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Back to Nature - Goa, April 2005.
Overnight excursion staying in Arabian style tents
"Travel to the unspoilt beaches of South Goa staying in tented accommodation on Canacona beach. The tents have en-suite facilities. Spend the day relaxing, fishing or lazing in a hammock"
The coach left from the Main road at 0850. The journey was long, about 3 ½ hours, which included a 20 minute stop. The journey took us through Goa's biggest city and commercial centre, Margao. We travelled through various types of terrain, flat, hilly and indifferent as well as many interesting villages. During our journey our guide, Mario, kept us entertained with his jokes.
Our final destination, Cola beach, was in the middle of nowhere, but it was a prefect paradise hideaway. The accommodation awaiting was Arabian style tents, including en-suite facilities. This was surrounded by palm trees, an idyllic beach with the Arabian sea lapping against its shore.
Allocation of the tents was decided, initially that larger groups would stay grouped together, then the remaining couples blindly handpicked letters from the hat. This letter related to the tent which you would be staying. We picked the letter 'M' which was fortunate as it was in the prefect location. We unpacked and settled in before lunch at 1330. This was a buffet, and the food was pleasant.
After lunch Evi and I walked around our isolated hideaway. We first went up the hill to where we were dropped off to admire the views. Next we walked down the beach to find another hamlet of huts next to a freshwater lake which was only separated from the beach by a stretch of beach.
Next we strolled down to the other end of the beach and went for a swim, however due to the strong undercurrents I thought it prudent we did not stay long. We chilled by the tent until 1630 when we all had tea and coffee. Following tea we found ourselves two sunloungers on the beach to enjoy the serenity.
Maypole
dance
After a quick shower we headed off to the bar restaurant for our dinner at 1945, which was another varied buffet. When we had all been fed our hosts laid on some entertainment. This started with a maypole dance where they danced whilst holding a rope which was tied centrally to an overhanging tree trunk, which was suspended between two palm trees. As they danced to the music, twisting and turning the ropes so they became entwined. When the ropes became one to the length of 3/4, they reversed the process until it was completely undone, as per the start position. Hard to explain, but fascinating to watch.
Next they lit a bonfire and sung traditional songs to us, but ended with the less traditional but interesting version of "She'll be coming around the mountain". A good night was had by all.
The next day Evi and I went for coffee, followed by breakfast at 0800. Breakfast consisted of a fresh bread roll, some curried potato mix, and omelette. During breakfast Mario asked if anyone wanted to go on a boat trip. This would cost RS200 and be in a typical traditional Indian boat. Evi and I decided to go, and were glad we did. We saw dolphins, although at a distance and much of the coastline. The trip lasted an hour, from 9 to 10. When I got back I paid off our bar bill, as during our stay our drinks were credited for tent 'M' instead of paying as you drink.
Soon after we left to return back to our respective hotels, again we stopped at Leonoras restaurant. The best thing about this place was the prices were local prices and not tourist prices.
For more photographs, click here
