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Choose to travel alone and awaken your spirit for solo adventures.
When you think of Goa, it's easy to conjure images of sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees, and lively parties with techno beats. However, there's a side of Goa that often goes unnoticed—a side where lush forests cover almost 20% of the area. During my solo travel last year, I was delighted to discover that Goa is home to six wildlife sanctuaries, harbouring a diverse range of flora and fauna. This lesser-known aspect added a whole new dimension to my Goa experience that went beyond the clichéd descriptions. Let's embark on a short trip where I tell you all about my solo travel itinerary in Goa.
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The first spot on my itinerary was South Goa. Most people choose to go north to enjoy the lively party scene. But if you are looking for a calm, peaceful trip, south is the way to go.I avoided the more popular beaches of Palolem and Colva and headed straight towards Agonda. Situated 10 km away from Palolem Beach, it is a delightful bike ride to reach this destination. Many people come here for yoga and meditation. Should you choose to go for a hike or dolphin spotting, this is a good beach. What is truly special about this beach is that it is one of the few protected beaches for turtle nesting. A good time to visit is between October to February.
I had heard a lot about Goa's turtle conservation efforts and was interested in finding out more. A few locals advised me to visit Galgibaga Beach—the original base for Olive Ridley Turtles. It was unlike any other beach I have ever visited—imagine a long silver beach lined with pine trees, with not a shack in sight. Their nesting season is from January to February. The beach is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Since there is no option to stay on after, it is advisable to keep a taxi on hold for the entire day, if you wish to visit. The exact stop is called Canacona, Agonda, South Goa. On my way back, I found a local haunt called Treetop Tava Restaurant, located on the Bay Bridge near Salleri. It has a beautiful rooftop view from where you can watch the sunset. They serve popular cuisines like Continental, North Indian, Goan, Mughlai, Chinese as well as fast food. The average cost for two people is INR 1,200.
Goa is known for its parties. One, in particular, sounded interesting to me. Silent Noise is a concept party where people dance with headphones on. It takes place at the south end of Palolem Beach—the exact location being Riverside, South End, Palolem Beach. Their timings are from 9 pm to 4 am. The best time to visit is between November to March. After all that dancing, one needs a good meal! There is a famous place that you simply cannot miss. Martin's Corner is as authentic as it gets—great Goan food, live music and a good family ambience—located in Binwaddo, Betalbatim. I went for the fried calamari, grilled lobster and truffle hollandaise. Other popular dishes include fried calamari, shrimp pulao and coconut soufflé. The average cost for two people is INR 1,800.
Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, visiting the churches in Goa is guaranteed to be one of the top highlights of your trip. For instance, the Se Cathedral contains the famous Golden Bell, which is said to be one of the largest church bells in the world. The church is open to all from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. There is no entrance fee. I also took time out to visit Chandor, a place I had heard so much about. This is a village that is steeped in history and dates back to the pre-Portuguese era. It was once the capital of the Kadamba dynasty that ruled between the 6th and 11th centuries CE. As I walked through the village, I got a sense of the history of the place. Don't miss out on spotting the headless Nandi Bull! It has been a fixture in the village since the 11th century.
When you travel solo, it is important to create an itinerary so that you make the most of your trip. When I was doing my research on Goa, I was surprised to discover that the second highest waterfall in India is situated here. Dudhsagar Falls derives its name from the pure white appearance of its water as it cascades down with immense force. I enjoyed the 11 km long trek to the waterfall, and even treated myself to a refreshing dip in the water. Another relatively unexplored spot is Bamanbudo Falls, set against the backdrop of Ambe Ghat.
Since I am very fond of animals, the next spot on my itinerary was by far my favourite—Goa’s second largest wildlife sanctuary—the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Canacona Taluka. I got to see many different varieties of wildlife including Sloth Bears and many species of birds, including the famous Malabar Crested Eagle. I would recommend going between October to March. The park is open from 7 am to 5 pm.
In South Goa, Fisherman's Wharf is a must-visit restaurant. It is located just short of The Leela in Mobor, Cavelossim. The restaurant is right by the calm waters, so one can enjoy a peaceful meal while gazing at the natural surroundings. It was one of my personal favourite places to dig into the local seafood. I highly reccomend trying their spicy prawn balchao paired with a cold beer—a perfect combination for a hot afternoon in Goa. The average cost for two is INR 1,100. If you prefer something fancier, how about dining at a nobleman’s mansion? Palacio do Deao cooks up some of the best Indo-Portuguese meals. They have homegrown produce and elaborate banquet-style service. Don't forget to try the prawn croquettes. The average cost for two people comes to approximately INR 1,000.
I did of course saved the best for the last. No trip to Goa is complete without discovering the perfect place to watch the sunset. For me, it will always be Butterfly Beach. Named after the thousands of butterflies that call this strip of sand their home, this spot is truly magical. It is secluded and can only be reached by foot or a boat. Sunbathe, rock climb or take in the scenery as the romance of Goa washes over you. It was an unforgettable holiday that I would love to do again when I feel the waves calling out to me. Sunbathe, rock climb, or simply immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery—envelop yourself in Goa's serenity. My time there was truly unforgettable, and I would love to experience it all over again, whenever the waves beckon me.
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