Having traveled to numerous places, I’ve had an opportunity to become familiar with various cultures, experience mesmerizing sights first-hand, and partake in activities many would only dare think of. It’s precisely on that journey over the world that I’ve stumbled upon Goa – for most, just a typical party place swirling with tourists that are only interested in having fun at the beach and drowning in booze. However, in my eyes, it was so much more than that. It was a place like no other – a place with a rich history and beautiful landscape worth taking a deep dive into. I gave it a chance, and boy, did it not disappoint! Now, it’s time for you to do the same. However, before you get packing, take a look at six offbeat things to do in Goa. They will, undoubtedly, make you remember it for years to come!
Offbeat Things to Do in Goa That Make It Worth Visiting
In case you aren’t familiar with Goa just yet, it is a state located on the west coast of India. This ex-Portuguese colony is known for its all-year pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, festivals, lavishing nightlife, and otherworldly seafood. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. And it’s precisely those unordinary aspects of this party capital of India that we will focus on.
#1 Pay a Visit to the Goa State Museum
If you happen to be a history buff, you’ll be happy to know there’s something for you to do in Goa. To take a trip down memory lane, you’ll have to visit the Goa State Museum. The museum introduces visitors to the origins of the state. It depicts its culture and customs and helps people better understand Goa’s pre-, during, and post-Portuguese phases.
Unfortunately, Goa State Museum doesn’t get much tourist traffic. It’s typically visited by students only, which is such a shame. Learning as much as possible about the place you visit should be the first thing on every traveler’s list.
Another museum on the list, but a museum like no other! When looking for offbeat things to do in Goa, you’ll not make a mistake if you go to Indian Customs & Central Excise Museum. Located in the state’s capital, Panaji, this place is so unique that there’s no chance you won’t be entertained by it. It’s meant to showcase India’s smuggling history and features various items that customs officials have uncovered over the years. While there, on top of seeing what it is that people tried bringing across the border, you’ll also learn of ways they attempted doing it. And oh dear, are the lengths they went to amusing. Bonus points for creativity!
#3 Visit One of the Many Chapels, St. Sebastian Chapel
Goa is home to many religious places, like chapels, churches, and temples. Among them is St. Sebastian Chapel, nestled in Panaji. The building itself is pretty dated. It has been around since 1818 and has, ever since, attracted many tourists. Back in the day, the area was devastated by the plague. It’s believed that none other but St. Sebastian treated the affected.
The chapel houses the white crucifix. However, on it, Jesus’ eyes are open. It’s partially because of this that the people of Goa believe that the crucifix has magical capabilities. A common belief is that it has the power to reward the worthy and punish the wrong-doers.
#4 Discover Shipwrecks
Today, it’s pretty easy to transport things from one side of the world to the other – courtesy of planes. A hundred years ago, though, that wasn’t the case. Back then, most of the transportation was done by the sea. Considering that Goa was a Portuguese colony, it’s not hard to imagine that trips between the two were inevitable. However, due to the way ships were built and the length of travel, shipwrecks were a common occurrence. Even today, people can see the evidence of that at the bottom of the sea.
If you are interested in exploring these further, worry not, as it’s certainly possible! First, learn how to dive and then book a guided dive tour of the shipwrecks. Don’t forget your GoPro! You’re probably going to want to document this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
#5 Take a Trip to the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa
Designed as a sanctuary for more than 100 species of butterflies, the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is truly a magnificent place to visit. There’s something so fascinating about seeing hundreds of colorful insects flying around, each of them special and unique in its own way. As a visitor, you’re allowed to feed them with fruits, and you can get a close-up of them collecting nectar.
#6 Go Bird Watching
While on the topic of offbeat things to do in Goa, it’s worth mentioning the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Carambolim Bird Sanctuary, and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, which are all places that allow you to take part in bird watching. Each of these is home to exotic bird species, some of which cannot be seen elsewhere in India. And isn’t that enough to convince you to come?
A Couple of Last Notes
Now that we’ve covered some of the extraordinary things you can do in this place, it’s time you got your suitcases ready as Goa awaits you! The long trip is ahead of you and considering you’ll probably be traveling by plane, you’ll be limited in how much luggage you can carry. With that said, you’ll have to resort to packing economically to bring with you everything you want and need. Luckily, easy techniques to save space are many. Take a deep dive into the web to determine what these are!
Also, don’t forget that to be able to come to Goa, or India in general, you’ll probably need a visa. A visa is almost always a requirement unless you come from one of the few countries with a no-visa agreement with India. You must familiarize yourself with the country’s regulations as far as tourists and immigrants are concerned on time. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to experience offbeat things to do in Goa yourself.
About the Author
Rachel Stevenson is a travel journalist who’s had the opportunity to travel worldwide. She can hardly stay put and tends to move from one place to another. Her constant moving has helped her become quite an expert at it, which is how Rachel landed a writing gig at miamimoversforless.com. Nowadays, she’s looking for new places to explore and hopes to find somebody to accompany her on her journey.
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