How to Not Make a Touristy Trip to Goa

There's hardly a place in India that is as touristy as Goa. With the multitude of people thronging the smallest state (technically, Union Territory) at all times of the year, one can't help but land u

There’s hardly a place in India that is as touristy as Goa. With the multitude of people thronging the smallest state (technically, Union Territory) at all times of the year, one can’t help but land up in a place that’s crowded. But as they say, if you look closely and intently, you can find anything. And so, we really did the research and came up with a list of few places in Goa that’s untouched by commercialised tourism.

Explore the non-commercialised beaches of North and South Goa

No matter how much you try, a little beach bumming in Goa is unavoidable. But you could choose the relatively off-the-beaten-path and little known ones like Ashwem Beach and Mandrem Beach in North Goa. They’re not exactly expansive sandy stretches but ideal enough if you’d like to avoid crowds. A few beaches in South Goa are great picks as well: Cola Beach is quite unspoilt, as is Velsao Beach. The Butterfly Beach, just a short ferry ride away from Palolem is great too if you’re a lover of peace and quiet.

If you absolutely must experience a beach that attracts a sea of people, there’s nothing quite like Arambol. Especially, the drum circle at Arambol at sunset. It’s great bohemian fun at sunset as travellers from all walks of life get together for the drum circle, and the spirit of celebration in the air is bound to be etched in your memories forever.

Ancient Usgalimal Rock Carvings

One of Goa’s most interesting and least visited sights is only a beautiful countryside drive away. The prehistoric rock art are testimony to some of the earliest human in-habitation in India. Discovered in 1993, it’s a great place for history lovers because there are over 100 designs carved in the rock that describe everyday ancient tribal life thought to be 30,000 years old.

Goa’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Goa is home to some beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. Bird spotting of bright orange, blue flash or a kingfisher at Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is as fun as taking a trip to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. You could also combine it with a trip to the Dudhsagar Waterfall nearby.

Explore the little known churches of Old Goa

Goa was under the Portuguese rule for 400 years and the legacy they left behind is still very apparent today – especially in the architecture. There are tonnes of white washed Portuguese churches dotted all over the countryside.

Everyone goes to Old Goa to explore the 300 year old The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, it can’t exactly said . Naturally you will find it crammed with visitors irrespective of when you visit. But cross the main road and drive for 2 minutes and you’ll come across several dilapidated and gorgeous churches. The best part is that you will probably have them all to yourself.

Spend your time exploring them and eventually drive to the Chapel of our Lady of the Mount and wait for the sun to set. This chapel boasts of a glorious view of sunset over Goa and its secluded location ensures there won’t be too many people around!

Take a trip to Divar Island

If you’d like to step back in time and experience the slow rhythm of Goan life, take a short ferry ride to this island. It’s a world where sleepy villages and distinctly Portugese architecture converge to create something extraordinary.

Explore Sao Tome and Fontainhas, the colourful Portuguese districts of Panjim

Fontainhas, with its winding and gorgeous lanes, is a UNESCO Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why. Colourful Portugese-style houses exude an old-world charm with quaint bakeries, restaurants, and art galleries, dotted along the streets. Confiteria 31 De Janeiro Bakery, one of the oldest bakeries in Goa, is great for a snack. Another offbeat gem in a traditional building is Cafe Bodega, if a meal is what you’re after.