Goa! What comes to mind when you think of it? Beautiful beaches? Wild nightlife? Seafood? A destination where everyone plans their trip with friends at least once in a lifetime but it gets cancelled (hahaha, we all have been there!). That’s what the majority of us think of Goa to be. But Goa is way more than that. So lets explore top 5 offbeat places in Goa in this article.
Pretty beaches are just a part of it. Located at the heart of the western ghats and being home to a great Konkani culture, Goa is blessed with nature and tradition. Here are some places in Goa that are not known by many but are so mesmerizing that you have to add them to your itinerary when you plan your trip next time.
So let’s dive into this article and see what Goa has to offer.
5 offbeat places in Goa you should visit before it gets too crowded.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary – Must visit place for Wildlife photographers.
Located in the south-eastern part of Goa, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Netravali is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, that covers over 200 sq. km. Home to numerous species of animals consisting of Gaur, AKA Indian Bison, Malabar giant squirrel, four-horned antelope, leopard, black sloth bear, and much more. It is also a home for many rare butterfly species, like the Malabar banded swallowtail, Malabar banded peacock, and blue nawab.
Along with wildlife, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has two all-season waterfalls, Savri and Mainapi. Making it ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. But while visiting this place, one must know that it is home to various animals and birds, so it would be safe to not honk or do something that could disturb their peace. So we have added Netravali in our list of offbeat places in Goa.
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Chorao Island – Calm and untouched beach/Island in Goa
Despite being just 11 kilometres away from the capital of Goa, Panjim, Chorao Island has still kept its beauty intact. When you are tired of the busy city life, this is the place that makes you feel calm. You can enjoy the beauty of slow living here. The only way to reach Chorao Island is via ferry, which is a delightful experience on its own as you are surrounded by majestic mangroves.
It’s a beautiful blend of nature and the culture of Goa. Being a part of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the island consists of some stunning species of birds, including eagles, kingfishers, sandpipers, woodpeckers, and much more.
Along with the Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, other beautiful attractions include Shri Devki Krishna Temple and many churches.
Cabo de Rama Fort – Ancient architects to visit in Goa.
Nothing makes history enthusiasts more excited than a piece of history that tells the story of old times. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 1760s, you go back in time as you explore this half-ruined fort. The views of the sea are majestic from the fort. This fort promises you solitude that will let you reflect on yourself and an unforgettable experience.
Butterfly Beach – Cleanest beach in Goa.
It’s impossible not to mention beaches when you are talking about Goa. Though there are numerous beaches in Goa, some have managed to keep themselves hidden in the serene beauty of Goa. One such beach is Butterfly Beach. Surrounded by blue waters, it is one of the best beaches in India. You have to either take a ferry or trek there. This beach has clean and blue water and white sands and also it is less crowded that is why we have listed it in Top offbeat places in Goa
Activities to enjoy on this beach include snorkelling, boating, kayaking, and dolphin watching.
If you are not in the mood to do any of that, it’s worth just taking a romantic walk on the beach while watching breathtaking sunsets. It is so beautiful that it’s safe to say that Butterfly Beach is Goa’s best-kept secret.
Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple – Must visit devotional place in Goa.
Surrounded by the lush forests of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is Goa’s lesser-known gem. Carved out of a basalt rock in the 12th century, Tambdi Surla Temple is a beautiful Shiva temple. That is why we have added it in our list of top 5 offbeat places in Goa.
Situated near a spring, this place will definitely take you on a spiritual journey, giving you positivity and peace that soothes your soul. This unknown side of Goa is pure bliss. This place definitely needs to be appreciated more, so do not forget to visit this piece of art.
Conclusion
To conclude this article, we can say that Goa is definitely not just about nightlife and beaches; it’s way more than that. A lot of hidden wonders in Goa are just waiting to be explored by those who appreciate its beauty. So next time, when you plan your trip to Goa, make sure you add these places to your itinerary. But as a responsible traveller, be sure not to cause any damage to any of these places and keep them the way they are. So that coming generations can also indulge in their beauty as much as we can. Hope you have enjoyed our article about 5 offbeat places in Goa, keep visiting see you in next article.
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What are the less crowded places in Goa
Butterfly beach, Palolem Beach, Chorao Island etc are Calm, clean and less crowded beaches in Goa
Which part of Goa has cleanest beaches
South Goa has cleanest beaches as many beaches there are untouched. compared to that north goa is too crowded so not clean for example Calangute Beach
How to reach butterfly beach
You can reach butterfly beach by 2 ways one is by Ferry boat from Patnem or Palolem beach. another way is by trek.