12 things to do in Goa you haven't done before!

The beach series continues in the blog. This time it is Goa.

We never get tired of this place. 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 those things which are special, offbeat to do in Goa. 

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 mobike and go around. Our preference - Chandor - Quepem and surroundings.

2. Play or watch a village football match

Football is the second religion to a Goan. The Village tournaments are fiercely fought. You will see supporters at the top of their voice. Get a beer and enjoy the proceedings. You won't be disappointed. You may also join a friendly game if you are good at the it!

3. Go for a trek in the hills

Get out of beach hangovers and head to hills. Whether it is Chorla ghat or Dudhsagar falls, Goa has some excellent trekking trails. The most charming one is of course is the Railway track trek to Dudhsagar falls. You can do it either from Castle rock or Kulem. It is a lovely experience.

Please click here for detailed account of our trek to Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls - A monsoon trek on railway track!

4 Snorkel, Scuba dive in Palolem

Goa has some nice places to go snorkeling 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 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 picture below) in Chandor.

7.  Spend few hours @ Reis Magos Fort

The lovely fort overlooking 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 in a ferry will allow you to see relish a true Goan experience. Go to any ferry wharfs in Panjim and hop on. 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 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.

Here was our list. Did we miss out 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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