WHEN DESERT ROSE WENT TO GOA

The above image reflects what runs through most of our minds when we hear ‘vacation at Goa’. But for desert rose it was much more!

Ever since I joined university for under graduation, I have made several trips to different parts of the country and of course each one of it was memorable in its own ways. So then the question would be why a blog entry only about this trip? Guess reading this will give you the answer.

Each of my previous trips has made me realize how much more India has than what we think. Be it the grandeur of architecture, breath taking natural beauty, varied cultures, traditions & lifestyles, amazing markets both day & night, myths & stories and so much more. But when I reached Goa, it took a while to take in the fact that it was part of India. A state so much part of this country but way different… way liberal… and to put it in the language of youth, way cooler! A place where having beer instead of water to quench your thirst feels the same to your pocket, where people live at their own pace and take a break from the complicated lives, where people break shackles of traditions and self-imposed boundaries. Definitely cool, isn’t it? I guess it's been separate from the rest of the nation for so long that it's developed in a slightly different way - holiday haven.

The white beach, waves, soft sands, beach shacks playing trance music – all this was definitely awesome. But yes, a visit to Goa is never complete without seeing its beautiful churches and chapels – I was spell bound! 

The churches are mostly built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The majesty, style, use of materials and the ambience that you experience in most of these churches is one of its kinds when compared to the other churches in our country. 

Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus are situated on either side of the main road and both are declared as world heritage site by UNESCO. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous of all the church in Old Goa. It contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. It was the first church in India to be elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1946. The photographs above would give an idea of how it felt to be there.

Church of St. Cajetan – my personal favorite! It is a beautiful church built along the lines of the Basilica of St. Peter's in Rome. Although the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, it has been name after St. Cajetan. The Church of St. Cajetan is the only surviving domed church in Goa.

The feeling that you get when you walk into this structure is just amazing – the vaults, the old canvas paintings, the grand alter, the pillars and what not. 

Like the above two examples, there are so many more such churches worth visiting like St. Augustine Church, Church and Convent of Santa Monica, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Arch of Viceroy and Panaji Church. Describing each one of it can take forever!

Another ‘should not miss’ would be definitely the forts for the kind of views – mind blowing and soothing. 

Chapora fort - this granite fort sits on a hill top, overlooking the Arabian sea & Chapora River. This place became famous because of Bollywood Movie Dil Chahta Hai since it had this fort as one of its important locations. It has a superb 360 degree view and great sunset views. But caution tip - place has hardly any shops for snacks or water, so do carry your own! 

So, like the above examples there is so much to experience in this state. This is for all those who believe that Goa is only about boozing, smoking, beach fun and etc. That is all there and probably the only place where you can have it in India but that is just a part of a big picture.

P.S: for all those who haven’t been to Goa yet - do make a trip to this place some time! Worth it!