I’ve been putting aside this mammoth task of writing about Goa since more than three years now…because there’s probably nothing I can write about the place that’s not been written before. It is that done-to-death destination which doesn’t even have an off-season now a days, thanks to travelers flocking around from all over the world, throughout the year. But then Goa has a charm that still remains, in-spite of the crowds. Today I am giving up all apprehensions to brew my own Goa travelogue that has a secret, magical ingredient you won’t find elsewhere. Goa has plenty of secrets, each one prettier than the rest.
Being a beach bum, Goa was everything I had hoped it would be. A happy girl I was, with wind in my hair and sand in my feet. The trip was coming to an end, and, as always, I didn’t want to leave the sea shore yet. There was a sudden desire to fake illness at work and extend the trip – Goa always does that to me. But then, there were deadlines to meet, and people around to knock some sense into me. Still, somehow, it felt that I wasn’t done with Goa yet.
On my last day here, it surprised me with something that was far beyond maps at that time- a secluded, pristine beach, which even the locals had only heard of. Beyond the far end of Palolem in South Goa, I found a piece of magic that’s hidden in plain sight. They say that one has to really get lost to find treasures, and that’s exactly how I found a stretch of golden sand, lined with huge palms, sans any shacks or even, people. A winding mountain road lead me to Gajlibaga Beach though I was actually looking for unknown, un-mapped Churches of Goa.
The village of Galjibag is a small settlement of fishermen who are mostly busy making ends meet, detached from hippy vibe of the rest of Goa. Almost sharing borders with Karnataka, this village seems to have a mixed-culture, not quite belonging to either state, but maybe, the best of both. River Galjibaga flows right through the village, and meets the sea, creating beautiful backwaters. There’s much more to this village than the beach that’s one of the cleanest beaches of Goa, a turtle-breeding site and easily one of the prettiest beaches of the coastal state. The sunset-sky here is one to die for, it takes you straight to heaven and beyond.
Lined with palm trees and rocky cliffs which make it very picturesque, Galjibaga is nothing but sheer poetry. Though secluded, and maybe that’s why still so pure and pristine, I wanted to stay back here and miss my flight back to Delhi the next day. Gajlibaga Beach, though far far away, is much worth the troublesome mountain roads that lead here.
Thinking about golden sands, sea waves and the Goan vibe, I am already dreaming of yet another trip. Goa is calling and I must go, for one should not keep the ocean waiting. Maybe it’s time to bump into more surprises that Goa has to offer. Day dreaming about beaches has already begun and I guess it’s time to make the bookings as well.
Alka
Oh,wow. Noted. Looks untouched.
Kesari
wow awesome place… Gajlibaga Beach, though far far away, is much worth the troublesome mountain roads that lead here.