Mansi and Tariq have been going on a trip to Goa for five straight years, and we had to know what it is that attracts them to the place. Goa is the obvious choice for most of us because of its wonderful beaches and amazing food. But for this couple, the breezy, cool and calm weather is what makes it the perfect vacation spot.
“Every place is less crowded this time of the year and the beaches look much more beautiful than usual,” says Mansi.
Goa is not just a vacation spot, it is an experience, because there is always so much to do and so many places to see. Chapora Fort and Vagator Beachwere their usual places to go to, but now they are looking to explore South Goa. So even if they have been coming to Goa every year, they still have many things to check off of their bucket list.
The holiday in Goa was a couples’ retreat in the beginning. And now it has become a family vacation with a young child, Zavian, they have to take care of. “A trip to Goa can be tailor-made to fit into whatever expectations one has,” Mansi and Tariq tell us, “that’s the flexibility of this experience.”
Off season Goa is the attraction for them, and they choose it specifically every year. The occasional but heavy rainfall lights up the entire state in beautiful green colors, but it does nothing to stop their plans.
Since their vacation has become more about relaxation, they now opt for relaxing and leisurely stay options. OYO makes their stay in Goa much more affordable, convenient and fun than usual. OYO Premium Colva Betalbatim Beach, where they stayed this year, is one of the most beautiful hotels on the beach among all hotels in Goa.
With a young child who prefers the indoors pool over the beach, the OYO Premium was really enjoyable. They plan their vacation in monsoon, and it is accompanied by heavy rainfall on occasions, which makes comfortable accommodation a must. Their goals of an adventurous vacation have altered over the years, and now they want to relax by the beach, go swimming and taste some yummy seafood.
Tourism in Goa is so well developed that even if their vacation is repetitive, the experience is unique every year. And the things to do in Goa are almost never-ending. From a couple’s trip to Goa, Tariq and Mansi have seamlessly converted their vacation into a successful family friendly stay. Street food may have been given up for fine dining, and exploring beaches for a relaxing quality time, but Goa is still the dream destination.
The Small Vagator Beach is their favorite picnic spot. This beach is North of Anjuna Beach and South of Vagator Beach. It is comparatively less crowded than the beaches surrounding it and that is what makes it a great spot for couples to enjoy.
One of the secrets that they shared with us is probably something every couple on a trip to Goa should try out. “Go for a romantic walk on the beach when it’s raining,” Mansi strongly recommends.
Since food is one of the main reasons of their revisits, we asked them about some of their preferred eating joints. “The Burritos Restaurant in North Goa is one of our all-time favorites. Other than that we love the local shops where one can taste authentic Goan food.”
Flea markets are an important part of Goan culture, and also of Mansi and Tariq’s vacations. The handicrafts that are found in these markets are what charms them. They never forget to take back cashew nuts, along with lots of fond memories.
Mansi and Tariq will come back next year to find the out more hidden surprises in Goa. Looks like we need to catch up with them when it comes to exploring Goa!
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Everyone knows what it is that drives tourists from all over the world to Goa. However, is there something people usually miss out on? Baga, Anjuna, Vagator and Calangute are the beaches of Goa that makes its nightlife so popular. But Goa is not just about an exciting and adventurous time; it is a beautiful place that has much more to offer.
OYO has compiled a list of the seven of the best-unexplored beaches of Goa, and now is the perfect time to head to Goa, thanks to its beautiful weather, relatively quieter beaches, and relatively inexpensive costs of travel and experiences.
This beach is next to one of Goa’s most populous villages, Agonda. It is largely non-commercial and thus, has a distraction-free environment. It is a quiet and clean beach, which is so peaceful that it seems surreal.
St. Anne’s Church
St. Anne’s Church is right next to the beach, and it is a perfectly maintained tourist spot. It is one of the four nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, which can only be found during the month of September.
Betalbatim Beach- One of the Unexplored Beaches in Goa (Click Here to see nearby OYOs)
Close to Colva beach in South Goa, this is a relatively unexplored place in Goa. It is clean and pristine because it is less commercial. The beach has very few resorts and is largely secluded. There is a small tributary that opens up right on the beach, making it a unique place that needs to be seen.
We would recommend that you take a stroll from the main road, along the sandy narrow path which is surrounded by coconut and palm trees, to appreciate the complete beauty of this place.
It is one of the remote and secluded beaches of Goa and cannot be so found easily. But that is what makes the entire experience worth it. It is a must visit if you want some time to yourself.
The beach slopes into the sea gently, which makes it a great spot for swimming too. With white sands, a clean and spotless coast, and warm surf; Arossim is nothing short of heaven.
It is one part of the twin beaches, Ashwem Morjim; and the other one is also quite uncharted. It has a vast and expansive terrain that seems to go on and on forever. It is perfect for a peaceful leisure time, for just lying down and relaxing or sunbathing.
The drive along the beach is perfectly calm, green and scenic. Locals catch crabs along the rocky parts of the shore, which is an interesting activity to observe.
The beach has areas of sparkling white sand, along a flat surface. It is one of the most serene beaches Goa has to offer. Right next to the beach is a lake which has a wooden bridge across it. It is surrounded by palm trees, making it not only beautiful and scenic but a peaceful and spiritual spot.
Small Vagator Beach- One of the unexplored places in Goa (Click Here to see nearby OYOs)
North of Anjuna and South of Vagator, this beach is as secluded as it is unexplored. It can be easily reached by walking down a steep hill. The beach is comparatively less crowded than the other beaches that surround it, and thus, is more enjoyable.
There is a skillfully carved Shiva statue transformed out of rock on the beach, and it is one of those sights that you should not miss out.
Cola beach is nothing short of a paradise, with a lagoon on one side and a beautiful beach on the other. It is one of the most untouched and unexplored places in Goa, and we wonder why. It is a calm and peaceful place where one can stay for hours on end without being disturbed.
Kakolem Beach, which is also known as Tiger Beach, is a small beach cove and is also one of
the most secluded beaches in Goa. Located in a cove, it lies in the south of Cabo de Rama beach.
Because the beach is so secluded, the scenic beauty here is jaw dropping, with miles of pristine
water untainted by pollution. One can reach the beach by driving along the NH66 towards Cola
village. Reaching the beach itself is quite an adventure, because it takes one through narrow
meandering steps to reach the cove. One can also rent a boat to get here which is also quite an
experience.
Butterfly Beach
The Butterfly Beach is located about 37 km from Margao, towards the north of Palolem beach
and is also vastly unexplored by tourists. The waters here are crystal clear and the beach lies just
by a forest, which also provides ample scope for exploration, without being intimidating at all.
The forest takes about 2 hours to trek through. One can take a short ride from Agonda or Palolem
to come here. You will have quite an experience when you break through the forest and the sea
comes into view all of a sudden.
Galgibaga Beach
If you have always wanted to see the Olive Ridley turtles, then this is the best place to see them
as the Galgibaga beach is a nesting and hatching site for this endangered species. The beach lies
about 18 km away from Canacona and apart from a few beach shacks selling local delicacies, the
beach is largely secluded. It is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, or when you are
looking for a space to contemplate. The beach is considered to be the cleanest in Goa. However,
because the food options are limited here, it would be good if you carry packed lunches. If there
are children traveling with you, it would be most educational for them to see the turtle reserve for
Olive Ridley turtles.
Betul Beach
The Betul Beach is a popular fishing beach in Goa and is about 18 km away from Margao. The
beach is very cool and calm and has none of the chaos of regular fishing villages, which is why it
is so peaceful to visit here. One can however, only reach the beach by taking a Cavelossim-
Assolna ferry from Morbor beach that will take you across the Sal River. The main attraction
here is the 17 th century fort in the Canaguinin beach. You can also try out fishing yourself here,
or go home packing affordable cheap food by buying the fresh catch from the locals. The local
restaurants here will also give you a real treat.
Hollant Beach
Hollant or Issorcim Beach is actually located close to Bogmalo Beach and is one of the best
unexplored beaches of Goa. The bay here is an extended stretch of shallow water and provides
great visual treat, as well as easy swimming for non- swimmers. Some parts of the beach are
rocky though, but they are mostly used to anchor fishing boats. The beach has some very good
local eateries, making seafood to die for. One of the principal attractions here is the chapel where
the traditional feast for Three Kings is celebrated each year in the 6 th of January. The calm waters
of the beach are sure to revive a tired soul.
Arambol Beach
The Arambol beach is famous for its perfect spots that lend themselves beautifully for barbeque
evenings. The cliffs along the beaches make the perfect background for photography. The beach
is a must visit for those who love to swim in the sea waters and this beach in particular has a very
bohemian vibe. In fact, with its eclectic mix of restaurants, good places to stay, calm waters and
beautiful scenery, you might not even want to visit any other beach, especially if you are on a
short trip. The smaller beach here has freshwater thermals and the yoga and meditation sessions
here are just what you need to rejuvenate yourself.
Velsao Beach
The Velsao Beach is located north of the very well-known Majorda and Colva beach in South
Goa and is Goa’s one of best kept secrets. Not many tourists know about it and those who do
visit are greeted by flocks of birds and a lifeguard. The beach is considered safe for swimming
and the countryside around the beach is perfect for a long drive. One can reach this little beach
via Bogmalo, Colva or by the Majorda beach. The water here is very warm and instantly gives
you a fuzzy feeling when you take a dip.
Siridao Beach
The Siridao beach lies very close to the Zuari river estuary and is only 12 km away from the Goa
capital of Panjim. The beach has spectacular sights to offer with its scattered rocks and cliffs, and
sandy strips in between. The Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth is the most popular attraction here.
Many oyster and pearl shells wash ashore and they are a principal attraction. One can also
explore the caves by the beach and gives ample opportunity for little adventures.
Sinquerim Beach
The Sinquerim Beach is located very close to the Fort Aguada and is only 13 km from Panaji.
The sunset views from the beach are mesmerizing and there are also a number of luxury resorts
by the beach which will give you and your family a great stay option. The beach is comprised of
soft sands, which is great for taking long walks. The restaurants here serve a variety of cuisines,
and of course, delectable sea food. There are also provisions for scuba diving and water skiing to
be found here, along with fishing, wind surfing and other activities.
Where to Stay near Goa Beaches:
You can find a number of options to stay near the unexplored beaches of Goa and there are a
number of Oyo hotels you can choose from, which you can book through the Oyo app. You can
choose your hotels based on their distance from the beach or according to the kind of food you
like. Most of the hotels will also make arrangements for your transportation for local sightseeing.
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Ganesh Chaturthi is an Indian festival celebrated in honor of Ganpati, the elephant-headed Hindu god. One of the most important Indian festivals, the celebration all over the country is joyous and colourful. Ganesha is offered prayers of prosperity and success, and it is believed that all obstacles are taken away by him at the end of the celebration. However, the grandest festivities are in Maharashtra and Goa, where preparations start months in advance.
Beautifully crafted sculptures of our beloved Ganpati
We discovered a scenic village in Goa, while backpacking from Agonda Beach to Betalbatim, which specializes in creating Ganpati’s sculptures. Saleri is a small village in South Goa, located near the Cabo De Rama Fort. The nearest beach to this village is Cola Beach, a secluded and scenic place. One of the main occupations of the people living in the village is hand crafting idols of Ganesha for the festival.
The Workshop
The idols are made to order and sold all over Goa. The statues are meticulously crafted by hand and the size ranges from 6 inches to over 4 feet. After the day of the festival, they are immersed in a body of water, completing the process of offering prayers to the deity.
A beautiful art in progress
The process of making the sculptures is parallel and each statue is worked upon simultaneously, much like a production line. Each craftsperson makes around two to three idols a day and in totality, around 200 are made. The smaller statues are sold for Rs 500-700 and the bigger ones are sold for Rs 1000-1300.
The statues are extremely detailed and every subtlety is perfectly noticeable
The festival is highly anticipated and the planning begins much before the actual day. The celebration is grand both publically and in homes, where people install the clay statues to worship Ganesha. The pandals, or makeshift tents where the much larger idols are installed also begin to take shape weeks in advance.
The first coat is airbrushed onto the statueAnd the finer details like eyes are painted carefully by a brush
On surface it seems grand, but the meticulous planning that the festival requires is how these artisans make their entire living. This captivating village was discovered by chance as while exploring the lesser known places in Goa.
A collection of completed statues
Some of the other lesser known beaches of Goa that are a must visit are Palolem, Cavelossim and Colva Beach. The village of Saleri perfectly mirrors how vast and interesting the Indian culture is. Hopefully this will reawaken our wanderlust, and it will inspire us to travel to the more niche places.
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