Goa in India is renowned worldwide for its sun-kissed, pristine beaches and vibrant parties at night. However, this coastal paradise has many more destinations beyond its iconic beaches. Many hidden gems in the state are waiting to be uncovered. Goa maintains many lush green hills, ancient Hindu temples, odoriferous spice plantations, and tumbling waterfalls waiting to be explored. It has many unexpected places to explore thrilling adventure activities and experience cultural diversions. All these assist you in connecting your heart and soul with this vibrant region. Through the following blog, you can traverse the must visit places in goa, and make your journey more delightful.
Discover The Hidden Gems Of Goa
Tambdi Surla Waterfall
Tambdi Surla Waterfall is a treasure trove in the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park. It is renowned for its rich surroundings and an ancient Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple located near the waterfall. It is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, as it offers a popular trek with a trail going through thriving forests and lavish streams. You can best visit it during the monsoon season, i.e. between June and October. You can explore the waterfall’s glory and experience the lush green forests during this time. Additionally, this area has a rich biodiversity, where you can gaze at various species of flora and fauna, including endangered plants, animals, and birds, making your trip more exciting.
Sahakari Spice Farm
Sahakari Spice Farm is among Goa’s most renowned spice farms. Located in Ponda, Goa, the farm extends to around 120 hectares. It offers an in-depth understanding of the spices of Goan gourmet treasures. Its air is filled with several scents of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, making your mind full of aromatic fragrance. You can glimpse the various ways of using spices and their cultivation, making your tour informative and exciting at the same time. Moreover, you can also relish the Goan Thali lunch on banana leaves, which provides you with a culinary adventure.
Church of St. Cajetan
Located in Old Goa, St. Cajetan Church is a unique and rare gem of this coastal state. It is counted among the best tourist places in goa, and it is one of the most stunningly beautiful churches in Goa. It is dedicated to the Lady of Divine Providence. It is constructed in a similar architectural style to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This church provides a spectacular example of the Corinthian style of architecture. It is also considered Goa’s last surviving domed catholic church. Besides providing a glimpse of Goa’s vibrant colonial past, many stories wait to be told by this ancient church. All these things help to enrich your travel experience and boost your vacations.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Goa also provides a home to an array of wildlife sanctuaries that help it become a haven for animal lovers and birdwatchers. One of the Best places to visit in goa is Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It provides an opportunity for you to spot exotic species that are within their natural habitat. You can best see the sanctuary in the winter season, as the migratory birds fly over here and stay for months during this time. You can commonly explore the colourful kingfishers, cormorants, eagles, woodpeckers, drongos and mynahs. However, the little bittern, red knot, pied avocet, jack snipe, and black bittern are the rare species found in the sanctuary.
Dudhsagar Falls
The Dudhsagar Falls trek is considered one of Goa best places and is a must-do for hiking enthusiasts. It features one of India’s tallest waterfalls, which drops from 310 meters. The journey to the falls takes you through lush forests and offers wildlife sightings. The waterfall is especially stunning during the monsoon season and resembles streams of milk cascading down the mountainside. Located in the Western Ghats, Dudhsagar is surrounded by pristine tropical forests and can only be accessed on foot or by train.
Mapusa Market
A trip to Goa isn’t truly complete without exploring its bustling markets. The Mapusa Market is a feast for the senses, filled with fresh fruits, spices, and artisanal products. This is a great place to converse with local sellers and find distinctive keepsakes like traditional Goan crafts and colourful fabrics. To experience authentic Goan flavours, be sure to check out the spice stalls where you can gather local spices to recreate Goan recipes at home.
