Wildernest in the wilderness of Goa

Summer is here and with the rising heat and rising tempers, nothing speaks ‘holiday’ as succinctly as Goa does. Sandy beaches, shimmering waters, and dense forests; Goa is certainly the vacationer’s paradise. Lazy afternoons spent on hammocks, underneath the cool shade of palms, swaying to the tune of zephyrs blowing in from the sparkling sea, and the unhampered view of miles and miles of golden sands. The day finally crescendos, leading to a night of revelry on the beaches, under the stars, with bonfires and stroboscopic lights playing in the dark huts; another unique aspect of Goa. The charm of Goa lies in the Portuguese influenced architecture, the languid grace of the people and the cuisine. Goan food is spicy and tangy, with staples of seafood, coconut milk and rice. Dishes like vindaloo, sol kadi, sorpotel, bebinca and the fried fish are enough to make one fall in love with Goa. Feni, the local brew is clear, with a singular taste; and packs quite a punch! The general bonhomie of Goans makes it an ideal summer destination.

But beyond the allure of sparking seas and sun-kissed beaches there is an unexploited and untouched Goa that is not known to many. This Goa is for a wanderer who wants to experience everything that Goa can offer. A place where one finds verdant moss-covered mountains, waterfalls, and tiny rivulets of water, surrounded by dense foliage. This is the real ‘wild’ side to Goa. Pun intended. These forests of Goa provide a tantalizing taste of adventure.

Situated on the borders of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, is the Swapnagandha valley. This valley is flanked by the rich forests of two sanctuaries. It has a stunning range of wildlife – from a variety of birds to other important, protected mammals. There are two waterfalls located near the valley which make for exciting treks through the forest. The primary attraction of this place, however, is the spectacular bird watching. The Swapnagandha valley serves as a beautiful retreat for the urbanites who wish to leave behind the rush and the pollution of the city. The Wildernest Nature resort is one of the best eco-resorts in the region. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the resort overlooks the Swapnagandha valley.

The view from the resort can leave one spellbound. Virgin, unspoiled forests stretch in all directions, and the crisp, cool air is quite refreshing. The tranquility of the valley is punctuated only by the calls of the wildlife. During monsoon, nature is at its prime in the Wildernest Nature resort. In the misty, early mornings, the clouds skim the Swapnagandha valley, making it a heavenly experience. The forests come alive in the pitter-patter of rain, while the waterfalls, thunderous and majestic, are a sight to behold. The machans, from where one can observe wildlife, offer a visual treat for the nature lovers.

There are a number of activities at the Wildernest Nature Resorts. For those who love nature and have a keen sense of adventure, walks are arranged to the nearby waterfalls. Nature walks and sunset walks are also arranged. For a lady who wants to de-stress  and is looking for some pampering, ayurvedic massages are available at the resort. The infinity pool at the Wildernest Nature resort is one of its greatest attractions. It opens to the valley, and the view from the pool-end is spectacular. One can laze for hours in the pool, enjoying the majestic valley view.

Cultural activities and bonfires are also a part of the activities held at the resort. The food at the Wilderness Nature resorts is true to its region. A buffet of fresh and healthy food is offered, along with typical Goan delicacies of fish, crab and meat. Both vegetarian (jain too!) and non- vegetarian dishes are available. The resort also has an outdoor bar, called Cloud 9, where alcoholic beverages are offered.

The Sakla Vazra and Chorla waterfalls, located near the Wildernest Nature resort, beckon adventurous people. Situated in the midst of the jungle, the waterfalls are a marvel of nature. The forest around the falls is teeming with wildlife, which adds to the excitement of the trek. The hike to the falls is long and arduous, but the reward is quite promising. The water falls from a height of almost 150 metres. When the rays of the sun penetrate the droplets of water in the waterfall, they appear like shining diamonds, and throw up pretty rainbows.

The Wildernest Nature Resort merges seamlessly with nature and become a part of it. With the scent of the forest and the lush greenery of the vegetation, unwind in the lap of nature this soon. Come travel with The Wander Girls to this ecological hotspot.