When you think of Goa, you may inevitably think of the beaches, shacks, churches, and nightlife. However, Goa has much more to offer than you can think. If you are willing to explore Goa beyond its stereotypical image, you will find there is an opportunity to enjoy many new and unique experiences.
So, if you are looking to do something new that is not the regular touristy stuff, we list down a few experiences in Goa that everyone must have.
- Enjoy watching dolphins and butterflies
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
- Try your hands at gambling
- Visit the night flea market
- Enjoy water sports
- Go partying
- Take a tour of the spice farms
Catch a glimpse of Dolphins and butterflies
If you are a nature or wildlife enthusiast, you must visit Butterfly beach, about a 30-mins boat ride from Palolem beach in south Goa. An isolated beach, it is surrounded by lush green forests on all sides, and it has plenty of wildlife, and you can see countless species of colourful butterflies.
During your boat ride to the beach, you may see playful dolphins swimming across the ocean with their pods and sometimes displaying their antics. It is their way of getting friendly with people. It is a beautiful experience in Goa that you must not miss!
Enjoy a ride on a hot air balloon
If you have been waiting a long time to go to Cappadocia, Turkey, to experience hot air ballooning, you can have the same experience right here in Goa, India. Chandor, a small village in south Goa, has recently gained immense popularity among tourists to Goa as the place to go on a hot air balloon ride.
Hop on to the basket, and you will be accompanied by the pilot, who will take you on an aerial journey across the beautiful landscape of Goa. You can enjoy floating in the air like a free bird as you enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the sea and the lush green forest cover of Goa below. It is one of the best off-beat experiences you must have on your next trip to Goa.
Try your luck at one of the many Goa casinos
Goa is known for its glitz and glamour, which is quite visible at the various casinos. Many tourists love to try their hands at a game of poker or rummy while enjoying a ride on a luxury cruise. Many first-time players and professionals play at these casinos, and if luck is by your side, there is always a chance that you can walk away with a big win.
Even if you are not much of a gambler, it is worth visiting one of these casinos to have a new experience and tick off the casino from your things to do in Goa list.
Go street shopping at the flea markets
The flea markets in Goa have a reputation that precedes their names. There are plenty of such markets throughout Goa, but the night flea market on Anjuna beach is probably the most popular one. It is a great place to pick up some souvenirs, clothing items, jewelleries, key chains, etc., at an affordable price.
Although it is a flea market, make sure you bargain your way with the seller, and you may get a steal deal.
Ride the waves
When you are in Goa, you ought to experience water sports. It is one of the adventure activities in Goa. If you are not a big fan of adrenaline-pumping activities, you can enjoy kayaking or snorkelling. But if you are looking for hardcore adventure, you can try windsurfing, paragliding, or scuba diving at many of Goa’s beaches.
Go pub-hopping
Goa and partying are synonymous. After all, it is the party capital of India. While in Goa, ensure you hit these beach party destinations or the many pubs, especially in north Goa that remains open till the wee hours. The pubs and discos here are abuzz and are known to play the best music. You can easily let your hair down and dance all night till your feet hurt.
Take a tour of the spice plantations
If you are looking for some off-beat places to visit in Goa other than the beaches and the churches, you may like to see the spice plantations. You can walk through the fresh plantations and learn about the various indigenous spices and how they are grown, harvested, and processed. Many spice farms offer a guided tour around and let you taste and buy the locally grown spices.
Where to stay in Goa?
Goa has many stay options to suit your budget. But, if you are looking for a premium stay option and have a Club Mahindra membership, you can book your stay at one of the resorts in Goa hosted by Club Mahindra. If you are visiting north Goa, you can stay at resort in Assonora hosted by Club Mahindra, located in the Bardez region.
Club Mahindra resort is the perfect place to enjoy modern amenities and world-class hospitality that gives you a memorable holiday experience.
