The Enchanting Goan Odyssey

  •   Mon, Jun 01 2009
  •   by Deepak D’Souza, Mumbai

May 6, 2008

Recently Goa’s reputation as a tourist destination was tarnished due to the tragic death of the British teenager Scarlett and the role of the police and the administration in cover up operation. However, for those who want to unwind from the yearlong grind at their work and have a few days of fun and adventure, Goa is till the preferred destination.

With the aim of exploring the historical and rustic rural charm of Goa, eight youngsters from the Infant Jesus Parish, Dombivli under the leadership of Pravin Fernandes embarked on an enchanting Goan Odyssey from 1st  to 4th May 2008.  Having made arrangement for the stay and vehicle driven by one of our colleagues, we set on a journey of exploring the historical monuments including the Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa, the sublime beaches, the lush green paddy fields and coconut groves and the silent rivers with barges flowing by.
































We also tried to put to test our adventurous spirit and took turns to hoist ourselves in the sky through parasailing and try our hands in riding jet-skiing and banana ride.

Though our schedule in Goa was quite hectic and strenuous, the change that we experienced rejuvenated us with new energy and a sense of fulfillment. The vast expanse of the sea, sandy beaches, green  rural setting, the many churches and the colonial type of rural houses transported us to a  world quite different from the concrete jungles of Mumbai.

On the fourth day we returned to Mumbai after completing our enchanting Goan odyssey of fun and adventure, the memory of which will linger for many months to come.

by Deepak D’Souza, Mumbai
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Comment on this article

  • Krip Punja,

    Wed, May 07 2008

    To state that Goa's image as a tourist destination is tainted on account of the one tourist that ventured on a risky adventure is like saying that tourism in the US would decline because of someone being mugged. I would imagine that the average visitor to Goa is safer than a visitor to New York city - where one is at risk from gang related violence and muggers.

  • joseph dsouza, DALANTRE/AJMAN.U.A.E

    Thu, May 08 2008

    Goa is another name for beauty,culture,harmony,long live Goa we all love you.

  • Rosy, Verna Goa

    Wed, May 07 2008

    I am so happy to read this article. Our Goa is VIVA Goa and will always remain VIVA forever.

  • Augustine Daniel D'Souza, Udupi Vasai Virar State of Kuwait

    Wed, May 07 2008

    I love GOA, it is a beautiful place I have visited Goa 10 times and it is having plenty of Churches, Thank you Mr Deepak D'Souza

  • Jenny Fernandes e Zuzarte, Colvale/Mapusa/Bahrain

    Wed, May 07 2008

    It was really nice reading this article, a much refreshing one apart from the recent happenings in goa. GOA was, IS and WILL ALWAYS remain beautiful in the eyes of the beholder. VIVA GOA.

  • robin, goa kuwait

    Wed, May 07 2008

    mhaka chood khuxi zali vazun ki daijiworldan goeam polloun kadlem mhunn.dev borem korum.viva goa

  • Menino Peter Lobo, Cunchelim Mapusa Bardez Goa / Yemen

    Wed, May 07 2008

    Obrigad - Viva Goa

  • Vimal, Bangalore

    Wed, May 07 2008

    Goa, is indeed a cute little pearl on the west coast of India. I've just been there once and have been truely mesmerised by it's beauty. Those prestine beeches, churches and forts are truely a box full of treasures which we all need to be proud of. I long to get back to Goa, hitch out a ride along the country side and fill my heart and lungs with the warmth which only GOA can offer

  • Luiza Maria Pereira, Pomburpa-Goa / Dubai

    Wed, May 07 2008

    GOA you are truly the JEWEL on this Earth of 3 letter words. I am very proud of you and I love you. You are the Beauty Queen of India and you may always reign as a Beauty Queen forever.

  • A.D'Cunha shenoy, Mangaluru

    Wed, May 07 2008

    Goa, a city of pearls, nature and water and serinity. Recently, it has been marred by publicity- a bad publicity. Poor people of western countries who cannot afford a holiday in so called lavish locations come to this city to enjoy the nature and fun. Some tarnish the image. Some of our own contribute to this tarnished image. Goa is a paradise compared to many tourist destinations of the world.

    Goan government and goan people must keep the good image of this lovely place for all of us to enjoy the nature and sun. Like recent remarks by George Bush of USA that India and china have contributed to food and oil shortages in US and around the world is a reminder to all of us Indians that the West wants to only look after themselves by making these sleezy remarks although US people eat 5 times more than Indians and use and waste gasolene by their lifesyle(driving vehicles that drink fuel) and contribute the highest in terms of global greenhouse pollution. If Goa is not careful and does not strive to maintain its good image, certainly, the westerners are capable of destroying this image as a tourist spot which will hamper the tourist economic growth. Goa also must be very careful not to overly commercialise this state because if nature is sacrificed then the whole meaning of nature and relaxation will fade away giving rise to commerce.

    Keep Goa beautiful, authentic, rustic,rural, non-commercial and preserve the heritage of Konkani language and the beautiful folk-culture and food. Long live Goa. Long live the paradise.

  • Flory D'souza, Goa

    Wed, May 07 2008

    Goa is the Rome of the East.I am happy that you'll had a rollicking holiday.Few incidents of crass commercialisation cannot tarnish the name of Goa,though the authorities need to become transparent in its acts.The photography is commendable.

  • Alfie D'souza, Mangalore/Chicago,USA

    Wed, May 07 2008

    Goa still rocks!. Everytime I visit india I never miss enchanting and splendour Goa. Tourists shouldn't think Goa as a crime affected destination- crimes can take place anywhere and anytime. Support Goa- a beautiful place on Earth. Viva, Goa!.

  • robin, goa kuwait

    Tue, May 06 2008

    I agree with Victoria long live goa viva Goa.

  • Anthony J. Coutinho, Goa/Muscat

    Tue, May 06 2008

    Goa you are truly the Jewel on this planet Earth.

  • orville rodrigues, Velsao Goa /Dubai

    Tue, May 06 2008

    Hi Fellas, Being a Goan myself, its surely satisfying to read articles written by mumbaikars about our Goa. Some stray incidents (like the unfortunate incident about the British girl) will not change our culture and the well being of our guests that all Goans cherish. No doubt, the perperators of the dastardly crime must be sent to the gallows.

  • Victoria Lobo, Goa Siolim / Kuwait

    Tue, May 06 2008

    Our gorgeous GOA OF 3 LETTER WORDS. I am so very proud of you and I love you so very much. You are the Beauty Queen of India and may you always reign as a Beauty Queen forever. with so many lovely Churches, Temples, sandy beaches, rivers, colonial style attractive houses, the lush greenery, coconut groves who will not fall in love with you my pretty one!!!


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