12 things to do in Goa you haven't done before!

The beach series continues in the blog. This time it is Goa.

We never get tired of this place. We go there at least once a year like a pilgrimage. Poorna had also served in Goa while in the Army. Every time we go there, we always do something new. We thought of listing those things which are special, offbeat to do in Goa. 

Here is our list.

1 Explore rural Goa on a bicycle

Rural Goa is charming. More so immediately after Monsoon. It is green everywhere. The rural roads in Goa have always been good which makes it an excellent place to bicycle around. If you don't want to pedal, rent out a mobike and go around. Our preference - Chandor - Quepem and surroundings.

2. Play or watch a village football match

Football is the second religion to a Goan. The Village tournaments are fiercely fought. You will see supporters at the top of their voice. Get a beer and enjoy the proceedings. You won't be disappointed. You may also join a friendly game if you are good at the it!

3. Go for a trek in the hills

Get out of beach hangovers and head to hills. Whether it is Chorla ghat or Dudhsagar falls, Goa has some excellent trekking trails. The most charming one is of course is the Railway track trek to Dudhsagar falls. You can do it either from Castle rock or Kulem. It is a lovely experience.

Please click here for detailed account of our trek to Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls - A monsoon trek on railway track!

4 Snorkel, Scuba dive in Palolem

Goa has some nice places to go snorkeling and scuba diving. Palolem is one.

For more details please click this post in this blog here

Surfing, Snorkeling and Scuba diving in India

5. Visit local markets

Visiting any local markets in Goa is always fun. Arpora (see picture below), Anjuna, Mapusa, Madgaon.......you get variety of stuff. If you are a seafood lover, this is the place to pick up some homemade prawn pickles, sarpotel etc. Also visit the early morning fish markets in Madgaon or Panaji. 

6. Visit a heritage home

Heritage homes still dot rural Goa. Go there before they get demolished or get converted into a boutique hotel. Don't miss visiting Braganza House ( in picture below) in Chandor.

7.  Spend few hours @ Reis Magos Fort

The lovely fort overlooking Mandovi river has been beautifully restored into a cultural centre with a museum. Don't miss Mario Miranda gallery. The views are breathtaking too.

8. Travel in a ferry

Travelling in a ferry will allow you to see relish a true Goan experience. Go to any ferry wharfs in Panjim and hop on. Longer the better!

9. Spice plantation tour

Bored of beaches? Why not spice your trip a little? Head to Ponda and visit the largest Spice plantation in Goa. Enjoy the authentic Buffet lunch as well!

If you want more details on visiting the plantation, please click here.

Visiting Sahakari Spice Farm, Ponda

10 Go Kayaking in Goa

Goa is blessed with some lovely rivers. Kayaking in these rivers is a thrilling experience.

This website has more details on Kayaking in Goa. Try it out.

Kayaking in Goa

11. Buy some Goan stuff

If you are like us, then don't miss out picking up some lovely Goan ceramics at Velha Goa Galleria in Panaji or Bibinca in Mr Baker or Spicy cashew........

12. Go south

At last, we need to give it to the beaches. This has to be quaint beaches in South Goa. Enjoy lovely waters, uncrowded beaches, go for dolphin sighting.......all this in South Goa beaches like Agonda, Betul or Palolem.

Here was our list. Did we miss out anything? What has been your offbeat experience in Goa? Do let us know.

Are you a beach lover like us? Then don't miss this post on our blog. Click here.

Five lovely beaches in India to visit before summer!

Four beach treks in Karnataka you must do!

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Goa in Monsoon - Picture perfect!

Goa in monsoon is a quiet place. We all know that Goa is a laid back, easy going and chilled out place.

We caught these folks fishing on a cloudy morning when we were in Goa in August. We were on the way to Morjim beach and were driving on the banks of Chapora river when we caught them enjoying their time in the sun with a rod in hand.

We are not sure whether they caught many. But definitely enough to have a couple of fried ones with afternoon beer!

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Goa in Monsoon - Any one?

Goa is known for Sun, surf and sand.....and of course fish, fenny and nightlife. That is in season.

What about Goa in monsoon?

Having served in Goa as part of my Army career, it is the best time to be there. No crowds. Empty beaches. Green landscape. Rain and Rain. And of course, Dudhsagar falls in all glory.

If you are looking for an offbeat Goa, head there during Monsoon. 

We happened to see this lovely article in Outlook Traveller for anyone who loves rain drenched and green Goa during this season. Read on here.

Monsoon Magic in Goa

Don't blame us if you get drenched and had fun in the rain!

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Human watching on a Goa beach!

Goa is one of our favourite places and we do visit the land of Sun, Sand and Feni at least once a year. Beach hopping is a favourite past time and we always come back with good memories when we go there.

We had never been to Goa for New Year but decided to go there in Dec 2011. New year's eve is best celebrated in Goa, if you are OK with the crowds and jacked up prices of hotels! 

On the evening of the first day of 2012, we were in Benaulim beach in South Goa. It was a sunday and crowds had thronged the beach. It was interesting to do some human watching on the beach and capture it in the camera. 

Thees are some candid shots on the beach.

I am in charge here!!

Who says men don't take responsibility!!............look at this and.......the one below

All concentration........Trying to get out of the muck!!

All concentration--------------building a sand house

An Indian family enjoying the outing to the beach

A dad with his kids

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Go Goa in Christmas!!

Which is the best place in the country to be during Christmas time?

Where do you think the Christmas fervor can be seen and experienced most in India?

We know what your answer would be. Yes. It is Goa. There is also another place where you can feel the same experience. That is nestled in the North East corner of the country. Mizoram.

But nothing like being in Goa during this time. The festive fervour in Goa is contagious. Homes are decorated. Streets wear festive look with colourful lights. The street corners have nice tableau showcasing the life of Jesus. The churches get a fresh coat of paint and look gloriously white. People are in joyous mood. There is Santa everywhere. The sun and sands are at its best. Of course, there is music, Feni and food. The shacks are full and everyone enjoying and in festive mood. It is fun to be in Goa in Christmas.

We were there last year during Christmas and this is what we saw. It was a lovely experience.

One caution though. be prepared for rush of people and traffic jams on narrow Goa roads. Don't worry about it. Imbibe the Yuletide spirit and be a Goan in Goa........ 

Roadside tableau on the way to Colva beach

Churches ready for the Yuletide

You will find these tableau at many corners in villages in Goa

And of course......Santa is there everywhere too!!

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Back of the Blog - Sunflowers on the way to Goa

Back of the blog. Here we will share tit-bits and snippets on India Travel which may be useful for a traveller in India. It may be some new information about the place, a new cuisine one can explore, a bit of history, a funny anecdote or a good travel book. Anything connected to Travel in India. 

The fun of road trips is the freedom it gives one to stop and explore the road side sights. Driving in India provides ample opportunities to explore the country. It can be a lovely landscape or a small little temple or a local market or a well known local hotel famous for its delicacy...........the choice is limitless. 

When we were driving to Goa for new year holiday in Dec 2011, we were floored by the yellow expanse of sunflowers against a clear blue sky after Hubli on the way to Karwar near Kalghatgi. It was morning and the flowers were still fresh. It was a beautiful sight soothing for the eyes. We have come across similar sights of sunflowers in full glory while driving between Badami and Belgaum and also after Chitradurga while driving to Hampi from Bangalore. 

If you are driving in Haryana or Punjab in North India during December - January, you will be welcomed by the yellow mustard fields in full bloom similar to the one you would have seen in the Bollywood blockbuster "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ)"!! .........take a look at this video from the movie

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in DDLJ

Velvety grey sugarcane flowers will wave at you in Western Indian state of Maharashtra..... especially in and around temple town of Shirdi or in Mandya district in Karnataka in South India if you are driving in December.

So, next time when you drive around in the country do look for these colourful sights. They are the stress busters for a tiring road trips..........

Have you experienced similar sights during your travel? Please do share.

Did you like this post? Do share it with your friends if it is helpful to them.

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What to Do, What Not to Do in Goa

Sun kissed beaches, parties, clubs, quaint towns, feni or xacuti- options are many but you don't need a reason actually to  visit Goa. The place in itself is a reason to come and explore yourself.  Here is a checklist of what to do, what not to do in Goa.


What To Do in Goa
 
Sightseeing in Goa – This state is replete with a number of old churches, monuments, forts and museums making sightseeing an important activity while you are here. Most of the monuments here reflect the Portuguese style of architecture and have the Dutch feel as well.

Shopping – Your vacation here is incomplete if you have not visited the Anjuna flea market or the shops around the beaches. Shopping is a delight with a variety in trinkets, jewelry, pearl accessories and fashion items on sale.

Beach Parties – Goa is truly a haven for party lovers. Spend your New Year and Christmas nights enjoying the parties at Anjuna and Calangute beach. The Full moon parties add to the pulsating nightlife of Goa.

Rave Parties – Loud music, drinks, live DJ music, lazing on the sands would define the rave parties here. There are trance music bands such as Infected Mushroom, Goa Gil and Etnica playing at these parties. Rave parties take place on the beaches, the shacks or in the hotels.

Goa Carnival – A three-day festival in the month of February meant for absolute merrymaking and fun. The streets are alive with men and women performing several theme dances. Food festivals are an integral part of the Goan carnival.

Wildlife Safari – The landscape of Goa is host to a number of wildlife parks and sanctuaries that draw the nature and wildlife lovers. One significant thing to do in Goa is visiting the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a jeep safari here!

Casino Royale, Goa– The largest of the floating casinos in the state, this casino draws a large crowd of foreign players every night.

Adventure sports – The splendid coastline of Goa offers exciting water sports option. The beaches and lakes here are ideal place for thrilling aquatic sports.

Scuba Diving – If you are in love with the underwater marine world, scuba diving is the best sport to indulge in. Scuba diving is promoted by several authorized centers that provide expert guidance and equipments.

Nightlife in Goa – The pubs, clubs, discotheques and casinos are all part of the vibrant nightlife that you will enjoy here. The trance music is an important part of the beach parties that would make your vacation a memorable one.

Leisure Cruises in Goa – The Mandovi River has a fleet of cruises departing in the evening. They offer deck dances, food and drinks onboard.

What not to do in Goa

Safety and healthcare are two prime factors to consider before you make your travel plans anywhere. To make sure that you have a safe stay in Goa, consider few precautionary measures. Indianholiday.com offers information and guidelines on what not to do in Goa and things that tourists should avoid during their vacation or honeymoon here. Have a safe stay.

• Do not indulge in water sports without expert guidance
• Get your hotel booking in advance during the rush season, do not refer to bookies
• Drug peddlers are dangerous to be in contact
• Avoid the hidden rave party circuits, beach parties are fun
• Do not spend a fortune at the casinos of Goa
• Avoid the demarcated risky zones for swimming and play
• Sun bathing is safe if you are not a expert swimmer
• Do not go scuba diving without checking on the oxygen mask
• Single women should avoid drinking or hanging around with strangers
• Avoid being on the beach late night unless there is police patrolling
• If you have found anything suspicious, report to the beach police immediately

To know more about Goa, Goa Tours, Goa Tour Packages, hotels, tourist places check www.indianholiday.com

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