North Goa is famous for its beaches, clubs, swanky restaurants, cafes, and upscale hotels. But, beyond the popular hangout spots in north Goa lies some hidden gems or offbeat places that are skipped by the partying crowds. These off-beat places in north Goa may be well-known by the locals but not by the tourists. Located in the verdant villages of north Goa, these are a perfect place to visit for anyone who seeks a peaceful and serene experience.
Here are some of the best off-beat hangout spots in Goa, beyond beaches and clubs:
- Harvalem Falls
- Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- Savoi Plantation
- Querim Beach
- Sinquerim Fort
- Pandava caves
- Lamgau caves
- Mystic Woods
- Cumbarjua Canal
1. Harvalem Falls
One of the best places to visit is the North Goa Arvalem waterfalls. These waterfalls offer a serene and rejuvenating space to relax and some time away from the hustle and bustle of Goa beaches. Surrounded by lush greenery, Harvalem waterfalls are one of the most stunning sights in Goa. The waterfall is at a height of a mere 50 metres and a width of 7 metres and its flow comes cascading down to hit rocks. Since not many tourists know about this hidden waterfall, it allows visitors to enjoy privacy and peace. The waterfall creates a crystal clear pool of fresh and cold waters where you can take a relaxing dip and melt away your stress. It’s a perfect spot to click photos, enjoy a picnic, take a stroll and or just sit quietly and soak in the serenity. The best time to visit Harvalem falls is between the months of November and March, post monsoon season.
2. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
While holidaying in Goa, a hidden gem you must visit especially if you are an avifauna and a nature enthusiast is Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It is a protected area in Goa for migratory birds named after the renowned and eminent Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Moizuddin Ali. This sanctuary is home to a number of migratory birds including the Siberian bird. Carry a pair of binoculars to spot colourful birds, mangrove trees and various flora vegetation in the sanctuary. If you visit this sanctuary and can’t spot any migratory birds, take the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove forests—and chances are you will come across different species of birds and animals. Visiting this sanctuary helps you gain awareness about the ecosystem of mangroves of Goa. There is a three level watchtower through which you can spot different birds plus a Nature Research Center which adds to your knowledge about Goa’s natural ecosystem.
3. Savoi Plantation
Sprawled across an area of hundred acres in Savoi, Ponda lies a two-hundred year old spice plantation and is one of the oldest plantations in Goa. Owned and managed by the Shetye family, this place is paradise for nature lovers and those who want to visit a different place from typical tourist activities. This picturesque place looks ethereal post monsoon showers. A small pond located inside the spice plantation quenches the thirst of all kinds of beautiful birds, some of which are rare and endangered. You can spend hours here just walking, photographing and soaking in the healing aromas of medical herbs and spices. The hospitality you receive on visiting the spice plantation is impeccable. You receive a welcome drink of freshly squeezed fresh fruit juice with a pinch of spice to add some zest. The tour guides here at Savoi plantation help you to navigate this space and provide you with an education tour on spices, their farming and importance. Guests can click pictures, take a stroll in the evenings and enjoy the quiet amidst nature. In addition to the guided tour, you can also go on elephant rides as well. Moreover, the nights are filled with dance performances, and guests receive freshly prepared hot meals.
4. Querim (Keri) Beach
An offbeat and unspoiled beach in north Goa, Keri beach is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and relaxation. It is located north of Arambol beach and is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa. Dotted with swaying palms on a long stretch of sand, and a river inlet of Tiracol river, one can spend a peaceful time here. It is the perfect spot if you want to read a book in the shade, sipping refreshing coconut water or lounge on the hammock lazing around. Let the soft-golden sand of Keri beach embrace your feet as you take a therapeutic walk here. There are plenty of water sports that you can enjoy at this beach without facing the push and pull from crowds. Hop on a banana boat ride, soar high in the sky with parasailing, try kayaking and surfing—all watersports are available within the range of INR 500- INR 3500. And, don’t forget to capture a scenic sunset in your camera roll as the vibrant hues permeate in the clear sky.
5. Sinquerim Fort
Established in the year 1612, Sinquerim fort is located in the vicinity of Sinquerim beach and is 18 kms away from Panjim. It serves as an extension of Auguada for and is sometimes called lower Aguada fort. In colonial times, the fortress was used to anchor battleships of the Portuguese and to protect them from the attacks of the Dutch and Maratha empire. Today, it is a local hangout spot to sit back and relax. Sinquerim fort is one of the top spots to catch a sunset in Goa. The cool breeze with a sky scattered with clouds offers a dreamy backdrop for your photos. Soak in the scenic views of Arabian sea, with lush coconut trees swaying gently through the breeze. There are small eateries around the fort serving refreshing beverages and fast food. You can also visit Sinquerim beach and participate in watersports activities. The best part about Sinquerim fort is that it is free to enter and doesn’t charge any extra fee for video or cameras. However, car parking is available at INR 100/-. The timing of the fort is 7 AM to 6 PM.
6. Pandava Caves
Located in close proximity to Rudeshwar temple, lies cave dwellings that are believed to have been carved out of rocks somewhere in the 5th or 6th century. The caves are also known as Arvalem caves. The origins of the caves are debatable as they are linked to Mahabharata and are believed to be the refuge of Pandavas during their exile. The cave has five segments which might have been used for worship since the presence of Shiva Linga which bear inscriptions in Brahmi and Sanskrit text. The sixth segment is hailed as Draudi’s kitchen which has a raised platform and wall depressions which might be used as shelves. However, other theories suggest that the cave was carved by Buddhist monks with a single laterite rock and a large Buddha idol was also excavated nearby this site. Till this date, the origins of these caves are inexplicable and shrouded in mystery. For some it’s a part of Mahabaghta while others believed its linkages with Buddhism. But whatever the origin might be—Pandava or Arvalem caves continue to be a site of intrigue for history and culture enthusiasts.
7. Lamgau Caves:
Lamgau caves, also written as Lamagao, are yet another fascinating offbeat site that hasn’t caught the attention of the tourists sticking to beaches and clubs of Goa. Located in Bicholim, Dicholim, the road leading up to this cave is extremely narrow, so much so that only one car passes at a time. Hence it is best to do a small trek through the village to reach here. The caves are carved of laterite stone and feature intricate carving leaving onlookers with a sense of fascination and awe. In this cave, you can see a Shiva lingam along with a slightly damaged idol of Nandi bull in the courtyard. Due to laterite stone, the cave is fragile in comparison to other caves in Goa which are carved from Basalt stone, hence it’s recommended not to tread inside.
8. Mystic Woods: Butterfly Conservatory of Goa
Located in the Ponda district, lies one of most beautiful and the least visited places in Goa by the tourists—Mystic Woods, a butterfly conservatory in Goa. Envisioned and established by Dr. Jyoti and Yashodhan Hablekar, this park or sanctuary was built from scratch and is sprawled across a massive area of 4000 sq. metres. This place offers a perfect blend of tourism with sustainability. The park was created on a barren hill to replicate a lush forest with river streams and birds. This park is home to more than 130+ species of butterflies that are indigenous to Goa’s biodiversity and you can easily spot at least 20 species of butterfly on your day trip to this conservation park. You can walk through the verdant surroundings surrounded by beautiful butterflies and appreciate the beauty of nature. You may also see a school of fish, fossils and some minerals put on display. The guided tour adds to your visit experience. The cost of a guided tour is INR 200 per head and breakfast or lunch with butterflies which is 950 per head.
9. Cumbarjua Canal
A fascinating sight on the list of hidden gems of Goa is Cambarjua canal, a distributary formed by amalgamation of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. It is located 20 kms away from the capital city Panaji and the best time to visit Cumburja canal is from November to March. The mangroves here serve as habitat for the Indian mugger crocodile, flying fish and exotic birds. Off lately, boating tours have become common here. The best way to reach the canal is to travel via NH 748 and from there continue your journey on foot to visit this hidden location in north Goa.
Apart from hidden gems, north Goa is also a remarkable spot to invest in upscale property. There are many luxury villas in Goa projects like Veera Eminence that offer a chance of opulent living amidst the serene and verdant expanse of Goa. Invest with Veera Developers today, and secure your new and lavish abode in Goa today.