The wooden barricades that determine the turtle nesting sites in Morjim have not been erected. Instead, the beach is a hive of tourism activity with domestic holidayers enjoying the sea, and locals busy erecting their shacks.
As at other beaches in Goa, North Goa is not lagging in terms of readiness. Morjim beach was clean, the eight shacks – two were still being built – are equipped with washrooms and the food served met the palate of guests.
“After the Pandemic, the concept of tourism being seasonal seems to have disappeared. We have had domestic tourists coming to the beach all year round despite there being no shacks. I think the openness of the beach draws them here,” says local Albert Fernandes.
The Morjim high street was bustling with activity with guests looking to lay their hands on the best groceries.
“We have rented an apartment close to the beach. I cook for the family and spend the rest of the time visiting other touristic spots,” says Sneha, as she packs her bags with vegetables and fruits.
“We capitalised on the Dussehra weekend. This is the best time to come to Goa because accommodation is reasonable, there is not much noise and the traffic rush is less. It is easy to ride,” she says smilingly.
Morjim is dotted with a few hotels, not starred, but of reasonable standards, and many are booked by Russian charter tourists. Morjim was once the hub of the Russians, until they started moving towards Arambol.
Not everybody cooks when on holiday, and restaurants are doing brisk business. For instance, the Goan Restaurant – true to its name – that serves good fish-curry-rice, and is a favourite eating spot of many domestic tourists.
“I like the fish and curry served here. The curry is neither too spicy nor bland. The food is homemade and that is what keep us coming back for more,” admits Rohan after he and his friends have finished enjoying a meal.
As domestic tourists enjoy a dip in the sea, the Russians opt to walk along the coastline.
“We are going to walk right up to Arambol and return. This is one of the best exercises. It helps me cleanse my mind and keeps me healthy. The stretch is clean and the people are friendly,” expresses Zaina through her translator machine.
“Goa is a preferred destination for most people in Russia. The people are not problematic, the weather is good, and very economical for us especially since our country is in conflict with the Ukraine,” admits Zaina.
The locals, too, are pleased with the turnout of tourists. “I am happy that the government has put off the idea of trying to build a parking place here when it was not required,” says Vilas, as he serves his guests tender coconuts.
"Once the shacks are up and running, the crowds will increase. At the moment, they just come, stay for a few hours and go since there are only two shacks serving food,” he adds.
“Since this is a turtle nesting site, there cannot be much activity around the place at night. Things normally tend to become quiet around sunset, and guests then flock down the road where there are many big restaurants,” explains Vilas.
Morjim beach has started to feel the madness of tourism now that the rains have subsided, and the shacks are ready to breathe again. Guests are not a problem and locals believe they will continue not to be.
And, many locals are waiting for the turtles to come back to their own home for their nesting.