Going offbeat in Goa this Christmas and New Year

You don’t need a reason to visit Goa. However, Goa is exceptionally beautiful during Christmas and New Year with all the lights and decorations. The two most happy occasions of the year are perfect for people who love to party and relax at beaches. However, the state also has another side which is unexplored. The coastal land hides some incredible places that deserve your attention.Also See: Christmas in Goa: essentials to make your holiday fun and frolicAlso See: Christmas & New Year celebrations in GoaLet’s find out more about such offbeat places to visit in Goa this Christmas and New Year:

For those who don’t know, Goa is one of the leading exporters of spices in India and grows some 50 kinds of spices. Pascoal Spice Farm is unique. The place offers tours around its spice plantations. The place is an absolute delight for those who wish to spend some time in peace and know the other side of Goa. Along with spices, the place also has a vast plantation of nuts like cashew and tropical fruits and flowers.

Another offbeat and peaceful spot in Goa is the Harvalem Waterfalls which is also known as Arvalem waterfalls. The place is excellent for picnics and day outings and is quite popular among locals. Falling from a height of 50 m (24 ft), this waterfall looks gorgeous during the monsoons. There’s also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in proximity to the falls.

Located inside the beautiful Netravali village in Sanguem, this lake is also called the bubble pond. The lake is a part of the Gopinath Temple which is revered by the locals. The lake is considered a bit mysterious as it has a bubbling effect at various points. In fact, people say that these bubbles respond to sound differently. Strange right!

Set on the beautiful Chorao island, the sanctuary has been named after India's renowned ornithologist Salim Ali. It is one of the best birdwatching paradises in the region. The sanctuary is also known for its huge mangrove forest and people can enjoy boat rides here as well. When here, you can easily spot red knots and pied avocets.

The coastal land has its fair share of gorgeous lakes. Mayem Lake in Goa is a sight to behold. The lake is home to a wide variety of birds. Situated in Bicholim taluka in north Goa, close to the market town of Mapusa, this lake has a soothing ambience. If you wish, you can also opt for a boat ride here.

Situated in Gaodongrem region, Bamanbudo Waterfall is a mesmerising sight! The waterfall is set in the heart of the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Canacona but still has saved itself from the radar of tourists. Very few local people know about this offbeat hidden beauty and it is believed that the waterfall is named after an old man, who drowned and died here.

It’s time to move over the overly crowded beaches of Goa and visit offbeat attractions in the state. Arvalem Caves in Sanquelim region of Goa is one such hidden treasure that very few people know about. Also known as Pandava Caves, these gorgeous rock-cut caves date back to the 6th or 7th century. It is said that the five brothers known as Pandavas from the Indian epic, Mahabharata, once took refuge in these caves. The cave is protected by the Archaeological Society of India (ASI).