A day in Goa

Goa, India

Morning - the shore

Cool spray hits my calves each time a wave breaks on the morning shore. I move slowly along the wet sand and let the water wash my feet. Goa's relaxed seaside living sits along the Arabian Sea, and November to March is the dry, sunny season, with highs of around 33 to 36 °C.

Golden Hour - beach shack

Cold coconut sweetness sits on my tongue at the wooden table in the gold light. I sip the drink and stay with the warm air. Goan fish curry rice pairs boiled white rice with a spiced coconut and tamarind gravy, fried fish, and local vegetable pickles.

Golden Hour - Arabian Sea coast

Orange light spreads across the water as the sun drops toward the horizon. I watch the last of the day settle on the sea. Goa offers a rare coastal blend of Konkan landscapes, Portuguese heritage architecture, and relaxed seaside living along the Arabian Sea.

Night - hotel room

Soft cotton sticks lightly to my skin in the humid hotel room. I get ready for the night and settle the dress on my shoulders. Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen fabrics are essential for visitors in this humid coastal climate.

Night - beach club

Neon colour washes the entrance and the beat reaches me before I step inside. I enter the beach club and pause in the doorway. Prawn balchão is fiery and tangy: prawns in a dark red paste of dried chillies, spices, vinegar, and toddy vinegar.

Night - beach club dance floor

Flickering lights hang in a canopy over the dance floor and the air feels warm. I dance under them and move with the beat. Xacuti is a complex, aromatic curry of chicken or lamb cooked in a roasted paste of grated coconut, white poppy seeds, and dried red chillies.

Night - DJ booth

Loud music fills the booth and my friends' laughter cuts through it. I laugh with them while the music plays. Cafreal is tender chicken in a green paste of coriander leaves, green chillies, garlic, ginger, and lime juice, served with potato wedges.

Night - midnight shore

Moonlight lies on the waves and the water glows as it rolls in. I look out from the midnight shore and listen to the soft wash. Bebinca is a multi-layered dessert of egg yolks, coconut milk, sugar, and flour, baked slowly into a rich, dense pudding.