Why Indians are trading cities for promise of a relaxed life in Goa (but the locals aren’t happy)

The coronavirus pandemic has spurred many Indians to move to the popular tourist destination in search of ‘susegad’ – a content, quiet life

But this has resulted in gentrification, increased property prices, traffic and crowding, with many locals not happy about the influx

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Ruchira Bose, who left Mumbai for Goa last year, sits on the steps of her new home. Photo: Suranjana Ghosh

Published: 3:00pm, 21 Mar 2021Updated: 2:18pm, 22 Mar 2021

Ruchira Bose, 44, sets up a picnic under the chikoo tree in her garden while her dog, Sophie, sunbathes on the grass nearby. She looks out at fields where peacocks strut and cows graze.

In October last year, the digital content and commerce strategy adviser traded her 29th-floor flat in India’s financial capital Mumbai for a sunshine-coloured bungalow in Goa, where she now grows pumpkins, beans, okra, cashews, pomegranates and cucumbers while studying permaculture.

Goa, on the country’s southwest coast, seemed a better choice than the outskirts of Mumbai for growing her own produce, and also for basics such as Wi-fi and electricity, she explained.

“The other reason was that Goa has a community of like-minded people who care about sustainability. I didn’t want to move to a place where I was totally isolated and I didn’t have a social life.”

This relaxed, stress-free life has taught her that there are alternative ways of working and that it may even include a nap in the afternoon – something she had never considered while living in Mumbai.

Bose is not alone. After the Covid-19 pandemic hit, city life became stifling for many Indians. Overnight, a lifestyle of going out, parties, and even work became inaccessible. As states started opening up, people headed to the hills or to the beach for workcations. The Goan concept of susegad (a content, quiet life) became even more appealing.