A heaven of tourism and hospitality industry, it is one of the top draws for a beach holiday, both nationally and internationally.
A little beach hopping, lazing at the shacks, partying at Tito’s and a few sips of Feni – that about covers your itinerary if you’re a tourist in Goa. But if you’re a real traveller you wouldn’t be satisfied with just that.
To feel the beating pulse of Goa, you have to dig a little deeper and look for the places that are beyond a tourist’s perspective.
Goa is the small Indian state, packed not only with sun, sand and surf, the food, culture and other relaxing and interesting distractions will surely stretch your stay longer here. Here is the list unwrapping the life experiencing things at Goa.
1. Ride A Bike
Image Source – Mumbaitravellers.in
There could be no better way to enjoy the beauty of Goa than to explore its lovely roads on a bike. Bikes are available on rent in Goa provided you have a valid license. Foreign nationals will be required to carry their International Driving Permit. You can also get the bike/scooters on rent to drive along the roads of Goa.
Riding a bike from North Goa to South Goa is the experience, that you could no longer resist. Driving from the Candolim Beach to the Palolem Beach will get you feel the bliss of the nature and the local culture.
2. Playing with elephants and spice plantation
Image Source – JoanJbbery, Flickr
The spice plantations are some of the most offbeat places to visit in Goa. Walk through aromatic fresh plantation and learn about various spices. Savoi plantations and Sahakar Spice Farm are the two of the most famous plantations that you must visit. Apart from enjoying the natural beauty and walking through the plantation you also get to play with the majestic Tuskers. Give them a bath or sit on their back while the splash you with water.
3. Anjuna Flea Market
One of the enjoyable things to do in Goa is to visit Anjuna Flea Market. From the colourful junk jewellery to electronic appliances, anything under the sun can be found here, This fair is held every Wednesday on the entire stretch of the Anjuna Beach.
Anjuna is a beautiful village in Goa and is best known for its scenic beauty and splendid churches. This village is one of the 12 Brahmin Comunidades of Bardez
The flea market presents a variety of collectable souvenirs, the majestic mixture of culture, craft and colours. The market offers a wide range of items such as jewelry, clothes, second hand bikes, cell phones, cameras, and other knick-knacks. You can also enjoy delicious Goan dishes at this place or get a tattoo of your choice in one of the tattoo parlors on the beach.
The flea market is the perfect place for Shopaholics.
4. Feel the Chills in the Eerie Environs of Devil’s Canyon
Image Source – Sanika, Blogspot
The locals have a story that says a demon use reign at this place, having control over every living creature in the area including the fishes. However, when a local duped the demon and stole his fishes, the area was cursed. Even today when you go to the place you can feel it’s eerie vibes and the uncanny silence. The turbulent river flowing in a deep gorge with various rock faces is infamous for taking the lives of many swimmers.
This story makes this place interesting for the travellers to give a visit to the place.
5. Kayaking in the Goan Backwaters
Image Source – Prakash, Blogspot
The sea and water escapes of Goa present a perfect opportunity to indulge in backwater kayaking across the various waterways of the state. The Zuari River, The Mandovi River, The Sal Backwaters and Nerul River are especially ideal for indulging in this sport. This activity can be availed at any time during the year including monsoons. However, if it is the season of rains, make sure you carry and wear appropriate water repellent clothing to avoid any slippage or loss of grip on the oars of the kayak.
A kayaking tour will bring you to up, close and personal with the vegetation and flora and fauna of the state. You can spot rare river birds, both local and migratory and witness the fine balance of ecology and flora and fauna. The mangroves and varied flora is surely a sight to study and behold. These Kayaking tours can be availed on a single day or as a longer activity of about 5-6 days.
6. Day Cooking Course at Goa
Among the offbeat activity to do in Goa. You can join day course of cooking to any of the cooking school – Saligao, Rita Gourment or Siolim House. Going with your partner will help you make your bond stronger, whereas going alone will give you the chance to learn new skills and meet strangers.
It has every reason to be in the bucket list of every bachelor in India. Get your personalised itinerary for the travel to Goa.