Thinking of visiting Goa this season? We’ve got your guide to easy packing while fashion & lifestyle blogger Akanksha Redhu tells us her favourite spots to pass away the day on your next weekend getaway.
Sure the heat is at times unbearable and the constant threat of sudden downpours can put a slight damper on an otherwise sunny stay, there is still something to be said about Goa in the monsoons. Granted the parties are less and the rains will force even the most stubborn of beach bums to retreat indoors, the flip side still far outweighs the rest. Given that the crowds are less, the prices lower and the down season deals a plenty, it is in fact one of the best times to visit. For those who aren’t afraid of getting a little wet that is. And what more could you need for the perfect weekend away than a few beach basics, easily pulled together and thrown into your bag in minutes.
A one-piece swimsuit in this seasons hottest prints, appropriate on and off the beach with addition of a simple sarong or maxi skirt. An easy carry all bag, your favourite sunnies, sunscreen, a pocket sized umbrella (or a full sized rain suit, your choice) for those unexpected showers and a pair of comfortable strap sandals. Best to avoid flip flops in monsoons unless you want to be flicking up dirty water everywhere you go. And despite all having smart phones these days and immediately editing/posting everything to your instagram, do carry a camera. When the holidays are over nothing beats a proper photograph from time to time to capture your fondest memories. And lastly, be sure to pick up the latest Goa addition of Fiona Caulfield’s Love Travel Guides, the ultimate hand-books for the luxury vagabond.
And according to fashion blogger Akanksha Redhu, who herself claims to preferring Goa off season, you really don’t need to pack much in order to make the most of your trip to Goa. Never leaving home without her same top five essentials, sunscreen, shoes, map, camera and music, Akanksha has now made the trip to Goa around 5-6 times. Referring to Vagator in the north and Palolem in the south as her all time favourite spots. However having chosen to spend her last visit to Goa exploring the beaches of Morjim, Candolim and Agonda as a part of her cross country road trip last month. The experiences of which you can read more about on her personal blog here.
So we caught up with the Delhi based blogger to find out what it is that makes this one beach destination she simply can’t resist coming back to again and again.
Tell us how you’d pass your perfect day in Goa? Eat a massive breakfast, spend the whole day on the beach getting a good tan, sip on fresh coconut waters and start with some chilled beer in the evening with fresh seafood on the beach and music.
And to a friend visiting Goa for the first time, what do you suggest as the must sees? I am more of a beach bum, I can literally spend days on the beach so I’ll probably just tell them to go to some good quiet beaches with shacks and probably avoid baga and calangute because they’ve become too crowded to retain the charm they used to have unfortunately.
Favourite place for a quick bite? for Brunch? Dinner for two? This local restaurant called Anand’s near Morjim or Vagator where you get a thali for 80 bucks, La Plage for dinner for 2, and Blue Bird in Vagator for mouth watering authentic home-cooked Goan food.
Your top pick for a good night out? La Plage (Ashwem), Thalassa (Vagator), the night flea markets (Arpora) or any local bar/restaurant as long as you have the company.
One thing you found unexpected or surprising about Goa? Its huge! There is so much you can discover in Goa instead of going to the same beaches and places you go to everytime. Ohh and the traffic jams during peak season. Which is why I don’t visit during that time anymore!
And for your next trip, what’s top on your to do list? Visit places and beaches that I haven’t already and spend a longer amount of time in Goa. I really want to ‘live’ in Goa for a bit rather than just visit but I need to figure things out to be able to do that.
Akanksha Redhu, who started her blog back in 2010, is also the designer behind her own fashion label, CIRARE. A collection of bags and accessories perfect for stowing all your little bits and pieces while on vacation and available in Goa at Sacha’s Shopin Panjim.
Blue Bird Restaurant | Open Monday to Sunday 8:30am – 2pm & 6.30pm – 11pm | Ozran Beach Road, Vagator, Bardez, Goa 403509 | +91 982 2587056
La Plage | Open Monday to Sunday 11am-3pm & 7pm-11pm | Ashwem Beach, Goa 403512 | +91 982 212 1712
Thalassa Greek Taverna | Monday to Sunday 10am-12am | Small Vagator, Ozran, Goa 403509 | +91 985 0033537
All content photos courtesy of www.akanksharedhu.com