Goa Offbeat Tour

OVERVIEW

The Goa Away from the Beaches tour is perfect for an offbeat vacation. Forget the tried and tested routes and take the unexperienced. The 5 days and 4 nights package covers the off-beat locales of Goa. Forget the beaches and crowds of Goa, discover Goa’s best kept secrets. Experience stay at an erstwhile Portuguese home, virgin backwaters, villages, secret caves, lakes and waterfalls. The food, adventures and the hospitable people will create a holiday worth cherishing. This offbeat tour can be customized according to your interest. Check out the detailed itinerary for the untried, off beat vacation in Goa.

Note : This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay at a 500-year-old Goan-Portuguese home
• Kayak in the virgin backwaters
• Village trip
• Goan breads at a traditional bakery
• Home-cooked Goan cuisine
• Secret caves, lakes and waterfalls

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 : Meet the homestay hosts. Explore Aldona on mountain bikes

-

The Goa Away from the Beaches experience starts with your arrival in Goa. From Goa's Panjim Airport or at the Thivim station in North Goa, a pickup can be organized if required. For the perfect start of the offbeat tour, hop into a local bus or taxi and reach Aldona Village in North Goa.

Your stay, during your tour is arranged with the Amaral family. Meet the hosts, Roberto and Raquel. In the sleepy little village of Aldona, deep in the heart of North Goa, they own a beautiful Goan-Portuguese house. The homestay is at least 500 years old, though the exact age remains unknown. The family allots one or two of the private rooms in the outhouse cottage. The lodging enjoys the feel of the colonial times. These rooms are equipped with a common verandah, surrounded by the verdant greenery of trees. Hear the melodies of the chirping birds, and the harmonies life of the peaceful village.

Relax for a while or spend time getting to know your hosts. Roberto and Raquel have grown up in these parts, and are full of fascinating stories. Know about how Goa has transformed since the hippie era. Lie on a hammock, read, write, draw, paint and do the things you love. The soothing surroundings is a pleasant change form chaos of cities.

Today after rest, go walking or cycling around Aldona on the in-house mountain bikes. The gentle terrain offers some interesting trails. Mingle with neighbors lazing outside their homes and locals working in their rice paddies. Learn about their lives and hear their stories. Enjoy the treasures far from the general notions of Goa.

Return to homestay for the night.

Day 2 : Day trip: Aravalem waterfalls, rock-cut caves, Mayem Lake OR to Mapusa Market

+

Day 3 : Kayak in the backwaters. Guided village trip

-

Goa cannot stop surprising you. Today after a healthy breakfast, gear up for something unknown to many. Today you are all set to explore the backwaters of Goa. The rivers, lagoons, lakes and the sea have created one of the most beautiful eco-system, and what better is very few actually know about it. Unlike the backwaters of Kerala, the popular counterpart there are no houseboats and nor commercialization, only an endless stretch of serenity.

Board a kayak and get ready to explore. There are small coves, mangroves, little hamlets on the shores, and other enchantments of nature. Spot birds and wildlife, it is a world untouched. Watch the sunset and be back to your homestay in Aldona Village.

Day 4 : Optional trips

-

Goa is not visited but experienced. Today, there are no concrete plans. Make your own plans or relax in your homestay.

If you feel like you want to pack in more, your options are abundant.

You can join your host Roberto for a speedboat trip through the uncharted backwaters of Goa. This 1.5-hour trip, offers to revel in the natural beauty. Pass through secluded villages and intricate mangroves. Bird spotting is the real pleasure. Watch eagles, kingfishers, peacocks perched on trees, and some species you may have never even seen before. The Indian Mugger Crocodile might also make appearance if you are lucky. Between October and March, you can choose to speedboat into the Arabian Sea. In these months is possible to scout for dolphins. Unlike the Dolphin charters, it is a personalized experience of visiting the gentle beasts.

For an alternate tour, go island hopping on a ferry. Rent a bike or car. Take the drive through the less travelled river route via Pomburpa. The route navigates through picturesque scenery. Make stops at small family-run Goan eateries. Sample Goan dishes and urakh (feni's lesser known cousin). The delicious taste tantalize your taste buds. You can also a give a shot to lady luck, Try gambling at the floating casino. Spend the night in parties, lost in music and dancing. Celebrate life in Goan style.

Day 5 : Departure from Goa Airport - Railway station

-

Today is the last day of your trip. Enjoy a delicious platter and bid farewell to your hosts. Get a transfer to catch your flight or train home. Your tour is over, but you take a little bit of Goa along in your hearts.