Goa Beyond the Beaches: Exploring Offbeat Destinations 

Do you always think about the beaches and the loud party scenes whenever you think of Goa? On a Delhi to Goa flight, you might wonder whether it’s worth spending your money on seeing the beaches again. But beyond the water and clubs, there lies a Goa yet to be explored. This article describes some offbeat tourist spots that you won’t regret visiting on your next Goa trip.

• Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount

When you watch a sunset from the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, you will forget about all the other sunsets you have watched in your entire life. The chapel is perched on a small hilltop in a secluded portion of Goa. The beauty of traditional architecture amidst nature will sway you off your feet. 

Apart from tranquillity, this place also offers a stunning view of Divar Island, Chorao Island, and Old Goa. Built way back in 1519, the church is symbolic of Goa’s conquest. It has also served as a backdrop for various popular Bollywood movies. 

• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The wildly overgrown mangrove forest is on the Chorao island upriver from Panjim. It is home to more than a hundred species of birds like kingfishers and drongos. The sanctuary also has a few crocodiles for tourists to spot. 

You can drive to the riverine island directly. But you will have an unparalleled experience by taking a ferry to cross the Mandovi river. Chorao is also well-known for korgut rice, which grows in brackish mangrove waters. 

• Arvalem Caves

Goa is also known as Sunaparant or the Golden Lan. It is home to multiple caves and ruins that could not stand the ravages of time. Arvalem caves are now protected by 6he Archaeological Society of India, 

According to folklore, these caves sheltered the Pandavas when they were in their twelve-year exile. The rock-cut chambers are carved into a laterite hill. You will also find the beautiful Arvalem waterfall nearby that cascades into a lake. 

• Fort Tiracol

During the 17th century, Raja Bahadur Khem Sawant Bhonsle constructed Fort Tiracol. It is surrounded by lush greenery and the Arabian Sea. Once upon a time, it served as an armed fortress for the Portuguese rulers. 

The fort has been restored into a Baroque-style church and a heritage hotel. The fort also had an important role to play in Goa’s fight for freedom. Since freedom fighter Hirve Guruji and five others were killed in this fortress for hoisting the national flag, a memorial dedicated to them is found at the entrance.    

Ending Note

Book a flight to Goa today and be prepared to rediscover it. You will definitely come back with a bag full of beautiful memories.