Offbeat Places to Visit in Goa – it is the regular question that looks at me on my face every time I have a friend visiting. So, I thought of creating a small video that would cover a day in Goa – something that had the essential beaches but also took you through the everyday life of a Goan.
So one fine day we took out our cameras and drove around to shoot this video.
Offbeat Places to Visit in Goa: Elements in the Video include
Drive on the Ribandar Causeway
This is a 400+-year-old causeway connecting old Goa to Panaji. In fact, Panaji owes its existence as a capital city to this causeway. We love driving on this causeway with Mandovi River on one side and salt pans on the other.
Ferry Ride to Divar Island
There are countable numbers of places in India where you can take ferries, and this is one of them. It is a pleasure to take this free ferry and step into the river island of Divar which is so full of history and heritage.
Other places you can take a ferry ride is Majuli Island in Assam and Cochin in Kerala.
Divar Island – Places to visit in Goa for Nature Appreciators
We love Divar Island for the nature it has – the mangroves and the birds. This time, we went early morning and we saw Divar people fishing in almost all water bodies. Of course, birds in the sky and crabs on the wetlands is what we enjoyed observing.
Arvalem Water Falls
This is a perennial waterfall next to an old temple wrapped in many folktales. Read in detail about it here: Arvalem. It is my personal favorite recommendation of places to see in the state.
Old Goa Churches
Now the UNESCO World Heritage complex of Churches of Old Goa is the must-visit place in the state. We could not have skipped it. In the interest of time, we entered only the Basilica of Bom Jesus and admired the rest from the road.
Fish Market
I am not a fish eater, but the world visits Goa to eat seafood. For this video, I stepped into the fish market for the first time, which is just outside the regular market that we visit for our fruits and vegetables. I stood there for a few minutes and learned the meaning of the fish market.
Vegetable Market
Goa’s vegetable market is unique as it is a closed complex on two floors. Cartoonist Mario Miranda’s cartoons re-create the market on the walls in his own classic quirky style. I love the colors of this market. It inspired me to write a full post on Pink & Purple fruits.
Candolim Beach – Places to Visit in Goa for Beach Lovers
A day in the state cannot be complete without enjoying the beaches of Goa. So we spent time looking at the sun going down as travelers walked on the beach. Since I live in the state, my favorite beach activity is to sit back on any of the lively beaches and watch the tourist live their dreams. See them scream as they go up parasailing and are in complete awe of the scene they see from the top.
The beaches of Goa are the quintessential experience that brings together Sun, Sand & Sea for travelers.
Festivals of Goa
The state is a collection of unique villages – each has its own festivals. I have been attending some and reading about others – let me tell you they are all very fascinating. So next time you come holidaying in Goa, check out the local festivals – and soak in a bit of local culture.
Read about local festivals:
This post has been written in collaboration with Expedia India.
Goa has one of the best beach in India.
Yes Kanchan.
Covering Goa in a day is a good idea but being there for many days.. nothing can beat it.
That is right Sarvana Ji. This is for those who come on a flying visit to Goa.
Anna gr8 insights even i didn’t know all This sides off Goa.
Yogesh, there is lot of Goa still to be discovered and shared. Stay tuned.
I guess, unknowingly but have covered it all except for Divar Island. Candolim is my fav beach in North Goa to stay. In terms of the beauty, love Vagator in North Goa. The old churches are my favorite too. Cheers
That is great Ami. I like wandering in the small and beautiful villages of Goa. Will write about them soon enough.
Nice post.. I have been to Goa, Baga beach, Candolim, Vagator, Aguada and many other places. I would love to visit the offbeat areas from your blog next time I am there. 🙂
Please do Sneh. Also check the other posts on Goa – most of them would qualify to be offbeat.
enjoyed your post !
Glad Mahesh that you enjoyed the post. Stay Connected.
I recently traveled to goa for holi celebrations ..enjoyed alot with a group tour from centra travels,, liked goa for its beaches, fish market and many more attractions.
Happy that you enjoyed Goa, Nirosha.
Whilst your selection of places is decent, they are by no means offbeat. Beaches in the South are sparsely populated, due to lack of access and premium pricing. The absolute North, not the usual vagator stretch till Baga, is also more rustic..but now also heavily trafficked…try the markets at Margao, Mapusa (which is one of the biggest). The quaint little beach enroute to Dona Paula, the wild life trails of Central and South Goa bordering Karnataka. Lots to choose from..
Thanks Lee. If you explore IndiTales, you would find many of the things mentioned by you written about.
Nothing can beat goa we stayed at Ashvem Beach and trust me it was one of the best beaches we have been its less crowded and its very clean u can also visit Mandrem beach also
nice place to visiot.exellent pics of places visited and credit goes to author.
Thank you Jaypee.
I found Keri and Arambol beaches very peaceful. Though Goa is not about beaches only . Goa is that special feel in air which makes your soul fly free???????? love your blog . Keep writing and guiding us. Thanks 🙂
Guess what, I am yet to go out and explore Keri and Arambol. Thanks for reminding.
Keep motivating me with your comments and I will keep bringing more Goa, India or World stories to you.
Thanks ????????
You are welcome.
Hey Anuradha . Nice info ???? would like to see you at Goa. Wish you could help me finding sone unique and vergin locations for my small film . Regards
Goa is Simply Beautifull… just wondering if there is anybody who can still speak Portuguese ????????……
Yes, Sam. There are quite a few people who still speak Portuguese in Goa.
Very informative delightful article. Is there a any tour package which give proper guidance good ambience and foods & stay in the goa. I want to see both of old and new goa also cuisines with my little 12yrs little daughter and other family members, please guide me. I am from Bandra, mumbai
Thank you, Abhay. Goa can be easily explored on your own. I am not aware of any agencies doing tours – most of them do standard tours that would take you to watch Dolphins.
Wow! What an amazing guide for Goa. I went there last month with my parents and it was fantastic.