Agonda, Goa

Enjoying a cup of Chai at a local cafe

For the last five days we have been staying in the beautiful Agonda and have to say that it is our favourite Goan getaway. Agonda was recommended to us back in Anjuna and decsribed as a place that you don't want to share. This couldn't be truer and is probably due to the fact that this part of the coast was, until recently, an undiscovered gem. Over the last six years it has quickly built up, with a good selection of cafes, restaurants and shops yet, at the moment, it still retains its peaceful charm. We imagine the next five years will probably see that change, with Agonda becoming similar to its bigger sister, Palolem.

Inside our Beach Hut

Most of the accommodation here is in the form of small beach huts so that was also our choice. We chose 'Duck and Chill', again on recommendation, and were really happy we did. Although basic, the huts still have en-suite western facilities, a nice porch to sit on with a morning coffee and a mosquito net which worked a treat. But the best part was not the hut itself, nor the lovely staff that worked there. It was the view of the beach and the ocean only twenty metres away that was the true selling point. At night we switched our ceiling fan off and drifted

Leica the Puppy

off to the sound of the waves (and the noisy family of crickets next to our hut). This was our favourite place to stay yet and also our cheapest, costing only 500 Rupees per night after haggling. Of course, the place was made even better for Emma, as they also had a young puppy on sight named Leica. He took a particular shine to use and spend many morning sitting on our balcony with us.

Our vegetarian streak is now over and we have tried our first fish. You can't leave Goa without sampling the freshly caught fish. All the restaurants proudly show off the days catch in the evening outside their establishments. We picked a lovely fat Rockfish and had it cooked Tandori style. Needless to say, it was wonderful (even if we did have to face the head away from Emma to stop it 'looking at her').

Currently we are waiting to catch our bus to the next stop, Hampi. It is another 'Sleeper' bus, so we are not imagining much 'sleep' again. We can't even have a beer to knock us out, due to the alcohol ban during the election. We are very sad to be leaving the sea but so excited to see more of this wonderfully diverse country.