Goa, one of India’s top holiday destination finally got crossed off my bucket list. Well to me, Goa plan was on for more than a decade ago but never happened for reasons that raised from unforeseen situations. Every time, I had a friend post about in FB, it was a reminder. Nevertheless, I never pushed my self to be there. Last summer, after listing a few places, Goa topped the list for the family vacation.
The beach
What attracted me was the shacks and sea food rather than the beaches. We chose the rail route over road or air, with a couple of hours stop over at Londa, a small sleepy village en route to my destination. After planning for so many years, Goa trip this year finally was about get set.
At the very beginning of our 4 day vacation, we were showered with blessing by “Rain God”, for it was pouring cats and dogs the moment we reached Yeshwanthpur rail station. Water was flowing all-around, as the rain water threw right onto people in the station, who were nearly sticking to each other. There was sufficient lighting and shouts from the sky that assisted the downpour. After about 30 minutes of unexpected happenings around, the family settled once seated in train. No sooner, we fell asleep to wake up early to get a view of the newer places that the train passed. It was first time that I traveled this route, towards the west.
The usual visitors
We alighted at Londa junction at 9, to take the next train to Madgaon. It is a quaint place, with fewer people unlike most other station I have been. We had about 4 hours before we hop onto next train. It was a good time to wander two kids as my aid. I took a short stroll. Once outside the train station, I witnessed vegetable vendors, tea stalls and array of other shops busy in daily activity. Dawdling these narrow roads, the very thought of waiting was soul-stirring. Running thoughts just ended for the streets were nearly empty and I knew that this place has little population. Then there was this abrupt light up my head….and after speaking to a couple of shopkeepers, I swiftly ran back to the station, wasting no time picked the luggage and family :), boarded a local buses via ghat section to Madgaon. Swaying thorough out with kids half asleep, we reached Madgoan earlier than planned. We took a taxi who ferried us to the resort much ahead of the check-in time. So, at once, got out to grab a fish meal….and hopped by Kinara, the bright Yellow colored single storied building(after watching the reviews). Hardly about 7 minutes walk from the resort, this place has a friendly ambiance with good food served.
View from our room
After a peaceful check in, the kids ran to the pool and stayed there for 2 hours. I must admit that they have one of the finest pool that a medium sized resort probably has. Then there were slides, a bar, play area and ample space for family. The closest beach was about 10 mins walk but is not open to public post 7 in the evening due to safety concerns. Yet, we decided to get wrapped in the breeze that was thankfully gentle. All that I told myself was…to eat, eat and eat to my hearts content…..So in search of some nice food, I ended up at Mike’s Place. A cozy restaurant, with dim light and music that lit up people’s moods. The kids ordered squid and prawns, our all time favorite. My parents too were happy with the choice of food. After relishing the long list of order, on our way back we saw souvenir shops arrayed, with men inviting to showcase what’s in store. The night walk was undoubtedly soothing to the soul. Planning for next day, the tiring us jumped on the bed and dozed as quickly as one could wink.
Merry evening @ Mike’s Place
Rest to follow in the next post…….
Raastha 