Experience the lesser-known Goa - Unexplored Attractions of Goa

When we think of Goa, the first few things which come to our mind are its pristine sun-kissed beaches, lively parties and the much-visited Bollywood famous forts! Beyond this, there lies an unknown Goa, waiting to be explored.

If you want to escape the crowded lanes and shores and explore the truly unique Goa, forget about the lists of “top things to do in Goa”, “top places to visit”, “where to stay”. Instead, explore Goa from the lenses of locals. Live with a Goan family in an ancestral Portuguese home, savor the local meals, and explore the hidden countryside! You will experience a never heard, never known Goa.

Here are a few off-the-beaten-path experiences in Goa you never could have imagined.

1. See the Olive Ridley Turtles nesting at the shores at Morjim Beach

Have you ever witnessed the sea turtles laying eggs and the little hatchlings heading to the sea? Every year from November till April, the Olive Ridley Turtles head to the shores of beaches in Goa for nesting. The turtles lay hundreds of eggs, and after the incubation period of close to 2 months, tiny turtles head back to their home, the sea! It is a beautiful sight to hold.

One has to be very careful while visiting the shores during these times. The local people have created eco huts to protect these tiny turtles. Reach out to a local volunteer and experience how turtles extend their families. Seeing the tiny turtles taking baby steps towards the sea may make you cry. You can visit Morjim beach for this experience.

2. Go for Spice Plantation tours in Goa

India and spices go hand in hand. Any Indian dish will be incomplete without the colours and flavours of spices. The spice plantation fields in Goa are the unexplored sides of Goa. Chilies, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, cloves and so much more are on the grounds.

You will get to know about the entire process of farm to plate. At the plantation tour, you will be offered lip-smacking traditional meals enriched with the local spices directly sourced from the farms. The aroma of these spices will make you not want to leave Goa. On your next visit to Goa, do take out time to wander around the lush green spice plantation in the dappled sunshine!

3. Explore the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The beauty of Goa does not lie only in the sand shores. Its countryside is even more exciting for any nature enthusiast with the backwaters, the lakes and rivers. These quiet water bodies amidst lush greenery make it the perfect home for birds. Over 400 species of birds have been sighted in Goa so far.

Along with the Mandovi river lies a beautiful bird sanctuary called Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is covered by wildly grown low mangrove forests on the sleepy Chorao Island. You can see up to 100 species of birds including colorful kingfishers, melodious thrushes, woodpeckers, sandpipers, terns, herons at the sanctuary.

The best way to enjoy the sanctuary will be to reach here by taking a ferry to cross the Mandovi river, and arrive here either early morning or evenings when the birds are most active and chirpy! Also, a hilltop hike in Chorao Island is worthwhile for aerial views of the lush green Goa.

4. Trek to Dudhsagar Waterfall

This beautiful waterfall is one of the tallest, four-tiered waterfalls in India. Dudhsagar means ‘the ocean of milk’ and the falls are a pleasure to watch particularly during the monsoon season. One of the best ways to enjoy the true beauty of Dudhsagar waterfall will be to do the short trek to the base of the falls.

While trekking, you will pass through the lush green misty forest and get to soak the natural beauty of Goa. If you are not up for a bit of adventure, you can explore the waterfalls via local train. The waterfall flows right beneath a train line and gives goosebumps every time you see it.

5. Visit San Thome Museum in Goa

The quirky Sam Thome Museum at Varca in Goa should be on the list of every history buff. You will experience the journey of the technical revolution from bulbs to smartphones at this museum and will be taken back in time! This carefully curated space has old cameras, typewriters, gramophones, clocks and black and white projectors, grand piano (from 1888 and still in working condition), gramophone record player from Thomas Edison. You will also find old clocks, cutlery, sewing machines, containers, and these artifacts showcase the Portuguese and British influence on Goan lifestyle. Take a break from beach hopping and go back in time at the San Thome museum.

6. Be sporty at Yash Shooting Hub

If you ever wanted to try your hand at shooting, Goa also has a shooting hub. This is the only National Rifle Association India (NRAI) affiliated shooting range in Goa. You can spot state and national-level shooters sharpening their skills at the Yash Shooting Hub. The place has air rifles, air pistols, electronic target runners, pipe-side air rifles which are used in the Olympics.

Apart from these places, you have many other lesser-known sides of Goa to be explored. With the backwaters, island hopping, caves, riverside kayaking, wildlife sanctuaries, Goa has rich experiences for every nature lover. Next time, drive slowly through the countryside of Goa and soak in the moments, kayak in the rivers, explore the slow island life and old towns of Goa. Maybe spend a day or two in the villages, and you will realize Goa is so much more than the beaches.

So pack your bags and make a plan for exploring the offbeat Goa! Do tell me which was your favourite experience in Goa.

For more details, check out the Goa Tourism website here (www.goa-tourism.com)

Love,
Tanned Travel Girl

Sponsored by Goa Tourism