Goa, in the summer, is not a bad place to be for those coming for the first time, or even repeat travellers who have understood the nuances of the season in this place, whose aura rests with its local inhabitants.
For fist timers, the heat can be bad, and there are times when it is best to stay in airconditioned comfort. If going out, make a bottle of water your favourite companion. But, more than the heat, it is the other changes that repeat visitors were ruing.
“We came for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic and were happy and sad. Happy because Goa is, and will be, our holiday destination. And sad because the vibe of the past is missing,” admits Andy as he and his wife prepare to leave for the airport.
“Anjuna has changed in the last few years. There are constructions everywhere, and in most places, the local language cannot be heard spoken. There are hardly any locals waiting at tables, and many old restaurants seem to be managed by new faces,” observes Andy.
For many repeat guests, Anjuna was about visiting the beach and certain restaurants, with whom they had built bonds through the years. With locals sub-letting their places to others, the vibe is no longer the same.
“I did not expect things to change so fast, but must say that this time, I felt like I was living in some part of India. The place has totally different people. Apart from Curlies, Hill Top and Guru Bar, everything seems so different now,” adds Tree, who is sharing the cab to the airport with Andy.
Despite the societal changes, for many, there is no better place than Goa. And, had the State made longer stays possible, it would be welcomed by guests, like Morgan for instance, who says, “If only India would introduce retirement visas, I would happily spend all my time and money here.”
For many who come from the UK, apart from charters, the direct Air India flights from London to Goa has been beneficial.
“I flew in through Air India, and I came straight to Goa without any stoppage, and it helped a lot because of my age. Apart from a holiday, I came to visit my dentist, whilst my husband had a knee surgery,” explained Sarah as they watched their last sunset in Goa.
But, she cautions about Goa being designated a medical tourism destination.
“I do not think it is right to refer to Goa as a medical tourism destination because to me, it is not. It is just that because of our holiday in Goa, we need to seek medical assistance, and after being satisfied with the treatment, decided to repeat it during this holiday,” says Sarah.
The English enjoy a special bond with Goa and that can be best explained by Dawes, who wrote,” Had a good sleep after our long journey home. We had an amazing holiday in Goa. Thanks to all the people we met there.”
These feelings, and more, are reciprocated by the locals for whom 2024-2025 was an indicator that bad times are over and something better is set to come.