Cabo De Rama, Goa

We can all agree that the year 2020 has been the most unexpected one we have faced. Most of our travel plans, be it for personal reasons or professional, were either put on hold or were completely scrapped due to the lockdown. Now that the economy is slowly opening up, many people have been bitten by the travel bug. And rightfully so! Staying inside the four walls of your house since March, perturbed by the pandemic, can turn anyone into a hodophile. Nature has been reviving itself in the past few months, don’t you want to reconnect too? If you’re looking to vibe with nature, Goa is the perfect destination to take a break from the chaos caused by COVID-19. There are a lot of places to visit in Goa after the pandemic that can help refresh your mind.

Whether it’s a short weekend trip to breathe easy on the beach or a staycation to “work-from-home” (ha ha!), Goa can revitalize every type of traveller coming in. With the relaxed norms coming into effect from September people can now come and visit Goa. If you are coming in the state by any means – air, road or rail, you do not need to carry a Covid-19 negative certificate, e-pass or undergo quarantine. Although social distancing and mandatory precautions, such as wearing of mask and use of sanitizers, need to be followed. With the monsoons coming to an end and the tourist season starting, this is the most opportune time to plan a trip to Goa.

Here’s a list of places to visit in Goa after the Pandemic, where you can drop by to reconnect with nature:

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao island

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao island: this place is one of the hidden gems of Goa and a perfect place for spending time with nature, while bird watching. It is an estuarine mangrove habitat along the river Mandovi and is named after the renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary can be accessed through a ferry ride from Ribander. The best time to visit is early in the morning, in winters as the place will be teeming with migratory birds and some exotic animals. A walkway is built amidst the mangroves, ideal for a leisurely stroll. You can also take a boat ride around the island to admire the beauty of the marshes and mangroves.

Netravali waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuary

Netravali Waterfalls

Netravali Waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuary, Verlem: there are two waterfalls inside the sanctuary, Minapi and Savari, together referred to as Netravali waterfalls. It is located in lush green forest close to the Karnataka and Goa border. The trail leading to the waterfalls has multiple small streams. Along the way a number of animals, birds and rare butterfly species can be spotted. The scene can be described as straight out of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. The picturesque view of the falls and a swim in the water makes this a must visit spot in Goa!

Kesarval and Udear Springs, Verna

Udear Springs

Kesarval and Udear Springs, Verna: these small springs can be truly described as some of Goa’s offbeat places, known mostly to the locals. Watching the gurgling water rush down the rocks is a very serene and soothing sight. Kesarval Springs is a secluded waterfall, known for its medicinal properties by folklore. Bathing in the water here is very rejuvenating, like going to a natural spa. Udear Springs is located very close to Kesarval springs. The water level here is shallow and good to get in some splashes. One could even get a natural pedicure as the tiny red garra fish nibble on your feet. The best time to visit both these places is during monsoon, or right after it.

Carmona Beach

Carmona Beach

Carmona Beach, Carmona: This beautiful, serene stretch of beach is located in the southern part of Goa. It is lined with palm groves on one side and the majestic Arabian sea on the other. It is a quiet and quaint beach, popular with the fishermen and locals. At night, you can often see bioluminescence in the water. As you see the waves crashing on the shore or even walk barefoot in the shallow water, you can see a light blue glow. It is definitely one of the most exhilarating, out of this world experiences you will ever have.

Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach (Pic Credits: flickr.com)

Agonda Beach, Agonda: Another treasure among the beaches in southern Goa. The ultramarine waters of Agonda beach make it absolutely breathtaking. It has a tranquil vibe with a lot of yoga retreats, spacious shacks and groovy bars. Dolphins are a common sight in the clean and pristine waters here. It is perfect for sunbathing, reading a book by the sea or just ambling along the beach while admiring the brilliantly crimson sunset. There are a lot of sea facing eco-huts and rooms, to stay right on the beach and delve into nature’s beauty at the vast expanse of the sea.

Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach (Pic Credits: wikimedia.org)

Palolem Beach, Palolem: It is one of the most picturesque beaches of Goa, with a white crescent shoreline and crystal clear waters. It has an ideal setting for a refreshing swim in the Arabian sea. Known for its uncanny silent disco parties and a ton of souvenir shops, Palolem has a lot to offer to every kind of traveller. It also boasts of a beautiful rock garden and calm backwaters surrounded by lush greenery on its far end. You can enjoy kayaking, boating, parasailing and wind surfing here, to get your adrenaline pumping.

Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach (Pic Credits: flickr.com)

Butterfly Beach, Palolem: To enjoy bliss and solitude, there is no better place than Butterfly beach. This a small remote beach accessible from Palolem and Agonda beaches through a boat ride. You can also trek through the thick forest to reach here, for a small yet thrilling adventure. During low tide, you can see the shallow waters of the sea teeming with marine life. Being a witness to wandering goldfish, sea urchins, redfish, dolphins and sea cucumbers is truly exasperating. Swimming on this rocky beach might not be the best idea, but this place is meant for chilling by the sea and disconnecting from the world.

Kakolem beach

Kakolem beach

Kakolem beach, Cola: If tapping into the wild and unexplored places is your idea of fun, then this lesser known paradise is meant for you. Kakolem, also known as Tiger beach, is very secluded and can be described as the secret gem of Goa. Even many locals aren’t aware about this place. But its beauty is such that it’ll get stuck in your mind and you will not stop raving about it. The highlight of this place is during monsoons when a waterfall cascades down from the the hills onto the beach! There are also caves around the beach, to fuel your inner explorer. Such a spectacular sights definitely makes this place a piece of heaven on earth.

Cabo de Rama

Cabo de Rama

Cabo de Rama, Canaguinim: Located in the Canacona region of South Goa, Cabo de Rama is a fort perched between Agonda and Cavelossim beaches. You can witness the glory of the past at this fort, while overlooking the magnificent Arabian Sea. According to folklore, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshamana are said to have stayed in this now rustic fort, during their 14 year exile. Apart from its intriguing history, this is an ideal spot for hiking and traversing along the cliff. The cliff drops steeply into the sea, giving a panoramic view of the fort, sea and it’s surrounding. The bridge at the entrance of this fort has stood the test of time for over 300 years and is an engineering marvel. The view of the sun setting from this mystical fort is truly astonishing.

Pali Waterfall

Pali Waterfall

Pali Waterfall, Pale: The enchanting trek to Pali waterfalls goes through the thick forest of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. It is on the border of Goa and Karnataka, near Dandeli. The terrain to reach the falls is challenging, which makes a dip in the pool beneath the waterfall all the more rewarding. This trail is a haven for a number of birds and butterflies. Also called Shivling falls, a lot of slippery rocks and muddy streams need to be crossed to reach here. The fresh breeze and misty spray will restore your energy when you reach these sublime waterfalls. If you are a dendrophile (a person who loves trees), love to hike or a water person, this is undoubtedly a must-visit spot, in your Goa trip.

Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach, Arambol: Arambol beach has a bohemian vibe to it, with a plethora of shacks, yoga retreats, live gigs and a vibrant nightlife. From the 1960s it has been a mellow paradise for the travellers attracted to the hippie atmosphere. It is one of the most beautiful and blissful beaches in North Goa. A sweet water lake nestles just around the corner from the main shoreline here. This beach is often a venue for juggling conventions and Indian tribal dance festival. A number of watersports can be enjoyed at the beach. One can also immerse themselves in the unique culture of drum circles, meditation and alternative therapies found at this beach.

Heart Shaped Lake

Heart Shaped Lake

Heart Shaped Lake, Chicolna: A very offbeat place, the Heart Shaped Lake is located near Bogmallo beach, close to the Goa International Airport. This spot, shrouded in secrecy, actually has two mesmerising viewpoints. A lagoon is tucked away in a cozy nook, with sparkling blue water, a few meters away from the sea. It is the perfect place to absorb the astounding beauty of nature, with waves incessantly crashing on the rocks, right next to this picturesque shallow lake. The second viewpoint is called Suicide point, which is up the cliff. You can feel the strong wind in your hair as you stand at the edge of this cliff. It gives a fantastic 180 degree view of the coastline and the Arabian sea.

So if you are looking to be surrounded with lush tropical forests, exotic wildlife, exquisite waterfalls and beautiful beaches, all in one place, Goa is the place to be. Goa has a lot more to offer like breathtaking sunsets by the sea, a rich culture and heritage as well as a great deal of entertainment and fun, all of which will be covered in our upcoming blogs. Keep a look out here for more on this.

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