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Goa is located on the south-western coast of India, which is within the Konkan region. It is surrounded by Maharashtra, Karnataka and the Arabian Sea. The state is India’s smallest state by area and the 4th smallest state by population. Goa is visited by a large number of international and domestic tourists throughout the year. It is famous for its white sand beaches, active nightlife, world heritage-listed architecture and places of worship, which are also rich in flora and fauna. A trip to Goa is a mixture of adventure activities, exploring the calm nature and enjoying the nightlife. There are many offbeat things to do in Goa to explore nature and have a memorable time in the state.
10 Offbeat Things To Do In Goa
Here are a few offbeat things to do in Goa to have an adventurous and memorable trip.
1. Visit The Butterfly Conservatory
Photo: Forestowlet / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The butterfly conservatory of Goa spread over 4000 square metres and was founded by a couple who were enthusiastic about nature and conscious about environmental issues. When this place was established, there were only 25 species of butterflies but currently there are nearly 133 species of beautiful butterflies. The conservatory is designed as a park-like structure where tourists can indulge in nature. This conservatory is a facility for breeding and displaying butterflies, with an emphasis on education. There are also tropical forests for helping butterflies breed in conditions required of both air and soil.
Location: Mystic Woods, Ponda, Pisgal, Priol, Goa 403401
Price: ₹150
Timings:9 AM – 5 PM
2. Boat Ride At Mandovi River
Photo: Naveed Anjum / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Mandovi River is known as the lifeline of Goa. The total length of the river is 81 kms, which travels through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. The river passes through 3 parallel Mandovi bridges. During the winter months, which is the peak tourist season, special dusk cruises are run on the Mandovi to get an amazing view and understand the charm of the river. It is especially recommended to go on the cruise during sunset and moonlight if possible because it has an exceptionally beautiful view. Many private firms offer various types of cruises or boats with crocodile and dolphin spotting as well.
Location: Mandovi River, Goa
Price: ₹300
Timings:9:30 AM – 4 PM
3. Walk Around Savoi Spice Plantation
Photo: Jennifer Rose Stankowski / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Savoi Spice Plantation is one of the oldest spice plantations in Goa and is owned by a 200-year-old family. It stretches over an area of 100 acres. This plantation is located in Savoi village in Ponda, which is owned by the Shetye family. The owners of this plantation believe in the organics since the origin tag and are devoted to maintenance in that way. There are terrace fields, verdure corners and fresh berries all around. This plantation is the best place for photographers and nature lovers to spend their time.
Location: Savoi Plantation, 50, Savoi, Marcel Ponda Road, Ponda, Goa, 403401
Price: ₹700 for the tour
Timings:11 AM – 6 PM
4. Visit The Arvalem Caves
Photo: Kavya Rastogi / Wikimedia Commons
Pandava Caves are one of the oldest caves in Goa in the Buddhist style. According to the history of the Mahabharata, the five Pandavas sought refuge in these caves during their exile. There is also a Rudreshwar temple and waterfall near this cave. There are five compartments in the cave complex. In the middle complex, there are four crafted lingas that are similar to Elephanta, Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra. There are inscriptions written in Sanskrit and Brahmi characters of the 7th century in the Shivling of the second cave.
Location: Arvalem Caves, Rudreshwar Colony, Harvale, Goa 403505
Timings:8:15 AM – 5 PM
5. Explore The Ruins Of Cabo De Rama
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Cabo de Rama is a mediaeval hillfort located on the coast of Canacona in Goa. The fort was actually used as a place for storing 21 guns, military barracks, commander’s quarters and a chapel when this place was under the control of the Portuguese. All the remaining structures, like walls, ramparts, turrets, chapel and canons, are the remnants of the Portuguese era. This fort is a partially ruined place that is a popular destination in Goa with amazing views of the Colva beach and cliffs that drop steeply to the sea on the western side of the fort which overlooks the entire beach.
Location: Cabo de Rama Fort, Taluka Cabo da Rama, Canacona, Goa 403702
Timings:9 AM – 5:30 PM
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride In Chandor
Photo: Alexander Novikov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandor is located in South Goa and lies on the southern banks of the Zuari River and on the western banks of the Kushavati River. This place is famous for hot air ballooning, which is a unique thing to experience in Goa. The tourists are accompanied by the pilot in the wicker basket of the hot-air balloon. The hot-air balloon can accommodate up to 10 people. There are also private tour bookings available. This is one of the best experiences to look at the amazing nature all around, giving you the feeling of walking on the clouds.
Location: Chandor, Goa
Price: ₹13,000
Timings:6:30 AM – 8 AM
7. Trip To Grande Island
Photo: Jcornelius / Wikimedia Commons
Grande Island, also known as Ilha Island, is one of the most famous places to visit and has many thrilling activities such as snorkelling, dolphin spotting and scuba diving. To reach this island, there is a short boat ride organised by several centres in the city of Panaji. It is a one-day trip that starts with a jetty ride from Aguada Fort, a lighthouse, Central Jail, etc, and from the middle of this sea. Grande Island is known to be very peaceful and calm and is the best place to enjoy an amazing time in nature.
Location: Ilha Grande
Price: ₹1,499
Timings:6 AM – 3 PM
8. Trek To Dudhsagar Falls
Photo: Samson Joseph / Wikimedia Commons
Dudhsagar Falls is one of India’s tallest waterfalls, with a height of 310 m, located on the Mandovi River in Goa. To reach this waterfall, one must start the trek from Kulem and follow the Jeep trail until the bottom of the waterfalls. During the monsoon season, it is highly mandatory to hire a guide and take a life jacket to trek. Tourists are not allowed to enter the forest because of extremely heavy rainfall and the high potential for water displacement without safety measures. The best time to visit Dudhsagar waterfalls is between the months of October and May.
Location: Dudhsagar Falls, Sonauli, Goa 403410
Price: ₹1,599
Timings:9 AM – 6 PM
9. Parasailing At Calangute Beach
Photo: Praveen / Wikimedia Commons
Calangute Beach is the most popular destination and the largest beach in North Goa. This place is especially packed during Christmas and the New Year. During the monsoons, it is recommended to not perform water sports activities because the sea can be rough. This beach is famous for many watersport activities like parasailing, water skiing and many more. But parasailing is one of the most famous things to do here. You get to enjoy 20 minutes of parasailing for each person, along with a guide accompanying you.
Location: Calangute Beach, Goa 403519
Price: ₹1,500
Timings:11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
10. Visit Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Paul Mannix / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in North Goa, near the town of Valpoi. This sanctuary is a huge area with a rich biodiversity and is also considered to be a project tiger reserve because of the presence of many Bengal tigers. There are various types of flora and fauna, with hundreds of varieties available in this wildlife sanctuary. This is a beautiful place to explore the wildlife accompanied by nature in real life. This place is especially famous for preserving the tigers, flora and fauna.
Location: Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagargaon, Kodal, Goa 403506
Timings:8 AM – 5:30 PM
Goa is a place that is especially known for adventures and thrilling experiences with a beautiful backdrop of nature. This place is full of beaches, nightlife parties and many water sports activities. There are many offbeat things to do in Goa to experience this culture and create some amazing memories. To learn more about the things to do in Goa to experience and create memories, visit TripXL for further information. Plan your trip accordingly and do try all the things mentioned above for a memorable vacation in Goa.
Cover Photo: Sam 8393 / Wikimedia Commons
