If the urge to escape the hectic city life and the search for peace and tranquility hit you, then why not seek quieter pastures. One option before you is to head to the extreme north of Goa -- to Keri, also known as Querim.
What makes this village special is the true rural vibe it emits, devoid of multi-storeyed buildings and noisy traffic. In fact, there is much that one can see and experience in Keri.
Tempted? Here's a quick guide to exploring the village and its beautiful surroundings.
First on the list is a trip to Keri beach, also known as Rocky beach. The beach does not have many shacks, just a few small sit-outs, where you can sample delicious, local food.
While you are strolling under the shade of the trees, a couple of friendly dogs will accompany you. The locals will advise you not to venture too deep into the sea, and it is for your own good.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, then from Keri beach you can trek up the hill from where the view is simply breathtaking. That apart, if you are the adventurous sort, you can go paragliding. However, its best to take a local along, who can guide you up the hill.
While you are at the beach, you can visit the famous Shree Ajoba Temple, where, every year, thousands of devotees pay their respects to, and take the blessings, of Lord Ajoba.
This temple is famous for its zatra, which attracts locals as well as tourists.
After you have explored the coastal area and soaked up the sun, it’s time to catch a ferry to explore the famous Tiracol Fort. It’s important to reach the fort before 5 pm or you won’t gain access to it.
This is a Portuguese-era fort, built in the 17th century. Apart from the magnificent exterior, the inside of the fort is also impressive.
In the centre of the fort, you'll find the Church of St Anthony, which was earlier called Chapel of the Holy Trinity. The church is not open to the general public. However, every Sunday, at 9 am, a mass is celebrated mere.
The church is also open on certain occasions such as the annual feast in May.
Within this historic fort, there is accommodation for guests – seven luxury rooms and suites. The interiors of these rooms are beautifully decorated, and you can book these rooms, either, from the official website of Fort Tiracol or from the GTDC office.
There is also a restaurant that serves delicious Goan, Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Apart from that, an all-day café serves a good selection of Goan, Indian and European snacks, delicatessen and pastry.
You can wrap up your evening in the serene locale of Keri by strolling around the fort for some stunning Instagram-worthy pictures for your social media pages.
So, don’t forget to add these places to your bucket list when you visit Keri in North Goa.
