Sharvani ChandvaleOffbeat Goa is finally getting the attention it deserves. From bird-watching experiences to heritage walks, and more. With every step you take, you are bound to find a new story, all wrapped up in layers of emotions and warmth, just waiting to be heard. Over the last few years, the offbeat Goa experiences have swept slow travellers, right off their feet.
For anyone looking to dive into the unknown, here are some things that you didn’t know about offbeat Goa:
Buddhist Caves at Rivona
Cave exploration is an offbeat Goa experience. Goa has about 250 hidden caves speckled all over the state – both natural and man-made. They are more populated in the regions of Divar, Narve, Lamgao and even Rivona. In Rivona, one comes across a beautiful cave with a natural pool and a statue of Lord Hanuman inside; other than that the village also hides some mysterious Buddha caves. A disciple of Buddha on his journeys to the east lived in this ‘Abode of Purna’. Archaeologists found a Buddha statue and rock carvings that take us way back in time.
Rock Carvings at Usgalimal
Usgalimal is a pretty little village situated about 16kms away from Rivona in the taluka of Sanguem in South Goa. It is full of abundant natural beauty and history that takes us way, way back to the era of rock carvings. The Petroglyphs of Usgallimol were discovered by its villagers in 1993 and have been the talk of the town since. Dating back to about 20 to 30 thousand years ago, they were found on mud-covered rocks in the bend of the river Kushavati. The designs contained about 100 figures of bulls, lines, and human figures. Apart from that, one can also find a whole ton of exciting rock carvings on the other side of the bank or the river, in the village of Pansaimol.
Swami Vivekananda’s Sojourn in Goa
We all remember the amazing speech that Swami Vivekananda made in 1893. Before he landed in Chicago, this great monk and philosopher spent some time in Goa learning about religion. The place of his sojourn belonged to a great Goan Sanskrit scholar, Subrai Naik who attained samadhi by fasting unto death. His original residence is located in the town of Margao, in the quiet lanes of Comba. Damodar Sal is the location where Swami Vivekananda stayed and where Subrai Naik spent his final days. He and Subrai Naik are believed to have conversed on many topics around religion and philosophy. If you’re looking for an offbeat Goa experience, then you need to visit the residence in Margao.
The Mystery of Queen Ketevan
After almost a decade she was asked to convert to Islam; upon refusing she was tortured as well. As the story goes, a group of Augustinian Friars who witnessed her execution returned her remains to her son.
It all began with an excavation at the ruins of the St Augustine church in Old Goa. Archaeologists found bones belonging to a human hand that they belonged to Queen Ketevan. This queen of Eastern Georgia, in the 17th century, was sent by her son to the court of his arch-enemy as a truce offering. However, the Persian king didn’t live up to his promise. He tortured her sons to death and kept her prisoner to take over their land.
They declared her a martyr and offered her sainthood. The bones from her hand landed in Goa’s St Augustin Church when they moved her remains. What’s most surprising is that they’re almost 400 years old!
Goa’s Islamic Heritage
Within Goa, there is a small group of people who speak a very interesting dialect of Konkani – dakhni. The language is a fascinating mix of Arabic, Urdu and Konkani. Goa’s Islamic Heritage of Goa dates way back to the Arabian traders, the Adil Shahi Sultanate and others. Apart from the pretty mosques, you find Islamic monuments with interesting backstories. The Surla Tar mosque, the Safa Masjid and the Namazgah are some breathtakingly beautiful monuments that you have to check out on your next trip to Goa.
Want to explore an offbeat Goa?
Then, you’re at the right place! Experience Buddhist caves in Goa, rediscover Goa’s cultural heritage and dive deeper into stories of lesser-known Goan villages. You can discover something new every day in Goa, and who knows? You might just find the next cool offbeat Goa experience.
