Most people who live in the landlocked parts of the country picture Goa as a snooze holiday, with beaches, shacks, nightlife, and local beers. The state’s popularity can be attributed to a variety of reasons, whether it is the laid-back atmosphere or the abundance of sandy beaches. Still, the state has much to offer beyond its sandy beaches, shacks, and boozy evenings. An alternative approach lies in its nooks and crannies. Check out some of the best offbeat experiences you can have while in this coastal state:
Ecotours
The growing number of eco-conscious travellers in Goa has led to an increase in eco-tours. Ecotours are tours that usually take people to remote areas where they can see and experience the natural environment. They are not just for tourists, but for those who want to learn about the environment. People are now renting cycles and e-bikes to explore the interiors of Goa. Ecotours are becoming more popular, due to the simplicity of the state.
There are quite a few tour operators in Goa like
Airbnb, Blive, who offer ecotour packages. They take you to different parts of
the state where animals can be sighted, and at the same time, educate you about
their habits.
A major reason for this shift in tourism trends is the
change in consumer mindset. Consumers today are more aware of their impact on the environment and they care about how sustainable their holiday destination is.
In fact, many consumers now prefer to travel to destinations that promote
sustainable tourism practices and they’re willing to pay higher prices for
holidays aimed at conservation
Hiking and Tracking
The best way to see the natural beauty of Goa is by
exploring it on foot. Treks and Hikes in Goa offer not just the scenic beauty
of waterfalls and cascading hills, but also a chance to explore the untouched
flora and fauna of this region. Hiking and trekking in Goa is one of the best
ways to experience nature and natural beauty. There are plenty of trails and
paths waiting for you.
Treks are usually undertaken by a group of people with
an experienced guide who knows about the terrain, the climate conditions, and
so on.
Hiking in Goa is a wonderful experience that lets you
get close to nature and experience its sights, smells, and sounds up close. Hiking
is more about undertaking solo treks or spiritual journeys and does not require
any equipment like climbing gear, trekking shoes, or hydration backpacks.
Treks usually take place in the morning whereas hikes can be undertaken anytime during the day. Hikes are usually shorter than treks but both have similar benefits such as being an excellent workout for your heart and lungs, providing peace of mind, and getting you away from your usual surroundings to find some solitude.
Boat ride to the Mangroves
A boat ride to the Mangroves in Goa is an experience
like no other. It is open air, which means that you can get a really close and
personal look at the wildlife that inhabits these mangroves. Boating through
the mangroves on Chorao Island is the most therapeutic experience you can have
in Goa. The Mangroves in Goa is a biodiversity hotspot, which means that it
harbors an astounding number of different species at the same time. Visitors
can see the fishing villages, crocodiles, and other wildlife including birds
like egrets and herons.
Boating is one of the best ways to explore the
Mangroves in Goa, India. The Mangroves are food and shelter for many species
including some of the endangered species, and they act as natural barriers
against coastal erosion. This boat ride can be combined with a visit to a
nearby Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Visit Cashew Distilleries
A Goan holiday would be incomplete without overflowing alcohol, according to some travellers bound for Goa. It is a rare experience by itself to visit a distillery, such as Fazenda Cazulo, where Hansel created Cazulo Premium Feni, and learn about the process of distillation. A prior appointment is required to get to the location, and only then, they will let you know where to go. The guests will experience their centuries-old traditional feni distillery, a feni tasting, and eclectic food pairing with cocktails served outdoors.
Visit Spice Gardens
The spice gardens are a good place to be in Goa. There
are many different spices that we can find in the spice gardens. They can be
used for all kinds of cooking, for example, Indian food, Italian food, Western
food, and so on. The spices are not only used for cooking but also for their
medicinal purposes too.
The spice plantations of Goa are located in the
Ponda area and are very popular as a major tourist attraction. Organic farming
and plantation methods are used to produce many of Goa’s wonderful aromatic
spices. You can explore the fields and farms at Goa's spice plantations. The
guide is known to explain all the spices and plants and also tell about their
medicinal properties. Men can also be seen climbing betel nut trees which are
very tall and keeping their balance while plucking betel nut fruits from these
swaying trees.
Spice plantations are known to be managed by
people who excel in the technical know-how of spice cultivation and have
comprehensive knowledge. Black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon,
cloves, chili, coriander, and betel palm are some of the spices found on the
plantation. Tropical fruits like custard apples, papayas, bananas, pineapples,
citrus fruits, etc. are also grown here.
Apart from the spices and tropical fruits in
the plantations, you can also see different species of birds that have been
spotted in the plantation. These include cuckoos, koels, cousals, owls, maina,
beak, pittas, parrots, great eagles and many more.
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