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For offbeat travellers, the seaside state offers adventures beyond beaches, seafood, and partying
Known for its sandy beaches, water sports, delicious seafood, and vibrant nightlife, Goa is packed with travellers nearly all year round. Domestic or international, backpackers or workationers, families or honeymooners – all tourists love Goa.
Some come to relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Others come to try water sports, such as surfing and parasailing. Still others are drawn to Goa's delicious seafood. And above all, tourists come to Goa for the vibrant party scene, to experience live music, affordable alcohol, and clubs that stay open through the night.
So it might surprise you that I don't visit Goa for any of these reasons! When I head to the seaside state, I step off the beaten track. If you're a novelty-chaser like me, you'll want to go beyond the typical attractions to try something more interesting – so here are some of Goa’s best-kept secrets
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For a memorable experience in Goa, head away from the beach and go explore the backwaters. There's a whole network of rivers, creeks, and estuaries, and you can choose among several ways to explore them, depending on your interest and budget.
I took a boat tour, which is a popular option. It allowed me to sit back and relax while a local guide took the boat through the waterways. The tour included stops at various points of interest, including some lovely temples, churches, and local villages.
Later, I decided to explore the backwaters on my own. I rented a kayak and paddled through the waterways at leisure, enjoying my time alone. If you're a nature-lover, this is a great way to get close to the local flora and fauna.
I've loved every one of these offbeat experiences, and I look for more unusual destinations every time I'm in the state. So what do you think? Are you ready to experience a different side of Goa?
The Anjuna Flea Market fills up with local produce and artisanal finds every Wednesday. It is known for various crafts and souvenirs, such as handmade jewellery, clothing, and home decor. On my last trip, I found many interesting clothes and accessories here, including beachwear, bags, and scarves.
The market is also a great place to buy local ingredients. I picked up some authentic spices and herbs used in traditional Goan cuisine.
The historic Aguada Fort was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese. An evening at Aguada Fort is a great way to experience Goa's rich past and culture. You can take a guided tour of the fort to learn about its history and architecture.
The tour takes you through the fort's ramparts, watchtowers, and dungeons. Many spots offer panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, making them a perfect place to watch the sunset. When I took the tour, I lingered on the ramparts as the sun went down over the water.
Aguada Fort is also home to a historic lighthouse built in 1864, and you can climb to the top of the lighthouse to drink in the views of the surrounding area.
Old Goa was once the capital of Portuguese India, and it's fascinating to visit the old neighbourhoods of Goa and imagine life here in the 16th century. You can visit many historical monuments and cultural attractions, including the Archaeological Museum, Sé Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and Basilica of Bom Jesus – prime examples of Portuguese Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque architecture.
The Sé Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Goa, known for its beautiful ornamentation. Another landmark is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 16th century and home to several important historical artefacts. These include an ornate gold altar and a 16th-century painting of St. Francis of Assisi, both worth seeing.
The Archaeological Museum is located at the back of the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. It's a great place to learn about the history of Old Goa, featuring exhibits such as ancient artefacts, paintings, and sculptures.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus, also known as the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visited by thousands of tourists and Catholic pilgrims from all over the world, the Basilica is one of the most important churches in the region.
The Dudhsagar Falls are a breathtaking natural wonder located on the Mandovi River. 'Dudhsagar' means 'sea of milk' in Hindi, and the falls are known for their milky white appearance.
Located in a remote, dense forest, the falls are not easily accessible by road. So I took the chance to trek through the forest to see them – and it was worth the effort. The rushing white water and lush surrounding forest created a powerful ambience. I just had to take a refreshing dip in the cool water after the long trek!
Goa is home to several spice plantations, a great experience for those interested in the local cuisine and culture. The plantations offer a chance to learn about the region's spices and how they are used in Goan cooking.
I booked one of the plantations' guided tours, which taught me about the history and cultivation of different spices. My guide pointed out popular spice trees, including cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and turmeric.
I couldn't resist buying a large set of spice blends here. These pre-mixed combinations of spices used in Goan cooking are worth trying.
Goa also has tea plantations, many of which offer a selection of teas for purchase. I skipped these, but the most popular options are black tea, green tea, and herbal teas made with local spices.
With its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, Goa is the perfect place to practise yoga and meditation. The warm, sunny weather and the sound of the waves crashing make for a perfect setting.
As I was new to yoga and meditation, I took a class at a retreat. The class provided me with additional support and guidance, and in the amazing seaside setting, I was able to clear my mind and focus on the practice.
Many retreats or studios offer multi-day programs that include yoga and other activities, such as massages, healthy meals, and guided nature walks.
If you're interested in learning about local cuisine, taking a cooking class is a fun and educational way to do so. Goa has many cooking classes available, where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients.
The class I took included a trip to the market to buy ingredients, giving me a close-up look at how produce and spices are selected for specific recipes. I also learned about different cooking techniques and flavours used in Goan cooking.
The class allowed me to work with a chef to prepare dishes ranging from seafood and meat dishes to vegetarian options. I asked lots of questions, curious about the dishes' history and cultural significance, and the chef was very patient with me!
Goa has a rich history and cultural heritage. To learn more about the region's past, I chose one of the several guided heritage walks available. A local guide took me through the streets of Old Goa, where I saw many historical landmarks and buildings.
The historical walks range from short half-day tours to multi-day itineraries. A popular option is the Old Goa Heritage Walk, which takes you through the city's historic centre. You can also try the Fontainhas Heritage Walk, if you'd like to explore the colourful Portuguese-style houses in the Fontainhas neighbourhood.
The local guide was full of interesting stories and insights, and we chatted away while exploring the streets and landmarks. We also visited interesting sites such as churches, temples, museums, and local markets.
Before the walk, I made sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. I brought plenty of water – a good decision, as all that talking was thirsty work! And my trusty camera was a must, to capture the beauty of the city and its landmarks.
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