You must surely know that Goa is a relatively young state in the nation. While we attained freedom from the British in 1947, Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. The Indian forces had marched into the state with a big army after their requests to Portugal to hand over the place back to the nation fell on deaf ears. Soon afterwards, fighting ensued and the Indian army emerged victorious.
Photo by Mohit GuptaEver since that day, Goa has become a part of India and thrives on the tourism industry that has flourished in the state. However, one is led to question the uniqueness of this place. Why on earth are most of the people so keen to visit Goa at least once in their life? Moreover, why do so many people dream of buying a place in Goa so that they can go over and crash for the weekends there?
We will analyze all of it and the reader is bound to be surprised at the outcome – try your best and think of how years of being a Portuguese colony might have shaped it.
To start with, Goa is replete with numerous buildings that are the remnants of an exquisite architectural style. Be it the quaint churches or the old buildings, they form some of the most unique attractions of the place. Besides, a trip through one of the local villages will unearth a distinct style of houses that subtly differs from the villages elsewhere in the country stylistically.
The beaches and the wild parties that rage on them is the most obvious facet of Goa. Sure, the majority of the tourists can be found in them. The Sunburn Fest has been one of the most vibrant attractions for party lovers and music lovers alike. The pandemic might prove crucial as far as future parties are concerned, but there are certain things that even the deadly virus may find hard to change!
Photo by Mohit GuptaGoan cuisine offers some of the tastiest meals that can be found in the country. Most importantly, these dishes can be tasted in their best quality only in Goa. Foodies simply love the taste of the traditional Goan prawn curry cooked with succulent pieces of prawns in a mixture of delectable spices; pork lovers can gorge on the local special Pork Vindaloo; for a simple and homely meal, one can opt for the Goan fish curry with rice. Despite being a light-hearted meal, it is filling and tastes brilliant. Last but definitely not the least is Tandoori lobster with fries and vegetables – sure, this dish can be prepared almost anywhere, but you will never be able to find the environment that Goa provides anywhere else; also, it is because of that very environment that this dish tastes a whole lot better in Goa. Even people who really do not bother much about food will turn their heads towards the table this dish is laid out on.
Enough has been said about the architecture and food that Goa has to offer, it is time that we turn our attention to something completely different. Are you fond of ghost walks? How many of you are aware that Goa boasts of some of the most haunted locations in our country? Yes, Goa has certain locations that will send goose bumps down your spine! 15 kilometers from Panji, there is a village that goes by the name of Saligao. Saligao is famous for its churches, but it has also gained notoriety for the ghost of Cristalina who is supposedly haunting the village for close to 60 years! Locals say that her spirit can be seen roaming around a banyan tree in the locality. There is also a famous tourist destination that has been regarded as being haunted. It is no other place than the Three Kings’ Church. It is said that three kings dictated this church in the past. Unfortunately, the three of them fought each other and were killed. Their bodies were buried within the church premises. Locals say that the presence of the three kings can be still felt within the church premises.
With so many wonderful attractions lined up for visitors, Goa a most sought after tourist’s paradise.
Written By Taryn Rodrigues
Week 10, March 2021
