Sharvani ChandvaleA trip to Goa is on everyone’s bucket list. And why wouldn’t it be, right? Its slow, laidback life, long empty roads lined with paddy fields and quaint cafes and restaurants make the perfect vacation. You can plan a trip to Goa with friends or family and find something for everyone to do. Backwater kayaking, cycling in a Goan village, or taking a ferry to the Divar Island in Goa make it to everyone’s bucket list. That said, despite its fame and charm, some things about Goa, continue to surprise tourists. Did you know that not all Goans drink beer on the beach every day? Probably not, unless you have Goan friends. There are a lot of things you might not know if you don’t have Goan friends.
As your friend in Goa, Soul Travelling put together this blog in case you are planning to travel to Goa for the first time. Keep reading to know some pretty interesting facts about travelling to Goa for the first time!
Goa does not have cab or autorickshaw apps
When you make a Goa trip plan, decide if you want to book a cab for sightseeing or rent your own scooter in Goa. While Goa does have cabs and autorickshaws, they are found only at certain locations that may not be accessible from your hotel. And no, Goa does not have Ola or Uber, yet. Private cabs can be heavy on the pocket if you are planning to travel to Goa on a budget. If you don’t mind taking a bus, the Margao-Panjim-Porvorim-Mapusa stretch is well-connected by regular Kadamba buses. Apart from these, private buses ferry locals through the smaller villages but these can be infrequent. That means if you are in Goa for say, a weekend, you might end up wasting your time waiting for buses. Ideally, when you are planning a Goa trip with friends or family (or solo), just make sure to ask your hotel about the options available for getting around.
Goan architecture is not just Portuguese
Everyone wants to buy a Portuguese house in Goa, but nobody knows that Goan architecture is not all Portuguese. Look at the Portuguese-built houses in Bandra. Their architecture is completely different from Goan homes. This is because, despite the design influences, Goan homes and churches have been built by the local masons who’ve allowed their local craft to inspire newer layouts. Moreover, certain Portuguese architectural elements show Spanish and Arabian influences too. This intricate mix of cultures and colours makes Goan houses unique, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Goa has churches, temples, mosques, gurudwaras
When you plan a trip to Goa, you only think about visiting the churches. Yes, the churches are awesome but it’s a stereotype that Goa is just churches. However, if you look beyond the facade, Goan temples, Goa’s Islamic architecture and even gurudwaras are just as beautiful. Did you know that the Tambdi Surla temple in Goa is the last-standing pre-Portuguese era temple? Apart from that, there exists a gorgeous Namazgarh i.e. a Muslim praying hall, atop a hill. It was gifted to Prince Akbar II by Sambhaji and boasts Turkish, Indian and Portuguese architectural influences. So, if you’re someone who likes architecture and art, then don’t forget to check out Goa’s temples, mosques and other religious structures.
Goans love eating vegetarian food
Every tourist in Goa complains about how difficult it is to find vegetarian food in Goa. This fear stems from the common misconception that Goa is a primarily non-vegetarian state. Yes, Goa doesn’t have a lot of vegetarian options when it comes to street food. Yet, you’’ find some lip-smacking Goan vegetarian main courses that can give the seafood a run for its money. The Goan breakfast, for instance, is a lavish vegetarian spread of pao, sweet bun, tea, samosas, bhajis and a range of gravies to satiate your taste buds. Apart from that, you can try a range of Goan curries like khatkhatem, ambaade saansav and chonyacho ross, often prepared during festivals. Check out Tato’s, Cafe Bhonsle or Mum’s Kitchen to experience the best of Goan vegetarian food.
Not every Goan enjoys drinking alcohol
Soul Travelling was built to bust this one stereotype – that all Goans go to beaches and drink beers every day. This is not true at all. Goan mothers, like all mothers, have strict rules about regulating alcohol consumption. Even then, there is no denying that alcohol is a big part of Goan culture. For instance, you’ll find it being served at the Goan Christian weddings and the village elderly will meet at a taverna for a drink or two. You’ll find it creeping into Goa’s multimedia, such as the song ‘Bebdo’ by Lorna which means ‘drunkard’. While the song became famous for its satirical wordings, it does highlight a serious issue that needs to be addressed. So yeah, Goans love an occasional drink. But no, they don’t drink every day. So if you plan a trip to Goa and ask a Goan what their favourite drink is, it could be beer, but it could also be chai, coconut water, kokum juice, mango aam panna, Niro or even sol kadhi.
Plan a trip to Goa beyond the beaches
Yes, the beaches are lovely. Goan beaches are even lovelier. But you know what’s just as amazing as a Goan beach? Goan waterfalls, Goan houses, Goan villages and Goan fields. During the monsoon season in Goa, trekking up to a waterfall through lush green forests is an exhilarating experience. You cross over streams, walk in the rain and after a tiring journey, you get rewarded with a cascading waterfall. It can’t get better than this! If you’re not a big fan of trekking, spend a day boating through Goa’s mangroves, hunting for natural pools and mud baths in paddy fields and catching the best sunsets along the way. The thrill of a new adventure cannot be compared! The next time you make a Goa travel plan, consider adding these to your itinerary too! If you don’t know where to start, book an offbeat Goa experience with Soul Travelling!
Goa’s indigenous people were tribals (and fishermen, farmers, toddy tappers and so on)
Goa’s original settlers are its tribals who belong to the Kunbi, Gawda, Dhangar and Velip communities. They have unique and diverse lifestyles that are unlike the rest of Goa. Most of them continue to live in small communities closer to the forests along the east. Their lives are more in sync with nature following traditions that promote slow, sustainable and mindful living. You won’t see any nightclubs or high-end restaurants in Goa’s hinterlands. These quiet corners of the state tell a different story that makes you see Goa in a new light – one where life isn’t all about beaches and booze. Would you be interested in exploring that?
Are you ready to plan a trip to Goa?
Goa is a famous tourist destination. Everyone wants to go to Goa and explore the exotic tropical vacation it promises. Yet, not everyone knows that Goa has so many unexplored sides, like the motorcycle pilot who’s like a cab driver, but drives a motorcycle instead of a cab. You’ve surely tasted a perad, right? Well if you haven’t, the next time you make a Goa travel plan, consider getting to know India’s favourite vacation destination. Its stories won’t fail to surprise you!
