The undiscovered side of Goa: earlier this year, two travel enthusiasts got an opportunity to rediscover Goa beyond its popular spots. They travelled to lesser-known beaches and explored quite a few hidden gems of Goa that left them spellbound. Text by Rashmee & Anant
Undiscovered Side Of Goa – What you need to explore
1. Nadora Village
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Goan villages have escaped the storm of tourism since the beginning of the Goan tourism industry. They don’t have thriving nightlife or beaches. Instead, they have the most extraordinary cultures; tranquil rivers and lakes; and the friendliest locals. The local food is mouth-watering, and the hospitality is contagious.
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We visited Nadora village a undiscovered side of Goa, situated in Bardez, which is home to the backwaters of river Chapora. Dotted with coconut trees and mangroves, the best way to explore this village is by kayaking or boating along the river. We witnessed one of the best sunsets in Goa while kayaking here. Located about 45 minutes away from Anjuna, this place is a birdwatchers paradise, too. At sunset, you can witness flocks of egrets gliding over the water. It’s a great place to unwind if you want to avoid huge crowds. Get in touch with Soul Candy Tours who provide local walking tour experiences, along with kayaking and boating.
2. Cola Beach Lagoon
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Imagine a lagoon right next to a beach! Cola beach offers the best of both worlds. Blessed with a freshwater lagoon right at the beach, it’s a unique place to visit. The lagoon is perfect for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, while the ocean provides you with the best views. Mountains line the ocean, while coconut trees create a crown around the lagoon.
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3. Kakolem Beach
We stumbled upon Kakolem beach while driving around Cola beach. Located north of Cola Beach, Kakolem beach is a half-hour-trek from the top of the mountain to the beach. Steps have been created to ease the journey. Since there aren’t any roads leading directly to the sands, the beach is almost always deserted. The most unique aspect about Kakolem is that it rests around a sea of coconut trees that line the path of the beach. During monsoons, a waterfall from the mountains breaks out and merges with the ocean.
Undiscovered side of Goa: Beaches and Islands
4. Galgibaga Beach
Located eight kilometres south of Palolem, this beach is a designated turtle nesting spot. It is one of the few remaining beaches in the state that has been left untouched from commercial activities like shacks and water sports. The turtle nesting season starts in December and ends in April, and if you’re lucky, you can witness them hatch as well. The southern tip of the beach has a lagoon where the Galgibag river meets the Arabian Sea. The lagoon is a perfect place to swim in the midst of nature.
5. Chorão and Divar Islands
Chorão and Divar islands are neighbouring islands located a short ferry ride away from Old Goa. The ferry ride is free for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. A nominal fee of INR 10 is charged for four-wheelers. The ferries run at an interval of every 15 minutes. Both islands are full of Portuguese villas, old churches, and Hindu temples. They also make an excellent spot for birdwatching.
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We explored the islands on a boat. Soul Traveling organises curated trips to the islands where the guide takes you around all the key landmarks, explaining the islands’ colonial history.
Related: Explore Goa Like A Local: We Discovered 5 New Hidden-Gems
