Goa is famed for its stunning 105m coastline and this is one of the main reasons why it is such a popular tourist destination year after year. With golden stretches of sand, glorious climate and crystal blue ocean. There are over 40 beaches on the Goa coastline waiting for you to explore during your holiday, but there are a few which are considered to be the best, depending on what it is you are looking for. Whilst it would be impossible to describe all of the beaches in Goa, here are 10 of the most amazing beaches for you to visit during your next getaway.
Let's be real: Goa is one of the most sought-after destinations in India. But sometimes, it can get a little repetitive. You know what I'm talking about—you've been there, done that. You've been party-hopping at some of the best clubs in Goa and have tried out all the famous beaches. But now you're looking for something new to do in Goa. Well, we've got some good news for you—there are plenty of offbeat places in Goa that'll make your trip even more memorable! So, if you're planning on going to Goa this month, make sure that you don't miss out on these offbeat places in Goa!
1. Butterflies, Butterflies Everywhere
Imagine a world full of butterflies, where you can walk among them as they flutter freely.
Imagine a place where you can watch the males of these species gather in muddy puddles to absorb nutrients before mating rituals. Goa's Butterfly Conservatory is home to over one hundred different species of butterflies, all fluttering around their expansive garden. Not only is it a place to walk and observe the beautiful creatures from up close, but it also offers something unique and interesting: mud-puddling!
The butterfly pub is where you can see male butterflies gathering in puddles to absorb nutrients before the mating ritual. The park is owned and maintained by nature lovers and enthusiasts Dr Jyoti and Yashodhan Hablekar, who built up the place from scratch.
2. Ditch the Malls, Go Street
Goa is the ultimate destination for shopaholics. With such funky and beachy items, it's guaranteed that your pockets will be threatened. You'll want everything from the hippie clothing to junk jewellery, from the best of drinks to the famous wines, from bamboo to terracotta and brassware work...the markets will serve you with everything you want!
The marketplaces in Goa are just as exciting as the beaches, churches and fortresses. From the Mapusa Market to Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Market Square and many other markets, there are endless options for shoppers looking for a bargain. Night bazaars are also held at different places like Anjuna Beach, offering even more opportunities to buy unique items from vendors who set up shop on the beach. The market at Dona Paula is another popular location for tourists to shop for souvenirs like junk jewellery and cute clothing items that can be used as gifts back home.
3. Ride the Rapids
Goa is already known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe, but did you know there are also white water rafting opportunities in Mhadei River?In the off season, when the rivers are full and raging, this is a great option for those looking to do something different—and who doesn't want to try something new with a big group of friends or meet new people?
Rafting is an adventure sport that has been gaining popularity in Goa. This water-based sport is full of excitement and thrill, and it's a great way to test your coordination and boat control skills.
Rafting is done on rivers, near riverbeds where it is rocky and water currents are strong. This activity requires good control of the boat, rowing skills and how you coordinate with other people on the boat.
4. You're a bird watcher, and you know it.
Goa has historically been a bird-watching destination. But over the past few decades, efforts by pioneering ornithologist Heinz Lainer have unravelled the data on various species of birds harbouring in Goa.
According to a survey of 2018, Goa has 473 species of different birds and this has caught the attention of bird lovers all round the world. Certain publications describing various bird species and their meticulous classification with beautiful photographs have made it all the more easy for a layman to understand in detail which birds are found within the political boundaries of Goa.
If you're looking for the best place to see birds, this is it. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is Goa's only bird sanctuary, and it's spread over a vast acreage of 1.8sq-km on the western tip of Chorao Island along the River Mandovi. This island is surrounded by a thick cover of mangrove swamps and is a paradise for bird-watchers. The sanctuary gets its name after India's best-known ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. In the sanctuary, you will find a variety of local and migratory birds who have made this island their home. The sanctuary has been kept open all-round the year and can be visited with prior permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji.
5. Cave Adventure
Goa, the city of natural wonders, is also home to a variety of caves. From its beautiful beaches to its rich religious history, Goa is a place that has no shortage of things to see and do. But it's not just about the beaches—Goa also has some amazing caves!
There are currently 25 known manmade and natural caves in Goa. Some caves were used for religious purposes, while others were just homes for people who lived there. The history of these caves is fascinating and well worth exploring if you're planning on visiting Goa!
The largest natural cave is at Verna and it can fit about 1200 people at once. Another interesting fact about these caves is that some of them are mentioned in Hindu mythology. The Arvalem Caves, for instance, are commonly known as the Pandava Caves and were believed to be home to the Pandavas during their exile. Similarly, The Lamgau Caves have also been mentioned in Hindu texts and are dedicated entirely to Hindu gods.
All these caves are located within the beautiful landscape of Goa, which makes them even more appealing!
6. The best night market for you
The Saturday Night Market in Arpora is a food lover's paradise. With a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world, you can find anything you're looking for!
The market begins at 6pm and runs until late into the night. While it has local products from all over the country, it also offers designer stalls and boutiques. The market is divided into three main areas: the lower field, where you'll find local products; the central field, which houses the central stage; and the upper field, which has boutiques and designer stalls.
7. Take a walk at Fontainhas
If you are in Goa, then Fontainhas is one of the best places to visit. This place has a lot of colorful houses and it is famous for its Portuguese architecture. The Portuguese influence is so deep on this place that even the houses here are built like Portuguese houses. Due to this reason, you will see many colorful houses here with painted roofs and balconies.
You can also enjoy the ambiance of this place by walking around the streets and exploring its beauty. The best thing about Fontainhas is that Portuguese is still widely spoken here. So, if you are interested in knowing about Portugal and its culture then this place is perfect for you!oh did I forget, this is a great place for some instagram shots!
8. Take the plunge
The state is now home to the second bungee jumping facility in the country, Jumpin Heights Goa. This new facility offers jumpers an opportunity to experience what it feels like to fall from 55 metres (nearly 181 feet) above ground.
The jumping platform is perched over Mayem Lake and its surrounding greenery, offering spectacular views of the area while you plummet towards earth.This new facility was started in collaboration with Goa Tourism Board and is the next step in Jumpin Heights’ expansion into India. The company's first Indian location is located in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand).
9. Refresh your soul at Harvalem Waterfall
Tucked away in northern Goa, Harvalem waterfall is one of the most offbeat places to visit in Goa in the Arvalem village.
While this waterfall is not as magnificent as the Dudhsagar waterfall, it is a great visit for anyone who loves waterfalls and wants to spend some quiet time while being surrounded by a lush forest. Since this waterfall is concealed from the rest of the world, it offers you the kind of privacy that most waterfalls don’t. You can even reach the top of the waterfall using the steps made for this purpose but be careful because the rocks and the trees are a little slippery at the top. If you wish to see sufficient water in this waterfall, then the best time to visit Goa is in monsoon season. There is also Rudreshwar Temple close to the waterfall and the famous Arvalem caves (aka Pandava caves) nearby that you can visit to enjoy a complete day of relaxation here.
10. If the fort doesn’t blow your mind the sunset will
Fort Tiracol was constructed in 1675 by Raja Bahadur Khem Sawant Bhonsle, located on the Maharashtra-Goa border. It's a fascinating, offbeat place to explore—and it has played a major role in the freedom of Goa.
The Portuguese invaded India, and this fort was turned into an armed fortress for them. Today, it has been turned into a heritage hotel and has a Baroque-style church that is visited by locals.
During the freedom movement, Hirve Guruji and many other freedom fighters were killed inside this fort as they hoisted the Indian Flag in 1955. You will find a memorial dedicated to them at the entrance to the fort.
11. The ultimate relaxation spot has bubbles
How about a little adventure? I know you're not into the whole beach thing, but have you heard of Netravali Bubble Lake in Goa? It's another hidden gem in Goa that you can stumble upon while driving through rainforests in Western Ghats.
Located in Netravali village, this lake is known as "Budbudyachi Tali" or "Budbus." The name was given to the lake due to the formation of bubbles on the surface that respond to certain sounds.This lake is considered sacred by locals and is a great place to enjoy peace and quiet.
Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved