STEERING THE SURVIVAL

Goa

THE COVID-19-ERA UPDATE

Goa was one of the rst states to open its borders for tourism back in July. It was no surprise since the state is heavily dependent on tourism for its economy, with an annual tourism footfall of approximately eight million. However, it opened with certain restrictions — if you were driving to Goa, travellers required to present an e-pass issued by the Government of Goa or the state you were travelling from, at the Goan border. A negative Covid-19 test result valid 48 hours before your arrival at the border, was also required. If you were travelling via road or air or sea, similar rules of a negative Covid-19 test result applied.

Following Unlock phase four, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that travellers would no longer require an e-pass for their Goan visit, following the Central Government’s order of opening borders without any restrictions. A negative Covid-19 test is also not needed anymore.

is is subject to conditions stated by the government — “People can travel to Goa as long as they follow mandatory precautions, including social distancing, use of sanitisers and wearing of masks.”

With the Indian Super League (ISL) event scheduled to be held in Goa this month, over 650 hotels in the state are currently welcoming guests with heightened safety and sanitisation measures.

SUSEGAD LIVING

“Susegad”, derived from the Portuguese word sossegado (means quiet) describes the relaxed, laid-back attitude towards life that is said to have existed historically in Goa, a

former Portuguese territory.

For anyone who’s ever visited Goa, “Susegad” is a mirror of how the locals perceive life in this relaxation capital.

While Goa also translates to the party hub of the country, it isn’t advisable to dive into large scale gatherings and happenings when the country is still in the midst of a pandemic. Our advice is to keep it low, and stray towards the tranquil or the Goan way of living on your trip to the beach capital of the country.

It would be advisable to choose a property that has a private beach or has one at a walking distance from it. Spend your evenings gazing at the magical colours of the sunset while you breathe in the fresh air of the ocean, even if it is through a mask. Some of the beaches that we recommend are in the south of Goa, as they’re relatively lesser crowded and cleaner with white sand, are — Candolim, Colva, Benaulim and Varca Beach.

For your meals, there’s plenty of authentic Goan and global cuisine restaurants serving varied international avours in the state. Head to Baba Au Rhum for a traditional English breakfast alongside some freshly brewed co ee; for lunch, visit Burger Factory, a quaint burger eatery that serves up heartwarming and homely burgers in a casual setting; to catch the sunset from a bird’s-eye-view with a glass of wine, Purple Martini is ideal. Fisherman’s Wharf in Cavelossim is highly recommended for authentic Goan dishes like sh rechado and chicken xacuti.

Over 650 hotels in the state are currently welcoming guests with heightened safety and sanitisation measures