15 Best Offbeat Things To Do In Goa (Offbeat Places)

Goa is a lovely location that should be your next big shot if you wish to escape from a monotonous life and sketch plans to visit some offbeat places in Goa. What comes to your mind when you read the word “Goa”? Well, most probably, that should be beaches or parties. Yet, there are many unique things to do in Goa, such as beachside shore visits, disco/DJ night parties, savouring rare and tasty dishes, and a gamut of traditions. These are your bucket list of offbeat things to do in Goa, handpicked for you with specific facts.

Best Offbeat Things To Do In Goa (Offbeat Places)

1. Steep Up the Chapora Fort

Famous for its “Dil Chahta Hai” scene, the Chapora Fort holds a great history, dating back to the Bijapur Sultanate. Surrounded by the beautiful Anjuna & Mapusa villages, this is a 17th-century fortress ruin at Bardez. Visiting this fort is going to be one of your top-notch offbeat things to do in North Goa, and approximately, you need 2 hours to traverse the hilltop.

Address: Chapora Fort Trail, Vagator, Goa 403509.

2. Purchase Some Exotic Souvenirs

Gifting souvenirs to your loved ones, always stay on top when it comes to the offbeat things to do in South Goa. From Panjim’s cashew and coconut feni to Mario Miranda’s lively paintings at Margao, gift something unusual to your friends and family as a token of remembrance.

Address: Near Hindu Pharmacy, Below Aroma Hotel, Duarte Pacheco Road, Panaji.

3. Reach Heights with Assolda’s Hot Air Balloon

Flying above sea cliffs is a dream for many, especially for the ones who get crazy about heights (900 feet above ground level). And that is, too, seeing a tranquil atmosphere in a city is nearly impossible. Yet, Assolda’s hot air balloon comes to the rescue. Tiger Balloon Safaris Flights are inclusive of packages.

Address: Margao-Chandor-Curchorem Rd, Xic-Xelvona, Goa 403714. 

4. Cruise over the Romantic Mandovi River

Mandovi will be one of the romantic places to visit in Goa, owing to the exquisite panoramic view of Panaji. Besides, you will also experience the scenic sunset with some Bollywood DJs. Note that “Paradise Cruises” is Goa’s prevalent triple-deck boat brand; they will help you with a brief instructive session before taking off.

Address: Booth No. 1, Tourism Jetty, Patto, below the Mandovi Bridge, Panaji, Goa 403001.

5. Bicycle in the Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is an undeniable aspect of Goa, and you will not find a trail like this for bicycling and vibing. You can travel for seven trails across 57 miles. What’s more? Destinations such as Taleigao Church, Old GMC, St. Cruz Church, Adil Shah Palace, etc., are still covered in your trip.

Address: Miramar Beach, Panjim, North Goa 403108.

6. Trail Down the Fontainhas

Also deemed to be the ‘Latin Quarter’ of Panjim, Goa, this place is one of the must-visit heritage sites of India. Fontainhas follows next on the list of offbeat experiences in Goa if you have an Instagram account and badly want to snap vivid photographs. And if you feel hungry, step into the Confiteria 31 De Janeiro Bakery for some old-school snack.

Address: Rua de Natal, Fontainhas (quarter), Mala, Panaji, Goa 403001.

7. Feel Refreshed from the Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Travellers are standardly suggested to take up either a jeep trail or trek. 60 kilometres distant from Panaji is the 4-tiered Dudhsagar Waterfalls, situated on the Mandovi River. Boasting a height of 310 meters and a width of 30 meters, this is India’s tallest waterfall.

Address: Mollem National Park, Sonaulim, Goa 403410.

8. Try out the Goan Fish Curry Rice

Tasting the Crab or Pork vindaloo is fine, but trying out the Goan Fish Curry Rice makes your offbeat things to do in South Goa complete. With all the vintage props and red laterite walls, “Kokni Kanteen” is the place you need to go. And make sure to get a lime soda to balance those tangy spices.

Address: Dr. Dada Vaidya Road, Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001.

9. Get Blessed from Reis Magos Church

Did you know that the base of Reis Magos Church indeed marks the ‘Hindu’ influence with its Portuguese architecture? Even the famous tomb of the Viceroy, Dom Luis de Ataide, exists here. Save the date for celebrating ‘Festa dos Reis Mago’ on 6th January annually.

Address: Nerul – Reis Margos Rd, Reis Magos, Goa 403109.

10. Enter the Freshwater Vagkolam

Close to the Arabian Sea and quite popular among the Arambol locals, “Vagkolam” is the only sweet water lake in Goa. Moreover, this freshwater lake has so many legends, thus making it a sacred place for the natives. Clean water and a serene mind rest assured from this place.

Address: Vagkolam, Paliyem, Goa 403524.

11. Vibe with the Local Feni at Joseph Bar

Situated on one of the tiniest backstreets of Fontainhas, the Joseph Bar is your next destination to sit back and have a beer. With mere two small rooms, this bar is perfect for vibing with your friends or cousins. And give yourself the treat of ordering “Tambde Rosa.”

Address: Gomes Pereira Road, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001.

12. Roam Around Tito’s Lane

Whether you want to attend an exotic party or get the kick of a drink, Tito’s Lane will get you covered on point. This location is the most classical tourist hotspot for night parties. Bollywood Discotheque, Café Mambo, and Club Titos are the three must-visit clubs near Baga Beach.

Address: Titos Ln, Bardez, Baga, North Goa 403519.

13. Brunch through a Spice Plantation

Visiting the spice plantation at Ponda is one of the fascinating offbeat things to do in Goa. And Savoi Spice Plantation is the highly recommended tropical spice plantation of Goa, owing to its affordable entry fee and 200-year-old tradition. You are sure to taste the fresh pomegranate juice with some cardamom bananas here.

Address: 50, Savoi, Marcel Ponda Road, Ponda, Goa, 403401.

14. Stay Amidst the Lavish Tambdi Surla Temple

You might be aware of the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary. But did you know that there is a hidden temple called the Tambi Surla Mahadev Temple? Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma are the chief gods at this temple and are grandly celebrated during Mahashivratri. Thereby, the Surla River flows a few steps away from this temple. Make sure to notice the lotus-shaped carved on the ceiling.

Address: Tambdi Surla, Goa 403406.

15. Observe the Traditions at Mapusa Friday Market

Ultimately, shopping for a rare handicraft for a low price is one of the best offbeat things to do in North Goa that you should strive for; such an experience can be driven by shopping at the Mapusa Friday Market. Spices, fresh fruits, Goan homemade chouriço, carpets, artefacts, pots, etc., are more on-demand by travellers. And note that this place is super busy on Fridays, hence the name.

Address: Municipal Market, Mapusa, Goa 403507.