I was in Goa early April for the International Goa Travel Mart. To be honest, I wasn’t really excited to go. I had been to Goa a couple of times, and my experience was the beaches and the night life. They were great, but it didn’t feel like the real India.
Goa is known for its hippies, raves and beaches. However, this recent trip opened my eyes. I was open to seeing a different side of Goa and I wanted to have a different experience….
I discovered some out of this world places and experiences and I’m very excited to release a new Goa experience VERY soon. It will be unlike any other Goa trip you will ever take. To get all the details of this new experience first, I suggest signing up to our community. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
So here are my 7 Unique Things to Do in Goa
1. Panjim Inn
I met the owner, Ajit or as he is also known as – Jack. What a lovely, down to earth man. The house has been in the family for 5 generations. This is no ordinary hotel. Panjim Inn is a beautifully restored 19th century mansion in Old Goa. Experience the Portuguese colonial past in the Latin Quarter. From the Verandah Restaurant you look down on the life of the town and are introduced to Goan’s unique, local cuisine with its intense flavours and lots of fresh seafood.
2. Heritage walk in the Latin Quarter
During your stay at Panjim Inn, I suggest taking a heritage walk with Jack through Asia’s only Latin Quarter and learn about the rich history Goa has to offer. To hear about Goa through the eyes of a local is a unique experience.
3. Spend a few days a beautiful Wilderness Retreat.
We found a hidden gem located at the Goa – Karnataka border amidst picturesque settings, with only the sounds of birds and local animals. This is Wildernest. The only ecolodge in the region, 800m above sea level overlooking Vazra Valley and Goa.
My favourite part of this small piece of paradise is this amazing infinity pool…
These are the views from your room.
There are daily activities with onsite naturalists for bird watching, hiking and walks. Being in the heart of the Western Ghats means this is a birdwatchers paradise + an array of other species including the sloth bear, bengal tiger, leopard and sambhar deer. AND the food is divine! Totally authentic local cuisine as found in particular region of Goa.
4. Take a Cruise on the Mandovi River
Rather than driving to Wildernest, you have a unique opportunity to take a boat to this gorgeous location. Make a day of it as you relax on the trip up the Swapnagandha Valley to Wildernest. A picnic lunch can be prepared for the journey.
Stretching over a length of 77 kms. – divided as 29 kms. in Karnataka and 52 kms. in Goa – the river originates from a cluster of 30 streams within the dense forests surrounding Degao village, abutting the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, a crucial forest corridor in the Western Ghats of Karnataka’s Belgaum district. Along its lengthy course, its cerulean blue waters crash from steep cliffs to form breathtaking waterfalls like the Dudhsagar, Ladki, Vazrapoha and Vazra Sakla.
5. Feni
What did you say? Yes, Feni..
This is a special liquor produced in Goa exclusively. There are 2 types, cashew and coconut feni, depending on which ingredient is used. I wonder why I didn’t discover this drink on previous trips! Take note: Alcohol content is MUCH higher than other types of alcohol. I suggest trying it as a new experience, and drink responsibly!
6. Kayaking on Goa’s backwaters
Get out and get active! Enjoy a few hours taking in the sights and sounds of Goa’s own backwaters with a private guided tour along these waterways.
7. Goa during Monsoon
Many travellers avoid Goa during the monsoon, however places like Wildernest are the best places to be during this time. White water rafting is also a must do during the monsoon time in Goa. It’s also a perfect time to attend an Ayurvedic retreat.
These are just a few of the unique things you can do in Goa that can be included with visits to Old Goa, the beaches and night life which are also fantastic too.
What to know more about Goa and our upcoming 8 Day experience? Join our community now, to hear it first.
Do you have any unique places you have visited in Goa? Tell us below in the comments.
Travel on Purpose,
Reena xx
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