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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
10 non-beachy things to do in Goa
Let's get something out of the way: Goa is not just a beach with a state attached to it. Sure, the sand and surf are iconic, but if you take a detour, you'll discover a wildly eclectic Goa—one that's quirky, culturally rich, and a bit eccentric (in the best way). If you're the kind of traveler who likes exploring the off-beat, here are 10 gloriously non-beachy things to do in Goa that prove the sunshine state is more than what it seems like. Hop on the Chorao Island Ferry No, it's not a scene from Life of Pi . The ferry to Chorao Island is your gateway to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where the only thing crashing is the sound of wings in a mangrove forest. Herons, egrets, and maybe even a crocodile. Read more: Top 10 national parks in India ranked by tiger population Visit Fontainhas to time travel Wander into Panjim's Latin Quarter, where Portuguese-era homes wear pops of pastel like they're at an eternal Easter parade. It's like Instagram meets a history book—with less dust and more gelato. Play your tunes at the ruins of Cabo de Rama Fort Perched dramatically above cliffs, this centuries-old fort offers haunting ruins, breathtaking views, and possibly a ghost or two. Bonus: zero beach umbrellas. Check into a 200-year-old Portuguese mansion Think chandeliers, creaky floors, and colonial nostalgia. Stay at one of Goa's heritage homestays like Figueiredo House or Casa Menezes and live your 19th-century best life—with Wi-Fi, of course. Groove at a Silent Disco in Palolem Okay, it's near a beach—but dancing in silence with headphones under the stars while three DJs battle for your ears? That's next-level quirky. Explore the spice plantation Visit a spice plantation in Ponda, where cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom grow wilder than your beach hair. Bonus: elephants sometimes make guest appearances. Hike to the Tambdi Surla Temple Trek through dense forest to this 12th-century gem Mahadev Temple made of black basalt. It's a Hindu temple so ancient that you will feel like getting transported to some other time. Read more: 5 Buddhist sites in Andhra that feel like time travel Catch a film at the Cinephile Club Tired of sun and sand? Join Goa's coolest cine-lovers at the Cinephile Film Club in Panjim for indie and world cinema, often screened with commentary. Get lost in the Friday Mapusa Market It's chaos, it's color, it's bargaining galore. From local sausages to brass trinkets, you'll leave with a full bag and an even fuller photo roll. Learn to cook Goan Food Sign up for a Goan cooking class. Learn to work that coconut, conquer that xacuti, and basically level up your dinner parties forever. If you are keen to experience the other side of Goa, you will have ample choices. Whether you're sipping feni in a forest, spotting birds, or learning the delicate art of prawn balchão, the off-beach adventures are what truly set Goa apart. So next time, ditch the towel and dive into Goa's wonderfully weird inland wonders. You'll come back sun-kissed… and surprisingly well-read. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India.com
16-05-2025
- India.com
6 Best Birdwatching Spots Near Goa For Nature Lovers
The vibrant cultural atmosphere and coastal sunsets of Goa attract visitors together with its perfect environment for nature lovers and bird observation. The mixture of Western Ghats proximity and diverse natural habitats with its abundant green vegetation creates an excellent birdwatching location for Goa. Birdwatchers from both amateur and expert levels can find extraordinary chances to discover India's exciting birds through excellent observation points around Goa City. 1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (Mollem National Park) The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary sits about 60 kilometers outside Panaji and serves as a vital sanctuary for all bird observers. This sanctuary occupies 240 square kilometers while remaining a section of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. More than two hundred bird species, among them the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta and the Great Indian Hornbill reside within this area. The sanctuary houses both resident and migratory birds through its combinations of dense forestland and rivers and waterfalls. A visit during early hours of the day provides optimal bird viewing opportunities. 2. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Tourists interested in birdwatching can visit the excellent destination of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary which lies 90 kilometers south of Panaji. The 86 square kilometer sanctuary set up in 1968 contains deciduous forest areas together with bamboo groves alongside peaceful streams. Birdwatchers visiting this location can easily see three particular species – the Grey-fronted Green Pigeon, Emerald Dove, and the White-bellied Woodpecker. Visitors can observe birds that stop for drinking or bathing through watchtowers specifically located at waterholes throughout the sanctuary. 3. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary The northeastern Goan region is home to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary which maintains its status as a compact destination that attracts many birdwatchers worldwide. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary occupying an 8 square kilometer area contains various bird species including the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and Forest Wagtail among others. The sanctuary's botanical garden together with its zoo creates an attractive environment which makes it perfect for families seeking Goa's wildlife exploration. 4. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Dr. Salim Ali gave his name to this sanctuary set on Chorão Island which lies about 15 kilometers away from Panaji. Bird lovers can reach the sanctuary of 1.8 square kilometers by ferry boat service from its main land location. The landscape of mangroves at this location shelters three impressive bird species including the Black-capped Kingfisher and Little Egret and Osprey. During winter the sanctuary becomes especially active because numerous migratory birds join its population. Guests can experience the mangroves during an organized boat tour. 5. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Extension (Chorao Island Wetlands) The important waterbird feeding grounds of Chorao Island extend from the main Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary area. The birdwatcher who wants to see waders and waterfowl will specifically find value in this extension area. Common Sandpiper together with Purple Heron and Painted Stork make frequent appearances as part of the visible bird species. People will find transcendent peace standing in the pristine wetlands while admiring their untouched beauty next to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. 6. Mayem Lake Birdwatchers seeking a hidden spot to observe natural wildlife will find their perfect sanctuary at Mayem Lake which sits close to Bicholim within the northern section of Goa. Many different kinds of birds visit this freshwater lake situated among hills that are surrounded by green vegetation throughout the yearly cycle. Multiple species of birds dwell at this location including Bronze-winged Jacana and Woolly-necked Stork and Ashy Woodswallow. Everyone who loves photographing nature will find Mayem Lake perfect because of its beautiful environment and comfortable atmosphere. Tips for Birdwatching in Goa The perfect birdwatching hours fall during morning hours until the late afternoon when birds reach their peak activity levels. You should bring well-designed binoculars and field guide books together with a camera using lens zoom for elevated birdwatching quality. Wear clothes of neutral tones that match the environment because this helps you blend in and prevents frightening the birds. Move through bird watching areas with care while keeping a proper distance from wildlife and avoid clumsiness which might disturb both birds and their habitats. Hiring a local guide who understands birdlife in the area provides tourists with a more rewarding bird watching experience. Conclusion The close position of Goa to Western Ghats together with its diverse landscapes forms a perfect habitat for birds that turns the location into the ultimate bird watching site. Every natural area within Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary represents a distinct pathway for visitors to experience nature in Goa. Birdwatchers who visit these sites in an appropriate manner join forces with biodiversity preservation efforts to protect Goa's natural diversity as they undertake this enriching yet rewarding hobby. Embark early in the morning and settle in for a musical experience with Goa's bird population
