Photo by Avin CP on unsplash

I never expected to go to Goa.

For years, I pictured it as being covered in packed beaches, thumping music, and massive parties — none of which ever appealed to me. But life has its own agenda, and sometimes it surprises us in the best possible way.

It all began when I was selected for a competition that was to be organized in Goa. I was both excited and nervous. To accompany me and facilitate the journey, my family also decided to come along. We did not organize a holiday — all we did was take a simple trip to attend the function.

Reaching Pernem, Goa

We reached Pernem, which was a peaceful and verdant area of Goa.

A cool wind greeted us, and all we could see in all directions were new green fields and tall trees. The roads were neat, and the scenery both from the train and car was soothing. This was not the Goa I envisioned — it was serene and lovely.

We reserved a pleasant resort close to the competition site through cheQin.ai. It discovered the best offers on the hotels for us without having us spend hours looking. The app allowed hotels to offer us their best prices, and we chose one that was in our budget. The icing on the cake? The resort catered to South Indian cuisine, so we felt home immediately.

The Big Day

The evening of the competition, I couldn’t sleep very much. I went outside and took a walk on the lawn. The stars in the sky and the stillness surrounding me soothed my mind.

The day of the event, I was anxious but also felt comforted by my family. Their smiles encouraged me. Once it was done, I felt good about myself — winning was no longer important to me. I had done something courageous.

After the event, we had some time to wander. That was when Goa began to reveal its magic.

North Goa Adventures

Rather than visiting the beach, we headed to places with history and culture.

We first visited Aguada Fort, a historical fort with thick stone walls and a glimpse of the sea. The waves below were tranquil, and the wind smelt fresh. I felt serene standing there.

Then, we visited Goa Central Jail, a place with intense backstories. It reminded me of life and freedom.

Then, we strolled through the vibrant local markets. We saw spices, clay pots, and handmade jewelry. We even took a spice plantation tour and learned about pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. The aromas were incredible.

South Goa Peace

Then, we visited South Goa, which was quiet and quaint.
We strolled through a Portuguese-inspired neighborhood, the buildings having their history on every weathered wall and sculpted window. The hues of the houses — peach, lemon, turquoise — were singing in the sunlight.

And then there was the renown church we had learned so much about from movies. White and majestic, set against the blue sky, it seemed designed for dreams. When we went inside, silence wrapped around us. It was not only a house of prayer, but of peace.

That night, we didn’t say much. We simply strolled, hand in hand, like a family, inhaling the golden light and allowing the wind to steal our words.

Nature’s Beauty

The weather in Goa was gracious. The sun was pleasant but not scorching, and the air was crisp. Birds sang in the mornings, and the sky was golden during evenings.

Goa did not simply offer us something to look at — it offered us something to hold on to.

On one of the quiet afternoons spent at the resort, I remained on the balcony with a cup of tea and began to write once more. Gradually, thoughts transformed into words.

I wrote about what I saw and how I felt. I wrote about my parents smiling,How the light fell on the face of my father. The laughter of my mother mingling with birds. The reflection of old houses in the still waters of a temple pond.

Words came back not forcefully, but fluidly.Unexpected, Yet Right Writing didn’t seem so hard anymore. It seemed natural.

A Trip That Changed Me

We began this journey with the jitters and returned with smiling hearts.

Travel tends to heal. It exposes you to new spaces, but it also acquaints you with something new about yourself.

This journey to Goa was spontaneous, and yet it contributed to me in many ways. It let me overcome my fears, bond with family, and fall in love with writing anew.

With cheQin.ai, it was easy and quick to book our stay. We didn’t lose time hunting for hotels. We received the best fast, and that made us enjoy the trip hassle-free.

For You, Dear Reader

If you are a person that avoids Goa under the pretense that it is just a party spot, listen in — there is a softer Goa. A more poetic Goa. A Goa that whispers, rather than shouts. A Goa that hugs you like an old song that you forgot you loved.

And if you do travel with family, there is no better place to rediscover a sense of togetherness.

Goa taught me that even unplanned journeys can become the most meaningful. That even if your mind says no, your heart might say, go.

So go.

Go when you’re tired. Go when you’re scared.

Go when you’re not sure what you need.

Go, and let life write a story you didn’t see coming.

A Family Trip to Goa That Was Never Meant to Happen