A little beach hopping, lazing at the shacks, partying at Tito’s and a few sips of Feni – that about covers your itinerary if you’re a tourist in Goa. But if you’re a real traveler you wouldn’t be satisfied with just that. To feel the beating pulses of Goa, you have to dig a little deeper and look for the places that are beyond a tourist’s perspective. Read on to know of some offbeat things to do in Goa.
19 Offbeat Things To Do In Goa
So here are some of the most amazing and offbeat places in Goa and if you’re going to miss them you have seen nothing:
1. Butterfly Conservatory – Visit
On your way back from the lush spice plantations of Goa you can visit the Butterfly Conservatory and see the most happy and colourful fluttering things in the world. And not just stand and watch, you can feed those beautiful beings with juicy fruits and watch them cheerfully gathering nectar. Doesn’t it sound exciting? For more information you can check their website.
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2. Spice Plantation – Take A Walk
The spice plantations are some of the most offbeat places to visit in Goa. Walk through the aromatic fresh plantation and learn about various spices. Savoi plantations and Sahakar Spice Farm are the two of the most famous plantations that you must visit. Apart from enjoying the natural beauty and walking through the plantation you also get to play with the majestic tuskers. Give them a bath or sit on their back while the splash you with water.
3. Goan Backwaters – Go Crab Catching
Crab catching is no child’s play! Don’t want to get your hands dirty? Scared of getting a little snap? Well, then it’s not your cup of tea. With homemade nets called ‘Kobblem’ you set up traps for the crabs and catch them in the Goan backwaters or the sea side. There are various crab catching tours that takes place in Goa or you could just make a local friend in one of the villages and tag along with them for a little adventure.
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4. Mandovi River – Go On A Romantic Sunset Cruise
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) runs different river cruises on the Mandovi river during daytime, sunset, and moonlight. If you want to take a day cruise, there are two kinds- one from the Panaji jetty down the Mandovi into the Zuari bay and the second is up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring.
There are also a few private firms that offer a variety of exclusive cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting.
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5. Island Hopping
Far from the city din and the rowdy tourists, these secluded islands of Goa are perhaps the most beautiful part of the state. Multiple ferry rides away, these villages welcome you with old Portuguese-style houses dotting the landscape, lush vegetation and a quaint environment. Indulge in the local ambiance, hog on some of the most delicious bakeries you’ve ever tried and interact with the lovely locals.
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6. Sinquerim – Play With The Dolphins
Dolphin sighting is one of the most wonderfully offbeat things to do in Goa. Not many people know of this amazing activity here and it is often ignored. The cruises usually start from Fort Aguada, Sinquerim or Panaji Jetty. If you’re allowed you can also take a dip in the sea and play with these lovely creatures but only if the adequate safety arrangements are made. Excited? Do add this to your list of things to do in Goa.
7. Devil’s Canyon – Feel The Chills
They say a demon use reign at this place having control over every living creature in the area including the fishes. However, when a local duped the demon and stole his fishes, the area was cursed. Even today when you go to the place you can feel it’s eerie vibes and the uncanny silence. The turbulent river flowing in a deep gorge with various rock faces are infamous for taking the lives of many swimmers. Visit this offbeat place in Goa, if spooky adventure is your thing.
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8. Goan Caves – Walk Through The Dark Passages
Few people know that there are surreal caves in Goa and that they have great historical and natural importance. Some of these caves are even man-made. Some of the most important Goan caves that you must check out are the Arvalem Caves, the Lamgau Caves, and the Rivona Caves. The next time you visit Goa don’t miss out on caving. We bet that the experience would be totally amazing!
9. Cabo De Rama – Witness The Ruins
Said to be Goa’s oldest fort, Cabo De Rama has been conquered too many time in the starting from the Hindus to the Mughals to the Portuguese. The chapel and barracks were built by the Portuguese after conquering it in 1700. Even though the fort is not very well kept and not very well known among tourists, you can see mind-blowing views of the sea from every corner of the fort.
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10. Goan Backwaters – Go Kayaking
Water activities are the best in Goa and kayaking is one of the offbeat activity to enjoy in Goa. There’s nothing like rowing across the charming creeks crossing the villages of northern Goa. Row along the shore or into the sea and enjoy nature at it’s tranquil best and carve some beautiful memories. Do add kayaking to your list!
11. Goa – Catamaran Sailing
Another offbeat experience is catamaran sailing. Goa is the ideal destination for sailing and this is one activity that you should really try. One can see the locals set sail often, and this is your chance to do the same. The weather conditions in Goa, apart from monsoons are quite favorable to go sailing. Book yourself a cruise and enjoy sailing into the sea. The activity can be best enjoyed from morning till sunset. So, next time you plan a vacay, do add this to your list!
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12. Chapora River – Dine On A Houseboat
When we talk of Goa, houseboats usually do not come to our minds. But there are some amazing places offering a complete fun houseboat experience. Book yourself a place and go dine and dance on a houseboat in the waters of Goa, under the sky. Plan a date for your partner, or dance the night away with your friends on one of these houseboats on your vacay to Goa. One can choose an overnight tour or a day tour on a houseboat there.
13. Mandrem – Practice Yoga
When we talk about Goa, then yoga is probably the last thing to come to our minds. But Goa has some amazing centers and yoga retreats. So if you want to relax, and unwind then heading to Goa to one of the yoga retreats is a great option. Mandrem, a village in Goa has a famous yoga retreat that you can check out if you are looking for some offbeat experiences there.
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14. Miramar Beach – Go Cycling
Goa is famous for hiring a bike, wandering, exploring, and partying. But instead of a bike, hire a cycle for a day. Try the cycling tours that are available there. It would be one of the best experiences you have in Goa. it is always fun to cycle, and exploring the beaches and rural parts of the city on a cycle can be very exciting. Some tours start at the Miramar beach, so that is one place where you can rent a cycle and explore around.
15. Grande Island – Take A Day Trip
Ilha Grande in Goa is more popularly known as Grande Island or Bat Island. The only way to reach the island is by sailing to it and boat tours are available for the same. The tours to Ilha Grande are usually half-day tours which start in the morning around 8 or 9 depending on the operators via which one has booked the tour. It includes a visit to Bat Island and other activities like dolphin spotting, snorkeling, swimming, and lunch. The activities might vary from operator to operator and it is better to take complete details in advance.
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16. Arambol Beach – Go On An Ocean Trek
All of us are familiar with hill and mountain treks, but one offbeat thing to experience in Goa is the ocean trek. There are quite a few secluded areas of Goa that one can discover through these treks. Trekking through green groves, right by the vast endless ocean is altogether a different experience. One can enjoy an ocean trek at Arambol beach in Goa.
17. Chandor – Enjoy Hot Air Ballooning
If you are looking for an offbeat yet romantic experience in Goa, then go hot air ballooning on your next trip there. Chandor is a village in south Goa where one can enjoy this experience. One would be accompanied by the pilot in the wicker basket of the hot air balloon. The balloon rides can accommodate up to 10 people, but one can also book for a private tour with their special someone! So, planning on proposing on a hot air balloon this time?
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18. Todo Waterfalls – Go On An Offbeat Trek
If there are new experiences that you are seeking in Goa, then this waterfall trek is something that you can add to your list of offbeat things to do in Goa. Todo waterfalls are in Netravali, a town in Goa. It is an exciting trek that would take you through the dense forests of Goa. Cross small streams on your way as you enjoy the natural scenic beauty till you reach the final destination, Todo Waterfalls.
19. Mhadei River – Experience White Water Rafting
When one talks of rafting, Goa doesn’t usually come to mind. But it sure is something that one can experience on their trip to Goa. One can enjoy white water rafting at river Mhadei in Goa. This thrilling water sport is available for one to enjoy during the months of June to September when the river is in full flow. The 6 km stretch of the river is full of rapids. So, get ready to raft through high and low waves, whirlpools, and more.
Further Read: Nightlife In Goa: Experience The Other Side
Finally taking that Goa trip which has been getting canceled for a while now? These offbeat places to visit in Goa are what defines a real travelers experience in the beach city. How many have you covered? If not all, take a trip to Goa again, and cover them all!
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