towards Anjuna Beach where we spent some time. However, we did not find a lot to explore at this place. Kindly not that there is also a popular flea market in Anjuna. Those who like Flea markets can enjoy some shopping over here.
Chapora Fort : After spending some time at Anjuna, we moved to Chapora Fort which is a well known place where some scenes of popular bollywood movie ‘Dil Chahta hai’ were shot. This fort has a steep trek of about 15 minutes. The fort is not that well maintained but the view from the above is mesmerizing. You can have a look at the sea if you climb up the fort.
Calangute Beach : After spending about 1 hour at Chapora fort we moved to Calangute Beach at about 2:00 pm. We took a beach shack at the Calangute Beach where we enjoyed some sea food and a couple of beer and breezers. Also, my wife and I had a temporary tattoo at our arms there. After spending about 3 hours at the shack, we took a small walk along the beach and after which we did a bit of shopping in the Calangute Market and returned to the resort.
Also Read : Top 10 Shopping Markets in Goa
Get High Discotheque : After taking a bit of rest till 9 pm we planned to go for one of the popular Night Clubs in Goa. All the Nightclubs were in the same lane just about 5 minute drive from the resort. After checking out some discotheques, we entered Get High Disc at 9 pm where there was no Entry Fee and they offered 1+1 Beer Offer, which looked to be a good deal. Although the floor was a bit small but all 4 of us enjoyed there. And yes! The music at this Nighclub is amazing, you would love it. We spend good 3 hours at the nightclubs dancing at our favourite numbers.
Day 3 (31st August’ 2016)
After spending our 2 days in North Goa, we wanted to see the Churches at Old Goa, Forts and other places of interest.
Se Cathedral : We started our day by heading on to one of the most popular Church in Old Goa, Se Cathedral. Built in a huge area and surrounded by lush green gardens, Se Cathedral is a treat to the eyes. We prayed at the Church for some time and lighted candles as well. We spent a good 1 hour at the Church. I cant stop myself from mentioning that the area outside this Church is very good for photography.
Wax De Goa : After the Church we headed towards Wax De Goa, which is a Wax Museum just 3-4 minutes drive away from the Church. Not only this Wax Museum has Wax Sculptures of popular celebrities and personalities, but it also has some sculptures which gives a social message. There is a Haunted House within Wax De Goa compound. We enjoyed a lot at the Haunted House as well.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception : Next we moved towards another popular Church which can be seen in bollywood movies like Josh, Mujhse Shadi Karogi, Musafir etc. Although the Church Gate was closed when we reached there but we still managed to click some pictures outside it.
Lunch at Punjabi Dhaba : After spending 10 minutes outside the Church, we planned to move towards the popular Aguada Fort. We haulted in the way to have lunch at a Punjabi Dhaba. The food was awesome.
Aguada Fort & Beach : Finally we reached the beautiful Aguada Fort at about 4 pm. You will also find the popular Taj Vivanta 5 Star Hotel along with the boundary of the Fort. We spent about 2 hours at the Fort and clicked a lot of photographs at this place and explored the beach adjoining the Fort as well. After getting exhausted at the Fort, we planned to move back to the resort in the evening at about 5:30 pm.
Baga Beach : After having a rest of about 2-3 hours, we walked through a small way through the resort which meets somewhere between the Calangute and Baga Beach. After walking for 10 minutes towards Baga Beach we found some restaurants with candle light tables. These tables were quite close to the sea and after feeling the lovely breeze we decided to sit and dine there. Good but a bit overpriced sea food is available at these restaurants on Baga Beach. However, due the to popularity of the beach it seems fine. We had some snacks, food and drinks at this restaurant and also we kept enjoying the walk on the waves every now and then. After enjoying at Baga Beach till 1 am we planned to move back to the resort.
Also See : Top 3 Water Parks in Goa
Day 4 (1st September’ 2016)
On 1st of September’ 2016 we had booked our stay at a resort in South Goa near Airport and hence we checked out from Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort at 12 pm and moved towards South Goa.
Estrela Do Mar to Bogmallo Beach Resort : After staying in North Goa for 3 days we shifted to another resort in South Goa named Bogmallo Beach Resort (Breakfast & Dinner inclusive). We reached at the resort at 1:30 pm and it looked to be really wonderful from time we first saw it. Although the Check-in time was 2:00 pm so we had to wait for half an hour as no room was vacant at that time. By that time we were served with welcome drinks. By 2:00 pm we moved to our rooms. The sea facing balcony of the room provided a wonderful view.
Lunch & Visit to the Beach : After taking rest till 3:45 pm, we planned to have lunch at the beach side restaurant. We had Veg Pulao and some drinks at the restaurant. In half an hour, we headed towards the beach. After taking some pictures and we kept out wallet, camera and other belongings at the restaurant and went into the sea. (PS: We met a waiter at the restaurant, who belonged from Jammu and his story was really heart touching. Please read : Heart Touching Story of a Kashmiri Boy working in Goa). It was a bit of silent beach and we enjoyed a lot there. After spending 2 hours at the Beach we went back to the resort.
Permanent Tattoo : My wife wanted to have a permanent tattoo. There was a tattoo artist who comes to the Resort every alternate day. It was his off on that day. We planned to visit his place for getting the Tattoo. At about 8:30 pm, we took an Activa on rent for Rs.200 and went on to Tattoo Artist’s home. Till 9:00 pm we reached his place. My wife had a permanent tattoo on the side of her wrist. She described her experience as if a lot of ants are biting you at once.
Buffet Dinner : After getting the Tattoo we returned back to the Resort and went for the Buffet Dinner at the restaurant of the Resort. As the Dinner is available only till 10:30 pm we had to rush in. The food was very nice with a lot of dishes to choose from.
Day 5 (2nd September’ 2016)
Finally it was the day when had to pack our bags and get back to routine life.
Buffet Breakfast : The day started with the buffet breakfast which was ultimate. Soon after we had the breakfast we went out of the resort and booked a can for 11:45 am as we had our flight at 1:25 pm.
Bogmallo Resort to Dabolim Airport : As decided, we moved for the Airport at 11:45 am and reached in just 15 minutes. We booked a Swift DZire and it costed us Rs.400 to get to the Airport.
Dabolim Airport, Goa to IGI Airport, New Delhi : After Checking-in our Baggage we finally boarded our flight at 1:00 pm. At 1:25 pm, the flight took off and landed at IGI Airport, New Delhi at 4:00 pm. Till 5 pm, we reached to the relative’s home where we parked our vehicle and till 6:30 pm we left for Meerut.
Back to Meerut : After strugging for some time in the heavy traffic of Delhi, we reached back to Meerut at 10:00 pm.
It was an awesome trip to Goa, even better than I expected it to be. The resorts we booked were both upto the mark. Although we got a bit exhausted when we returned back home and it took about 2-3 days to get back in shape.
Total Cost of our 4 day Trip including Return Airfare, Hotel, Food, Drinks, Car Rental, Cabs and all other expenses was Rs. 40,000 for 2 persons.
