We never get tired of Goa! We go there at least once a year like a pilgrimage. Poorna had also served in Goa while in the Army. Every time we go there, we always do something new. We thought of listing unique things to do in Goa that you should try on your next trip!
Here is our list.
1 Explore rural Goa on a bicycle
Rural Goa is charming. More so immediately after Monsoon. It is green everywhere. The rural roads in Goa have always been good which makes it an excellent place to bicycle around. If you don’t want to pedal, rent out a bike and go around. Our preference – Chandor – Quepem and surroundings.
2. Play or watch a village football match
Football is the second religion of a Goan. The Village tournaments are fiercely fought. You will see supporters at the top of their voices. Get a beer and enjoy the proceedings. You won’t be disappointed. You may also join a friendly game if you are good at it!
3. Go for a trek in the hills
Get out of beach hangovers and head to the hills. Whether it is Chorla Ghat or Dudhsagar Falls, Goa has some excellent trekking trails. The most charming one is of course the Railway track trek to Dudhsagar Falls. Unfortunately, it is banned. However, Goa Tourism has opened new trails for trekking. Check it out.
Please click here for a detailed account of our trek to Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls – A monsoon trek on the railway track!
4 Snorkel, Scuba dive in Palolem
Goa has some nice places to go snorkelling and scuba diving. Palolem is one.
For more details please click this post in this blog here
Surfing, Snorkeling and Scuba diving in India
5. Visit local markets
Visiting any local markets in Goa is always fun. Arpora (see picture below), Anjuna, Mapusa, Madgaon…….you get a variety of stuff. If you are a seafood lover, this is the place to pick up some homemade prawn pickles, sarpotel etc. Also, visit the early morning fish markets in Madgaon or Panaji.
6. Visit a heritage home
Heritage homes still dot rural Goa. Go there before they get demolished or get converted into a boutique hotel. Don’t miss visiting Braganza House ( in the picture below) in Chandor.
7. Spend a few hours @ Reis Magos Fort
The lovely fort overlooking the Mandovi River has been beautifully restored into a cultural centre with a museum. Don’t miss Mario Miranda gallery. The views are breathtaking too.
8. Travel in a ferry
Travelling on a ferry will allow you to relish a true Goan experience. Go to any ferry wharves in Panjim and hop on. The longer the better!
9. Spice plantation tour
Bored of beaches? Why not spice your trip a little? Head to Ponda and visit the largest Spice plantation in Goa. Enjoy the authentic Buffet lunch as well!
If you want more details on visiting the plantation, please click here.
Visiting Sahakari Spice Farm, Ponda
10 Go Kayaking in Goa
Goa is blessed with some lovely rivers. Kayaking in these rivers is a thrilling experience.
This website has more details on Kayaking in Goa. Try it out.
Kayaking in Goa
11. Buy some Goan stuff
If you are like us, then don’t miss out on picking up some lovely Goan ceramics at Velha Goa Galleria in Panaji or Bibinca in Mr Baker or Spicy cashew……..
12. Go south
At last, we need to give it to the beaches. This has to be quaint beaches in South Goa. Enjoy lovely waters, uncrowded beaches, go for dolphin sighting…….all this in South Goa beaches like Agonda, Betul or Palolem.
If you love trekking in the hills, Goa has some lovely trails which have been opened to the public. Check out the Goa tourism website for details.
Here is our list of unique things to do in Goa. Did we miss out on anything? What has been your offbeat experience in Goa? Do let us know.
Are you a beach lover like us? Then don’t miss this post on our blog. Click here.
Five lovely beaches in India to visit before summer!
Four beach treks in Karnataka you must do!
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