Time to burst a myth! We locals are used to listening to our
friends and relatives from outside Goa say that it is as good as we are on a
365-day holiday. And while that may be partially true, the hustle and bustle of
our routine lives does demand a short vacation. Nothing refuels the energy
cells better than a quick getaway to a destination not too far – a place that
is not more than a 4-hours’ drive away, ideally. Merely taking a day off and
travelling to a beach that is far but within Goa may not be a bad idea. But for
those who want a little more and believe that a ‘weekend getaway’ is not a
weekend getaway if it doesn’t require crossing the state’s boundaries, there
are a quite a few worthy options to choose from. Take a look below:
Tarkarli:
Tarkarli is located 147 km away, in Maharashtra, and a drive to this breathtaking place close to Malvan, should not take one more than 3.5 hours. A growing hub among the tourist population, Tarkarli boasts of several natural wonders and this beautiful village is a treasure trove for the beach lovers. Waterbabies will never have a dull moment as there are various watersport activities to indulge in like snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, etc. Regulars claim that Tarkarli is the only place where one can delve deep into crystal clear waters and experience the marine life and witness its magical beauty from up close. For the hydrophobic, and those who love spending time with the creatures on land, wildlife spotting can be a good option. An abode of many different exotic wildlife species, Dajipur along the border of Sindhudurg and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra proves to be an ideal destination for the wildlife lovers. The Bison National Park within the limits of Dajipur is the home to several endangered and exotic wildlife species.
Gokarna:
Gokarna is 144 kms away from Goa. The drive from Goa to Gokarna is quite picturesque and it will take approximately a little over 3 hours to reach the destination. Originally a Hindu pilgrimage centre, Gokarna (literally meaning, ‘Cow’s ear’) has come to be known as a popular tourist destination. Gokarna is home to quite a few beaches and centuries old temples. The Mahableshwar temple, next to the main beach of Gokarna attracts a large number of pilgrims throughout the year because of its Dravidian architectural style - famous for its Atmalinga or Shivlinga which can only be viewed through a hole in the pedestal. The beach trail is one of the must-do things when in Gokarna and trekking between Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise beach. All in all, Gokarna has very similar vibe as that of Arambol or Morjim yet it feels a lot different. Post sunset, the Kudle beach turns into a bustling Hippie market, akin to our good ole’ Anjuna flea market, where various kinds of jewellery, musical instruments, spices and medicinal herbs are on sale.
Hampi:
This one is a little far, but oh-so-worth-it, simply for the memorable experience that it provides! Hampi is around 316 kms away from Goa and a drive to this place in Karnataka will consume 6.5 hrs of your time. A village in the Vijaynagara city of North Karnataka, Hampi is located in the ruins of the ancient city of Vijaynagara and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A place unaffected by time and the onward march of civilization, Hampi is a delightful, picturesque idyll stuck in the 16th century and positively oozing with old world charm. The area surrounding Hampi is strewn with picturesque boulders, some of which seem precariously balanced. Adventure junkies can indulge in bouldering. A local outfit offers services and equipment to rock climbers and arrange sunrise hikes to ancient temples. Hampi is abound with wildlife and nature enthusiasts can visit the nearby Daroji Bear Sanctuary to see sloth bears.