Family Adventure in Goa: Sun, Sand, and Culture

Goa Arrival: A Blend of History, Beach Bliss, and Culinary Delights

After a long journey from Toronto, with a layover in Mumbai, we finally arrived in Goa! The air was warm and humid, a welcome change from the Canadian winter we left behind. Our first day was packed with exploring historic sites, relaxing on the beach, and diving into the local cuisine. Goa, here we come!

Our Goan adventure began with a hearty breakfast at Chulha, a restaurant known for its traditional Indian cuisine with a rural touch. Located in Bambolim, it was a bit of a drive from where we were staying in Calangute, but it was well worth it! The aromas of spices filled the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. We ordered a variety of dishes, including some delicious tandoori items and flavorful curries. Devon, my son, especially loved the butter chicken. Priya, ever the health-conscious one, opted for a lighter vegetable biryani. I, of course, had to sample everything!


Experience authentic Indian cuisine at Chulha in Goa's Grand Hyatt – where tradition meets luxury amidst breathtaking landscapes.

After breakfast, we set off to Aguada Fort. The fort stands majestically on the Sinquerim beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century, it served as a crucial defense against Dutch and Maratha invaders. As we walked through the fort, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like back then. The fort is a sprawling structure, with walls as high as 5 meters. Devon was particularly fascinated by the old lighthouse, which was once used to guide ships safely into the harbor.


Discover the historic Aguada Fort in Goa, where stunning sea views meet rich colonial architecture, perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

From the fort, the views were simply breathtaking. The Arabian Sea stretched out before us, shimmering in the sunlight. We could see the coastline winding its way north and south, dotted with palm trees and colorful buildings. I took out my camera and snapped a few photos, trying to capture the beauty of the scene. I knew these pictures would be treasured memories for years to come.

Next on our list was Sinquerim Beach, located right next to Aguada Fort. This beach is known for its water sports, and Devon was eager to try them out. Priya and I are not as adventurous as Devon, but we enjoyed relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and watching Devon jet ski and try parasailing. Sinquerim is a clean and well-maintained beach, with soft white sands and clear blue waters. The beach has a natural inward curve which makes it a hot spot for tourists and water sports lovers. I even took a dip in the sea, which was surprisingly warm and refreshing. We spent a few hours here, simply enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.


Experience the beauty and vibrancy of Sinquerim Beach in Goa, a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and stunning natural scenery.

After a fun-filled afternoon at the beach, our stomachs started to rumble again. It was time for lunch! We headed to The Fisherman's Wharf, a popular restaurant known for its seafood and Goan cuisine. Located in Panaji, this place has a somewhat posh seafood and Goan cuisine. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere, with tourists and locals alike enjoying their meals. We ordered a variety of dishes, including some fresh seafood, Goan fish curry, and a chicken biryani for Devon. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Priya especially enjoyed the Goan fish curry, while I savored the grilled prawns. Devon devoured his chicken biryani, declaring it the best he'd ever had.


Experience authentic Goan cuisine at The Fisherman's Wharf—where fresh seafood meets stunning riverside views in beautiful Goa.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to do a little shopping. We visited the Kashmir Gift Boutique, a local shop known for its Kashmiri handicrafts. Priya was immediately drawn to the pashmina shawls, while Devon was fascinated by the wooden carvings. I picked up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, including some intricately designed cushion covers and a beautiful Kashmiri rug. The shop was a treasure trove of handcrafted items, each telling a story of artistry and tradition.


Explore the essence of Kashmiri craftsmanship at Kashmir Gift Boutique in Calangute, Goa, where every item is a story waiting to be told.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to A Reverie for dinner. This restaurant is known for its molecular gastronomy and creative dishes, and we were excited to try it out. A Reverie is a fine-dining restaurant serving molecular gastronomy food that is perfect for most occasions. The restaurant had a dreamlike, elegant ambience. The staff was very courteous, and even though there weren't many guests, everyone was attended well. I had wasabi and guac tacos that came in a miniature taco truck, delicious churros with a lip-smacking chocolate dip and Thai Bento rice and noodles. Our dessert deserves a whole section to itself, as it was one of the most creative dishes on the menu. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Goa.


Experience modern European cuisine at A Reverie in Calangute, Goa – where exquisite flavors meet enchanting ambiance.

Today also marks the start of Shigmotsav, a 15-day festival celebrating Goa's folk traditions. While we didn't get a chance to witness any of the processions today, we're hoping to catch some of the festivities in the coming days. It sounds like a vibrant and colorful celebration of Goan culture, and I'm excited to experience it firsthand.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to explore Goa with my family. It's been a long day, but it's been filled with so many wonderful experiences. From the historic Aguada Fort to the sandy shores of Sinquerim Beach, and the culinary delights of Chulha, Fisherman's Wharf and A Reverie, Goa has already captured our hearts. And tomorrow, we're off to explore the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa, immersing ourselves further in the region's rich history and culture. We also plan to visit Joseph Bar. I'm eager to see what tomorrow brings!

As I reflect on our first day, I realize that Goa is more than just a beach destination. It's a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create a truly unique experience. And I'm excited to see what else this magical place has in store for us.

We'll need to remember to pack the first-aid kit and snorkeling gear that we forgot to bring. It's always something, eh?