Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Goa - My Home!

Visiting your Native place is like being at home. Thus, visiting Goa wasn’t any different. The land of the unspoken mysteries, beaches, parties and also the dwelling for the gods, Goa has been a paradise for the most of us. With a promise to my friends, to bring them some souvenirs from the land of beauty and food, I packed my bags to once again visit the beautiful Goa, or earlier known as Gomantak.
May it be the sun kissed beaches, or the temples; Goa definitely stands apart than any other Indian state. Boarding the late night train to Goa, I was all set to release my stress. The mystic sight of the Dudhsagar falls, which are the 227th waterfall in the world, and apparently India’s largest; which also connect Goa and Karnataka, stood tall to welcome us. Such a sight is nothing but a convincing factor of the beauty of our natural treasure. The lifeline of Goa, the Mandovi River, was my companion as we entered the state. The chatter in the native language Konkani bought a smile to my face. The state is also known as the Pearl of the Orient. The Portuguese have been the rulers of the past for the territory and the famous architectural churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, which is also now tagged as the world heritage monument or the Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier which is of historical importance speak of their rule. But may it be the beaches, churches or the temples; the seafood too has its share in promoting the true essence of Goa.
I found certain peace and solace at the Shri Shantadurga and the Mangeshi temples which are on close proximity from the Ponda city. One thing that sets Goa apart from the rest of the states is that, there are more than 500 temples in this tiny state. The festivals such as Nagpanchmi, Shigmotsav, and Christmas etc have been celebrated with great pomp by the natives.
Between visiting cousins and relatives, I couldn’t help but invade the markets in Goa which were thronged with the fishermen, vendors and people like me wanting to carry home a souvenir. Vasco and Margao have been known as the main centers for commercial trades. No luck in the markets, I decided to go on to the beaches, where I was sure to find something. The Miramar beach and the Dona Paula located in Panjim, the capital city of Goa, took my breath away. The Fort Aguada which speaks about the Portuguese history and the rule was my next destination.
Rich Sea Food served in the various hotels in Goa is simply incomparable. Tasty Saraswat fish curries and the fried fish have been famous far and wide. Fish, curry and rice form the staple for the natives of the state. Relishing over the delicacies is just what completes a perfect holiday in Goa. With coconut in almost all the fish curries and chili hot, spicy, and pungent taste of the other delicacies. The Hindus, Muslims and the Christians form the essential backbone of unity in diversity of the State. Although I didn’t get to shop any gifts for my friends, what I did carry back with me were the many memories of a land truly mesmerizing.

1 comment:

Goa Travel Packages said...

It is purely remarkable to get a post where every single line is expressing about your feeling with your home.Thanks and keep sharing other post with all.