19 Places To Visit Near Goa In 2024 That Offer A Spell Binding Vacation To Travelers!

Goa, popularly known as the “Party Capital of India” is lined up with exotic beach side avenues to indulge in. The state is popular for being a ragtag potpourri, because of its rich heritage, which has an amalgamation of both Indian and Portuguese cultures. If you are planning to spend a long weekend in Goa then apart from the pristine blue beaches, these are the places to be included in the list. Equally magnetic and exotic, these places to visit near Goa are worth visiting due to their spellbinding beauty.

19 Best Places To Visit Near Goa

Goa is a destination that hides something or the other for every kind of traveler. What makes it perfect are the never ending places to visit near Goa which expands the horizon for travelers to explore. They span over the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra and are a collection of the most breathtaking destinations. Here are the top places nearby Goa that one should definitely not miss out.

Dandeli – Perfect Scenic Beauty
Mahabaleshwar – With Majestic Peaks
Chorla Ghat – An Exotic Destination
Jog Falls – The Best Of Crystal Clear Waters
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Gokarna – With Lots Of Serene Beaches
Dudhsagar Falls – The Best Of Nature
Terekhol Fort – A Re-Designed Marvel
Amboli – A Paradise To Explore
Vengurla – Surrounded By Green Foliage
Nersa – For Nature Lovers
Yellapur – For Stunning Beauty
Malvan – Live The Village Way
Tarkarli – An Offbeat Place
Karwar – A Spectacular Location
Kudremukh – Paradise For Trekkers
Kumta – For Beach Lovers
Kolhapur – Famous for Kolhapur Chappals
Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage Site

1. Dandeli – Perfect Scenic Beauty

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Popularly known as Goa’s adventurous extension, the state Dandeli is filled with dense forests and is a perfect definition of scenic beauty. The locale is brimming with wildlife and adventure sports which surely will lure every wanderlust. Located in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, the place is surrounded by lush green forests and lies on the banks of Kali River giving its way to various adventure sports like river rafting, kayaking, trekking, and cycling. Apart from the above, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another exotic location with various wildlife animals like Bisons and Black Panthers in its kitty

Things to do in Dandeli: Wildlife safari, Water sports, Trekking
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to May
How to reach: One can take a taxi and reach the place in 4-5 hours by road.
Distance from Goa: 122.0 km
Places to Stay:

Dandeli Daze
Dandeli – Jungle Nest
Dandeli Jungle Villa
Greenland Jungle Stay
Shobha Villa

Popular Attractions:

Syntheri Rock
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Shiroli Peak

Must Read: These 29 Offbeat Things To Do In Goa Are Some Must-Try Experiences

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2. Mahabaleshwar – With Majestic Peaks

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Popularly known as “the land of strawberries”, this hill town is situated in the Western Ghats. The place is known for its captivating beauty, along with ancient temples, dense green forests, and serene lakes. The town is a perfect getaway from Mumbai as many tourists get attracted to explore its majestic peaks and magnificent waterfalls like the Dhobi falls. Blessed with charm and most importantly, serenity, the town is one of the few best places to visit near Goa and a definite stopover.

Things to do in Mahabaleshwar: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: December to February
How to reach: One can either travel by bus or train to reach the place.
Distance from Goa: 387.1 km
Places to Stay:

Rajesh Resort
Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
Evershine Resort and Spa
Citrus Chambers Mahabaleshwar
Mango Hotels Valley View

Popular Attractions:

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Elephant’s Head Point

3. Chorla Ghat – An Exotic Destination

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This nature bound destination will definitely leave you awestruck. Situated on the North-Eastern fringe of the Goa-Karnataka-Maharashtra boundary, this locale is far off from the beach. Enveloped carefully with nature, people from all across the world come to this destination to relax amidst enriched biodiversity. While visiting the place do not forget to indulge in the beauty of the exotic waterfall, bird watching, and water-laden streams. Also if you have time then you can also witness some of the rarest species of animals from the Sahyadri Ranges.

Things to do: Sightseeing, Wildlife tour, Bird watching
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: June to September
How to reach: One can travel by car or through railways to reach the place.
Distance from Goa: 68 km

4. Jog Falls – The Best Of Crystal Clear Waters

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Also known as the “Gersoppa Falls”, the waterfall is one of the major tourist attractions in South India. The water cascades from a height of 253 m in a single fall but the flow is restricted during monsoons due to the construction of Linganamakki Dam. The best time to visit the place during monsoon to witness the heavy-flowing rush of the crystal clear waters and the gushing sound which play a beautiful symphony in the lap of nature. It is the second-highest waterfall plunge in India and is a great treat to the eyes and one of the best places to visit near Goa.

Things to do: Sightseeing, water sports
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: July to December
How to reach: One can travel by car or by train to reach the place. The nearest station is Shimoga.
Distance from Goa: 268.1 km
Places to Stay:

Hills View Stay
Mandaara Comforts, Jog falls
Sri Ranga Residency
KSTDC Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa, Jog falls
GundiMane

Popular Attractions:

Kanoor Fort
Unchalli Falls
Sigandur

Planning your holiday in Goa but confused about what to do? These Goa travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

5. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

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Taking a sharp detour from the exotic waterfalls and the beaches, The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a wildlife reserve! It is a major attraction and a great tourist spot for ardent nature lovers. The place has splendid botanical and rose gardens, mini zoo and the wild animals that attract visitors all throughout the year. With an amazing blend of various ranges of both flora and fauna, this place is a must-visit for weekends or for a mini trip to unwind after a hectic day.

Things to do: Sightseeing, Wildlife safari
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to March
How to reach: One can travel by car to reach the place.
Distance from Goa: 33 km

Suggested Read: 14 Best Picnic Spots In Goa For A Great Time

6. Gokarna – With Lots Of Serene Beaches

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Gokarna is famous for its serene beaches, traditional architectural sites, and shops selling handicrafts. The place is also touted as a pilgrimage hub and attracts a large number of crowds during weekends. In addition to the aforementioned charms, Gokarna is also famous for its serene beaches which add an alluring charm to the place. An ideal place to feel rejuvenated one can also indulge in a little shopping and get a variety of handicrafts and fabulous tapestries.

Things to do in Gokarna: Sightseeing, Beach walk, Pilgrimage
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to March
How to reach: The place is well connected by roads and railways. The nearest station is Ankola.
Distance from Goa: 166 km
Places to Stay:

Hotel Ashokavana
Shri Umamaheshwar Cottages
Naga Palace
Hotel Om
Haripriya Residency

7. Dudhsagar Falls – The Best Of Nature

The augmented vision of water is what describes Dudhsagar Waterfalls. It is a four-tiered waterfall, located on the lifeline of Goa, the Mandovi River. Literally translating to the “Sea of Milk”, the falls are located on the Madgaon-Belgaum rail route. This is one of the most exciting tourist places near Goa as you only get to disembark at the Dudhsagar stop for a minute or two. You then need to walk for around a kilometer to reach the falls. You get nothing but green nature all around as the prime location of the falls is at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park among the Western Ghats.

Things to do: Sightseeing, Trekking, Jeep Trailing
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Best Time: June to August
How to reach: Visiting through the village of Molem is the preferred way to watch the waterfalls from the front and with a full view. One can also watch from the trains and get a half-view.
Distance from Goa: 60 km
Places to Stay:

Viva Hotel
Hotel Jasminn
The Queeny
Hard Rock Hotel
Ocean Crest Hotel

Popular Attractions:

Mahadeva Temple
Tambadi Surla Mahadev Temple
Sahyadri Spice Farm

8. Terekhol Fort – A Re-Designed Marvel

One of the historical tourist places near Goa, the Terekhol Fort was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century. You still get to see some Porutguese influence in the fort as it was conquered in 1764 by Portuguese Viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida. Due to constant battle, the fort was ruined but with the purpose of tourism, the fort has been re-designed to serve as one of the best heritage hotels in Goa, the Terekhol Fort Heritage.

Things to do: River sightseeing, beach fun, water sports
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Best Time: All year round
How to reach: By hiring a taxi or cab from North Goa. In case you want to do something different, then a ferry ride is also welcome.
Distance from Goa: 101 km

9. Amboli – A Paradise To Explore

Lying in the Sahyadri Hills of Western Ghats, Amboli is a hill station in Maharashtra. Why it becomes one of the top tourist places around Goa is that it is an Eco-tourism site rich in lush flora and exotic fauna. It isn’t wrong to admit that nature lover’s have a paradise to explore! You can visit the Amboli Ghat Waterfall, which is a very popular tourist attraction. Some major attractions include Mahadev Gad, Shirgaonkar Point, Amboli Sunset Point, and many more.

Things to do: Trekking, village tours, temple tours
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to March
How to reach: By train. Sawantwadi, located 30 km away is the major railway station connected with Goa. Hire a cab or local vehicle to reach Amboli.
Distance from Goa: 119 km
Places to Stay:

Dark Forest Retreat
Vamoose Green Valley
Amboli Hill Resort
Green Grass Resort
Dev Homestays

Popular Attractions:

Amboli Waterfall
Sunset Point
Madhavgad Fort

10. Vengurla – Surrounded By Green Foliage

One of the awesome tourist places around Goa is Vengurla, a town in Maharashtra surrounded by a green foliage – of cashew, berry, coconut and mango trees. Vengurla is literally surrounded by hills, mainly Dabholi, Tulas, and Mochemad, which makes it one of the best places to visit in monsoon in Maharashtra. Vengurla also has a beach side and the beaches residing include Vengurla Beach, Kondura Beach, Shiroda Beach, Mochemad Beach, Wayangani Beach and Sagareshwar Beach.

Things to do: Temple tours, plantation visits, water sports
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to March
How to reach: Bus would be a convenient option as the Kadamba Transport Corporation operates frequent buses. For an even comfortable ride, you can choose a taxi as well.
Distance from Goa: 110 km
Popular Attractions:

Tsunami Island
Khavane Beach
Vengurla’s Lighthouse

11. Nersa – For Nature Lovers

Experience the joy of living a traditional village life at Nersa, which is an offbeat and one of the best places to see near Goa. Popular as a significant wildlife destination, Nersa is a paradise if you are a nature lover, bird-watcher and wildlife enthusiast. If you are too busy locating and fixing yourself in the place, you will find yourself at one of the richest biodiversity sites in the world.

Things to do: Birdwatching, excursions, picnics
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Best Time: October to April
How to reach: You can take a taxi from the nearest railway station, Belgaum, which is directly connected to Goa.
Distance from Goa: 76 km

12. Yellapur – For Stunning Beauty

Yellapur is yet another scenic place that crawls convincingly in our list of the best places to see near Goa. At an elevation of 1774 feet, Yellapur has some amazing waterfalls gushing down the valleys. Its stunning majestic beauty has made it one of most popular spots and one of the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka. You also get to witness the dense forests surrounding the village, the popular Kavi Kere pond, and much more.

Things to do: Trekking, visiting the majestic falls, exploring nature
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 3 days
Best Time: November to April
How to reach: The best way is via a road journey i.e. by driving which takes about 3-4 hours.
Distance from Goa: 150 km
Popular Attractions:

Magod Falls
Sathoddi falls
Shirley Falls

13. Malvan – Live The Village Way

Malvan is another traditional village, where you get to witness the village lifestyle. It is mainly a fishing village, with the staple diet being fish curry and rice. This village is also popular as a top producer of Alphonso mangoes. Since this is a beach destination, having leisure time at the beach might be your best time in Malvan. You can also tour around the creeks that surround Malvan: Kolamb, Karli and Kalavali. Some top destinations to visit include Rock Garden, Sindhudurg Fort, Chivla Beach, and more.

Things to do: Scuba diving, temple tours, snorkeling, shopping
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to March
How to reach: The most convenient way to reach from Goa to Malvan is by hiring a taxi from Goa to Malvan.
Distance from Goa: 145 km
Places to Stay:

Konkan Villa Dream
Kinara Resort
Danish Homestay
Mahalaxmi Beach Resort
Ashish Resort

Popular Attractions:

Sindhudurg Fort
Rock Garden
Rameshwar Temple

14. Tarkarli – An Offbeat Place

The list isn’t over yet as Tarkarli is yet one of the best places to visit near Goa for a beach vacation. There are a whole number of tourist attractions that you can visit while visiting Tarkarli including Khalcha Mahapurush Temple, Mahapurush Temple, Vitthal Temple, Tarkarli Beach, Nivati Beach, Golden Rock, and Devbag Sangam Beach.

Things to do: Scuba diving, boating, water sports
Ideal for: Adventure, Family and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Best Time: October to March
How to reach: Take a train from Goa to Tarkarli to reach in about 3 hours. Although, you have to deboard at Kudal, which is the nearest railway station to Tarkarli, 22 km away. From there, a bus or taxi is easily available.
Distance from Goa: 146 km
Popular Attractions:

Alibag
Devbagh Beach
Kolamb Beach

15. Karwar – A Spectacular Location

Karwar is a small city in Karnataka and located at the mouth of the Kali river. The landscape of the city is quite amazing and it is surrounded by Sahyadri evergreen forest, and Arabian sea. Just a spectacular conglomeration of forests, rivers and ocean. The authentic Karwa cuisine is a great stuff to try apart from visiting the Warship Museum, Bhairavi Shikara, and Mohini Shikara rock formations. Some other points of interest include Rabindranath Tagore Beach, INS Chapal Warship Museum (K94), and Kali River Garden.

Things to do: Temple tours, history tours and sightseeing
Ideal for: History lovers, friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to April
How to reach: The best way to reach Karwar is via trains which roughly takes 30-40 minutes of travel time.
Distance from Goa: 76 km
Places to Stay:

AmrutAura
Citrus Karwar
Sai International, The Hotel
Hotel Navratna Palace
Ratnas Holidays

Popular Attractions:

Gokarna
Dandeli
Murudeshwar

16. Kudremukh – Paradise For Trekkers

Image Credit: Ramesh Desai for Wikimedia

Kudremukh is one of the most popular places around Goa if you are looking for a beautiful holiday. Visit this place to witness gorgeous waterfalls, amazing landscape and lush green surrounding. It is also one of those amazing places near Goa where you can enjoy Kudremukh Peak trek. The best time to go trekking is during the summer months from March to May.

Things to do: Sightseeing, trekking
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: October to May
How to reach: One can travel by car to reach the place.
Distance from Goa: 300 km

Places to stay

Nagagiri Comforts
Kudremukh Adventure Stay
Silent Valley Resort

Popular Attractions:

Kudremukh Peak Trek
Kudremukh National Park
Hanuman Gundi Falls

17. Kumta – For Beach Lovers

Image Credit: Renuka B Nayak for Wikimedia

Kumta is one of the most visited tourist places nearby Goa. This small town in Karnataka has many beaches where you can go to savour the local cuisine and soak in the amazing vibes. The place is known for its betelnut, coconut, fisheries and banana cultivation. Enjoy luxurious accommodation and enjoy the beauty of the Kumta beach on your next vacation.

Things to do: Sightseeing, beach hopping
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: November to March
How to reach: One can travel by car to reach the place.
Distance from Goa: 176 km

Places to stay

Kinara Stay
Hotel Vaibhav Palace
OmBodhi Retreat

Popular Attractions:

Mahabaleshwar Temple
Om Beach
Mirjan Fort

18. Kolhapur – Famous for Kolhapur Chappals

Image Credit: Vijayshankar.munoli for Wikimedia

If you are looking for the best weekend getaway from Goa, Kolhapur is a perfect choice. Famous for its Kolhapur chappals, non veg food recipes and spices makes it set apart from the other hill stations located nearby Goa. There are numerous tourists spots to visit here including Jyotiba Temple, Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace), and Mahalaxmi Temple.

Things to do: Sightseeing
Ideal for: Family, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: November to March
How to reach: One can travel by car to reach the place.
Distance from Goa: 198 km

Places to stay

Hotel Maharaja Regency
Sayaji Hotel
Hotel Pearl

Popular Attractions:

Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum
Jyotiba Temple
Mahalaxmi Temple

19. Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Image Credit: Apadegal for Wikimedia

One of the best places to see near Goa, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heritage area attracts thousands of visitors to the all around the year. You can visit the famous Lord Shiva Virupaksha Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the other popular attractions include Virupaksha Temple and Lotus Mahal.

Places to stay

Murali Homestay
Golden Garden Homestay
Lakshmi Heritage Tourist Home

Popular Attractions:

Famous Chariot of Hampi
Lotus Mahal
Elephant Stable Of Hampi

Further Read: New Year Parties In Goa: 27 Popular Events And Venues

Goa is an appropriate place for tourists all over the world and a perfect getaway for weekends. Blessed with numerous beaches, great food, scenic beauty, and exotic locations, the state is an ideal destination for both party-lovers as well as for those who long for solitude. The places to visit near Goa, promise a lot as they are rarely explored and remain underrated when compared to the fabulous trail of coastal getaways. These places provide a warm experience even for a day or two and thereby should be visited on your next trip to Goa, the southern side of the country to create a lot of good memories.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Goa

Which are the places to visit near Goa within 150 km?

Some of the best tourist spots you van visit near Goa include:
1. Dandeli
2. Chorla Ghat
3. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Terekhol Fort
5. Amboli
6. Vengurla
7. Yellapur
8. Nersa

When is the best time to visit Goa?

The best time to visit Goa is from October to March because of its pleasant weather. It has a tropical climate so visiting Goa in the summer month will be highly unsuitable.

Can I visit Goa or the nearby places during the current Covid situation?

Yes, you can plan a trip to Goa or nearby attractions during the current Covid situation. However, you need to take all the safety measures and abide by government protocols. Keep wearing a mask when surrounded by people or when going out, maintain the required social distance, and don’t forget to sanitize your hands at certain intervals.

Can I find cheap accommodation in Goa?

There is a wide range of hotels and resorts in Goa varying from cheap to expensive lounges. Hotels like Casa Anjuna and Casa Vagator are highly suitable for backpackers and the prices are negotiable.

Which are the best tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar?

To make the most of your Mahabaleshwar trip, you must visit attractions like Pratapgad, Tapola, Lingamala Falls, Venna Lake, Elephant’s Head Point, Mapro Garden, Lodwick Point, Babington Point, Table Land, Connaught Peak, Rajpuri Caves, Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple, Morarji Castle, Parsi Point, and more.

What is the best time to witness the waterfalls near Goa?

The best time to visit waterfalls near Goa is during the monsoon region situated in Karnataka, popularly known as the Jog Falls and also the Hanuman Gundi Falls. The best time to visit this place is between July to December as the flow of water tends to slow down before monsoon so for a better experience and giving pleasure to the eyes, the monsoon season is highly suitable.

Which is the ideal place for a weekend getaway from Goa?

The best weekend getaway from Goa is Mahabaleshwar situated in Maharashtra which is a hill town and attracts tourists for its captivating beauty and ancient temples and waterfalls.

Which are the best Konkani dishes to try?

Some of the most lip-smaking Konkani delicacies you can try are Usal, Cucumber Cake, Tomato Curry, Goan Kokum Curry, Alu Vadi, Rice Pooris, Vali Randayi, Mushroom Masala, Soya Green Masala, Airavat, and more.