The Goa you don't know about, a photo essay

Goa always meant the beaches un till I discovered a different Goa

Goa is a balm to the soul, Goa is where my soul escapes to every time it feels exhausted. Goa is within me and Goa is a state of mind rather than a place, something a lot of you agree with, I am sure. But Goa always meant the golden beaches, sitting on the beach with a beer in my hand as the sun set over the horizon. It was my place of solace even though I am actually more of a mountains person than a beach person. I spent only weekends in Goa, never had more time; its ironic because Goa lives by the message 'Susegad'- the art of slowing down, taking time, enjoying life.  I had started to wonder what lies beneath the tourist traps, the elusive 'peace' , the reckless abandonment that Goa seems to provide in plenty. So, when I am first took a break from my non-stop ten year corporate life; I wanted to know what is Goa beyond the popular beaches?

There is so much that Goa has to offer than just a holiday on the beach. Like I wrote in my post Goa Wander Guide for the curious Traveler, "Goa has many versions and no matter how many times you go, you will find a new one".

A peaceful beach in South Goa all to ourselves

5 star hotel in south Goa with a private beach; The Leela, Goa

When we visited Goa , we chose a resort far from the maddening crowd for the first few days. Then I went to Panjim, in the old latin quarters of Fontainhas & spent time admiring the colourful buildings made when the Portuguese ruled Goa & slipped in to hole in the wall bars, striking up conversations with locals over a glass of local beer. 

A walk through Fontainhas, Latin Quarter, Goa

I went to explore churches some known, some little known , frequented only by the people of the villages I roamed; standing for centuries, white washed and simple from the outside, ornate with intricate details on the inside. Quite, after hours, but speaking volumes about the worshipers who sat in its pews.

I stayed in old Portuguese houses with families and learnt what 'Susegad' actually means to Goans.

Read: My stay at the Cancio's House, a 500 year old homestay in the quite village of Aldona, Goa, away from the beaches

I also stayed in a mud hut at an organic farm with everything inside made out of recycled & up-cycled materials. 

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