Sharvani ChandvaleTravelling to Goa in 2024 will be all about slow, mindful and deep exploration. You taste the local food, walk away from the crowds, experience the hinterlands, take part in local festivals and listen to unheard stories. While offbeat tourism is picking up pace, plenty of towns and villages are yet to be explored. So if you are planning a vacation, don’t miss these 5 offbeat locations in Goa in 2024.
Chorao
One of the most famous islands of Goa, Chorao is a gold mine of offbeat experiences such as the mud bath in Goa. It is home to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and offers unique explorations and experiences. You start by taking a ferry from Ribandar to get across, which is a magical experience in itself. The Bird Sanctuary has a fun path you can walk along to meet some unique birds in Goa. You get a bonus if you are around between November to January for all the migratory maestros; this is why birdwatching enthusiasts in Goa shouldn’t miss this one!
Follow this experience with a sensory journey through Goa’s unique cuisine. Soul Travelling’s Island culinary experience brings together rare local delicacies that will be prepared right in front of you! Sit down for a meal in a traditional home to taste some unmatched flavours. After a small siesta or a lazy walk down a kulaghar (local Goan plantation), you can head to explore the island’s rolling fields and look out for a mud bath.Â
Chorao’s rich biodiversity and location make it a fertile land where you’ll find some really fine clay. Not only is this clay good for the paddy fields, but it can also help you relax. This is where the mud bath in Goa comes in. Unwind in a natural water body and let the clay heal your tired soul.
Sankhali
Goa’s landscape changes as you move from the west to the east. On the west, the coastal life and the magnificent Arabian Sea welcome you; on the east, the Sahyadri mountain range gives way to stunning western ghats and an abundance of greenery. These lush green crowns that Goa proudly wears hold some exotic and exquisite experiences. One such village in the Western Ghats called Sankhali opens up portals to some exciting treks in Goa. Spend time discovering waterfalls and take dips in natural streams. End your day with a hearty local Goan lunch at the waterfall and pair that with some delicious Feni. We promise you, that nothing compares to this one offbeat experience in Goa!
Rivona
Looking for scenic drives and stunning sunrises in Goa? Look no further than the Rivona Experience. Hidden away in the Goan hinterlands, the village of Rivona is draped in a green carpet and hides a lot of caves with untold secrets. Visit a local Goan temple, enjoy an authentic Goan meal, investigate caves and carvings from centuries ago, and go dipping in natural water bodies. The roads to Rivona that take you far away from the tourist crowd will mesmerise you with scenic sunrises and sunsets. If you are looking for a short road trip in Goa, head to Rivona!
Saligao
Some things are right in front of you and you’ll still miss seeing them. Saligao is one such village in Goa with a hundred stories in its pockets. However, we often drive through this quiet place without even noticing it. For instance, do you know how the village got its name? Or that it’s home to one of Goa’s best cafreals? The best way to explore Saligao is to take a passoi in the village. A passoi is a slow, evening walk that local Goans often take. You will pass through coconut groves in Saligao, witness some unique Indo-Portuguese Goan homes and marvel at the beautiful Goan village life. While you are there, don’t forget to keep an eye out for some unique elements of Goan architecture!
Valpoi
Valpoi is not a well-known name in Goa’s mainstream tourist network. This village is tucked away in northeastern Goa, amongst the lush western ghats and tumbling waterfalls. It is replete with some of Goa’s oldest architecture including temples and traditional Hindu homes. Experience life in a Goan village that sits away from the touristy beaches. Spend time with the locals, eat homemade food and indulge in some Goan cultural activities. Take time to walk around in kulaghars, witness folk dances such as Ovoyo, Dhavlyo, Dhalo, Morulo and watch a cooking demo of the local villagers. Looking for offbeat places in Goa to blow your mind? Look no further than Valpoi Village Experience with Soul Travelling.
Ready to rediscover Goa?
Goa is close to everyone’s hearts, and for good reason. The tropical paradise offers something for everyone. So whether you are a family, a remote team or a solo traveller planning a vacation, don’t miss these offbeat places in Goa in 2024!
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