Just got back from a week well spent on the beaches of Goa. The white sands are an inviting relief to anyone whose lost himself in the city-grind. Being a memeber of Club Mahindra I made good use of their resort @ Varca, South Goa. Their accomodation is good the hotel units, however are a weeeeeee bit too small with too much of furniture stuffed in. Wonder how the place has been rated 5* it should be 3*. The folks at the reception (excepting for one chirpy lady) are so unwelcoming. The house keeping staff and of course those at the restaurant make up for what the front office lacks. The best part of this resrt is the fact that U reach the beach within 5 min...its just there! Guess its OK accomodation at an EXCELLENT LOCATION. I was there with family...it was time well spent. We lazed all thru the early hrs of the morning and again got back to lazing @ 4:30 every evening. I was amused by the behaviour of the sea in comparision to its counterpart along the eastern costline. The Bay of Bengal is more violent than the friendlier Arabian Waters.
In between both the lazing schedules we managed to squeeze in some sight seeing. Varca should improve its transportation system...... there shud be more taxis, autos, buses easily available. The glorified taxi mafia here is unfortunately an accepted pain. Wonder why the resort says they can do nothing. Many guests believe that they must be hand in glove with these guys! In any case...just as you learn to live with a 'preteding to be deaf husband' or a 'nagging wife'...you swollow the bitter pill ...and brave a heavier bill. Thankfully we managed to get a nice guy who showed us around.
The Aquada fort-is fun when you climb up and look at the sea down below, the light house is still functioning. when here don't miss the palacial houses down below, I am told one of them ranks 5th or 6th in India for best Architechture. The sunset cruise along River Mandovi is a nice experience...the barge carrying iron ore, panjim lit up, the light house, the churches.........speaking of which the miracle of St.Xaviers should be seen to be believed. I am still unable to believe that his body looks so alive! It is a miracle indeed!
Calangute and BAga beaches are public so they are crowded. Once you taste the privacy and cleanliness of Varca... every other beach around Goa one step lower.... Guess the only match to the beauty of Varca is Palolem...truly it is PAradise on earth!
Shopping wise nothing much apart from trinkets, kaju and daru ;-)
