TRAVEL

Vikram with his family holidaying in Goa

Vikram Thaploo: My favourite holiday destination is Goa. Though I believe it does not need a reason to be my favourite but to me, it is special since I did my graduation from Goa, so it became my second home as a student.

CC: What do you like about the place?

I like everything about this place. From the beaches to the cuisine to people, there’s something special in this place that attracts me a lot. Goa has over 300 km of tropical coastline and all the beaches have their own special charm and character which means, you will never get bored. From the empty white sands beaches in the South to the action-packed beaches in Calangute or hippy Arambol, there’s a beach to suit everyone in Goa. The special mix of creative people and free spirits is one of the biggest reasons why I love Goa. Goa is a blend of Eastern and Western culture and has a good community feel. Perhaps, it’s the ideal blend of the magical Indian culture, the laid back Portuguese charm and the hippie past that creates a heady mix that is captivating, unique and welcoming to everyone, and it also means that Goa is quite unlike anywhere else in the world. Also, it is a heaven for food lovers. Indian food is always a delight and Goan cuisine which fuses the flavours of Indian and Portuguese cuisines with a healthy amount of fresh seafood and tasty spices is a unique treat. From cheap and cheerful beach shacks to laid back eateries and worldclass fine dining restaurants-you are spoilt for choice here.

Another reason why I love Goa is because I never get bored; there really is something for everyone in Goa, from luxury hotels to cheap beach huts, from swish nightclubs to hippie hangouts, it becomes difficult to enjoy Goa in just one trip. Goa is also dotted with a number of spectacular forts that exemplify magnificence, architectural brilliance, and the region’s glorious past. But more than anything else, the forts in Goa offer you breath-taking views of the surroundings.

"I usually enjoy detox vacations with friends & bonding time holidays with family. It feels good to connect with old friends and spend some quality time with family during my holidays"

CC: Tell us the highlights of the destination, what should not be missed, what do you recommend seeing and do?

There are many highlights of Goa that one should never skip while visiting the place. Popular coastal hot spots, like Colva Beach and Palolem Beach, draw tourists to Goa from around the world. But beaches are just the beginning of what makes Goa one of the most beloved places to visit in India. The destination also has unique Portuguese-influenced cuisine, historical churches and temples, vibrant wildlife, and fascinating spice farms. Nearly every tourist who visits the area spends a day at Palolem Beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand that overlooks the Arabian Sea in south Goa. While simply hanging out and soaking up the scenery is a perfect way to enjoy this beautiful area, Palolem Beach also offers an array of activities to fill your time.

Colva Beach is another one of the most famous beaches in Goa, especially among Indian tourists. One of the best-hidden gems in Goa is Butterfly Beach. It has a curving expanse of sand flanked by boulders that creates a postcard-worthy cove, brimming with butterflies and blossoms. It’s also a great spot to watch dolphins swim in the distance. You’ll need to embark on a boat ride from Palolem Beach or Agonda Beach, or tackle a challenging forest hike to reach Butterfly Beach.

Goa is as much about history and heritage as it’s about beaches and parties. Spend some time at these sites in Goa to experience the spiritual and architectural grandeur: Mangeshi Temple, Mahadeva Temple-Tambdi Surla, Shri Shantadurga Temple, and Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina. If you’re curious to learn a thing or two about the fascinating history and heritage of Goa, the Goa State Museum is where you can discover a remarkable collection of artefacts and exhibits that depict the saga of Goa’s past in a captivating manner. You can also plan a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum in South Goa to discover more about the world of naval aviation. Besides other things, you can take a look at some of the huge machines on display here, and also watch short documentaries at the mini theatre located within the museum.

CC: Which restaurants you like to visit over there? Why?

Fisherman’s Wharf, I like the most. It has an excellent ambience with good Goan music. Food is great for those who are non-vegetarians and have a liking for Goan food. It is situated on the side of a river. Many boats and ships are fully loaded with fish are anchored nearby. Overall, a lively place with good Goan food.

CC: Which are the good hotels to stay there? Which is your favourite hotel to stay in?

It has an array of good hotels, resorts, and homestays suiting the budget needs of every traveller. My favourite though is the Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.

CC: Tips you can give to fellow travellers for that destination?

While there are no specific things to point out to those who are willing to travel to Goa except sunscreens and hats. Here are some suggestions that can help: travel light, travel with an open mind and travel honest, as people there are honest and clear.

CC: According to you, how can that destination be improved?

It is important to promote Goa with fervour festival tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism and more. An increase in budget for tourism marketing and promotion is essential. Today, Goa is no longer just a beach destination. It is a 365-day holiday destination. So, the state needs to promote both on and off the beach tourism.

CC: What can other destinations learn from that place?

Everyone here has a positive, forward-looking attitude. People are enormously creative and inventive, whether it comes to creating a new gin or renovating an old villa. I admire the attitude of coping and not letting anything dominate the mind and spirit. Here are a few things other destinations can learn: traveller-centric approach, friendliness, no cheating and openness.

CC: What sort of vacations do you enjoy?

I usually enjoy detox vacations with friends and bonding time holidays with family. It feels good to connect with old friends and spend some quality time with family during my holidays.

CC: What are some of your favourite travel destinations?

Internationally, I love Fiji as a destination and domestically, I love Himachal Pradesh which features next to Goa. Fiji puts all the blissful benefits of an exotic South Pacific getaway-secluded palm-lined beaches; luxurious private islands, spas, and resorts; sparkling water as far as the eye can see-all within easy reach.

CC: Five things entrepreneurs can learn from travelling?

CC: Tell us some of your memorable travelling experiences?

I have always wanted to explore New Zealand and when the opportunity came up I just couldn’t say no. This group of people made the trip for me, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. They helped me to face my fears and try things I never imagined I’d be able to do. The smells, sites and sounds will forever stay with me. That trip gave me the travel bug and showed me the true meaning of wanderlust.

GOA: A 365-day travel destination

Corporate Citizen: Which is your favourite holiday destination?