Boasting beautiful beaches, adventures, dynamic nightlife, hustling casinos, rich seafood, vibrant Portuguese influences, it is no surprise that Goa attracts thousands of youth all year round. And avoiding crowds, especially around Christmas and New Year is inevitable. But Rituraj somehow managed it all. Come be a part of this unusual experience where he explores Goa, beyond its beaches. 

Having worked in HR in telecommunications back in 2018 was just not fulfilling enough for Rituraj Gogoi. He left his job to follow his passion for travel, and photography. To promote his native place, Assam and all of the Northeast was his biggest drive to take on travel and make a living out of it. This is what he does, currently working as a professional photographer and videographer specializing in the field of aerial perspective. 

He planned a 10-day workation to Goa, and attending the 2019 Sunburn Festival was the biggest highlight of the trip. 

DAY 1: The Trip Begins

He arrived in Goa on 25th December and was joined by friends who later went together for a fun night out. Dancing and parties are the imminent part of Christmas in Goa. You’ll find yourself surrounded by people dressed in the finest clothes, and having the time of their lives. December happens to be the peak time to be in the city. The extremely pleasant weather adds to the ongoing gala. 

DAY 2: The Beauty of North Goa

The second day he went sightseeing in and around the local market. And later to the beaches in South Goa. The southern part is always brimming with hundreds of tourists. He went to explore the Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga beaches. Glowing with white sands, adventurous water sports, and scintillating nightlife, these beaches are everything Goa stands for. However, he didn’t enjoy how crowded they were. 

DAY 3, 4 & 5: 2019 Sunburn Festival

The Sunburn festival started on the third day of his arrival. And the next 3 days he and his friends got immersed in it. If you love loud music, everything electric and neon, dancing non-stop, and just mad entertainment you will definitely enjoy it. However, don’t forget the ticket prices can go as high as INR 15,000. 

DAY 6: Cobblestone Streets, Historical Architecture & more

On the sixth day, after the festival, Rituraj and his friends parted ways and went on their own ways. Last on the must-visit list, was Panaji, a quaint town with beautiful cobblestone streets lined with colorful villas and buildings from the Portuguese colonial era. 

DAY 7: South Goa here I come

And then, he left for South Goa by bus. He says that buses are the most convenient way of morning commute since the roads between North and South Goa are not that well maintained, so renting scooters and driving them makes no sense. He checked into his homestay which was booked on the spot for the next 2-3 days. Having drowned himself in loud music and millions of people, he wanted to explore the serenity and quiet of South Goa for a while. 

DAY 8: Butterfly Beach

For his eighth day, he rented a scooty and went to visit Butterfly beach. Apart from its unique shape, it is extremely famous for pods of dolphins and millions of butterflies that flatter over the hilltop. Yes, it is surrounded by dense forest and hills, it looks nothing less than spectacular art of nature. Known for its clear blue waters, it is a trip that you will definitely not regret. Rituraj reached there around 8 in the morning and enjoyed being alone. However, he also found a few people who were there camping. So if you were wondering, yes there is an option to stay overnight at the beach, if you bring your sleeping bag, tent, and food. He took a leave from there and went back to his homestay for breakfast. 

DAY 9: Serene Turtle Beach

The next day was reserved for Galgibaga beach also known as the Turtle Beach is famous for being the nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley Turtles, a protected species. There is no adventure sports activity or any sort of activities for that matter. If you are someone who enjoys calm and quiet, this is where you should be. 

Spending afternoon at some more nearby beaches, he found the solitude of South Goa to be more pleasing than anything else. Having packed wonderful memories for a lifetime, it was time to return home. And, just like that, it was Rituraj’s last day at Goa.

For more photos and videos, check out Rituraj’s page @aerial_wanderlust.

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