Goa is a popular option among couples wanting to take a romantic break, indulge in some bird watching, take the plunge by scuba diving or sail down the river with GTDC’s special cruise
Panjim, February 11, 2014: According to recent a survey by a travel publication, Goa is the place that most Indians would like to visit for a romantic break in the country. Though it is India’s smallest state, it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, historic churches and temples. It is ideal for a quick romantic break as it has a multitude of offers for every type of traveller.
Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14 every year, falls on a Friday this time around; making it the perfect reason to indulge in some romance over a long weekend. So if you’re headed to Goa, then here are some things that you can explore which are out of the ordinary:
Treasure Hunt plus Dinner Date: Write a series of love notes, with clues about your plans for dinner. Hide them in different places. It’s a fun twist and will add some much needed excitement to the normal, mundane Valentine’s Day. You can choose to do this in a historic but picturesque location like Fort Aguada to add to that aura of mystery.
For the nature lover: Beyond the sunny, sandy beaches Goa has an array of options for the nature lover – whether it is a trip to the majestic Dudhsagar falls or even bird watching at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the grass is definitely greener on this side! Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Bondla, Sancutary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary are some of the options to choose from.
If you would like to see Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting period, then November to April is a good time as that’s when they visit the beaches to lay eggs. Turtle conservation is a huge movement across Goa and an experience of this is more than just an eye-opener. Morjim, Galgibag and Agonda beaches are the largest nesting places of the giant Olive Ridley turtle.
Try something new: Scuba diving is an exciting activity to try out. Goa is home to India’s first SSI Diamond Dive Center and offers an extensive range of SSI certification courses, specialties and Dive Professional level courses. For the less adventurous, you can always go for some paragliding, jet skiing and kayaking, which are offered in several places across the state.
One can even try out fishing. There is a small fishing village based in Dona Paula, near Panji. This village offers trips from offshore, inshore to River fishing.
Go Crocodile Dundee: This may sound like a scary prospect on Valentine’s Day, but Goa is one of the few places in India where you will get to see these reptiles sunning themselves. It is in the air, perhaps! This involves a 3-4 hour boat rise which cruises along the backwaters in Goa. This trip heads upstream to catch the Crocs in their riverside habitat. The Mugger crocodiles exist only in two locations in Goa –one in Opa River and another in the brackish waters of Cumbarjua. The best part is that during this trip you will also get to see some historic landmarks, view rare species of birds and plants.
Catch the sunset by the river: If there is one thing that can convert even the most grudging romantic, it has to be the view of the sunset. And when you see this while lazing cruising down the river, with some Goan music playing in the background and the chirping of birds, it is hard not to soak in the spirit. Spend an evening on the river cruises offered by GTDC which often culminates with a delicious Goan buffet.
Goa Tourism is also organizing a special cruise aboard the Santa Monica on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. The cruise begins at 9pm on February 14 and includes a special shadow act, dance, live music followed by a sumptuous dinner spread. There are several contests that will take place on the cruise and loads of attractive prizes to be won. This special cruise is priced at Rs. 2500/- per couple, Rs 1500/- per individual, Child from 5-7 years Rs. 350/- per head, child below 5 years is complementary.