8 Offbeat Activities to do in Goa

Goa is everyone’s favourite vacation spot and it’s always a good idea to plan a trip to the sunny state! 

However if you want to explore Goa beyond shacks and beaches, Things2do has the perfect list of amazing offbeat activities to do in Goa! From visiting beautiful spice plantations to kayaking in Goa’s backwaters – these are some of the best activities to do in Goa!

1Take a Walk in Goa’s Spice Plantations

Goa is much more than the beaches and parties. The spice plantations are some of the most offbeat places in Goa. Take a walk through these spice plantations in Goa and feel the aroma of wonderful spices and get an insight into the cultures of Goa. There are over 8 Spice Plantations in Goa, 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 which happens to be one of the best things to do in Goa, you also get to play with the majestic tuskers at the plantation. Give them a bath or sit on their back while they splash you with water. It’s a day you will remember forever! 

Places To Visit: Savoi plantations and Sahakar Spice Farm

Location: H.No. A-14 , Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda, Kerim, Goa 403401

2Go Cycling on an Island

Venture beyond typical beaches and head to Divar Island, a completely different realm that exists across the Mandovi river. Divar Island will surely enchant you with its splendours. Witness time slowing down in this quaint river island situated just a few miles from the capital city of Panjim. Ride through patches of fields, mangroves, churches, temple sites and beautiful houses. Breathe and enjoy the rich heritage as you cycle through sights of traditional occupations like fishing. After immersing yourself in an unseen side of North Goa. The pretty locations and locals of Divar are great for those looking for untouched pristine beauty. This activity will take up to 3 hours and it’s available from 8am – 3pm every day.

Location: Old Goa Residency, Ella, Goa 403402, India 

3Visit lesser-known Forts in Goa

The party capital of India is alive with other treasures as well, if only you care to look around! One such treasure is its mighty forts. If you travel on the roads less taken in Goa, you will discover meandering ways that lead to some of the most spectacular forts. While some of these historical forts, like Aguada for are tourist hotspots, there are several others that remain in the shadows of Goa’s vibrant avatar. Yet, each of these forts has a story to tell and is impressive enough to make you stand and wonder. We present to you the top forts in Goa that are less known:

-Corjurm fort

-Mormugao fort

-Reismagos fort

-Juve fort

-Alorna fort

-Betul fort

4Go Kayaking in Goa’s Backwaters

This premium experience on flat dammed-up waters, is a winding journey through narrow waterways deep in the mangroves, sighting different birds, fish, otters and exotic local plants like cashew, bamboo and mango. The presence of red/white lotus and loads of migratory birds make this a must-do for all ages. Meet at Water’s Edge, Nuvem and after introductions, your tour guides will brief you on details of the river, the flora, and fauna, how to use the kayak and what to look out for during the trip. As you slowly and silently weave your way along the narrow waterway, you can spot more than 70 different types of birds across a panoramic backdrop.

Location : Nuvem, Majorda Beach Road, South Goa. 

5Visit Ancient Caves in Goa

There are many beautiful caves in India, and some of them even have their own ecosystems. Goa is one of the most visited tourist places in India and along with its stunning sea beaches, the state is also known for several hidden caves. These are a few that you should definitely check out. 

-Caves of Khandepar 

-Arvalem caves

-The Lamgau caves 

-The Rivona Caves

-Narve caves 

-Warakhand Caves

-Usgao caves

-Curdi Caves

-Aquem Caves

6Go for a Heritage Walk in the Fontainhas

Fontainhas is not only the oldest but the largest Latin quarter of Asia. Located at the foot of the hills, Altinho hills with springs surround Fontainhas on the west side, which gives it its name from Portuguese for “little fountain”. Witness the Portuguese past that eventually survived the onslaught of development in the 21st century. The houses are dressed in yellow, green and blue, balconies fronted by wrought iron railings and tiled roofs transporting you to another era. Learn more about Panaji’s history and culture on this interesting two-hour walking tour of the Fontainhas neighbourhood. You won’t struggle to hear your guide as this is a small-group tour (max. 15). Admire carefully restored Portuguese colonial-era buildings, sample traditional Goan bakery treats, and enjoy a live performance with a renowned local musician, and more. This is an ideal tour for travellers wanting to explore beyond Goa’s beaches.

Location :Fontainhas, Panjim, Goa

7Try Goa’s Local Drink at a Local Bar

The Portuguese introduced Goa to Feni in the 16th century. Ever since then, there was no looking back. Prepared from coconut palm sap or cashew, the juice is first fermented and then distilled to produce high-quality Goan Feni. This alcohol has a strong odour and aftertaste. And you can easily get drunk in a few shots of this local drink. Feni unlike other drinks won’t leave you with a hangover. In fact Goans tout it to be a traditional remedy for cough, cold and flu. Cashew or coconut feni, the choice is yours the next time you want to get a little tipsy in Goa. Feni is available at almost all the bars and restaurants across Goa,

Places to try Feni 

–Joseph Bar

-Caji Bar

-Escobar

-Alcohol Museum

8Visit the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Full of misty mountains and seasonal waterfalls; the Mhadei sanctuary is surely the right place to spot some exotic animals. The roads leading here are also well built and give the visitors a wonderful view, especially from the Chorla Ghat. Few experiences are of sighting snakes, leopards, boars and deers. The end of the trail is marked by two landmarks namely: Pisteshwara Temple and PistyachiKond. Do visit here when on your way to visiting offbeat places in Goa.

Goa is a place where you can enjoy lounging on a beach but it’s also a place where you can find  so many exciting Things to do! When you have Things2doinGoa, it’s something you can always rely on! 

Stay tuned to this space for our next curation of living your best life when in Goa! 

by Prapti Tar

Writer at Things2do