Chai & Matcha Diaries

The Trip That Stole My Heart (and My Sleep Schedule) 🌊

Hey party people, and beach bums! Buckle up because I’m about to spill the coconut water (or feni I should say) on my absolute fave trip in India—GOA, baby! 🕺💃 This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a full-blown funcation with sunsets, seafood, and scooter rides. I’m still mentally sipping mojitos on a cliff somewhere, but alas—real life called, and I picked up. 😩

So while you pack your bags and prep your playlists, here’s my funky guide to doing Goa right (and avoiding my rookie mistakes). Let’s goooo!

🚂 First things first: The Train Saga

We thought we were smart and took the train from Mumbai. Spoiler: I wasn’t smart.

• If you’re headed to North Goa → get down at Thivim.
• If you’re going to South Goa → hop off at Madgaon.
  Don’t do what I did and get confused – unless you enjoy unnecessary detours.

🌧️ Goa in Monsoons = Love + Trouble

Rainy season sounds romantic… until you’re drenched, shivering, and your sneakers weigh 10 kilos.

• Pack that umbrella/raincoat/jacket.
• Chappals > Sneakers, always. Your feet will thank you.

🧭 South Goa Shenanigans

Where peace meets adventure with a side of waterfall magic

🚗 Rent a car, because every spot is like 20–30 km away. You can rent a scooty as well whichever fits your budget.

🎰 Stay in Panjim if casinos are on your checklist. Bonus: Fountainhas & Old Goa are nearby. But… don’t click photos endlessly in Fountainhas – the locals are seriously done with it and will let you know.

🌊 Kakolem Beach = Nature’s Mixtape, Volume: Bliss

This place? Straight-up Goa’s hidden banger.

• 🌀 Waterfall vibes: We legit chilled under the waterfall for an hour. Yup, a whole hour. Why? Because the water wasn’t freezing-your-soul cold, and the fall itself was like nature’s version of a tiered spa—gentle levels, no pressure-pounding madness. Just pure, soothing flow.
• 🌊 Sea waves: These babies come in hot—5-foot high and ready to body slam you with love.
• 🛁 Pro tip: After your salty sea wrestling match, rinse off in the fresh waterfall. It’s like hitting “refresh” on your soul.

🚣‍♀️ Near Cape Goa, there’s kayaking. I missed it (still hurts 💔), so don’t repeat my mistake.

🌅 North Goa Madness

This is the Goa you see in movies – buzzing, vibrant, full of energy.

• 🛵 Scooty > Car
  Cheap, zippy, and surprisingly well-maintained. Zoom zoom!

• 🏖️ Skip Baga Beach unless you want to experience “Goa but Delhi shifted here.” Still, check it once for the vibe.
• 🌴 Vagator – absolute serenity. Our spiritual awakening happened here. Sat on a cliff. Watched waves. Questioned existence. 10/10.
• 🏝️ Arambol Beach + Sweet Water Lake – misnamed, because spoiler: the lake is salty. But still stunning. Don’t miss it.

🍴 North Goa Foodie Paradise

My picks:

• 🐟 Fat Fish → Fish so good, you’ll want to marry the chef.
• 🥞 Jaws → super cheap + filling breakfast.
• ☕ Artjuna Café → for artsy vibes (but brace yourself for trance music even in the morning 😂).
• 💃 Thalassa Café → MUST. Greek resto + performances + dancing till midnight. Energy unmatched.
• 🍹 Sundowners → like Mayan the Beach. Sip, chill, vibe.

• Goa isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood, a vibe, a whole personality. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or dancing under the stars, this place will leave you sun-kissed and soul-hugged. Just don’t forget your chappals, okay?
• Now go forth, beach warriors. And when you’re back, tell me everything. Or better yet—take me with you next time.