IT'S SUMMER, AND GOA BECKONS WITH ITS BEACHES, SURF AND SUNNY PEOPLE

It's "summer time and the livin's easy...", as the old ditty goes. Therefore, it's time to loosen up, do all those things you have been wanting to do but didn't get down to, like, climbing a mountain or tracking a wild beast in the jungle, or being simply mesmerised by the rise and fall of waves on a beach.

There are beaches, and then, there are beaches. But the best beaches are those that have to pass more muster than just having a spot of sand with water near it. All along India's western coast, which is about 6,000 km, there is a small stretch of 100 km that can be singled out as being the best in the country and one of the best in the world. Certainly, Goa's beaches are amongst the best, and Goa is definitely one of India's special places.

Goa-is as blessed with long and straight palm-fringed beaches as is-its impressive array of resorts, restaurants and bars, ritzy five-star hotels, great weather, food to die for, a cultural heritage that harks back to the Portuguese era, and most of all, it warm, helpful and fun-loving people. Which is why, come long weekends and vacations, many visitors from overseas and. inland seek sun, surf and sand on its beaches.

Each of Goa's many beaches is singularly different in character, perhaps, because of the people who patronise it and the many . eateries and bars that have spawned on the seaside. The mind boggles at the options available—you could build sandcastles, just take a loaf or perfect your tan, or indulge in any one of the many water sports available, like surfing snorkelling, water skiing, etc.

Goa's beaches may be divided into North and South Goa—starting from the extreme north of the state, where Goa meets Maharashtra.

Over here is Chapora Beach with its massive CHAPORA FORT, a legacy from the Portuguese era. Close by is Vagator Beach with its many caves and creeks. Some of the many beaches in North Goa are Gaspar Dias, Aguada, Anjuna, Candolim, Sinquerim, Baga, Calangute, Bambolim, Dona Paula and Arambol. Some of the South Goa beaches are Benaulim, Palolem, Agonda, Mobor, Cavelossim, Colva and Bogmalo.

Panaji, Goa's capital city, is where you should ideally start your tour from. While in Panaji, be sure to visit the Boca De Vaca Spring, in the heart of the city. The spring is actually 700 years old and nobody knows where the water comes from. Today, it's a tourist spot, and if you're keen on locating the source, then go underground for about 200 yards, with see-through glass panels on top.

Next stop is DONA PAULA, about 7 km from Panaji. The drive is picturesque and there are pretty Portuguese-style villas and houses on either side of the road. The drive is well worth it for the breathtaking view it offers of Mormugao Harbour, and is a popular spot for most tourists. You could take a ferry across the bay or try your hand at boating, parasailing, yachting, windsurfing and fishing. At the beach, have a dekko at some local items, like straw hats, lace handkerchiefs and spices. Feni and port wine, too, are available, if you want to be in high spirits for the rest of the tour.

There's a charming legend about Dona Paula. Supposedly, a damsel of the same name lived, loved and died here in the 18th century. The villagers swear to have seen her apparition on moonlit nights, haunting the beach around midnight. You could also make a whistle-stop tour of some of the North Goa beaches, starting with Aguada, which is exclusive, just as the high-end Fort Aguada Hotel complex is—a splendid hotel built atop a cliff, around the ruins of the 17th century Portuguese fort. Also, enjoy a walk along Aguada Beach and enjoy nature at its best.