Some Kind Of Paradise

Goa can turn life sunny side up again, writes Saumya Ancheri

- Saumya Ancheri

Goa is a love affair for many of us. We may live elsewhere, but the sunshine state is where we turn to rejuvenate, reconnect, find our groove again and let go a bit more. Sweet, sticky and to be savoured slowly—that goes for both bebinca and its home state for me.

On a family road trip when my sister and I were kids, Goa was about breezy palm trees and surf-pounded beaches with 1980s tunes playing from the stereo on my lap. As an adult, I returned on a 24hour visit for a friend’s wedding, and Goa pulled out all the stops: we spotted dolphins on the boat ride to the resort. My friends had a shaman officiate the wedding, and we watched her dance around the bonfire against a rosy sunset. I twirled poi for the first time, joined the drum circle, lay on the sand and watched shooting stars. I was smitten.

Some love Goa for its popular beach strips and pumping parties. Others retreat to the extreme north and south ends of the state for a quieter holiday. Goa has something for every pursuit and budget: hills, sanctuaries, dive sites, heritage forts, offbeat museums, family-friendly resorts, romantic getaways, flea markets, designer boutiques, world-class dining and, of course, wonderful people. Go with no plan and Goa still bestows the thrill of serendipity and a bone-deep sunniness.