When you mention Goa to the average traveler, golden beaches and rocking party zones come to mind. The beaches of course, are the draw, but there’s more to Goa than just sand and sea. There are lots of hidden gems there – from verdant forests, ancient temples, heritage villages and mystical caves to wildlife sanctuaries and spice gardens abound. Visit these offbeat places to see the real piece of Goa – serene, cultural and soulful.

So whether you are planning your family vacation, a trip with friends or even a solo trip, the unusual places in Goa have something refreshing and memorable to offer. With a lot of Portuguese history, natural beauty and traditional Goan culture, these gems extend far beyond the typical beach holiday. If you are looking to travel, you can easily book a Goa holiday package online and delve into both the explored and unexplored facets of this paradise. Go kite Tours also offers wonderful travel advice, while you enjoy your Goa Holiday with us filled with Memorable and Authetntic experiences.

1. Divar Island – The Virgin Beauty of the Island

A peaceful retreat, Divar Islands is one of the most peaceful places in Goa, and is very close to Old Goa, accessible by a ferry. No, it’s not full of tourists; instead, you’ll get stunning views of paddy fields, Portuguese villas that will take you to the old ages, and ancient churches! Wandering around the island feels like taking a step back in time, and it is an ideal getaway for anyone looking for tranquillity and authenticity.

Highlights:

• St. Mathias Church and other chappels

• Portuguese-style houses

• Festivals like Bonderam

2. Chorla Ghat- When Nature Sprawled Its Arms!

Chorla Ghat Located in the Western Ghats, Chorla Ghat is one of the beautiful places in Goa. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, peacock fans and soaking up that cool mountain air! The waterfalls here during monsoon, are a sight to behold.

Highlights:

• Twin Vajra waterfalls

• Biodiversity hotspot with rare species

• Eco-tourism lodges for nature stays

3. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Away from the beaches, Goa is also known for its dense wildlife sanctuaries. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest wild life sanctuary in Goa covering 240 sq kms. A great place for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Dudhsagar Waterfalls, among the highest waterfall in India

• Abundant flora and fauna leopards, deer and snakes.

• Trekking routes through dense forests

4. Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

If you have any interest in history and spirituality, Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is one of the most interesting places in Goa. This temple was built in the 12th century, and it is one of the temples in Goa dedicated to Lord Shiva and also the oldest surviving one in this state.

Highlights:

• Exquisite Kadamba-style architecture

• Serene forest surroundings

• Carvings depicting Hindu mythology

5. Arvalem Caves and Waterfalls

Arvalem Caves, close to Sanquelim, are rock cut caves probably going as far back as the 6th century. Nearby is the Arvalem Waterfall, which is picturesque during the monsoon.

Highlights:

• Buddhist and Shaivite carvings

• Tranquil picnic area by the falls

• Historically important Arvalem Rock-Cut caves

6. Aldona Village – The Village that Speaks Nothing but the Country!

If you want to experience true rustic charm, than Aldona is the most unassuming place in all of Goa. It is known for its picturesque St. Thomas Church, as well as for its scenic backwaters and laid-back lifestyle.

Highlights:

• Breathtaking views from the Aldona Bridge

• Traditional Goan houses and lifestyle

• Canoeing in backwaters

7. Spice Plantations of Ponda

The spice plantations in Goa provide respite to tourists looking for something beyond beaches. Those plantations host guided tours with the opportunity for visitors to learn about spices such as cardamom, nutmeg and black pepper.

Highlights:

• Guided spice tours

• Meals as served on the banana leaf traditional Goan style

• Elephant rides (in some plantations)

8. Cabo de Rama Fort

Cabode Rama Far less crowded than other forts, Cabo de Rama gives one a panoramic view of the Arabain sea. The fort is historically important for having been occupied by Portuguese rulers and then used as a prison.

Highlights:

• Ancient fort ruins
• Stunning sunset views
• Remote and peaceful location

9. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

If forest and wildlife fascinate you, then Surla is popular for the densely forested areas, It’s also the home of the bubbling lake called Budbud Tali.

Highlights:

• Trekking and bird-watching

• Budbud Tali (bubble lake)

• Rich biodiversity

10. Chorao Island -Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

If you are enthusiastic about birdwatching then this is one of the perfect places to visit in Goa. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao Island is known for rare species such as the black bittern, kingfishers and migratory birds.

Highlights:

• Mangrove ecosystem

• Boat rides for birdwatching

• Peaceful natural setting

11. Cumbarjua Backwaters

Goa is not just a beach destination, it also boasts beautiful backwaters. Crocodile and bird watching tours are a popular activity in the Cumbarjua backwaters.

Highlights:

• Boat safaris

• Crocodile watching

• Traditional Goan villages nearby

12. Kuskem Waterfall

Hidden in South Goa, Kuskem is the little known waterfall in Goa. It is good trekking option specially in monsoon.

Highlights:

• Scenic trekking routes

• Peaceful, untouched beauty

• Perfect for photography

Why Explore Beyond Goa’s Beaches?

While Goa is known the world over for its beaches, these lesser-known places bring to fore its cultural, spiritual, and natural richness. Each and every moment spent in Goa, visiting the ancient temples, discovering hidden islands, or exploring wildlife sanctuaries brings an extra element into your itinerary! In walking away from crowded beaches, you can uncover a side of Goa that is too often missed, but equally bewitching.

Conclusion

Goa is a true haven of beaches, but the real beauty of it lies in the serenely hidden places away from the beaches. Veer off the beach, though, and Goa is packed with all manner of attractions, from ancient temples such as Tambdi Surla, serene islands (Divar) and bird sanctuaries (Chorao). These quirky corners of Goa are sure to help you experience some peace and authenticity and get you closer to the nature and history in some distinctive ways while you are in the state.

Planning your next holiday?Make sure to book your Goa Holiday Package with reputed suppliers such as Go kite Tours for a hassle free trip. There's much to see outside its beaches and it's a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culture, definitely a must-visit destination. Opt for a Goa tour that takes you through the real charm of this beautiful seaside state and make Go kite Tours your travel partner to an amazing Goa trip.