Goa, in Hindu scriptures, is named as Gomant which means the field of cows. It is believed that Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was the creator of the Goa region. A legend says that he performed a fire sacrifice in the land of Goa along with ten sages.
Sanskritization in Goan culture is said to have originated from the settlement of Parashurama and the sages of the north, after whom the people of Goa have Brahminical hegemony. Walking down the aisle of its history we come across another legend according to which Goa is considered sacred for its spiritually purifying touch.
Varkala Kerala India
Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15-meter-high 'Northern Rock' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its hippie culture, rock huts serving great seafood and global music, and the samadhi of Kerala saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also known as Jardana Swamy Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi.
Varkala has some of the best pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries and waterfalls – all of which together make this city a little paradise. You'll also find many shops selling yoga mats with signboards in Hebrew, oxidized silver jewelry, and cotton harem pants. The ayurvedic clinics, affordable hostels, resorts, and clean Black beaches make it a must-visit city in Kerala.
Varkala was once known as Udaya Marthandapuram after the 16th century Travancore king Udaya Marthanda Varma, who contributed greatly to the development of this small coastal town. Sometimes referred to as Southern Varanasi, Varkala has some fascinating legends attached to its historical origins. According to popular myth, King Pandian built the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy temple here as an atonement for his sins as per the instructions of Lord Brahma. Another story tells the story of a group of pilgrims who sought the help of Lord Narada to atone for their sins. The lord threw his loincloth or valkalam, which landed on the seashore, thus naming the city. Pilgrims had to pray here for the remission of sins, giving rise to the tradition of Papanasam or by taking a dip in the holy waters of the sea.
The cuisine here is similar to that of its surrounding regions, with slightly greater dominance of seafood and a unique culture about it. Seafood is caught by fishermen and displayed in front of so many restaurants. You can choose your own food from the source, prepare it in a tandoor and enjoy the sunset while you savour one of the freshest items in the state. Vegetarian food is also available in many places. Bars are also spread across the city
Lakshadweep
Formerly known as Lakshadweep Islands, Lakshadweep translates to 'one million islands' in Malayalam. Home to some of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India, Lakshadweep is 400 km from the south-west coast of the Arabian Sea. India's smallest union territory consists of only 36 islands with a total area of 32 square kilometres. It is made up of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged shores, of which ten islands are inhabited.
Lakshadweep is usually accessed from Kochi (Kerala) and permits are required for all tourists (including Indians) to visit Lakshadweep. After the permit, Indians are allowed to visit all the islands, however, even after the permit, foreigners are allowed to visit only Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat islands. Permits can be obtained from Kochi itself.
