Happiness comes in waves at Varca, Goa

By Karen C

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Do you often have those days when nothing goes right and everything seem destined to go wrong? Lately I’ve been having more than a fair share of such days and yet no matter how bad things seem to get, nothing or no one can get me down for too long. Pin it down to indomitable genes if you like but I think a lot of it has to do with being in Goa and being within stone throwing distance of the sea.

Facing the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea helps put things in perspective; suddenly all my troubles are insignificant, puny and unworthy of the attention I’ve been giving them. The curving shoreline, the unrelenting waves, the feel of the sun on my skin and the taste of salt on my lips is instantly therapeutic. No doubt this is precisely what makes Goa such a sought-after international tourist destination and even what drives so many people to relocate to this tiny State.

Luckily for me, Varca beach is just a 5-minute ride from our Verde holiday-home development and a great place to head to when I need a few minutes alone. Goa’s 100km coastline is roughly divided into 22 beaches and while the beaches in North Goa have gained a reputation for their clubs and nightlife, beaches like Varca in South Goa are prized for their pristine beauty and privacy.

I approach Varca beach via a narrow bridge from where the Casuarina trees part lightly to reveal a shimmering Arabian Sea. 15 minutes of walking on the powder-soft, silvery sands of this beach feels as rejuvenating as an hour at the spa. And to think I could do this every day, and for free. The thought itself is a mood booster.

Varca beach is relatively isolated in comparison to its lively neighbour – Colva beach – a patchwork of sunbathing tourists and beach shacks. At Varca you can indulge in water sports organized by a tour operator on the beach or you could settle down with the latest paperback bestseller and read for hours, undisturbed.

Indeed, living in Goa is a pleasure and owning a house close to the beach is a treasure. Consider yourself blessed if you’re lucky to enjoy both.