DOLCY D’CRUZ
features@herald-goa.com
Goa – the name of the destination is enough to bring to mind calmness and excitement at the same time. With much more than its swaying coconut trees and caressing beaches, international and domestic tourists find Goa very attractive. The beaches of Goa that covers nearly 101 kms of the coastline right from North to South is a great crowd puller. From Arambol to Palolem, within this short span, you can make out the beauty of the sand on the beaches. It is sinful to visit Goa and not see the coastline and dip your feet in the soothing waters.
Another factor was the heritage sites that had stood the test of time. With majestic churches and temples, every tourist wanted to get a glimpse of the Goan history. With amazing architecture and intricate works, one stands in awe at the wonders created by humble artisans.
Over the years, the coastline has become crowded and people are looking out for more than just the beaches and heritage sites. Recently, the concept of eco tourism came to the fore which made the tourists feel one with the nature and greenery of Goa. Moving into the interiors of the state with treks and adventure tourism, Goa seems to be just a starting point for more exploration.
Goa is blessed with fresh water springs. Almost every village has one spring at the foot of the hill, yet very rarely does one really plan a quick bath in nature’s most skin friendly water. Surrounded amidst calm greenery and cool and most importantly clean water, it is such a refreshing experience. While some springs are based in the lap of thick forests, others are found surrounded by the overshadowing areca nuts farms. If not satisfied with springs, one can even trek uphill in search of waterfalls with Dudhsagar Falls being one of the must look out for waterfalls, a popular destination for adventure and thrill seekers. And for a calmer source of water, try the beautiful lakes of
No matter how old one gets, one always has the inner spirit to roam out in the wild and do adventurous activities. While out on a trek, do try activities like day trekking and night trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, waterfall rappelling, river crossings, valley crossing, zip lining and rafting. The serene surroundings and the quietness that is interrupted with the chirping of birds, peacefully living in their natural environment or the rustling of leaves as a snake slides into the bushes. While humans are entering an unknown and unoccupied region, the birds and animals are completely at home. To notice these birds and animals in their natural habitat, there are beautiful bird and wildlife sanctuaries in Goa.
Goa is gaining popularity for its ecotourism with tourists visiting sanctuaries in the state. Though a small state, Goa has many noted wildlife sanctuaries like Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. The Dudhsagar Falls which is also India’s fifth tallest is located inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary at the Goa – Karnaraka border.
So get your trekking bag ready with water, mosquito repellent and the necessary first aid to start trekking on the wild side of Goa soaking in the beauty and calmness of the Western Ghats.
