Offbeat Goa: Beautiful villages for your itinerary

If you are keen to get a glimpse into the real local life of Goa, we have the answer for you. Yes, there are some villages in Goa that have managed to keep the old Goan charm alive. If this has you interested, we have lined up some of the best and most beautiful villages that you can visit in Goa for an unforgettable local experience.

You will find this village, also one of the tiniest villages that is surrounded by lush green hills, in North Goa. This place offers a laid back vibe with its splendid natural beauty, spring water, and calm breeze from the Arabian Sea and you will fall in love with this place instantly. It’s also a haven for bird lovers, and they can spot a variety of bird species, such as Crimson Sunbird, Purple Sunbird, Wagtail, Tickell Blue flycatcher, and more. It’s also a hub for artsy, creative people, and a number of fashion boutiques and restaurants are lined here.

It’s a typical coastal fishing village in South Goa that you can visit for a one-of-a-kind experience. You should check out this quaint village, for its 17th century fort and the usually pleasant weather here. When in Betul, do not miss the Cavelossim-Assolna ferry that will take you across the Sal River to get to the Betul beach.

It’s a charming small village in Canacona, South Goa, and is best known for its pristine beach, which also serves as the designated nesting ground for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Then, there is another beach called Cola Beach that is home to a pretty lagoon, which you shouldn’t definitely miss. Best time to visit this place is September, when the beach serves as the nesting ground for the turtles.

Situated across the National Highway 17 in South Goa, you can visit this charming village if you are keen to indulge in some authentic Goan flavour. With around 90% of the tribal population engaged in traditional occupation here, you get the opportunity to get a closer look into their lives and culture. So, if exploring raw and unspoilt culture is your thing, Nuvem should be on your list.

Situated at just around 20 km away from the Dabolim Airport, you can visit this place for a refreshing experience. It’s a beautiful Indo-Portuguese village, and is best for those who are seeking a getaway from the chaos of city life, and enjoy a quiet village experience. Then, there is the popular Betalbatim beach that is famed for its golden sand, swaying palm trees, and playful dolphins that will keep you hooked throughout. What’s more is that fishermen would be more than happy to take you for a dolphin trip if you are interested!

It is one of those beautiful villages that will take you to experience a bit of both local and colonial life. As you head ahead of the long and winding roads of Saligao, the beautiful architecture as well as the stories surrounding them will keep you hooked. It offers a glimpse of the cultural pattern of the land. In short, Saligao offers experiences that will make your Goa trip like never before. Some of the best highlights of this place are Mae De Deus Church, Museum of Goa, and more.

A visit to this place will lead you to one of the cleanest beaches in Goa, and yet another turtle beach that’s unarguably Goa's best kept secret. It’s also home to the Parshuram temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated amid the forest groves in serene surroundings.