My Offbeat Travel Experiences In Goa
No matter how many times you visit Goa, you may never discover it enough. The Goa beyond beaches, babes and parties is so much more enticing and enriching. The offbeat travel experiences in Goa give you a deeper perspective of the place.
When I visited Goa way back in 1999, I didn’t like it much. Of course, I found it beautiful, but I also thought that it was too quiet. Besides, I got to explore it through a guide’s eye, which showed me just the touristic side of Goa – beaches, churches and temples.
Since it was not a personal trip (it was a school trip), we didn’t have the freedom to do our own thing. I could barely smell the ‘real’ Goa – the Goa that I fell in love with, years later when I visited it in 2015.
I visit Goa almost every year now. While I have experienced Goa as a regular tourist (thanks to my family and friends), I have also made it a point to look out for offbeat things to do in Goa.
There have been times when I have woken up at 5 am just to do my own thing in Goa – walk by the traditional Goan homes, visit a local bakery, and exchange a few pleasantries with the locals.
COVID Travel Advisory for Goa: There’s no quarantine or test needed to visit Goa. All you need is Aarogya Setu app in your phone. I’d suggest that you should avoid crowded places, restaurants, and also avoid mingling with the locals. Wear your face mask properly whenever you step out – travel in cabs, visit a shop, etc. Be responsible and stay safe.
My Offbeat Travel Experiences In Goa
Here’s what I unravelled in Goa –
Fontainhas – The Latin Quarter of Panjim
The elegant lanes of Fontainhas and its colourful buildings.
Fontainhas is an old quarter in Panjim City. I went there without knowing that it would turn out to be such a gorgeous place. It was fascinating to wander through the vintage lanes and take in the elegance of the Latin era. The more I visit Fontainhas, the more curious I get.
The pretty souvenir shops and other cute corners.
It’s impossible to just keep walking without looking around in Panjim City, as there is so much that grabs your attention. I couldn’t keep myself from browsing through a couple of souvenir shops that begged for my glance.
The unique art galleries hidden away in the lanes.
There are quite a few quirky art galleries in Fontainhas that beckon you for a visit. I visited one by the name of Gitanjali Art Gallery & Café, which had showcased the work of a French artist Pierre Legrand.
A taste of heritage at Verandah Restaurant.
We had breakfast at Verandah Restaurant, which is part of Panjim Inn – one of the heritage hotels in Goa. The first thing to be drawn to this place is its lovely décor and colonial style architecture. The atmosphere is quiet and classy, and the food is delicious.
I also had the pleasure of staying at WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn, which is the 17th century house taking you back in time.
Saligao – The quiet North Goa
Saligao has both touristic and local experiences to offer. You have the choice to visit popular beaches like Baga, Anjuna, Sinquerim and Calangute, which are barely 15 minutes’ drive, and then there are these Portuguese-style houses, churches and countryside to explore at your own whim.
The soothing countryside.
When I entered Saligao, I had no clue about its simple charms – the verdure of open grasslands and the grazing cattle. A glimpse of the rural way of life along with the touristic buzz on the beaches was endearing.
Beautiful homes hidden away in the bushes.
One of the peculiar things in Goa is its bushes. Yes, there is enough of it. I was amazed to see many dilapidated and even well-painted homes with bushes in their courtyards.
The local life of Goa.
Staying at Saligao gave me an excellent chance to peek into the local life of Goa. I used to wake up early and set out for spontaneous morning walks. I enjoyed strolling along the traditional Portuguese homes, feeling the quietude and seeing the everyday stuff like bread-man riding on a bicycle to deliver the Goan bread Poee to the locals.
Visit to a local bakery.
I was quite curious about the bakery culture of Goa, and thus, I decided to pay a visit to a bakery near Saligao. They start kneading the dough as early as 6:30 am and continue baking till 11 in the morning.
Olaulim – The secret of North Goa
Contrary to the clichéd tourist attractions, there are some totally off the radar places in North Goa, which not many know about. Olaulim, a lush village in Bardez, is one of such places.
I cherish my unimpeded joy of lapping up the beauty of the rivers, fields, marshes and small hillocks while exploring Olaulim. I stayed at Olaulim Backyards, a river facing, nature-soaked property. It’s the only place where I have stayed twice, and it was fantastic.
I believe if you choose unique hotels to stay in Goa (or anywhere else), the alternative travel experiences unfold without effort.
Well, if you’d like to ditch those hackneyed beaches of Goa, Olaulim could be a refreshing break!
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While Olaulim is a place where you just soak up the tranquillity and do nothing much, there are quite a few places you should visit around –
The backwaters of Mandovi River.
Perhaps the first thing that you’d want to take in more and more of is the surreality of Mandovi river. I’d suggest that you should rent a two-wheeler and go on your own excursion.
The backwaters of Mandovi would love to enchant you with their unruffled charms. Besides, you can indulge in river activities at Olaulim Backyards, too.
Reis Magos Fort, an offbeat heritage of Goa.
The 14th century Reis Magos Fort is a restored fort in a small village called Reis Magos. It’s an interesting fort to visit even for people who are not history or heritage aficionados.
The fort has quite a history – it was originally a defence fortress, which was later used as a jail and also a hospital. It began to dilapidate in the early 90s and remained in ruins until it was renovated by a renowned Goan architect Gerard D’Cunha.
Also, there’s an amazing sea view to enjoy from the rooftop.
Arvalem Falls aka Harvalem Waterfalls, Sanquelim.
The Arvalem falls, also known as the Harvalem falls, are located near Mapusa in North Goa. The beauty of the waterfalls comes alive in the monsoons when the water flows and gushes fiercely. It’s a sight to behold, and an awe-inspiring feeling.
The age-old pottery tradition of Goa.
Learn a bit about Goa’s oldest crafts at ‘Goa Potteries’ a pottery store in Bicholim. It’s your chance to rendezvous with the talented artisans and craftsmen.
It’s interesting to know that Goan potters, in the early ages, used to render cooking vessels and clay lamps to temples.
The verdure of South Goa
The quiet vibe of Loutulim.
Loutulim village is a modest village in South Goa. To be honest, I could not explore much of it. I wouldn’t say that I saw or experienced anything exceptional there, but it was definitely a different layer of Goa.
You can check out my complete Slow Travel Guide To South Goa.
The pristine lushness of landscapes.
As soon as you enter South Goa, the lushness of trees and foliage surrounds you. It was difficult making a choice as to where to stop and spend a few moments, as everything was so scenic.
Where to stay in North Goa – We stayed in an apartment in Saligao – Aldeia siesta. It was a spacious, clean and comfortable one bedroom apartment with a kitchen, bathroom and a balcony.
Where to eat in Goa – Besides Verandah Restaurant, you can enjoy a quick meal and coffee at Café Tato in Panjim City. Then there is Living Room restaurant in North Goa, which has a lovely poolside and also a little book-corner.
Is ‘offbeat’ Goa on your travel wish-list?
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