Goa on a Shoestring: Our Family Budget Adventure Begins! (Episode 1: Smooth Start & Calangute's First Impression)

 

Goa! The very name conjures images of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back vibe. But can you truly experience the magic of Goa without breaking the bank, especially with a family group? That was the challenge my family and I set for ourselves. Join us on a day-by-day account of our budget-friendly escapade, starting right from the bustling platforms of Ernakulam!

Day 1: The Duronto Comfort, Regal Welcome, & Calangute's First Glimpse

Our Goan adventure officially kicked off from Ernakulam Junction Railway Station. The excitement was palpable as our group of six – me, my wife, my father and mother, and my uncle and aunt – boarded the ERS-NZM Duronto Express. We had thoughtfully booked 3AC coaches, ensuring a comfortable overnight journey. Adding to the convenience, we had also pre-booked food for the train journey, making the travel part entirely hassle-free. The Duronto promised to whisk us away from the Kerala rains to the Goan sunshine, offering a great balance of speed and comfort for our family.

We pulled into Madgaon Railway Station around noon, greeted by the quintessential Goan warmth (and humidity!).
Stepping off the train, we were immediately met by a representative from Regal Holidays, the Goa tour package company we had pre-booked. This was a smart move for our group size, as they provided an AC cab for pick-up and drop, as well as all our sightseeing transport – a huge relief for coordinated family travel!

Our cab comfortably took us north to Calangute, our chosen base for the first few days. The drive gave us our first glimpses of Goan life – lush greenery, quaint houses, and the tantalizing promise of endless beaches.

Our accommodation for the trip was Maurya Residency Calangute. Now, let's be honest – when you're on a tight budget, luxury isn't always on the cards. Maurya Residency was... well, an average hotel to stay. The room itself was passable, but it definitely wasn't sparkling clean, and basic amenities like towels, shampoo, and soap weren't provided upfront. A quick call to the reception sorted that out, though. This is where having a tour package helps, as the company handles these initial hiccups.

One particular detail that raised an eyebrow was the kettle provided – while a nice thought for brewing a cuppa, it was far from pristine, and unfortunately, we even spotted some unwelcome "guests" inside! Regal Holidays, however, had our meals covered, providing food for 3 times a day, so we weren't reliant on the hotel for much beyond shelter. This comprehensive meal plan was a huge factor in keeping our trip budget-friendly and took away the stress of finding places to eat for six people.

After settling in, dumping our bags, and a quick refresh, the call of the ocean was too strong to resist. Our plan for the evening, as suggested by our itinerary, was simple: hit the beach! We strolled towards Calangute Beach, just a short walk from our hotel.

The sight that greeted us was classic Goa: a wide expanse of golden sand, dotted with shacks, and the rhythmic roar of the Arabian Sea.
Despite the average hotel experience, the sheer joy of feeling the sand between our toes and the cool spray of the waves instantly reset our mood. We spent a blissful evening walking along the shore, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The beach shacks were just starting to light up, and the air filled with the aroma of seafood and the faint throb of music. It was a perfect start to our family's Goan adventure, a reminder that even with a few budget hotel quirks, Goa's natural beauty and magnetic charm always shine through.

Stay tuned for Episode 2, where we dive deeper into Calangute and explore more of North Goa with Regal Holidays!