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Goa is popularly known for its bustling beaches and nightlife, but the real gold lies within the stunning landscapes and cultural jewels that lie beyond the tourist trail. The unique experience of offbeat places in Goa is that they encompass quiet beauty, hidden history, and the ability to slow down away from the crowds. In offbeat places, you’ll discover thickly wooded trails, ancient temples, unexplored islands, and beach stretches where you hear only the sound of silence. Wherever you go, you’ll see the raw, true face and heart of Goa, and these places will allow you to connect more with the actual cultures of Goa.
10 Offbeat Places In Goa
Going through the best offbeat places in Goa will allow you to see some of the natural sights, heritage places, and quiet beaches that will only show you a very different side of Goa.
1. Chorla Ghat
Photo: Johannes Plenio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Chorla Ghat is one of the most beautiful offbeat places to visit in Goa, located at the tri-junction of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The drive to this location is popular for enthusiasts of quiet roads, forests, and hills. You will pass through sharp curves and green valleys, and there are numerous places where you can stop your vehicle and admire the sweeping vistas of the Western Ghats. The place is also known for its biodiversity of birds and butterflies, making it an easy option to consider if you are interested in nature photography. Most people stop at small roadside stalls to taste local Goan snacks while taking advantage of the cool weather.
Location: North-East Goa, on the Goa-Karnataka-Maharashtra border
Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Surla Waterfall, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Suggested Read: Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Butterfly Beach
Photo: Ashi ashlesh / Wikimedia Commons
Butterfly Beach is regarded as one of the most peaceful places in Goa, situated close to Palolem on the south coast of Goa. This beach is like a small semicircle encircled by green hilltops, making it look hidden from everything outside. You can reach Butterfly Beach by boat, either from Palolem or Agonda, or by walking a forest trail which takes around thirty minutes. The beach has clear water, golden sand, and the possibility of dolphins swimming near shore, so be on the lookout. If the tide is low, you will see small crabs on the rocks and colourful butterflies.
Location: Near Palolem, South Goa
Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach
3. Divar Island
Photo: Rengan Visweswaran / Unsplash
Located a short ferry ride away from Old Goa, Divar Island is one of the serene places to visit in Goa. The island is surrounded by the Mandovi River and is full of quiet villages, Portuguese-style homes, and fields of green. If you want to see a more tranquil side of Goa, this is an ideal island for exploring and enjoying. While walking or biking around on the narrow roads, you will have the experience of seeing traditional homes, chapels, and paddy fields. The island has important churches like Our Lady of Compassion’s Church and São Matias, which display the colonial history of Goa.
Location: Mandovi River, near Old Goa, North Goa
Timings: 6 AM – 2 AM (ferry timings)
Nearby Attractions: Sao Matias Church, Our Lady of Compassion Church
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Divar Island
4. Netravali Bubbling Lake
Photo: Jess Aston / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Netravali Bubbling Lake is in a hidden village of South Goa. Although the lake is human-made, created as a stepwell, it has a quirky characteristic as small bubbles keep appearing at the surface. The bubbles are formed by natural underground gas, and more bubbles appear if you clap near the water, which is a curious thing to see. The lake is enfolded by a small platform, trees, and nature. The local community has a certain reverence for the lake, and there is a temple of Lord Gopinath nearby. While the lake itself is calm, it is also a jumping-off place to visit the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls.
Location: Netravali village, South Goa
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Savari Waterfall
5. Arvalem Caves & Waterfall
Photo: Kavya Rastogi / Wikimedia Commons
Arvalem Caves and Waterfall in North Goa are also popularly called Pandava Caves, sculpted from laterite rock, and are believed to have existed since the 6th century. Inside, there are a few simple compartments with a few small remaining traces of Buddhist and Hindu marks. Just a short walk from the caves, you will find Arvalem Waterfall, which falls from a height of approximately 50 metres into a clear pool below it. During the monsoons, the waterfall flows with heavy water, and the entire area is covered with clouds or mist, while it can completely dry up in the winter months, when the flow is lower but still beautiful.
Location: Sanquelim, North Goa
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Rudreshwar Temple, Harvalem Falls
Suggested Read: Rivona Caves
6. Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
Photo: SerChevalerie / Wikimedia Commons
The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is among the oldest and most striking lesser-known places in Goa, situated deep inside the forests near the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. The temple was built in the 12th century during the Kadamba dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The renowned ornate carvings of the temple seen on the walls include figures of relevant Hindu gods and goddesses, along with intricate floral pattern carvings, which have survived many centuries of exposure. The temple sits peacefully in a clearing surrounded by dense trees, creating a beautifully serene atmosphere. A small stream runs close by, adding to the tranquillity.
Location: Near Mollem, inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, South Goa
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Mollem National Park
7. Kuskem Waterfall
Photo: Samuel Ferrara / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kuskem Waterfall is one of Goa’s hidden gems, located in Canacona, in close proximity to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Unlike the other well-visited waterfalls in Goa, Kuskem is secluded and untouched, ideal for those who prefer quiet natural spaces. During the monsoon season, the water flow becomes large and interesting. The route to the waterfall is through the forest, which gives it a brief trekking feel, surrounded by greenery. The bottom pool is shallow, so you can sit comfortably and enjoy the cool spray while sitting on rocks. You should also take lots of water and snacks, since there aren’t any shops or facilities nearby.
Location: Canacona, South Goa
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Galgibaga Beach
Suggested Read: Surla Waterfalls
8. Ashwem Beach
Photo: Raya Sharbain / Wikimedia Commons
Ashwem Beach is located in the north between the more popular beaches of Morjim and Mandrem. It has a huge expanse of soft sand, with very few people, so you can walk for miles without encountering anyone else. The waves are also soft, which makes the beach very swim-friendly with spaces for paddling in the water. Ashwem Beach is additionally a nesting location for the Olive Ridley turtles during certain months of the year, which is also an added natural wonder. On the beachfront, you will find a few casual cafés and shacks.
Location: Pernem Taluka, North Goa
Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Morjim Beach, Mandrem Beach
9. Cabo De Rama Fort
Photo: Balajee Vishwanath / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cabo de Rama Fort is one of the best Goa tourist places that few people know about. Standing on a cliff above the Arabian Sea in south Goa, it is breathtaking to visit. The fort has a long history and was said to have been ruled by Hindu kings, the Portuguese, the British and as a trade route. Now the place is somewhat a ruin, but old walls and gateways still endure. Inside the fort, you will also find the Church of St. Anthony, which is still active and gives a lovely, peaceful feeling to the area. The highlight is the broad, sweeping view of the coastline where the blue water stretches to the horizon on one side, and green hills on the other.
Location: Canacona, South Goa
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Cabo de Rama Beach, Cola Beach
Suggested Read: Goa Forts
10. Salaulim Dam & Botanical Garden
Photo: Frans van Heerden / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Salaulim Dam is located in the Sanguem region of South Goa, along with its neighbouring Botanical Garden tourist place. Salaulim Dam was built on the Salaulim River and is the main source of water for many areas in South Goa. Its unique design, featuring a straight concrete wall and a fascinating spillway that, during the monsoon, recreates a waterfall effect, is worth seeing. Surrounded by green and peaceful surroundings, where the gardens offer calmness, it is a good place for a day trip. Adjacent to the dam is a botanical garden well-maintained with landscaped paths covering several acres, allowing guests to see rare species of plants and simple lawns, and it offers a good place to stroll.
Location: Sanguem, South Goa
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Rivona Caves
Offbeat places in Goa offer a mix of nature, history, and peaceful getaways. From hidden waterfalls and quiet beaches to ancient temples and scenic islands, these spots let you enjoy Goa beyond the crowds. Perfect for travellers seeking a slower, more authentic experience. Discover the cultural charm and beauty of Goa in a whole new way. Book your offbeat Goa escape with TripXL for a peaceful and memorable journey!
Cover Photo: Sandeep N / Unsplash
