Despite the incessant rains pelting against the windscreen, one could still see the lush green foliage of varying hues on either side of the vehicle. The virgin growth was almost like one unending creature reclaiming its rightful space from all the man-made structures that came in its way. Creepers draping the hoardings, buildings and bridges, giving the otherwise multi-coloured façade of Goa, a greenish tinge. The sound of rain, the low-key horns and the mighty roar of the rough sea beyond hypnotised the senses. This is Goa for you in the monsoons – a state transformed beyond its tagline of sun, sand and the sea!

A short three day visit to Goa with the simple agenda to unwind meant little in the form of site seeing or activities. Plus, this season in Goa limits the options for tourists to plan a typical beachy-holiday. The precious time was dedicated to ‘vegging’ in our resort, Cidade De Goa. A beautiful sea facing heritage property, its real magic lies in the genius of Charles Correa. Designed like an old Goan city, the tiles resemble cobble roads, the murals depict the traditional way of life and the overall building is characteristic of the architect’s style; one that is spacious, airy and warm. Maybe it was the resort or simply Goa for what permeated the atmosphere was the air of indulgence, scent of luxury and a general sense of merriment!

The creature of habit did make us venture out to Panjim that evening for a quick dinner. The very Portuguese town is like a charming living relic of the colonial past. A drive through the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, small by-lanes crowded more by two-wheelers than people and the many old-style verandas led one to the Fontainhas aka Old Latin Quarters. A lesser known tourist spot, this quaint and colourful area will teleport you to the streets of Lisbon or Porto of Portugal in a jiffy. As we caught a break in the rain and walked down this street in the evening, illuminated only by the unique lighting of each house, one could hear the rain drops slipping from the leaves of the trees around! For dinner, if you are chasing Goan delicacies you can pick between Fisherman’s Wharf or Mum’s Kitchen for a delectable meal.

With a pool and the beach a flight of stairs apart, the water-baby in you will pounce right out. The next day, one splashed in the sea (more like thrashed by the waves) and then ran to the pool to swim and float. Almost like sloths, overcome by the lethargy of city-life, one would roll out of the pool and plonk oneself onto the lounge chairs. With the vista of palm trees swaying against the backdrop of a noisy and deceptive looking sea, dive into a book to experience the luxury of leisure. And just when one was engrossed enough to not want to bat an eyelid, the shower deluge would begin without notice. So where one moment it was sunny and the next moment the gusty winds and heavy rain leave you hankering for shelter. With a nip in the air, almost reminiscent of the hill station chill (made even more real with the Sahyadri all around), one would sip on coffee or hot chocolate. Is this heaven, paradise or what, one wondered?

That afternoon was dedicated to a drive up to North Goa for Fort Aguada and the beaches of Baga, Candolim and Anjuna. For those who have seen this place in its winter glory would perhaps lament at the deserted streets, shut shops and empty restaurants and yet rejoice at the site of fewer tourists, vacant beaches and the welcome sense of space! A quick meal at Britto’s will remind you of your last holiday for the taste of the seafood platter and the chocolate shake is as constant as it is good. But perhaps the most beautiful part of the journey is the drive in this season. With the undulating landscape that yields mountains, rivers, sea and paddy fields at short intervals, the hide and seek played by the rain constantly transform the landscape. Somewhere, it is like experiencing your life from a different vantage point – the rainy-day alternative before the sun starts shining bright again!

Life in Goa revolves around tourism and most will speak to you of time with the reference of only season and off-season. No wonder, for most of us, Goa is synonymous with holidaying, partying and the good times! Since monsoons here have the ‘off season’ tag, take a trip not for the base level fool-hardy partying nor any eclectic reasons of self-discovery. Take this one for the contentment that will permeate your senses and discover the happier you. Maybe it’s the relentless rains, the sound of the sea or the luxury presented by the impeccable Goan hospitality that helps purge your soul of the frustration, discontent and unhappiness of daily life. Trust me, it’s nice to befriend the happy you…the challenge lies in holding on it to beyond the trip as well!