Blow Hot Blow Cold

You’re either a mountain person or a water person, they say. India’s winters offer you both, in every possible way—whether it’s skiing in Gulmarg, trekking in McLeodganj, sunning on the beaches of Goa or soaking in the spiritual environs of Pondy.

BLISS ON THE BEACH IN GOA

Bliss is a deckchair on the beach, a drink in one hand, book in the other and the squeals of my children dodging ocean waves. Somewhere at the back of my mind, thoughts of upcoming work deadlines flash, but I quickly feed them to the waves. Goa’s 100-km-long coastline combined with the ‘susegad’ or easygoing pace of life offers a slice of paradise to the lazy as well as the hyper corporate executive. From Tiracol in the North to Galgibaga in the South, there are more than 23 beaches where idling around is considered fair occupation.

Goa is one of those few holiday destinations in the world where there’s no pressure to perform constantly. The ebb and flow of the ocean, warm sun, sand between your toes and salty sea air is a guaranteed prescription for slowing down and getting into a relaxed state of mind.

If you want vibrant, actionpacked hours, then the beaches in the North with their non-stop parties and astonishing variety of pubs, food shacks, tattoo parlours, and stores will delight you. On the other hand, the beaches in the South are quiet, secluded and attract the kind of visitors who crave privacy and peace. No one wants to wake up early while on vacation, but beaches are at their finest between 7 and 11 am. Mid-day can be enjoyed by retreating to a deckchair in the shade and surrendering to a delicious mid-morning snooze brought on by the swish-swishing waves and coconut palms.

During winter, hanging out at the beach is great fun because the weather is pleasant and everyone is in a generous, festive mood. Hotels and shacks are all dressed up in fairy lights and Christmas décor and at sunset the glittering beachfront dazzles. The setting is perfect for romance to bloom.

—Christabelle Athaide

Best Beaches

North Goa