ANN/THE STATESMAN – Goa in India, with its stunning beaches, warm sands and beloved fish curry with rice, is a dream destination for sea lovers. So it comes as no surprise that it’s becoming increasingly popular among tourists. What started with occasional flights has now grown to daily flights between Kolkata and Goa.
The newly opened Manohar Parrikar International Airport in Mopa, North Goa, which has been operational since January, is modern and luxurious, making direct international flights to Goa a reality. Additionally, Dabolim Airport serves the southern part of the state. For those who prefer other routes, travelling by train to Mumbai followed by a car or bus ride is also an option.
There is, however, more to Goa than the sea, and the beaches. It gives a wide range of options for the entire family wanting to let down its hair. Goa is changing.
The infrastuctural changes are noteworthy by way of the new roads, bridges and better connectivity. One keeps discovering new facets, but when you scratch the surface, the fish and feni are still the same. If you thought Goa was still associated with hippie culture, you may not be wide off the truth.
Goa is still unique for the kind of people it attracts – not just tourists but settlers too. This adds a blend of the local with the global, a unique flavour of freedom from routine and the conventional. Beautiful old-style haciendas are fast being replaced by new villas built by rich expatriates, but the lovely sea beaches a.