Serenity: Top 5 spots in Diwar

I’d never ever forgive myself if I hadn’t written about the most beautiful island of the state and a place I’m honoured to call home. Diwar island is easily the most serene, therapeutic, green, vivid island one would come across in Goa. What makes it even more special is that there is absolutely no road inlet or outlet, only way across is the ferry. The ferry connects the island at three distinct ferry points. Namely, Narva, Old Goa and Ribandar.

I would like to invite each one of you to visit this heavenly spot. Earlier as a kid, when my dad would brag to his friends about how beautiful the place was, I thought he was insane. Only after moving out of the place I realise how much sense his statement made donkey years back.

Here’s a list of my favourite 5 spots in the village:

#5. Malara Football Ground

Was a ground which was recognised by the Sports Authority of Goa in December 2009, but as a child way back in 2000 we would as kids play day in and out on this turf. I partly blame this very ground for giving me the slightly burnt complexion that I possess. At the same time I’m very thankful to it as the decent enough football I play I give credit to this place.

#4. Diwar Church

Built in the 16^th century, this Portuguese masterpiece is still standing tall and divine. A place of worship for most of the locals, along with the divine intervention, one begins to question itself as to where they really are. The moment you exit the church, you see a temple right next to it. Full marks to this place for secularism. The view so splendid overlooking the Mandovi River, one can get a few glimpses of Panaji from here. Right next to the Church is the cemetery and a park for children to engage in outdoor activities.

#3. The bridge

I like to call this place the mini Howrah Bridge. Got a similar structure, but way smaller in size. The best place ever to witness a sunrise. The rays just illuminate and sparkle your day like no other. It is part of the Konkan Railways, so there is no shortage of passing by trains which has all the ingredients for a perfect Bollywood background.

#2. Ferries

They are available in numbers here, since there are three routes to enter and exit the island/village, you tend to fall in love with them slowly but surely if not at first sight. A meeting point for most locals where most gossip is discussed at pace. There are ferries every fifteen minutes in Old Goa and Ribandar. The Narva one though is every half an hour. Unless you are Aquaman or some super hero, this is your only way in and out of this beautiful island. Most of the local populace are against the idea of building a bridge as they consider it would disturb the tranquillity and safety of the island.

#1. The Tree

Hit to stardom for most of the people when the then “Hutch” advertisement was shot at this spot with the cute little pug. It only emulated with being featured in movies like Dil Chahta Hai and the so called sex scene in Finding Fanny which starred Arjun Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. For the locals it was no stranger, it stands aloof on the road which leads to the Ribandar Ferry. Sunsets over here can make you question what good did you deserve to witness a sight like this. We Diwadkars are fortunate enough to gaze at it on the regular.

Just typing this post has got me reminiscing how lucky I am to be a Goenkar. 

Beach Please!: Top 5 beaches to visit in Goa

If it weren’t for the magnificent beaches, Goa would not be half the tourist destination it is today. Blessed with its geographical positioning, facing the Arabian Sea, it’s inevitable that there are ample beaches along the coastline. The tropical climate just makes it all so perfect to bask in its glory.

Not a single soul that’s visited Goa, or is to visit will deny that sunrises and sunsets are an absolute treat to the eye at the beaches. Beaches can have different interpretations, for some it may be absolutely therapeutic whiles some pure mayhem. I concur, I am an inbetweener.

But as a Goan, my observation has made me conclude that, the beaches in the north are more drawn towards tourists, which obviously means crowd and noise. The southern beaches of the state are serene and on the quieter side.

Here’s my high five beaches in the picturesque state of Goa, once again purely prejudiced

#5.Calangute Beach

Pronounced in every possible way, this beach is one you would visit if you do not want to feel you’re in Goa. From Ray-Ban imitations to full body massages on cubana beds, this beach has everything to offer.

Well known for the various shacks providing Authentic Goan food as well as continental, there is no shortage of them providing decent alcoholic beverages. Water sports packages are a distinct feature of this beach. It is a beach located in the north of the state.

#4.Vagator Beach

Located on the northern belt of the state, this beach is an absolute treat to the eye. So therapeutic, one will just want to sit, bask in the sun and probably just meditate the entire day. The water is relatively more on the blue side in comparison to other beaches of Goa. Clear indication that this is a clean beach.

Mostly inhibited by foreigners and a few locals as well. The shacks are limited here. Fun fact, this used to be known as one of the nude beaches of Goa way back in the 70’s. Now I’m guessing you will definitely check it out just to try your luck :D

#3.Candolim Beach

A beach I like to call home. Used to be the beach I actually built sand castles and made use of my beach toys for once, as it was where we would spend most of our summer vacation considering we had a place to ourselves right on the brinks of the beach. The famous Fort aguada are situatued on the shores of this beach.

This place, held host to Sunburn for seven consecutive years and currently is the host to SuperSonic in Goa. Need I say more?

#2.Morjim Beach

You’ll for some reason think you’ve landed in Russia once here. That of course barring the weather and physical geography. Most of the hoardings and restaurants have Russian engraved on them, and hence earned the title of “Little Russia” The locals pick up the language as well for convenience of business. Placed at the northern bank of the Chapora River, eye candy is no short coming here.

   
Lesser known fact is that this beach is a nesting and hatching habitat of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, an endangered species. And therefore you might not want to get to touchy on this beach as egg-poaching or in any manner disturbing the turtles or their habitat is an offence punishable under Indian law.

#1.Agonda

I think no one can argue with the fact that this is easily the best beach Goa can boast about. Located at the extreme south end of the state, this beach makes you go absolutely awestruck. A beach where one wants to engage in a game of beach football, invite your family and friends to join you with BBQ of any meats accompanied by those chilled beer pints.

Pallolem is used to give Agonda a stiff competition, but the soaring tourists led to its decline. Once at Pallolem beach however, do not miss out on trying the Kayaking for fewer than 200 rupees for almost a good one hour. Sometimes I like to believe that words like nirvana, utopia and the concept of heaven is a place on earth were coined either along the Pallolem beach, if not there than a certainty at Agonda beach.

Posts like this make me only want to hit the beach more often than not. I’d say I would like to get a bit tanned, but the harsh reality is I’m sunburnt (more than I’d long for).

Image courtesy for Calangute, Candolim & Morjim Beach : Google Images