Hidden gems of Goa #offbeatgoa

Everyone Who has been to Goa know about its beaches, forts, shacks and pubs. it was my 6th time visit to Goa and this time i wanted to explore places apart from the crowded beaches.

On my 5 days solo trip to goa these are just the less visited and less famous places i could find.

1. Take a dip in the Harvalem falls

Tucked away in lush jungles, Harvalem is amongst the most beautiful waterfalls in Goa with milky white water cascading down tough scenic boulders. And the best part – the waterfall remains concealed from the eyes of the world, which allows visitors complete privacy. While here, one can visit the Rudreshwar temple and the Arvalem caves nearby.

Where: Near Sanquelim village, North Goa

2. witness the marvelous Bamanbudo falls

The Bamanbudo waterfall is a charming refreshment for those looking for peaceful and unexplored places in Goa to get away from this hippie town’s maddening crowd. Though the waterfall is easily accessible and provides a fun spot for a rejuvenating dip, tourists still tend to miss it. One should not miss an excursion to this ecstatic tourist place in Goa.

Where: Gaodongrem, Canacona district, South Goa

3. Hang out at the cabo de rama fort

Located off the Mumbai Cochin highway in South Goa, this fort is one of the most relaxing secret places in Goa that offers splendid views of the Cabo De Rama beach below it and the sea vanishing into the horizon beyond it. The fort houses ruins and old canons of the erstwhile Portuguese troops which makes the fort perfect for shoots and picnic with friends.

Where: Cola, South Goa

4. check out splendid Fort Tiracol

Fort Tiracol is the most delightful fort in Goa due to its design and architecture. This 17th century Portuguese fort is located off a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and has seven rooms, each named after a day in the week. The day you visit, the room bearing that name will have the best view out of others. Fascinating, right? Though the fort has now been converted into a marvelous hotel, it remains as one of the most beautiful hidden places in Goa. One can visit via a ferry from Keri beach.

Where: Near Querim beach, Pernem Administrative Region, North Goa

5. wander through the enchanting arvalem caves

Dating back to the 6th century, the Arvalem Caves or Pandava Caves have long been the centre of debate on account of their mixed form of architecture. Some say the caves were used by the Pandavas due to the presence of Shivlingas inside the compartments. Others argue the caves are Buddhist as there’s a huge statue of Buddha near the place. But whatever be the origin, the cave’s rock cut foundations, its mysterious aura, and its historic appeal never fails to charm visitors.

Where: Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, North Goa

6. The hidden caves of Lamgau

Nestled away in Bicholim, this cave is an architectural masterpiece. Though it does not get many visitors, the ones who come are always charmed by its elaborate carvings and mystical outlook. Inside the cave is a shrine that showcases some impressively designed structures like a pavilion, beams and a ceiling. The courtyard bears a stone linga with a tulsi vrindavan and an image of the nandi bull. The caverns are quite delicate, which is why one is not advised to venture inside.

Where: Bicholim, North Goa

7.behold the laterite formations of rivona caves

This cave has a very rich Buddhist history. The laterite rock inside is said to have served as a Buddhist monk’s seat who once meditated here. Other than laterite formations, one can also find beautiful Buddhist sculptures and paintings inside the cave. Overlooking the mighty seas and bearing a unique layout, Rivona caves are among the most fascinating hidden places to visit in Goa.

Where: Rivona village, South Goa