Goa on a Shoestring: Our Family Budget Adventure (Episode 2: Forts, Drizzle & A Sunset Miss)

 Day one saw us arriving and getting a first taste of Calangute, complete with a budget hotel reality check and a beautiful sunset. Day two, with our comprehensive Regal Holidays package, promised a full day of North Goan exploration, come rain or shine!

Day 2: Forts, Coastal Beauty, and a Race Against Time

We woke up refreshed, eagerly anticipating our first full day of sightseeing. True to their word, our Regal Holidays AC cab arrived promptly at the hotel after a hearty breakfast, also provided by the tour company. Having all meals covered truly simplified things for our group of six, especially with my parents, uncle, and aunt.

Our first stop was the iconic Fort Aguada & Light House.
Perched majestically overlooking the Arabian Sea, this 17th-century Portuguese fort offers panoramic views and a fascinating glimpse into Goa's colonial past. As we explored the ancient ramparts and the towering lighthouse, the skies decided to open up, giving us a delightful (and somewhat dramatic!) rain shower. The drizzle added a refreshing touch to the historical exploration, making the greenery around the fort even more vibrant.

Next, our driver took us to Sinquerim View Point.
This spot offers breathtaking vistas of the coastline, and true to form, the beach nestled below was absolutely wonderful, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. The light drizzle continued, adding a dreamy, misty quality to the landscape. It was a perfect spot for some picturesque family photos.

By now, our appetites were well and truly whetted. Our driver then took us to a pre-arranged spot for lunch, once again provided by Regal Holidays. It was a convenient and tasty affair, allowing us to refuel without any fuss, ensuring we stayed on schedule and within budget.

Post-lunch, our journey continued north to Chapora Fort.
Famous as the "Dil Chahta Hai" fort, it offers stunning views, particularly of Vagator Beach below. The rustic charm of the fort walls combined with the dramatic cliffside setting made for another memorable stop. We spent a good amount of time here, soaking in the views and, of course, recreating a few movie poses!

From Chapora, it was a short drive to Anjuna Beach.
Known for its vibrant flea market (which wasn't on today's agenda) and rocky outcrops, Anjuna has a distinctly bohemian vibe. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll, watching the waves crash against the rocks and observing the diverse crowd.

Our final beach stop for the day was the ever-popular Baga Beach.
This bustling stretch of sand is famous for its shacks, water sports, and lively atmosphere. Our original plan, and indeed our desire, was to stay at Baga to witness one of Goa's famed sunsets. However, our cab driver, politely but firmly, informed us that his duty time was coming to an end. Despite our pleas to wait, we had to abide by the schedule, and thus, we missed the Baga sunset. It was a slight disappointment, but a common reality when on a package tour with fixed timings.

We reached our hotel, Maurya Residency, by 6 PM. After a quick freshen up, my wife and I, along with my uncle, decided to venture out. Our mission: some evening snacks and a visit to a liquor shop. Goa, after all, is known for its affordable spirits, and we wanted to pick up some local feni and other drinks for our cousins back home. It was a short, enjoyable walk, giving us a glimpse of Calangute's evening buzz.

Later in the evening, as promised, our dinner was delivered to the hotel by Regal Holidays. It was a welcome end to a long day of sightseeing, allowing us to relax and recount the day's adventures without worrying about going out to eat.

Despite the missed sunset, Day 2 was packed with stunning sights, historical explorations, and the convenience of a well-organized tour package. We were definitely getting our money's worth, even if it meant sticking to a schedule!

Stay tuned for Episode 3, where we delve into more Goan delights and maybe even catch a sunset!