Having acquired the reputation of the hottest coastal destination of India in the past five years, Goa witnesses vast numbers of travelers thronging to its beaches every year. Sunny sands blended perfectly with the tropical greenery of the Western Coast, makes it a stunning location for a wide variety of tourists. Quick to grasp the nuances of Western tastes, the locals have effortlessly merged the ever famous Goan hospitality with Western travel needs and transformed Goa into a pleasing haven. A tinge of Bohemian culture brought in by the free spirited 60s travelers, is still widely prevalent.
Though places in Goa can be clearly fragmented by the inclination of holidaying tastes into historically rich and beaches, it\'s the latter which has popularized it. Baga, Anjuna, Calangute and Candolim beaches of North Goa possess unbridled popularity with sun bathers. Originally fishing villages, these beaches do not bear any recent testimony conducive for fisherman. Rampant with numerous shacks for lodging and eating options, one can find befitting alternatives for all pockets. The lesser known beached of Morjem, Asweem and Mardem further north are more suited for those who like to steer clear from the touristy clamour. The low gradient of these beaches makes it perfect for a good run in the morning.
One often finds these beaches with languid sun bathers under rows of beach umbrellas. Spontaneous games of Football or Frisbee are often seen in the foreground of the setting sun, with affable stray dogs trailing behind walkers and joggers. Water sports have become extremely popular in the last two years with many takers for water scooters and paragliding. The natural choice of food for many is to indulge in the wide variety of sea-food offering in most places. Apart from the typical Goan food, one can also find a versatile menu with Continental, Indian, Chinese and the more recent Israeli options conducive to many palettes.
Shoppers are easy to entice, with the vibrant stalls selling clothes, trinkets, bags and shoes. Bargaining matches are often seen in twisted mish-mash of English. The flea market of Anjuna has gathered wide acclaim from shoppers with a Bohemian taste of bric- bracs. Charmingly chaotic, one should visit the market with a precondition of whetting your bargaining skills. Though expensive, one does find unusual pieces of art, apart from the souvenir hawkers from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
