11 Offbeat Travel Experiences You’ve Got To Try On Your Next Goa Trip
Say the word ‘Goa’ and people instantaneously imagine beach, beer and a bloody good time, but it can also seem like there’s a lack of new experiences in general. This however, is very far from the truth. In fact, there is A LOT to do and see in Goa that’s not the beach.
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 personalised 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.
For more details, contact Hakim Sabir on 08975841178.
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 uraacand 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 Feniand how it’s all made.
For more details, click here or call 09823572035.
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.
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 more details call Luis Dias on 09011051950 or email on diasfluis@gmail.com.
6. Cycling in 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.
For more details, call Ashwin Tombat on 08888250019.
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 more details, call First Class Holidays on 08322420353.
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.
For more details, call First Class Holidays on 08322420353.
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 more 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.
For more details, call Ashwin Tombat on 08888250019.
*This article first appeared on AskMen India. For more articles like this, please visit in.askmen.
