When in Goa: 6 experiences that all of us have indulged in

We have all been there, and we will be going again. Yes, I am writing about Goa, the undying love of all the beach bums in India as well as abroad. This Konkan state has been a haven for tourists, especially for the cool hippies for Susegad is largely what Goa is about. When there, you can hog over coconut water, haggle in the local markets, and even go skinny-dipping. If that is not what you intend to do, here is a list of things that we have all done in Goa.

1. Of tax-free alcohol

You would be lying if you read this and comment that you have never, ever tried to bring in bottles of alcohol from Goa. The bar is set at a bottle per person regardless of your mode of travelling; while others might suggest you to go for a 2 lt haul, I have seen anything over a bottle confiscated at the airport, road border and even the trains. But yes, all of us have tried this one.
2. Of sand houses and forts
Goa, especially the South Goa villages, have some of the most blissful beaches in India. When in Goa, if you have missed flopping down in the sand and building some castles and forts out of beach sand, you really are missing something. I have done this, and believe me when I write that sunsets bring all the kids and a lot of adults to the beach, all busy in some architectural fantasy or the other. Early mornings are generally kept for shell-picking here; do not miss that either.
3. Of late night parties
Meagre tax on alcohol, cheapest fuel prices, and some of the most happening nightlife venues, you really cannot escape the charm of Goa’s party spirit. Unless, you detest loud parties as much as I do. But, even then, there is always some full-moon party or another crazy theme party is there at the beaches, and there is no complaining about those quiet get togethers. You would again be lying if you opine that you have been to Goa but not to a party or two.

4. Of grocery stores selling petrol
Well, this was the coolest of all my Goa revelations. Here, you have canned or bottled petrol and diesel being sold off the shelves of your regular grocery store. As the locals tell, it is so because once upon a time, fuel stations were scarce in the state; it is more of a tradition now. So, if you still have not bought a bottle of fuel from a convenience store in Goa, you know what you would be doing on your next trip here.

5. Of India’s first silent party
The Silent Noise club in Goa calls its parties as India’s original headphone parties; original and probably the first as well. This is probably the finest and most silent way out of the noise ban that curbs all party music at 10 PM. Goa might be brimming with a huge lot of bars and clubs to keep you dancing all night, do not say that these silent noise parties have lured you even once.

6. Of Vespas and Jeeps

The how-to of this one starts even before one lands in Goa, for this is one of the coolest parts of a trip to Goa. The state is still quite old-school and one can easily spot tourists on scooters and in open jeeps. Apart from the incredibly low day-tariffs and traffic rules that have followers, the roads in Goa are a bliss. On an atypical, fine Goa day, you would be coursing through well-tarred roads, dotted with coconut trees and other palms. Plus, those beautiful yellow-painted houses that come as a sudden burst in all the greenery around.