A stereotypical vacation in Goa is spent at a beach or hitting a pub to sing karaoke in an offbeat tune. While those aren’t necessarily uncool things to do in Goa, it isn’t all what Goa is about. Yes, Goa is NOT just about its beaches and partying like there’s no tomorrow. There’s more to this coastal gem and if you’re prepared to meet Goa’s unheard-of personality, we’ll guide you to go offbeat in Goa.
8 Offbeat Things To Do In Goa
Escape To Divar Island
Divar Island is a quaint little island located in the north of Goa, an hour away from tourist hotspots like Baga beach yet nothing like them. This island will easily change your image of what North Goa is like. It’s surrounded by the beautiful Mandovi river and the only way to get here is by taking a local ferry. Don’t worry, you can also take your bicycle, car and even motorbike on the ferry.
Once you’re on the island, you’ll find lush green paddy fields, open roads, beautiful old houses, and churches. Time slows down on the island and if you really want an essence of the island, it’s best to explore it on two feet or two wheels. From our goSTOPS property in Calangute, you can reach the ferry to Divar in less than 45 minutes.
Go Bird Watching At Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
If you’d love to go on a nature trail within a bird sanctuary, this is the perfect place for you, located on the charming island of Chorao. You’d have to actually be an early bird and reach here by 7 am to get a glimpse of the birds that call Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary home.
A walk in this sanctuary is great because it’s a well marked trail. There are also plenty of boards to inform you of the birds you’ll come across. Visiting a bird sanctuary and not just hitting the beach is the best way to go offbeat in Goa. Pro tip to guide you to another offbeat adventure in Goa – You can also take a canoe with the local fishermen and explore the marshy waters of the sanctuary.
Spice Things Up At A Spice Plantation Farm In Ponda
Within the town of Ponda in North Goa, you will find peaceful farms that offer home-cooked meals and a peek into maintaining a thriving spice garden. There are two spice gardens in Ponda that you should check out, namely the Tropical Spice Plantation and Sahakari Farms. You can visit either one of these when you’re out there looking for food that’s rich in spices.
A tour of the spice farm is also pretty educational in nature. So if you’re ever planning on growing cinnamon, cloves, chilli or any other spices at home, you can take a few tips. It’s also a good chance to have a healthy meal in the midst of a spice farm instead of a bar which is the touristy thing to do.
Catch Panoramic Views At Betul Lighthouse
The view from Betul Lighthouse is breathtaking and a must-see for those looking for some downtime or solace in nature. The lighthouse is situated in the south of Goa and it’s a bit of a hike to get there but the trouble is worth it. From Margao (a major hub), it should take you an hour to get to Betul. The panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse are unbelievable. This is surely an underrated place that you have to visit when you decide to unveil the offbeat side of Goa.
Go Bakery Hopping
Goa is filled with several iconic old bakeries, you’ll have to go looking for them in nooks and corners. But every time you spot one you should go ahead and try some of the baked goodies served. Bakeries are the best place to get an authentic taste as most of them follow age-old recipes that have been passed down from generations. You can try Goan sweets like Bebinca, glass cake, swiss rolls, Shrewsbury biscuits, pattices, different types of bread, and much more at a bakery. We highly recommend that you check out Mr. Baker and Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro for baked goods. These are two of the many old bakeries you’ll find in Goa.
Visit The Magnificent Devil’s Canyon
The Devil’s Canyon is a serene stream in the middle of a forest. It’s situated at the base of the famous Dudhsagar waterfalls in Goa. It’s a peaceful spot at which you can go swimming in some chilling, cold water. It should take you roughly 2.5 hours to reach here if you keep Calangute as your starting point. It’s a great place to visit just after the monsoon season (around mid-October). You can visit during the summers to take a dip in the waters but the water levels will be much lower. Devil’s Arc is another water stream close to Devil’s Canyon where you’d hardly see any of the crowds that rush to Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Check Out Braganza House In Chandor
In Goa, you’ll come across several old mansions and houses filled with history. One such house that you should drop by is the Braganza House in Chandor. This is a 17th-century property that you can tour with prior appointment. The house is nothing less than a museum. It has pieces of antiques and paintings that have aged but still tell a fascinating story. You’ll see several other old bungalows as you tour the rest of Chandor.
Other centuries-old houses to check out in Goa include – The Figueiredo House, Palácio do Deão and Casa Araujo Alvares.
Visit Reis Magos Fort
One of the oldest forts in Goa, Reis Magos is a stunning and lesser-explored fort to spend time in Goa. The river Mandovi meets with the Arabian sea at this point and it’s just a breathtaking place to be to hear the waves of the sea. Besides the calming views from the fort, you can tour the fort and learn more about its history. The fort was also a prison at a time in history (spooky news for some.) Ideally, a great place for history buffs to have a ball knowing all about the fort’s importance in Goa’s freedom struggle.
Chase The Road Less Traveled In Goa
There’s a quieter side to Goa that you’ll unveil as you can now explore with our guide to offbeat destinations in Goa. But what if you want the best of both worlds? Well, that’s something you can have at our goSTOPS Calangute property. Our property is close to all the tourist attractions in Goa but a short ride away can take you to some of the hidden gems of North Goa. For those looking to experience both contrasting natures of Goa, our location is next to perfect for you.
FAQs
What Are Some Offbeat Destinations In Goa?
White water rafting in Valpoi, bungee jumping at Mayem Lake, taking an electric bike to Divar Islands, exploring Querim village are some offbeat destinations and their fun activities in Goa.
What Should I Avoid In Goa?
Avoid driving when you’re intoxicated in Goa at all costs for the safety of yourself and others. Goa has frequent power outages and street lights also go off at those times, so make sure you know how to make your way back safely. Avoid picking an overcrowded beach but find your own peaceful beach with fewer people, Goa has plenty!
Which Part Of Goa Is Posh?
Dona Paula is one of the poshest places to stay in Goa because it’s filled with luxury and high-end resorts.
Is Goa Costly?
Goa is famed to be a backpacker destination because of how budget-friendly it is as a tourist destination. Holidaying in Goa is also inexpensive since there are a large number of hostels as well in which you can stay to curb expenses and yet have a great time.
