The Best Things to Do in Goa Beyond the Beaches

Goa is home to several forts that play a crucial role in its history. Some of the most prominent ones are the 17th century Chapora Fort that offers panoramic vistas of the sea and beaches nearby; the Aguada Fort, which was established in 1612 by the Portuguese, and its highlight is the 19th century lighthouse within it; the Terekhol Fort, which now functions as a heritage hotel and also houses a 100-year-old church; and the 16th century Reis Magos fort that is famed for its breathtakingly beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and Mandovi river, as well as the gallery that display works of the famous cartoonist, the late Mario Miranda.

Goa was colonized by the Portuguese in the 1500s and they brought with them a unique style of architecture, which is evident in every nook of the state. A visual reminder of the same are the majestic Portuguese mansions, which have retained their old-world charm. Some of the notable ones that are open to the public include Casa Araujo Alvares, which is an 18th century mansion complete with European antiques and photos; Palácio do Deão that stands out with its Hindu and Portuguese architecture; and the Menezes Braganza Pereira House, which is a 17th century mansion adorned with antiques, Italian marble floors, Belgian crystal chandeliers, and several other relics.

Goa boasts incredible wildlife, and you can catch a glimpse of the stunning creatures at the many national parks and sanctuaries sprinkled throughout the area. Some of the must-visits include the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Animal safari and treks are available in these parks, which create perfect opportunities to get up-close with the diverse flora and fauna and experience nature at its rawest.

Goa has a small population of crocodiles that dwell in the swampy mangroves of Cumbharjua Canals. You can catch a glimpse of these aquatic predators by taking a boat ride to Cumbharjua Canals. Some of the local boat tour operators organize “crocodile tours” for visitors—the best ones include John’s Crocodile Dundee Tour, Atlantis Watersports, and Thrillophilia.

For many, Goa brings to mind beaches and parties, but it is also home to some of the country’s most spectacular caves that await exploration. Some of the best one to explore include the Harvalem Caves that date back to the 6th century; the Lamgao Buddhist Caves that stand out with their elaborate rock-cut carvings; the Khandepar Caves that date back to the 10th century; and the Rivona Caves that are rich in historical and religious vibes.

With so many rivers running through the sunshine state, such as the Mandovi, the Zuari, the Nerul, and the Sal backwaters, Goa has a well-earned reputation as the paradise for kayaking. It’s one thing to experience and explore Goa by land, but it’s a whole other level when you get to take in all that it has to offer from the sea. So, paddle your way through the charming waters of the bustling rivers and soak in the beauty of the sunshine state like never before. Some of the best kayaking tours that you can opt for include Goa Kayaking, Adventure Nation, and Adventure Breaks.