No doubt that Goa has some of the best beaches of India, with varying landscapes and different offerings. Some are the favourite among couples. While there are other beaches of Goa specifically preferred by families. And then there are yet others which are preferable to enjoy with friends. From coarse golden sand to fine white sand. From large sand beds to small coastline, each beach is different from the other. But don’t get mistaken by thinking that beaches are the only things to enjoy in Goa. This small state of India is power packed with so much more to offer. All you need to do is explore Goa beyond the beaches on your next trip to Goa. Here we list for you the 10 best things to do in Goa thats nothing to do with beaches.
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Invoke the history buff in you and visit the forts of Goa
Do you know that Goa has a rich history that goes back centuries? While it was under Portuguese rule for the last few centuries. It was under constant attack from Maratha rulers up north who wanted to gain an upper hand at this strategic location. There are several ancient forts in Goa which are testimony to this quest of power that went on in Goa for centuries.
Some of the prominent forts of Goa include:
For Aguada
Perhaps the most famous fort of Goa. Which still stands tall to a great extend. Fort Aguada is strategically located overlooking the Mandovi river near Panjim, Sinquerim and Candolim – almost right at the center of Goa. If you had even one trip to Goa, chances are high that you will visit Fort Aguada. Almost all day trips or tour packages in Goa include a trip to Fort Aguada. And we ourselves have been to Fort Aguada twice. During our Goa Workcation and also during our very first trip to Goa as a part of this one day sightseeing trip in Goa. What I can never get tired of is the magnificent views of the Mandovi river from Fort Aguada.
Sinquerim Fort
Almost next to Fort Aguada, and 18 kilometers from Panjim lies the Sinquerim Fort. Overlooking the Sinquerim beach, it’s often overlooked by visitors who get attracted right towards Fort Aguada. Constructed in 1612, some debate that this fort is actually an extension of Fort Aguada. Ships used to anchor next to this fort in the ancient times. Right next to the fort lies the Taj Holiday Village Resort which is very popular amongst the elite visitors of Goa. Also from the fort one can see as far as the Candolim Beach.
Chapora Fort
Another fort built along the natural coastline of the hills near Vagator beach, Chpora Fort is a favorite to see spectacular sunset. With vagator beach on one side, Chapora River on the other side and Morjim and Ashvem beaches on yet another side, this fort provides spectacular views on all sides. We trekked to the Chapora Fort one evening while staying at the Grand Leoney Resort near Vagator Beach. You can easily drive down here as well.
Cabo Da Rama Fort
A beautiful fort in South Goa which provides spectacular views of the Cabo Da Rama beach is Cabo Da Rama Fort. This fort has also got it’s fair share of popularity recently as visitors have started making it popular. It is easily approachable form the fat south beaches of Goa like Agonda Beach and Palolem Beach.
There are still more forts in Goa, lesser known and offbeat. If you have time you can also explore the Reis Magos Fort, Corjuem Fort, Terekhol Fort, Rachol Fort, Mormugao Fort and few others.
Hop through the beautiful churches of Goa
A trip to Goa is incomplete without visit to the beautiful churches of Goa. If there is something as common, abundant and beautiful as the beaches of Goa then it’s the churches at each and every corner. Almost everyone knows of Bom Jesus Basilica and Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception . And then there are so many other beautiful churches in each area. The prominent ones being Se Cathedral, Church of our Lady of the Mount, Church of St Cajetan, Mae De Deus Church, Church of St Francis of Assisi, St. Diogo’s Church, Santa Cruz Church, Chapel of St. Catherine to name a few.
Recommended : A heritage tour through the old Churches of Goa
Visit some of the ancient temples of Goa
It might surprise you that as famous are the old churches of Goa, that famous are some of the old Hindu temples of Goa as well. Some of the prominent temples being Mangeshi Temple, Shanta Durga Temple, A shiva temple called Mahadev temple, Chandeshwar Bhootnath Temple, Brahma Karmali Temple, Mahalasha Narayani Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Shaptakoteshwar Temple and Kamakshi Temple. Although I myself havent been able to visit most of these temples on my trips to Goa so far. But I do hope to visit some of these on my next trip to Goa. Stay tuned!
See the old Portuguese Quarters of Goa
The vibrant old Portuguese quarters of Fontainhas are another ones not to be missed when in Goa. There are free heritage walks conducted by volunteers through these quarters in Panjim. Apart from the vibrant houses, most of which are still occupied by their residents, these quarters also house many quirky cafes, restaurants, some community buildings, boutique shops and other such places of interest. Check this post from our visit to Fontainhas to know all about Fontainhas in Goa.
Shop till you drop : Visit the flea markets of Goa
If you are in Goa, you are bound to shop. For there are so many colorful garments, accessories, hats, bags and other such stuff available that you simply can’t resist. To add further to the charm of shopping in Goa, there are famous flea markets held at different locations in Goa at different days of the week. Not only these host shops that sell beautiful products at very low prices. But many of these markets also have great food and party scenes. The Anjuna Flea Market which is held every Wednesday through the day, the Arpora Flea Market which is also popular as the Saturday night market as it is held every Saturday night, Mapusa Market, Palolem Beach side Market are some of the most famous flea markets in Goa. Do visit at least one of these on your trip to Goa.
Trek through the gorgeous hills of Goa
Goas coastlines run along the western ghats. There are several intertwined and some isolated hills all through Goa that provide multiple trekking options. Chapora Hill on the Vagator beach is one, Cabo Da Rama yet another. And then there is the famous Doodhsagar Trek. Apart from these, if you would like to stay in the hills of Goa, there are some beautiful options, particularly in Arambol.
Go get a tattoo & Party all night
Almost in every street in Goa, you will find one tattoo place. There are both type of tattoos available – the permanent ones and the temporary ones. Getting a tattoo seems like a popular thing in Goa. Although, I am not a big fan of tattoos. And I have never got one done. But if tattoos are your thing, then Goa is your place to get one. Particularly in North Goa, where I have spotted Tattoo salons (or whatever these places are called where you get a tattoo) are so abundant.
And, of course, how can one forget the party scene of Goa. Be it the cruise, the night clubs, the flea markets or even the beach. You will see people partying all over Goa. This is the kind of scene that I have not seen anywhere else in India. Where people get so free spirited, so much in the holiday mood, that they just live in the moment. And forget everything else. While they party in Goa. Many of these parties literally are up and abuzz whole night. This is one of the major reasons that drives youngsters in great numbers to Goa. So, needless to mention, you must party hard when in Goa.
Take a cruise on one of the rivers of Goa
On our very first trip to Goa, we took a river cruise on the Mandovi River. It was such a refreshing experience. You can also boat on the Chapora River, Terekhol River, Mapusa River and Zuari River. There are also some excellent kayaking options available in backwater lagoons in few areas of Goa. So why not try one of these options when in Goa!
Visit some of the mesmerising waterfalls of Goa
Goa is blessed with beautiful hills which in turn are blessed with gorgeous waterfalls. Although we chased many waterfalls on our trip to Meghalaya, there were only few as mighty as the Doodhsagar Waterfalls. Also Hivre Waterfalls, Tambadi Surla Waterfalls , Netravali Waterfalls, Arvalem Waterfalls, Bamanbudo Waterfalls, Kesarval Waterfalls , Charavane Waterfalls, Kalsa Waterfall, Surla Waterfall, Bhupar Waterfall and Karmalya Waterfall just a few of the many beautiful waterfalls that Goa is blessed with. On my next vacation to Goa, I plan to chase these waterfalls and then take you through a virtual tour of each one of these. Would you like to come along?
Eat to your hearts content when in Goa
Goa is also a foodie paradise. With people from all over the world flocking here for the beauty that this state has to offer, Goa’s food scene is equally exciting. From beachside shacks to high end restaurants, Goa has it all. And all of them serve mouthwatering cuisines. So, when in Goa, trying different delicacies is a must. Although I am a vegetarian. So, I am often skeptical about visiting destinations which are abundant in sea food and non vegetarian food. But after visiting Thailand as a vegetarian, and experiencing the vegetarian food in Europe, I can proudly say that Goa exceeds my expectations when it comes to vegetarian food.
All I can say in short is there hasn’t been a single time when food at Goa has disappointed me. And I am saying so after having my food at many different food joints in Goa. From the beachside shack in Palolem, Manveer’s Kitchen in Agonda, Beach Shack in Anjuna, beach side restaurant in Calangute, our hotels in Vagator, Colva, Benaulim and Calangute and several other cafes and restaurants in Panjim, fontainhas and other places across Goa!! So, when in Goa, do not hesitate to try the different cuisines !!
You might as well be interested in :
Our stay at Biera Mar Beach Resort in South Goa
A day trip to North Goa from South Goa
A week long Goa vacation to enjoy the best of Goa
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