...which I haven't visited/done but would love to...
...and why Goa is in my wishlist...
Goa is famous for its Sunburn Festival, Bikini Beaches, Booze etc. A couple years back, an acquaintance from Goa got so pissed off and posted a status on FB saying that she doesn't wear bikini and hit the beach everyday, she doesn't drink booze instead of water and she doesn't know any drug peddler!!! I could relate to her so much coz many a times I get similar reaction when I say I'm from Chennai or India, asking if I eat Idli everyday or why I don't wear Saree everyday. Trouble of generalization!!! There is so much more to Goa.... Here's the Top 10 that my friends who've been to / lived there recommended to me.
Pic Courtesy: Vinayraj via Wikimedia Commons
2. Chapora Fort: Ever since I've seen Dil Chahta Hai, I've wanted to visit the place, stand atop the fort and see the sea. The present structure of the fort was built in 1617 by the Portuguese. It changed several hands till 1892 when it was abandoned and now its in ruins, but not as much as Alamparai. Another important fort here in Aguada.
Pic Courtesy: Video grab via Excel Entertainment
4. Adventure Sports: Most crowded beaches in Goa has its own bunch of adventure activities like surfing, water zorbing, para sailing, scuba diving etc. But the one recommended the most by my friends - banana riding!
Pic Courtesy: AviatorJK via Wikimedia Commons
6. Rivona Caves: This entire area was a Buddhist hotspot once with Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta etc. Around the same era, in 6th C CE, a Buddhist cave excavated here was Rivona Caves. Unlike the others which are made in granite, this is made in laterite. This too has some murals inside though not as extensive as Ajanta or Ellora.
7. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary: You know I love trekking... A perfect place to trek in Goa is its Western Ghats, Netravali. The place is also great for wildlife spotting the endangered Hornbill.
Pic Courtesy: Sharat Chandra via Wikimedia Commons
9. O'Coqueiro: A totally off the track place to see in O'Coqueiro restaurant where the criminal mastermind Charles Shobraj was arrested after his prison break. A statue here depicts his arrest. Side fact, the food here is scrumptious as well!!!
10. Mambos & Titos Goa: Going to all the untrodden paths, a hint of regular tourist feature could be added with the party place Mambos & Titos.
Anyways, hope I would visit soon, and hopefully on a New Years day, coz its his birthday as well!!!
Dedicated to Venkat & Conrad
Dedicated to Venkat & Conrad