A Night In Goa’s Forest: An Unexpected Adventure Awaits
Sun-soaked beaches, raving nightlife, and a rich Portuguese cultural history are just a few attributes that people tie to Goa. However, untamed lush forests untouched by humans have so much more to offer. Most tourists naturally gravitate towards Goa’s coastline, but the true wonders lie deep within the wilderness. Remember sleeping in the middle of the wild? That’s what it is, a mix of knowing the serenity, mystery and an intimate bond with nature. Once nurturing the wild, memories never seem to fade away instantly after stepping out of the woods.
The Journey Into the Forest
The bustling streets of Panaji or Madgaon come to smooth sailing after heading towards the outskirts of the city. The difference in surroundings is felt almost instantly. The clutter of busy horns gets substituted for birds chirping in the distance while the rustling of trees fills the background. Now, mix that with a fresh breeze with cooler temps and a whiff of damp soil. Sounds dreamy, right? But that’s not where it ends. Goa’s forest is not a collection of trees; it is a thriving ecosystem filled with life. Cup these wonders with the towering coconut palms, thick mangrove, and banyan trees and the results are astounding. Together they create a canopy that filters sunlight making the forest floor fancy.
Reaching the camping location is an adventure of its own. Each step of the way, whether you pass through the narrow trekking trails, or drive on a rough jeep road, makes it seem like you are descending into another realm. The forest has its own symphony: crickets singing or an owl now and then hooting, and little creatures sneaking through the underbrush. They make sure you don’t forget that this is their world, and you are but a visitor.
Establishing the Camp
The forest goes through a transformation of its own as it approaches dusk. The golden colors of sunsets morph into a dark blue hue while the temperature drops a little. Camping in the forest is an exciting yet deeply calming experience. Whether you decide to pitch a tent or utilize a primitive tree house, the offering feels familiar, unlike the modern conveniences associated with city life. There are no Wi-Fi connections and city lights which makes you appreciate nature even more.
As soon as the camp is established, the forest begins to look magical. The sky at night is astonishing since there is no industrial light pollution. Stars glitter in the sky like diamonds resting on black velvet, while the Milky Way lays vertically along the horizon. Listening to the stories, sharing some, and simply hearing the sounds of the forest while sitting around the crackling bonfire is wonderfully peaceful and seems primal in nature.
The Noises of The Night
During the night, the forest transforms and is alive in other ways. The insect and birds symphony from daytime gets interrupted by the nocturnal winds. An enchanting, albeit eerie soundscape can be heard: the rhythmic croaking of frogs, the omnipresent jackal howls, and leaves rustling. Every sound is heightened by the night stillness, and your senses become alert to everything around you.
The first hours for someone not used to the wilderness can be quite unsettling. Your imagination is anything but helpful, and all the forest noises seem so foreign. But as you get more and more comfortable with “the rhythm” of the night, you finally begin to appreciate the forest and all its majestic mysteries. It is not so much intimidating as it is like a sanctuary.
A Connection With Nature
To spend a night in the forest is to look at a world so raw and untouched, a world that reminds us of our existence as a part of a whole. Everything in the forest happens through cycles of day and night as well as the four seasons. It has its own clock and life moves at a pace which helps us think over how to need to recharge.
It’s incredible how little one truly needs to live. The forest is devoid of urban life and technology, making it so simple yet so breathtakingly beautiful. The fire, the food, the company of fellow campers are all the things one truly needs.
The Morning After
As the first light makes its way, the forest breathes life into everything that’s asleep. You can see the dew glimmer with the first light while you can smell the flowers blooming. Everything is fresh and fills the air with being foot scented by nature. The sounds of the birds can be heard while the aura is humming with life.
Having to sleep in the middle of a forest is something I’ve never imagined doing. I was welcomed by the sound of birds chirping, which is a much better alarm than an app going ding. Until now I’ve never done any form of walking because there isn’t a single activity on the planet that interests me more than sitting down. After some time, I realized that going on a walk through a dense forest allows one to connect the dots with the rest of nature. One of the most amazing things about humans is their ability to appreciate little things like the beads of dew sitting elegantly on the tips of leaves, colorful butterflies flying around, and glistening spider webs.
A Night to Remember
My journey to the forest couldn’t be possible without a long four hour flight. Even though the flight is long, it gives me something to look forward to during school. Go to a crowded Goa City for a day or two, which is way more entertaining than mundane school. Watching the sunset sitting on the beach listening to my favorite tunes while simultaneously sipping on coconut water; talking about culture, sighing and contemplating life. Sunbathing during the day and dancing the night away on the sidewalk along with countless other people.
Final Thoughts
From a seasoned adventurer to a first-time camper, a night in Goa’s forest is an experience with memories to cherish forever. It is an opportunity to explore and appreciate the magic of the wild and to discover inner peace through its calmness while carrying a part of it with you for as long as you live.
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