Roopa Shree is Special to usindiamonitor. All photos credit Roopa Shree unless noted. She is the Mother of usindiamonitor.

Goa is called the Pearl of the East, with so much to offer visitors from around India and across the world looking for fun in the sun or the rain during monsoon season. Tourist activities in this small state on the West coast of India include spice plantation picnics, walking tours to explore the beautiful and diverse architecture from different eras of history, and taking boat rides to quaint little village islands to savor local food and culture. And of course, being a beach bum as the ocean laps against the state’s shores.

Indeed Goa has it all, highlighted by tropical rainforests, sun-kissed sand beaches and the warm hospitality to match. Goa for Indians is somewhat like Hawaii for Americans, a dependable holiday getaway. Beautiful waters, a wide variety of delicious seafood and other delicacies, interesting local culture steeped in Konkani and Portuguese history, and ideal vacation climate.  [Disclaimer: I am a Konkani, though from the bordering state of Karnataka].

While Hawaii is shaped by Polynesian culture, the Goanese are influenced by the Portuguese who ruled Goa for more than three centuries. Hawaiians have Aloha spirit, which means treating others with respect and kindness, while Danish people’s outlook in life is Hygge, living a life of contentment, comfort and joy. On the other side of the globe the Japanese people have Ikigai, the purpose driven life, while the Goanese have Susegad. This word is of Portuguese origin and sums up a relaxed or carefree lifestyle.

Goa is probably India’s most relaxed state, an escape to Island Standard Time within Indian Standard Time (IST), a time zone itself not known for being exactly prompt for appointments. In the olden days for many decades the restaurants and shops opened for business late in the morning and customers waited a long time for coffee, food, or household items. When service workers in the hospitality business are more relaxed and drink as much alcohol as the customers in town on holiday, that can slow things down. But going slow is the whole point for many looking to find the real Goa.

Goa used to be known as a place where you just couldn’t hurry and do many things in a day easily. This is the down side of being in too relaxed a state. Having said that, my recent trip has changed my opinion totally because service has improved over the years. Goans have streamlined tourism, while modern restaurants and coffee shops serve the best coffees and bakery treats in wonderful garden settings with good service. 

You can still feel that susegad vibe there, and chances are you won’t be able to avoid it. It’s Island Standard Time in most of the state. People are in no hurry, everyone is easy-going, carefree and very friendly, and throw into that cocktail a little (or a lot) bit of feni.  This highly potent brew is made from coconut or cashew fruit the old-fashioned way, by fermenting in small batches underground, a local homegrown favorite.

Who can resist gulping down some feni with spicy fish fry? Now we are talking about the perfect start to an evening to remember with good company- or one to forget, LOL. It’s suggested to avoid booking any early sightseeing appointments the next day, as feni is not a weak brew. Also keep in mind that many others in Goa might be moving a little slow in the morning, not just your group. 😉

We had a memorable trip to Goa a couple of years ago and my husband planned an itinerary that included places that we had never seen before. 

One such place was the unique Hanuman temple located on top of Altinho Hill, in the capital city Panjim’s Latin quarter. This beautiful temple beckons the visitors with open arms, all decked out in bright saffron/turmeric color. You can climb up the 200 or so steps by foot to get to the top or take a car through a green and peaceful winding road instead. My recommendation would be to go through the woods by car on the way up, and come down the steps. Time the visit just before twilight to see the surroundings in daylight, followed by a beautiful sunset brightening the Mondavi River as twinkling stars appear in the clear night sky as the parade of lighted cruise boats full of tourists meanders by.

The idols of Hanuman were hidden when the Portuguese destroyed many Hindu Temples in Goa to promote Christianity. At this location courageous devotees prayed during part of the Portuguese rule, undercover. 

The Lord’s idols can be seen from the main road through an opening in the basement of the temple. Also, there is a stream that flows nearby that adds charm to the surrounding region. Being one of the five major temples of Panjim, this is the only temple that conducted Jaatra every year since 1944. There are two marble idols of Hanuman here, one white and the other black. During Jaatra, the Palki (palanquin) procession starts at Sri Vithob Rukmai Temple of Mala, and proceeds to the hill. The temple also celebrates Hanuman Jayanthi (birthday of Hanuman) every year, followed by prasad lunch for all devotees.

The sunset cruise on Mondavi River is a must and it is not too far away from the Hanuman Temple. As you sail on the meandering Mondavi River you can experience Konkani songs and dances of Goa with a DJ, witness the twinkling stars in the sky and lights lining the river shoreline as the delightful casino boats of different sizes and shapes also glide along with colorful lights.

If you have never been to this temple or taken the cruise, make sure to set aside a little time and include it in your Goa travel itinerary after one of the days of beach bumming. It is not too far from the Panjim cruise terminal. The climb is an easy one by foot or car and whether or not you’re Hindu or even religious at all, a million dollar view from this lovely temple perched on a hilltop, looking onto part of Panjim, the two villages of Ribandar and St. Cruz and the Mondavi River await. As do await many other delights in Goa.  After all Goa is the Konkani capital of the world by no coincidence, and we are quite fun-loving!