1) Crocodile spotting in the wild in Cumbarjua canal
It is the only place in Goa where crocodiles can be seen in the wild. As the water in the dense mangroves recedes, it is your chance to see the cold-blooded mugger crocodiles in their natural habitat. The crocodiles bask, lay eggs, feed on fish, birds and prawn within this canal.
Take a crocodile trip in a motor boat where you can see snippets of the lives of canal fishermen , peregrine falcons, kingfisher and butterflies. This is your once-in-a-lifetime tryst with nature. Many nature lovers are attracted to the bio diversity of this canal. There is a popular belief among Goan fishermen that the crocodiles prey on predatory fish, which leaves fishermen with high yields of edible fish and prawns from the mangroves.
2) For authentic Goan dishes visit Martin’s Corner and Furtado’s
near Sunset Beach Betalbatim, Goa This is a great place to sample authentic Goan cuisine and seafood in a relaxed setting away from the beach. The xacutis, vindaloos, goan fish curry, prawn masala fry are all superb.
Other most noteworthy restaurant are Joe’s River Cove, Nostalgia, Britto’s, Viva Panjim, Furtado’s and Mum’s Kitchen
It seems that the food served in shacks on the beaches is not always authentic Goan food . Please read this article for relevant details: http://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/This-foo…
3) Holiday in goa in a Homestay / old Portuguese house in Goa
Homestays are best way to experience local culture, village activities
Most homestays are old Portuguese houses with beautiful surroundings and paddy fields.
In comparison to a hotel a homestay will provide you a genuine experience of life in Goa and its lovely people.
You can explore the off the beaten track countryside and taste the authentic Goan dishes with the help of locals.
Consider Turiya Hotels and Spa Pvt Ltd in South Goa, near Palolem beach. It is a village homestay if you go off the beaten track in rural areas. A decent double room with a fan, attached bath and toilet typically costs around Rs. 200. The prices usually double in the peak season period.It is always a good idea to check the state of the bathroom and toilet before confirming your reservation with money.
4) Indulge in an Ayurvedic oil massage
to help balance blocked energy channels , rejuvenate muscle fatigue and restore restricted movement
Ayurvedic oil massage also imparts tone and vigour to the tissues of the body. The oil massage stimulates the internal organs of the body to increase blood circulation.
things_to_do_in_goa_off_the_beaten_track
5) Sample sweet rice dumplings
turmeric leaves (patholi) steaming with tumeric leaves(patholi) causing the distinctive aroma to impart to the dumpling. The patholi is a Goan delicacy and is a must during Ganesh Chaturthi. Tumeric leaves are only available in the monsoon season.
6) For offbeat Goa visit the ruins of St. Augustine Church Goa.
built in 1602 by Augustinian friars who arrived in Old Goa in 1587.
The church was abandoned due to an epidemic, In 1835 The church fell into neglect and In 1931 the facade and half the tower collapsed.
7) Attend Good Friday procession in Goa churches
Villagers gather to attend the mass and witness the Way of the Cross and events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The clergymen carry a wooden cross from the church through the village streets and back to the church. Churchgoers follow the procession singing hymns with a choir playing solemn music
8) One of the top things to do in Goa is visit Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
and Mollem National park to see Wildlife, waterfalls, wildlife refuge, nature reserves and ecotourism.
Walk quietly in the trails, wear boots or shoes( to prevent scorpions bites) and dark clothes. Keep your eyes peeled as the person in front watches the path as it is possible to see cobras sunning themselves . See wild animals in Cotigao,,gaur, simbal, porqupine, giant centipede, langaur monkeys and even spot a leopard very early in the morning. Take a spotting book to identify migratory birds species
9) For Goa adventure activities off the beaten track visit Dudhsagar waterfall and Mollem National Park
This waterfall is located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in the the Western Ghats on the the border with Karnataka.
In the monsoons it forms a spectacular fall fed by the heavy rains. The decidious forest is very biodiverse and is must- see place for nature lovers
10) Walk through the narrow streets of Fontainhas
and feel the nostalgia, the atmostpheric Portuguese architecture in this part of Panjim.
The Fontainhas’ heritage ambience represents 450 years of colonial Portuguese influence in Goa.
things-to-do-in-goa-off-the-beaten-track
11) Savour and get slightly intoxicated drinking toddy , coconut and cashew fenni
Toddy is made from the sap drawn from the severed shoots. To prepare coconut feni it is allowed to ferment and then distilled .
Drink Feni neat with ice or mixed with juices,lemonade and with a slice of lime
Watch how Cashew fenni is made from tree ripened cashew apples. It is allowed to ferment and then triple distilled. The aroma of Goan Feni drink is so strong that it can be smelt at a distance from the place of distillation. If taken neat, Feni can be too intoxicating to stay conscious
12 ) Visit a spice plantation and farm
Marvel at the exotic pepper corn, piri piri chillies, cardomom, cinnamon,
13) Visit Rachol Seminary and nearby ruins of Rachol Fort
Only the arch gate of the Rachol Fort is visible. Rachol Seminary was built in 1576 as a Muslim fortress which was later converted into a church, a prison and back to a church by the Portuguese.
things_to_do_in_goa_off_the_beaten_track
14) Visit an island on the estuaries and rivers of Goa
Chorao island is accessible by the regular port ferry services. The ferry ride itself is a very pleasant one, amidst the waters and the greenery all around on either side. The island itself is rather desolate but makes for an exotic visit during the daytime.
15) Feel the love and be imbued with the Susegad spirit in Agonda Beach
More than the food and beaches it is the love, enthusiasm and hospitality of Goan people that attract tourists. You will get a lot of love and warmth here.
Being relaxed, jovial and carefree is what comes naturally to Goans. It is described as the susegad spirit.
Visit Agonda beach in South Goa. It is a quiet beach ideal for chilling, swimming, walking, eating and just generally doing nothing.
The stretch of white sand and clear blue sea is just awe inspiring and soothing
Try the beach huts of H2O Agonda. There are a few guest houses and restaurant close to the beach so you can still enjoy your social life.
Chill-out on the beach when you feel like having some time on your own