Perhaps you have been going to Goa for years now and know it like the back of your hand. After all, it is hard to resist the lure of the sun-kissed beaches, awesome beach parties, and natural tranquility. It is indeed a great destination to explore the whole year-round.
However, did you know that there is a lot more to Goa than those scenic beaches, sandy shores, and delightful cuisine? Some of the most offbeat things to do in Goa are found off the beach, actually. Just hop on a Mumbai to Goa flight and get ready to enjoy some of the truly unique experiences in Goa.
Here are some great ideas on where you can get unique experiences in Goa.
Visit a Goan bakery
It is a good idea to start with an old-school bakery in Goa. As there are very few traditional bakeries left in Goa and their goods, get sold out as soon as they get out of the oven. You can smell the delicious aroma of the freshly-baked bread s and enjoying a freshly baked bread at a typical Goan bakery is indeed a great experience in itself. Go to De Janeiro Bakery, which is one of the oldest bakeries in Goa.
Explore the Portuguese colonial mansions
Head for Chandor, a spectacular city on the Konkan coast, if you want to see the crumbling grandeur of Chandor. Those Portuguese colonial mansions have always been an important part of Goa’s culture and history. Even if those old mansions are just a reflecting shadow of their former glory, they are indeed alluring and picturesque.
Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panjim
Take a walk through the Fontainhas, the colorful Latin Quarter of Panjim, and it is a joy to walk on those winding and gorgeous lanes. Fontainhas is already a UNESCO Heritage Site, and the quaint traditional buildings are home to quaint bakeries, restaurants, and art galleries. It is indeed a unique experience to explore Fontainhas. Surely a popular stop on your Indian itinerary.
Thalassa for great food and entertainment
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at Thalassa are very special as it is on these days you can enjoy some special evenings filled with fun and frolic. However, advance bookings are essential if you want to enjoy those special sunset evenings at the most famous restaurant in Goa. Choose from the huge cocktail menu and enjoy special Greek dance, robot laser dance show, and fire throwing.
Amboli Jungle for nature lovers
Amboli Jungle Trek is a must for every nature-loving tourist coming to Goa. It is a serene experience as one wind through natural canopies of the Sahyadris and treks through the bulky mangroves. It is indeed a wonderful sight and experience for the photographers and nature lovers who love the lush greenery around.
The Sahakari Spice Farm
Another way to discover Goa is through its spices, and it is no wonder to see how they must have started empires! There are many temples and spice farms near Ponda, and the Sahakari Spice Farm is one of the most well-known. You can take a tour of the spice plantation, sample some spices, and buy what you like. There is even a buffet lunch included.
Crab-catching in the Goan Backwaters
Another hidden gem of Goa that is seldom at the forefront is the Goan Backwaters, and crab-catching is a popular activity here. You can either make a local friend and get them along for catching the crabs or join one of those crab catching tours. The crab catchers catch the crabs in the homemade netted trap called ‘Kobblem.’ if you are a newly married couple then you must check out these Goa Honeymoon Packages and make your trip memorable.
While some more options could be included here, but the above listed are some nice ones to enjoy an extraordinary experience in Goa this time!