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The sunny side of life
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You might have seen it all, done it all before or you might never have. Whatever your history as a traveller, Goa's allure never fails
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The dolphin spotting, though, has a way of lingering on the mind
COOL OPTION Some fun on the beach
Some of us avoid clichés. And Goa is a place that is arguably the most wracked by clichés the world over. Think of Goa minus the images of bikini-clad beauties accompanied by hunks in shorts and flowery shirts, minus the water sports and cruises laced with swigs of port wine and feni, and what do you have left? Not much.
Of course, there are the swinging, guitar-playing Goans in their wide hats and flowing skirts, ever smiling and partying, taking time off in between to pay obeisance at their ancient churches. But those are not new either. Difficult to shake them off, isn't it? Never mind. It would seem that Goans, like many a community whose economy gets a boost from tourist traffic, don't mind being fitted into that cheerful framework. What's more, when you actually get there, it doesn't really matter whether you have heard of it all before. It's just as beautiful and soul-satisfying, with its green palms whose density makes summer seem like the monsoon, and its smooth and sunny beaches.
A somewhat incongruous comparison to the Taj Mahal springs to mind. It too remains a rewarding experience, no matter how many times you have seen it. Then what to say of the sea, hypnotic in its rhythms, its changing colours and the constant voice of the waves, which hide more than they reveal?
A range of choices
One of the nice things about Goa is that it offers a range of holiday experiences, from five-star pampering to the backpacker's frugal delight. One of the latest players to join the luxury segment is the Kenilworth Beach Resort in Utorda, South Goa. Barely a half-hour ride from the Dabolim airport, on a comfortingly well-kept country road, the resort prides itself, among other facilities, on its spa, Agua, and on its large swimming pool. The latter has something for everyone, from a paddling pool for kiddies to a bar in the middle of the water for grown-ups. If the vast green grounds, beach sports like water scooter, jet ski and various boat rides, followed up with open-air buffet dinners are not enough to send you to your room for rest, there is a disco where you can continue to jive.
Goa's beaches are refreshingly clean. Once on the beach, it's virtually impossible to stay away from the sea, no matter how much of a non-swimmer you may consider yourself. But if tumbling into the swirling waters from the cigar-shaped balala or the thrill of a jet ski ride is not your idea of relaxation, you can always clamber onto a motorboat to go dolphin spotting.
Early in the morning, before the sun is quite bright, is the best time to go. The sea looks calm, and one feels like a typical, well, human, to rend this calm with the roar of the engine. But once the little vessel heads away from the coast into the middle of the water, it is hard to continue to feel guilty. And the search for dolphins is all consuming. As you scan the grey expanse, the dolphins rise unexpectedly here and there. It is as if any of the ripples as far as the eye can see could be a dolphin in camouflage. Sometimes, they leap into the air with breathtaking effect. The boat is full of "Oohs" and "Aahs".
Tired after the exertions of the day? Agua offers a range of massages and therapies — Ayurvedic, Thai, Swedish — to pamper you, brighten your skin and rejuvenate anyone who doesn't feel young enough in this heady environment. Luxury therapies call for fat wallets. But with all the bargain air fares and train travel options, some tourists like to save up just for this kind of pampering. Also, the numerous `shacks' that offer fresh, smoking platefuls can be a budget diner's delight.
The dolphin spotting, though, has a way of lingering on the mind. And if you are travelling by air, don't miss the sea waves as you take off. Before the aircraft rises above the clouds, look out for a ripple that might just be a dolphin in disguise.
ANJANA RAJAN
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