Back in Goa now, the place we had our first post retirement trip in Feb 2024 for 1 month. This time we’re here for nearly 3 months, got a beautiful Airbnb, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies with nice views and a decent kitchen, and only a short walk to the great beaches. The town we’re staying in is Colva in South Goa, nice and rustic and so chilled out after our experiences in the cities. I think we’re going to have a nice time here escaping the UK winter.
Here’s a few recent pics and a video of our time here in Goa. Weather is just perfect every day, love being immersed in the Indian culture, and loving the food and beaches. Not a lot more to say at this stage.
Went on a boat trip today with Betties Boats, a very worthwhile excursion. The boat leaves at 4pm and gently cruises up the Sal river, beautiful scenery. The boat isn’t crowded, nice chilled vibe, all drinks included, we had cocktails, G&Ts plus beers, and they serve a 4 course meal gradually during the cruise. After the river bit you go out to sea and watch the sunset, a tremendous 4 hours of fun, good food, drinks and amazing scenery. Guess what the whole thing cost £10 each. If in Goa you must do this!
Decided to have a little break from Colva and travelled about 2 hours further south to a place called Patnem. Decided to use public transport to experience that side of travelling in India, and it was good fun, chaotic at times of course, but it all worked. Got a bus to the nearby town of Margao and then another down to Patnem. The total cost for both of us £1.30! That is not a spelling mistake.
We had a great little studio Airbnb, comfortable bed, lovely shower, aircon and a decent fridge for £25 per night. After a day down there we decided to extend our 3 nights to 5. It’s a lovely vibe down in this part of Goa, beaches are a bit more pleasing on the eye and varied, and the crowd is definitely a bit younger than the mainly well retired age group that you find up in Colva. Well worth the trip.
There is a nearby beach and town called Palolem which was our favourite, about a 30 minute walk from Patnem. At the end of Palolem there is an area of backwaters where you can take a little boat ride and see birdlife and monkeys, very tranquil little 45 minutes, well worthwhile doing this, but make sure you do it at high tide, cost is about £9 per head. We also spent a day at Agonda beach, a bit further away, another nice beach, bigger than the other 2, and you need to get a Tuk Tuk to get there, about £4.
Check out the music on the bus!
Feeding time for the Kites