Bright Red Socks, and a blue, blue sea…

Traveling solo in Goa: Colourful, tempting whiskey and Port Wine bottles, a Christmas tree cut-out with a wooden Jesus statue, green coconuts mixed with the salty coastal breeze, a dual-toned, red croton plant, fragrant white gajras, beach hats, a mild storm and a fine, cool mist, and rainbows appearing and disappearing like fleeting dreams 

Seven minutes read

By Aayushi Rana

Traveling solo often leads to the unexpected—quiet reflections, lively encounters, and moments of pure wonder. With a book by Iranian writer Marjan Kamali’s Roya Joon as my steadfast companion, I embarked on a short escape from the hustle-bustle and pollution of Delhi, to the sun-kissed land of Goa, where my sister awaited, with love and affection. My journey began at Mopah Airport, where the crisp white walls of nearby breweries seemed to harmonize with the vibrant book cover in my hands. Even before the adventure began, the aesthetics of Goa were already leaving their mark.

Day 1: A Balcony, Tea and Stone Water
The first day was one of stillness—a much-needed pause. I spent the morning savouring a steaming cup of masala chai on my sister’s balcony, gazing at the mesmerizing view of stone water shimmering under the golden light. The gentle murmur of the stream below was meditative, a perfect antidote to the chaotic rhythm of big city life. With every sip, I found myself sinking into the tranquil heartbeat of Goa, a place where even silence carries a melody.

Day 2: Dudhsagar Falls and Sonauli Street
The next day, adventure called. We headed to the mystical Dudhsagar Falls, a natural marvel where milky torrents tumbled down rugged cliffs. The fine mist kissed my face, refreshing me after the exhausting travel. Rainbows appeared and disappeared like fleeting dreams, and the dense greenery surrounding the falls amplified its ethereal beauty. 

Waiting in the long queues, I sat at a nearby shop where the billing counter showcased a printed menu alongside a picture of the shopkeeper and her husband. Below these frames, colourful whiskey and Port Wine bottles and snack packets created a quaint contrast, while a Christmas tree cut-out adorned with a wooden Jesus statue added a festive touch. The shop, named ‘Apollo’ after her father, carried a warmth that only local spaces in Goa, and its friendly people, can offer.

Back on Sonauli Street, life bustled in pulsating colours. A coconut-seller sat casually on a plastic stool, engrossed in his phone, beside a wooden cart stacked with green coconuts. Behind him, a Coca-Cola advertisement painted the wall a vivid red, creating a striking visual juxtaposition. The salty coastal breeze carried the earthy scent of coconuts, inviting passersby for a quick refreshment. 

Nearby, a shop selling colorful hats turned the street into a kaleidoscope of shades, with beach hats and quirky headgear dangling like playful decorations. Not far away, rows of whiskey bottles and Port Wine gleamed under the sun in a liquor shop, adding to the street’s eclectic charm.

Amid all this vibrancy, a serene moment caught my eye—a white-furred cat, nestled amid cascading money plant vines. Its calm pose and soft fur created a striking contrast with the lush greenery around it, crafting a perfect frame. It was a snapshot of Goa’s hidden corners, where life and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

Day 3: Tambdi Surla and Serene Corners

Seeking a quieter escape, we ventured to the Tambdi Surla Temple. A grey-stone marvel nestled in lush greenery, this ancient temple is a masterpiece of Indo-Jain architecture. Dedicated to Shiva, it radiated an aura of serenity, making it the perfect place to meditate and escape the city’s noise. 

At the temple entrance, a Goan woman sold flowers and incense sticks. Draped in a vibrant saree, her hands worked deftly to tie blooms into bundles, while her warm smile hinted at stories steeped in tradition. The soft fragrance of jasmine and earthy incense created a sacred atmosphere.

After offering the flowers in the sanctum, we explored the temple grounds. A small stream flowed nearby, flanked by towering trees and smooth stones that offered a perfect spot to sit and relax. This tranquil setting, paired with the rich spiritual energy of the temple, left me enchanted.

Later that day, I visited the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, are on public display. Pilgrims from around the world converge here to to pay homage to the saint, whose relics hold deep religious significance. 

The church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exuded history at every corner. The grand interiors, steeped in Baroque architecture, were awe-inspiring. Although photography was prohibited inside, I managed to capture an image of the enormous bell outside the church. Its timeless elegance stood as a testament to Goa’s rich cultural and religious history.

Day 4: Murudeshwar Temple and Beyond

Later that day, we drove to the Murdeshwar Temple in Karnataka, a breathtaking structure surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The temple’s gigantic Raj Gopuram, standing 249 feet tall, was awe-inspiring. 

While exploring, I noticed women with long black hair adorned with fragrant white gajras. Inspired, I bought one for myself, its floral aroma mingling with the salty sea breeze as I admired the beauty of the temple. Wearing the gajra felt like a small yet significant way to connect with the cultural plurality around me.

In the temple arena, a group of Bharatnatyam dancers caught my attention. Their colourful costumes and intricate mudras created a poetic rhythm that captivated the crowd. Each movement seemed to tell a story, blending elegance with spirituality. Watching their graceful performance felt like witnessing a living art-form in its full glory.

When the prasadam was served, the sense of community grew stronger. Thousands of devotees sat together to enjoy a simple yet delicious meal of sweet poha, salty upma, and a refreshing drink made from a local fruit extract. Served on clean steel thalis, the prasadam’s humble flavour was a testament to the joy of shared experiences. The meal left both my stomach and heart full.

Day 5: Wildlife and Childhood Nostalgia

The final day was dedicated to my sister’s children. We packed lunch boxes and headed to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. The kids’ excitement reminded me of my own school picnics at the Delhi Zoo near Purana Qila in Delhi. Their joy at seeing the animals brought back a wave of nostalgia, making the day all the more special.

As we returned to the parking area, a group of local schoolgirls, dressed in bright green tunics and white shirts, waved goodbye with shining eyes and infectious smiles. Their excitement for a day away from school, from the daily grind of the classroom, exams, and piles of homework, was palpable, a reminder of the simple joys that define childhood.

Final Moments: A Misty Farewell

On my last day in Goa, as I waited for my cab, amid a mild storm that had scattered leaves all over the misty ground, I spotted a croton plant with dual-toned, red and green leaves. The colours mirrored my bright red socks, inspiring me to capture one final snapshot of Goa. This image, like the trip itself, symbolized the harmony of contrasts that makes Goa so unforgettable.

In these moments—both grand and intimate—I found not just a destination, but a kaleidoscopic tapestry of life. Goa, with its blend of energy and serenity, tradition and modernity, remains a place where beauty resides in the everyday and the extraordinary alike. Through these photos and memories, I carry a piece of its magic with me, a reminder of a journey filled with discovery, joy, and connection.

Plus, the infinite, shining, shimmering, sunlit sea. And the tide, which would go away, only to come back yet again.