Goa has slowly but surely become the most popular destination in the country, be it for weekend getaways, family holidays or just a trip with friends. Goa itself has evolved to become a destination catering to every kind of traveller, with beaches, cafes, museums, old Portuguese quarters and bars. This makes it the ideal destination for planning a holiday with your girlfriends, and here is our guide to packing as many memories as you can with your closest confidantes.
No trip with your girls is complete without heading out to brunch after a night of revelry. And Edible Archives is the perfect spot to reset your body by indulging in the vegan delights on offer. Shefali Singh, a consulting professional who has also been frequenting the state since she was a child, recently took a 5 day long girls’ trip with her school friends. “The food at Edible Archives is produce based, meaning everything is extremely fresh and cooked to order; most of the ingredients are grown by the restaurant itself which ensures that you get food that feels extremely homely but at the same time experimental," she said. It is the place to go to if the staple Malvani seafood, greasy beers and snacks at the shack and the renowned burgers have left you feeling too full.
Reservations are required before visiting the restaurant and it is open 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 10pm Tuesdays through Sundays.
It is a well known fact that most of the major destinations in the state are struggling with overcrowding all year round, and hence going to one of the many beaches in North Goa is sure to turn into a hassle. If you want to enjoy a serene and calm view of the sea and be able to enjoy meaningful conversations with your friends while the sun sets behind you, Cabo De Rama, on the southernmost edge of Goa, should be on top of your itinerary.
The Cabo De Rama Fort is the oldest fort of Goa and is perched between the famed Cavelossim and Agonda beaches. “We wanted to avoid the crowds and instead spend a quiet day with each other. The fort has a white Portuguese style church and is itself housed in ruins. But the most exciting part are the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea that it offers. It contrasts beautifully with the ruins of the fort. Make sure you visit the place just before sunset and are able to have a good photo session as well," said Sheryl Khurana, a final year management student, who took a trip to Goa with her friends during the semester break.
Situated in Fontainhas, popularly known as the Latin Quarters, of Goa, Joseph’s Bar is the oldest bar in Goa. It is a Goan institution, and apart from the drinks, also serves a side of the city’s history. The surroundings are sprinkled with trinket and artefacts depicting the evolution of the state, which makes it a part museum as well.
The food at Joseph’s bar is a mix of modern and traditional Goan cuisine, and the cocktails include the Tambde Rosa, made with local feni and served in a traditional mud pot. “More than the food and drinks, it is the people who pull me back here. The staff is warm and friendly, and makes an effort to learn about you and your favourites, everyone is always welcome and stories and anecdotes about the drinks abound," said Kevin Fernandes, a local and regular at the bar.
The Goan countryside is famous the world over for its wines, cashews and spice produce. One such place to witness first-hand the hard work and process that goes behind the making of these spices is the Savoi Spice plantation. It is an offbeat tourist spot located in a tiny village in northern Goa.
The farm is spread over an area of 10 acres and belongs to a local family who grow spices like cardamom, cloves and nutmeg along with coconuts and other fruits. The plantation offers an authentic Goan experience; Saraswat cuisine is cooked by the family and served in mud pots and banana leaves after a guided tour of the plantation. The space also offers a one-day homestay experience, which is closer to the local everyday life of residents rather than the commercial hotspot and party place Goa is slowly turning into.