Have you ever wondered how it feels to be a celebrity? Well, in Hampi and Goa you can experience it and have many moments of fame. It feels like you’re a walking circus attraction. I’m not only talking about the constant staring (which has become normal for us by now since it happens everywhere), but because many of the locals giggle, wave or approach you once they get the chance to interact. Many locals, especially children, get excited when they see you passing by and will say ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ until you leave their sight. You will get asked for a photo many times as well. If you say yes, you’ll make their day. If you say no, they’ll secretly take it anyway. So most of the time we just cooperated. Unless it were creepy men, then only Farhang went along for a photo shoot. This happened almost everywhere in Hampi and Goa, except Vagator area. Don’t believe Lonely Planet’s in which they claim that southern beaches (like Palolem) are prettier or more laidback. You will experience more hassle over there by pushy locals wanting to take pictures or vendors who will harass you for a long time. Yes, in Vagator there is more tourism but believe me it feels nice meeting some tourists when you’re for a long time in India. Since there is more tourism, the place is more developed and less conservative. Many tourists walk around wearing reveiling cloths and on the beach you will even see many women wearing extremely small sized bikinis (which I personally find quite inappropriate by the way when you’re in such conservative country, but guess some tourists just don’t give a shit and don’t mind getting spied by creepy stalkers). There is lots of choice between restaurants, bars, shops and vehicle rents. This was our second time visiting Goa and we liked it even more than our first time 2 years ago! Vagatorbeach (especially Small Vagatorbeach) is beautiful, clean and not so crowded (at least not in December) as other beaches we have been to in Goa. The temperature of the seawater is perfect with its high waves where you can play for hours. Parasailing and jetskiing are cheap options, but you will be up in the air or on the jet ski for only 2 minutes.
Hampi is astonishing with its natural surroundings and historic temples. It’s the ideal place to find some peace of mind and get rest. The best way to discover Hampi’s beauty is by renting a bicycle. The roads are in good condition, surrounded by rice paddies, coconut- and bananatrees and you may also meet some monkey friends on your way.
Hampi and Goa are (next to Kerala) definitely one of the most laidback places of India. No wonder many locals from other regions travel to Goa for their holidays.
We had difficulty taking our goodbyes from Hampi, but we left our heart in Goa…
Hampi
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