5 offbeat tourist destinations in Goa
We generally associate Goa with partying, drinking, and honeymoon couples. But the tiny state has so much more to offer to its tourists. After reading this many would say to themselves, "If only I knew about these places...." Next time you plan a Goa trip with your friends, make sure you visit these stunning locations after you're done partying and chilling by the beach.
Big Foot
Well, it's not that mysterious bigfoot but the creation of local artist Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares. It is another name for Ancestral Goa, a museum that upholds the heritage of Goa. A beautiful collection of handmade artifacts and clay mannequins display traditional occupations, folk dances, and crafts. The center of attention though is India's longest laterite sculpture, of Sant Mirabai, created by Alvares.
Tambdi Surla
Tambdi Surla, besides being a 12th century Shiva temple, is an architectural marvel. Located in Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, it was built in such a way that the interiors are cool even during peak summer. This temple is also Goa's oldest shrine and probably the only remaining structure of Kadamba-Yadava architecture. Also, visit Barabhoomi to see a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Betal and Vetal.
Usgalimal
The Usgalimal village in South Goa is home to ancient petroglyphs carved on laterite rock thousands of years ago, symbolizing the earliest traces of human settlement in Goa. Enjoy sitting by the Kushavati River, then head to the nearby Budbud Lake, which is known to mysteriously bubble throughout. The Usgalimal Petroglyphs are probably one of the most significant prehistoric archeological sites in Western India.
Chorla Ghat
Located on the north-eastern side of Goa, Chorla is a region that boasts greenery and cascading waterfalls. You can trek through Chorla Ghat's Swapnagandha Valley to witness the beautiful Vazra Sakla Falls dropping from a height of 150 meters. If you are brave enough to walk in the dark through the forest during the monsoon, you might get to see bioluminescent mushrooms.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
This is a mangrove forest on Chorao island, home to some crocodiles and over 100 species of birds. You can either drive to the island or take a ferry ride crossing the Mandovi River. Besides its rich biodiversity, this island is also famous for korgut rice, a variety that grows well in the saline waters of the mangrove forest.
