11 Lesser-Known Travel Experiences In Goa You Must Try

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Say the word ‘Goa’ and people instantaneously imagine beach, beer and a bloody good time, but there is A LOT to do and see in Goa that’s not the beach.

What Is It?

And who better to talk to about it than the director of First Class Holidays, a Goa-based destination management company with over 20 years of experience delivering personalized services to their partners and clients. A true son of the soil, he knows Goa through and through, and by virtue of being in the business for these many years has an unrivaled insight into experiences that are enriching and take you away from the beach, if even for just a day.

1. Ocean Trek on Nevati

If you love the sound of the waves and a bit of adventure, go on this trek along the mountainside, overlooking the sea. You will reach a pristine beach at the end and all the sweat will be worth it.

Also read: Rent This Heritage Villa With A Private Pool In Goa For Less Than ₹6000

Ocean Trek on Nevati | Image credit: Rural Tourism Network Enterprise

For details, call Hakim Sabir on +(91)8975841178.

2. Joseph Bar in Fontainhas

Joseph Bar is a small hole-in-the-wall tavern in the by-lanes of Fontainhas, the Latin quarter of Goa. Sip on a chilled beer or a nice cold glass of uraac and nibble on some decidedly Goan bar snacks, while Gundu the barman attends to your every need.

For more details, click here.

3. Cajueiro Homestead

Way in the interiors of Goa, in a village called Valpoi where you can be one with nature, build a tree house and explore the surrounding flora and fauna. Also, at Cajueiro Homestead, you can learn about Uraac and Feni and how it’s all made.

For details, click here or call +(91)9823572035.

4. Casa Menezes Homestay Visit And Tour

Casa Menezes is a heritage homestay that allows you to feel the comforts of your own home, along with pieces of history considering this is a 300-year-old anscestral home. You can also opt for a tour while you’re there.

Also read: Spend The Upcoming Long Weekend In The Villa Rainforest In Goa At Only ₹4000

For more details, click here.

5. Heritage Walk In Panjim

There are many places to discover and visit in Panjim and it’s also chock full of history and culture. Take a walk through the homey lanes and soak in the sights and sounds.

For details, call Luis Dias on (+91) 9011051950 or email on diasfluis@gmail.com

6. Cycling The Back Roads In Villages Of Bardez

If you love cycling and exploring the back roads of the villages, this experience will leave you very satisfied.

Cycling In Back Roads In Villages Of Bardez | Image credit: Woovly

For details, call Ashwin Tombat on +(91)8888250019

7. Heritage Trails And Mansion Of South Goa⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore the rich history of South Goa and visit the beautiful mansions to get a glimpse into how the erstwhile aristocratic Goan families lived. This is a must-do for anyone even mildly interested in history and architecture.

For details, call First Class Holidays on (0832)2420353

8. Bird watching in Goa’s wetlands

Across the Mandovi river, in an area lined with mangroves lies the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can see a wide variety of avian creatures while kayaking through the wetlands after which you can even explore the island of Chorao and Divar.

9. Back Water Cruise

Although not as well known as Kerala, Goa’s backwaters also make for a picturesque day out. You can book a small boat and cruise through the backwaters taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

Also read: 5 Luxury Villas To Rent Out In Goa This Monsoon

For details, call First Class Holidays on (0832)2420353

10. Attend Cultural Events Organised By The Fundação Oriente

The Fundação Oriente is a cultural organisation that carries out cultural and artistic activities in India but especially focused on Goa considering that it was a Portuguese colony.

For details about all events hosted by them, call (+91) 832 223 0728

11. Learn To Sail

You can learn to sail on a single handler boat all by yourself in Goa, all- year round except for the monsoon season. After five days, you’ll never want to get off the water.

Sail in Goa | Image credit: adventure nation