Thiruvananthapuram: As the calendar turns its final pages, Goa is luring music enthusiasts from all across the globe to soak in the electrifying celebration of electronic beats to ring in the New Year. The coastal haven is hosting the Sunburn Festival, the biggest electronic dance music extravaganza in Asia, from December 28 to 31, as revelers from Kerala in large numbers are planning to head north along the coastal route, seeking a unique and vibrant setting to kick off the New Year. The rush for tickets to this coastal paradise from the main cities in Kerala has reached a fever pitch. With only a few seats remaining in trains and flights, the race to secure a spot in the ultimate celebration of sun, sand, and music is on.
Kerala to Goa
The Vagator Beach, known for its striking red cliffs, is the venue for the Sunburn Festival, which is not merely a musical event but a visual spectacle that rivals the grandeur of any light show. It takes 16 hours and costs Rs 505 to travel in a sleeper class to reach Goa from the Thiruvananthapuram railway station. A third AC ticket will cost Rs 1,335 while one has to dole out Rs 1,945 to travel comfortably in a second AC coach. But the general tickets in almost all the trains to or passing via Goa are on the waiting list, leaving commuters with only one option, to try and book tatkal tickets by spending an additional Rs 200 to Rs 500. The airfares, too, have surged from Rs 5000 at the start of this month to touch Rs 10,000 mark now. There is no bus service from the Kerala capital to Goa at present.
Rooms available from Rs 500 onwards
It costs only Rs 500 for a stay at bachelor’s hostels in Goa. The same was just Rs 100 during the off-season. Dormitories too are available at this rate. The family rooms will cost a minimum of Rs 2,500 and can be booked via online booking sites. Most of the hotels include breakfast charges in the package. However, the ones located on the beach side would charge even more. Since the music fest is being held at Vagator Beach, all the hotels in North Goa will be raising the charges in the coming days.
Bikes for rent
You don’t have to worry even if you are staying a bit far away from the fest venue. Scooters are available for rent. You only need to give an ID card copy as a document. While earlier, the scooters could be taken for rent for Rs 350, now the same has touched the Rs 700 to Rs 1000 range. You have the fill up the petrol from your pocket. The food too is slightly expensive. A one-time meal will cost a minimum of Rs 100 to Rs 150. In trains, the same is available for Rs 80 to Rs 100.
The Sunburn Fest
The venues of the Sunburn Fest will turn into full unlimited entertainment zones with music, dance, competitions, and adventure events, among others. A stellar lineup of over 120 artists, including the likes of international stars like Hardwell, Alesso, and Timmy Trumpet, will be performing at the seven venues in Vagator Beach. The entry fee per person for a single day is Rs 3,000. The VIP passes can be bought for Rs 4,500 and the Fanpit tickets cost Rs 6,000. Once you enter the venues, you won’t be allowed to go out.
Goa, renowned for its lively nightlife, transforms into a pulsating night of activity as the clock ticks closer to midnight. Music clubs and many open-air parties at other beaches will also be held. The festive atmosphere and the pulsating beats that resonate through the air set the stage for a memorable transition into the New Year.
