Top 25 Offbeat Places to Visit in Goa You Won’t Find in Tour books

Reading Time: 13 minutes

Every time you plan a Goa trip, the usual itinerary pops up: Baga, Tito’s Bar, Calangute, Panjim Market and Basilica of Bom Jesus. Don’t you want some change? We are sure you would want to explore some offbeat places to visit in Goa.

If your checklist includes a little bit of adventure, thrills or peaceful natural surroundings, there’s another side of Goa waiting for you.

ALSO SEE – Goa or Kerala-Where should I visit?

Let us explore these hidden beaches, waterfalls, villages and secret trails.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Goa

1. Kakolem Beach

This beach, a small paradise, is also called the Tiger Beach. It may be a little hard to find, but it’s worth exploring. Experience the waterfalls along the beach.

Kakolem Beach is a photogenic place and doesn’t have a lot of visitors. You will feel a sense of serenity around this area.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	7 km from Cabo De Rama resort, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take NH 66 highway towards Cola Village. Follow a small path to the winding stairs to reach the beach.
Places to Stay	Cabo Serai, Cola Beach Exclusive Tented Resort, Cola Beach Sunset Bay, Blue Lagoon Resort Goa, Dwarka Eco Beach Resort

 

2. Galgibaga Beach

Galgibaga Beach is also called the ‘clean beach’. It is home to endangered species like the Olive Ridley Turtle. These turtles seasonally nest and hatch here. Beach water is clean, clear with shimmering silver sands.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Talpona River, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Hire a taxi or cab directly from the airport or railway station. You can also take a bus from Canacona Bus Station to Mashem. Later, take a ferry to Galgibaga Beach.
Places to Stay	Cabo Serai, Charming Villa Casa Rosa, Varandas De Canacona, 1BR Apt near Patnem and Palolem Beach, Base Hostel

ALSO SEE-Best Beach Resorts In Goa For a Soothing Getaway

3. Hollant Beach

Hollant Beach is the picture-perfect beach with the best sunset views in Goa. This curvy and shallow beach is lined with boats and golden sand. Take a boat ride or go for a swim. Photographers love this place. Many couples opt for this beach for their pre-wedding shoot and destination weddings.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Bogmalo, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Local transport is unavailable here. You can take a private car from the railway station/ airport. Travel by private cars/cabs. The beach is well-connected by road and has many restaurants and resorts along the way.
Places to Stay	Stonewater Eco Resort, 3 BHK Independent Bungalow in Bogmalo, Sai Leela Guest House, CINCO FILHAS, Casa De Lucas Boutique Guesthouse

4. Betul Beach

Betul beach is located next to Mobor Beach in South Goa. It is also called an old-fashioned beach with a typical coastal fishing village. The beach has a 17th-century fort, a small lagoon and shacks serving tasty sea food.

Other details:

 

Detail	Information
Where	Salcette district, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Betul Beach is approximately 49.5 km from Panaji. You can take a bus from Margao or travel privately. Take a cab and auto rickshaws to reach on time.
Places to Stay	Casa Filipinha, The Leela Goa Beach Resort, Mayfair Resort, Holiday Inn Resort, Indy Waterfront Resort, River Castle

ALSO SEE-Is it Safe to Travel to India?- Travel Advisory for India

5. Cola Beach

Cola Beach is also called the secluded sand beach that has lovely coconut palm groves, fancy beach huts, a lagoon and Rajasthani-style tents.

Other details:

 

Detail	Information
Where	Canacona, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take MDR41 followed by MDR49 from Margao. Turn right from the Cola bus stand. Hire a cab or bike to the beach.
Places to Stay	Blue Lagoon Resort Goa, Dwarka Eco Beach Resort, Cola Beach Sunset Bay, Cola Beach Exclusive Tented Resort

6. Velsao Beach

​​Relax with the cool breeze and catch sunsets at Velsao Beach. It has soft silver dotted sand with white seashells. You may also spot starfish here. The beach is covered with coconut groves, with lilies decorating the lakes nearby. Velsao Beach is the perfect romantic place for couples.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Vasco da Gama near Dabolim Airport, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take a direct bus from Kadamba Bus Terminal (7 KM away from Panaji) to travel from Panaji to Velsao. Private buses also operate from Colva, Vasco da Gama, and Margao.
Places to Stay	Casa Bragança Villa Goa 3BHK, Casa Vita by Vista Rooms, Resort Palmeiras Dourado, Country Side Inn, The Postcard Cuelim

 

7. Arambol Beach

Explore the fishing culture at the Arambol Beach in North Goa. The place offers attractions like a living flea market, late-night parties, hippie culture, barbecue at shacks, and adventure activities, including kitesurfing and paragliding.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Pernem Administrative Region, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Reach Arambol from Dabolim Airport (2 km) Buses run from Pernem from Mapusa about every hour until 6 in the evening. The nearest bus stand is 2 km from the beach.
Places to Stay	Namahstay Hostel, Piggy Hostel Arambol, Omkar Guest House, Indiana Guest House, Love Temple Beach Resort

8. Bogmalo Beach

Bogmalo Beach is another natural beauty located a few kilometres from Dabolim Airport. It offers all the amenities for tourists, including beachfront restaurants serving delicious Goan cuisine, and offers watersports on the beach, such as scuba diving. It is a shallow beach, so tourists can also go for a swim.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Vasco da Gama near Dabolim Airport, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	You can get regular buses from Vasco da Gama (8 km) You can also get a bus from Panjim (31 km).
Places to Stay	Bogmallo Beach Resort, Mariaariose – “Melody of the Sea”, Athi Resorts, Komforts Stay, Joets Guesthouse

 

ALSO SEE-15 Best Beaches In India For Your Next Beach Vacay!

 

9. Butterfly Beach

This is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches of Goa. It is surrounded by greenery and is a soul-soothing spot. You may spot dolphins, crabs and many variations of butterflies on the beach. It is perfect for those who are looking for solitude on white sand with translucent waters and unspoilt scenery.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Palolem, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Reach this beach by boat. Take it from Palolem or Agonda beaches. It costs around INR 1000–1200 (round trip) This beach cannot be reached by buses, cars, or bikes.
Places to Stay	The Nest, Crystal Goa Emerald Edition, Art Prive, Bamboo Yoga, Laguna Vista Beach Huts, Patnem Garden Resort

10. Mobor Beach

Mobor beach is a luxurious, peaceful and attractive beach of Goa. With the pretty sunset,  clean white sands, and crystal clear water; the beach also offers unique colourful handicrafts. You can also book a private beach here via The Leela.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Cavelossim, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Reach the beach from Madgaon railway station. You can take it from Margao City (1 km away). Take a taxi, bus, or rental car from there.
Places to Stay	Holiday Inn Resort, The Leela Goa Beach Resort, River Castle, Shanti Riverside, Indy Waterfront Resort

 

11. Querim (Keri) Beach

Querim Beach is the ideal picnic spot in Goa with less crowd. This deep water beach offers many watersport activities like surfing, paragliding, kayaking, and banana rides. Visit the Tiracol River and fort here as well.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Pernem Administrative Region, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Book a cab, car or a local bus from Panjim (50 km away).
Places to Stay	Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, RajStar Villa, Inn Coconut, Eisra Wellness Retreat, Oxygen Adventures Beach Huts & Restaurant Arambol Goa

12. Harvalem Falls

Harvalem Falls is a natural beauty covered in lush greenery and milky white water. Visit the nearby attractions as well: Rudreshwar temple and Arvalem Caves.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Near Sanquelim village, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Get a bus or a taxi from Panaji and Mapusa from here. The nearest spots are Bicholim located 8 km and Sanquelim located 2 km from the destination.
Places to Stay	Dudhsagar Spa Resort

 

ALSO SEE-10 Best Waterfalls Near Bangalore Within 150 KM

 

13. Bamanbudo Waterfalls

Bamannudo Waterfalls are a refreshing escape from the main Goa city. These are the most peaceful waterfalls here. Take a dip in and enjoy!

Other details:

 

Detail	Information
Where	Gaodongrem in Canacona district, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Accessible via road. You can drive directly to this cascading waterfall and enjoy the scenic journey.
Places to Stay	Mangaal Farmstay Goa, The Earthen Nest, Drishti Yoga International Riverside, Modish 3BHK Accommodation, Turiya Villa & Spa

 

This fort is located off the Mumbai-Cochin highway in South Goa and was owned by Portugese tribe. It is one of the most relaxing places in Goa where you can unwind at the Cabo De Rama beach.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Cola, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take a bus, taxi or drive to the destination. All routes work to reach here.

15. Fort Tiracol

This unique fort is made with a great design and architecture. It is a 17th-century Portuguese fort near Indian Ocean. The fort has seven rooms, each showing fine craftsmanship.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Near Querim Beach, Pernem Administrative, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	You can rent a car or taxi from Panaji Bus Stand. It is 45 km from the fort. You can also take a cab from the hamlet of Querim and later ferry to Tiracol.

ALSO SEE-North India or South India – Where to Travel?

16. Sinquerim Fort

Another Portuguese attraction, Sinquerim Fort is worth visiting in North Goa. Photographers love to shoot here, sunsets are beautiful and the vibe is surreal. The beach nearby is also relaxing where you can enjoy things like swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing and windsurfing.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Sinquerim village, Bardez, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Book a private taxi or car from Dabolim Airport. It takes an hour to reach here (37 km).

17. Arvalem Caves

Explore the Arvalem Caves or Pandava Caves that date back to the 6th century. It is known for its rock-cut foundations and mysterious aura. The mythological history includes the fort in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take a bus from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stan. It’s 29 KM from the destination. Take the train from Vasco da Gama Railway Station (9 km to Bicholim).
Places to Stay	The Island Sanctuary – A Village Secret, Hospitality Inn Goa (2), Mayem Lakeview, Hotel Swarnam, Beautiful 3BHK Bungalow (2 units) with Lakeview

18. Lamgau Caves

Lamgau Caves are one of the finest architectural landmarks in North Goa. It has concrete stonework and carvings with designs like pavilions and beams. You’ll see a stone shivling with tulsi and an image of Nandi Bull inside the cave.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Bicholim, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take a private taxi or car from Bicholim towards Mapusa. Later you can take a bus or car to Panaji. Go for the trek from Lamgau village.
Places to Stay	Mayem Lakeview, Kokum House, Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat, The Island Sanctuary Rock Pool Villa, Elegant 2BHK House near Aldona in Mapusa

19. Rivona Caves

If you are interested in Buddhist culture, do explore this Cave. As you walk inside, you will spot a laterite rock, which is said to be a Buddhist monk’s seat. He used to meditate here. The aura is peaceful and calm. There are also Buddhist sculptures and paintings inside the cave.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Rivona village, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take SH 7 from Tilamol-Curdi stretch (50 minutes). This stretch is 10 minutes away from the Caves.
Places to Stay	Chrisander’s Resort, Four Seasons Farm, Nagesh Jungle Resort, Casa De Xanti, Mangaal Farmstay Goa

ALSO SEE-Garden of Caves Meghalaya- Photos, Reviews

Wildlife Sanctuaries

20. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park

If you like to explore wildlife, visit this national park. It is said to be a haven for wildlife lovers. Explore the unique and diverse flora and fauna. Take a hike or trek to the sanctuary to spot gauras, leopards or sloth bears.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	NH 4A, Caranzol, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Take a private cab or car to reach here. Local buses also operate to the route. It is 70 km away from Panaji.
Places to Stay	Jungle Book Resort, Off The Grid, Doodhsagar Jungle Resort, Dudhsagar Farmstay, Indismart Woodbourne Resort

 

21. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa. Hike and explore rare flora, tall trees, rocks, ponds and marshes. You may also spot fauna like laughing hyenas, Indian bisons, Malabar crested eagle and more.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Canacona district, Cotigao, South Goa
Best Time To Visit	Between November and March
How to Reach	Take a day trip from Palolem Beach (12 km). Local buses, cabs and taxis are available.
Places to Stay	The Earthen Nest, Mangaal Farmstay Goa, Mystique Copper, Modish 3BHK Accommodation, Drishti Yoga International Riverside

22. Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa

It is one of the most beautiful conservatories of India where you can find different butterfly species. Its currently home to more than 133 butterfly species; perfect for photographers or nature lovers.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Rajnagar, Ponda, North Goa
Best Time To Visit	Between November and March
How to Reach	Take bus from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand (26 km) or Ponda Bus Stand (4 km) You can also travel directly from Margao Railway Station. Take a cab to the destination (4 km).
Places To Stay	Farmagudi Residency, Empire Guesthouse, Avdhut Niwas Organic Farm Stay, Rock Valley Goa, THE ENCHANTING NEST

ALSO SEE-Weekend getaways from Bangalore

Other Off-beat Spots 

23. Chorla Ghats

These ghats are located in the Western Ghats, North Goa. It’s a kind of hill station in Goa. Explore the valleys and tropical jungles or trek around the hills to spot flora and fauna.

Other details:

 

Detail	Information
Where	Sahyadri mountain range off Sankhali, Chorla, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	Between November and March
How to Reach	By private car or bike.

 

24. Savoi Spice Plantations

Explore the organic plantations in Goa where you can get rare herbs, fruits and Goan urak and feni. The greenery and valleys around are worth exploring.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	Ponda, North Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Easily accessible via cabs/taxis in Ponda village.

 

25. Pequeno (Bat) Island

This island is located 30 minutes from Vasco da Gama Beach and can be visited via boat. You’ll get to explore rocky beaches with activities like snorkelling. Plan your weekend here.

Other details:

Detail	Information
Where	1 km from Vasco da Gama, South Goa
Best Time to Visit	November to March
How to Reach	Accessible by boat from Vasco da Gama.

 

Fascinated ? Plan your Goa trip with us to explore such thrilling and offbeat places to visit in Goa.