Goa poles

Starting off the new year on a beach is probably one of the nicest ways to set off on a new voyage of discovery, experience some financial waves, curious predictions and swelling hopes. So we said goodbye to 2011 and welcomed in the new year with fireworks falling into the sea and sand under our feet.

Goa continues to attract us at this time of year and we spent some fabulous days on the beach and exploring the coast line - this time from the very north to the very south - polar ends but lacking the ice caps. Instead a beautiful portuguese fort perched on a hillside on the northern most tip with majestic views of the bay and a palm fringed beach on the southernmost tip which has the reputation of being one of the best beaches in Goa.

Tiracol Fort was built by Marathas on the tip of a small island that is only reachable by ferry, to command the area and when you visit you will see just how succesful a location this was for them. It was captured by the Portuguese in 1776. The fort houses St Anthony's chapel in the central courtyard which is a functioning church. It is now a heritage hotel.
The southern most tip is the beach of Palolem and it is a protected cove surrounded by leaning graceful coconut palms, white sands and some lovely rock formations and the most beautiful pink shells I have ever seen. It is quite a drive but well worth it for its natural beauty and calm seas.

I will blog about the wildlife and sealife in Goa in my next blog.