Goa, Unhurried
Part 1 - The Journey Begins (23 & 24 December 2025)
We left Mumbai late on the 23rd, boarding the train from LTT
with that familiar mix of excitement and mild fatigue. Goa was calling, and we
were happy to answer. The train was punctual at departure, though it took its
own sweet time later. Somewhere between stations and conversations, time slowed
down in a pleasant way.
Our co-passenger, Aishwarya, a cheerful Tamil girl staying
at Mahim heading home to Goa for Christmas, quickly became part of the journey.
She spoke animatedly about Mumbai, rents, and everyday life, gently reminding
us how astonishingly expensive the city has become. Train journeys have a way
of creating such fleeting yet warm connections.
Early next morning, Madgaon welcomed us. Aishwarya guided us
out of the station with ease, and soon we were in a cab, driving for nearly an
hour through modern Goan roads to our North Goa homestay - the Pent House in Luxe Upper Crust. Harish and
Radha were already there with Sneha and Sreya, along with Radha’s mother,
sister Chitra, and brother Raju. Greetings were exchanged, bags dropped, and
breakfast was quickly wrapped up.
Two Innovas waited outside. With that, our Goa oorvalam officially began.
The day unfolded gently. Beaches followed one after another, merging into a blur of sand, waves, and sea breeze. We walked around, browsed street stalls, sipped tea, tried sugarcane juice, and kept snacking. Lunch at Tamil Table became a story in itself. Seven plates of dosas were ordered, and fourteen dosas arrived. By the end, the seniors confidently declared that dinner would be unnecessary.
Later in the afternoon, Chitra, Raju, and mami left for the
railway station. Though the time spent together was short, it was filled with
laughter and warmth. We continued our drive, passing a famous Goan lane made
popular by Bollywood. Plans were made to visit a large store later, but a small
detour became necessary when Harish had to visit a nearby medical facility purely as a
precaution. It felt reassuring to take care of health first and holiday plans
next.
While that was attended to, Geetha, Raji mami, and I went to Miramar Beach nearby. The evening light was soft, the waves calm. By nightfall, we were back at the homestay. The city was glowing. Christmas Eve had painted Goa with lights, music, and quiet celebration. A light dinner followed, and sleep came easily.
Part 2 - Christmas in Motion (25 December 2025)
Christmas morning arrived without urgency. Checkout was
planned around noon, so everyone moved at their own pace. The drivers, who had
been the most active among us, finally got some well-earned rest.
I woke up early, walked around the terrace, and eased into the
day. A relaxed bath, prayers, and breakfast followed. Calls with Priya and
Rohan brought updates. Rohan was on his way, having boarded a holiday special
from Bengaluru the previous night.
A casual suggestion turned into an unexpected highlight. The
swimming pool beckoned. What began as tentative steps soon turned into
splashing laughter. Sneha and Sreya were unstoppable. Gradually, Geetha, Radha,
and Harish joined in. After a long swim, we freshened up again, had tea and
coffee, packed up, and checked out.
Lunch was at Kailash Parbat in Panaji. Being Christmas Day, we decided to visit a couple of churches, at least from the outside. Festive crowds, decorated streets, and a gentle buzz filled the air. Everyone then got free time for shopping, wandering and in general to do whatever one wants to.
As we wandered through the Panaji streets that afternoon, my professional instincts surfaced briefly. I noticed the Goa Income Tax office standing quietly by the roadside, a familiar sight in an unfamiliar setting. Even on holiday, some landmarks have a way of making you smile.
Rohan reached Panaji after getting down at Madgaon and taking a bus. We picked him up and spent the evening roaming the Panaji market. A café stop turned into a long Uno session. What started as a simple card game became animated and competitive, drawing everyone in.
Later, we drove to our South Goa hotel Tree Hose Nova, checked
into four rooms, and had a quick bite. By around 8:40 pm, we stepped out for a
walk towards the nearby beach. The roads were almost empty, unusually quiet.
Houses were beautifully lit, and sounds of celebration floated through the
night air.
Some streets were darker than expected, with streetlights not
working in patches. We decided to skip the beach and turn back. Still, the walk
itself was deeply enjoyable. The decorations, the silence, and the festive glow
made it special.
Part 3 - Temples, Tides, and Farewell (26 December 2025)
The morning was planned and purposeful. Roshan arrived at 7:45
am, and by 8 we were on the road. Our first stop was Shree Mangeshi Temple. The
architecture was elegant, the atmosphere serene. Darshan felt unhurried and
peaceful. I took the opportunity to chant Rudram, grateful for the moment.
Breakfast and tea at the temple canteen were simple and satisfying.
From there, we visited Mhalsa Narayani Temple, where Maha Vishnu gives darshan in his Mohini form, followed by Shanta Durga Temple nearby. Visiting a Devi temple on a Friday felt especially auspicious. Harish and family, having already completed their temple visits earlier, chose to enjoy a longer morning rest.
Back at the hotel, we changed into beach-friendly clothes. Raji mami decided to stay back, while the rest of us headed out. Harish, Sneha, Sreya, and Rohan hired bicycles and rode ahead, turning the short ride into an adventure. The beach welcomed us with familiar comfort - waves, wind, and time that seemed to stretch.
By late afternoon, hunger took over. We headed to Shree Krishna vegetarian restaurant. Freshly prepared food meant waiting, but no one minded. Meanwhile, Harish and family went to meet close friends visiting from the UK at a nearby beach.
Soon after, we picked up Raji mami and joined them. Conversations flowed easily, and the evening slipped by. Circumstances then led us to a karaoke spot, where Sneha and Sreya sang confidently, drawing smiles and applause.
We returned to TreeHouse Nova quite late. Dinner was light, as
lunch had been late. Sleep followed quickly, with an early start ahead. Morning
would mean Madgaon station and the Rajdhani back to Mumbai.
Closing Note
It was a short trip, yet wonderfully full.
Beaches and temples blended effortlessly.
Fourteen dosas became legend.
The swimming pool echoed with laughter.
Uno games grew intense.
Karaoke songs lingered.
Christmas lights quietly brightened Goan streets.
Some journeys pass.
This one settles gently into memory - and stays.
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