Top 15 Things You Must Try In Goa For The Ultimate Vacation

Beaches can get hot and uncomfortable during the afternoon, which is why we recommend heading to the backwaters instead. The drive to the backwaters around Nerul or Chapora is a beautiful one, filled with pit stops which will have you clicking pictures. Once you reach the relatively untouched backwaters of Goa, spend the afternoon kayaking along the mangroves. This activity is one where you get close to nature - untouched waters, thick mangroves, rare species of birds and a sense of calm. Sit by the riverside and enjoy a tranquil seafood lunch at The Lazy Goose while you're around Nerul. Just in case backwaters still excite you but kayaking is a bit too much, you can even opt for a river boat ride.

Who to call: Terra Conscious or Konkan Explorers (9689313506) conduct kayaking tours and even take people on ethical dolphin spotting rides. Yacht Life Goa (8080931905) and Khoj Aao  (8080930669) offer river boats.

Best season for the activity: September to April

Thought Goa was best explored on foot? Think again. Nothing beats the charm of riding through Goa’s sleepy villages and off late, a lot of people looking for awesome things to do in Goa are now signing up for bicycle tours instead. Chorao and Divar Island trips have reserved a place right on top for a chance to stop by churches, forgotten lakes, charming little bars, cross heritage homes and stop by for a chat with the locals. In fact, if you’re headed towards Chorao, you can combine it with Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary visit too.

Who to call: BLive - 8390850677, Cycling Zens - 9892217936

For everyone who digs Goa’s party culture, a headphone party might still be an exciting thing to try in Goa. Silent Party is a resolve to keep the turtle breeding sites safe from loud noise. Held at Palolem Beach at Neptune Point for a night of epic dancing. Silent Noise Party is one where international DJs get together to play the latest, trendiest music that partygoers listen to on their headphones! And even though you cannot hear the music, people are seen dancing all night long. Undoubtedly one of the things to put on your Goa itinerary especially if you’re staying in South Goa.

Who to call: Silent Noise Club

A unique shopping experience awaits you in the night markets of Goa. Browse through stalls selling clothes, jewellery, beachwear, musical instruments and even arts and artefacts from all over the world. Best part? These huge flea markets sell stuff at an affordable rate. The famous night markets in Goa include the Saturday Night Market at Arpora, The Goa Collective Bazaar at Vagator  & Friday Market at Mapusa on Fridays and Anjuna Flea Market on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The night markets remain open till around 2:00 AM and are buzzing with live music, overflowing beer and good vibes, making this one of the best things to see and witness in Goa.

Goa also offers you a chance to go deep sea diving to explore aquatic life if you're done with the usual set of water sports. If you’re an adventure seeker wondering what to do in Goa, try scuba diving or swim with the fish during snorkelling. Head to Colva Beach or Palolem Beach in South Goa or Sinquerim Beach in North Goa for the best underwater experiences. There are companies that take you deep into the waters and have trained experts who accompany you on your dive.

Best season for the activity: The diving season in Goa lasts from October till the end of April, depending on the weather. During off-season (May-September) due to weather conditions, diving is not possible in the sea.

Who to call: Dive Goa - 9325030110, Goa Diving - 9049442647, Shanti Divers - 73789 40698

No trip to Goa is complete without gorging on seafood and mouth-watering Indo Portuguese delicacies. We highly recommend trying the Chicken Xacuti with poi, Chicken Cafreal, Squid Rawa fry, prawn curry rice are some of the other delicacies that you mustn’t miss out on when in Goa. If you like breads, poi, kakon (bangle bread) and katro (butterfly bread) are other popular options to try out. Don’t forget to end every meal with serradura or good ol’ bebinca.

Who to call: Bombil, The Goan Kitchen, Mr Baker, Bhatti Village or Anandashram plus a big list of spots to try seafood from!

The Figueredo House is a 400-year-old heritage Indo-Portuguese mansion located in Loutolim in South Goa. It is a heritage inn-meets-museum that gives you a chance to soak in the history of Goa. This house was earlier maintained by the first woman judge of India, Maria de Lourdes Figueiredo de Albuquerque and a few years ago her sister Maria de Fátima Figueiredo de Albuquerque took it up as a project to convert it into a heritage home.

There are 5 rooms available and are surrounded by a huge courtyard. The furniture is made of teak, porcelain cutlery adorns the dining table and Italian tiles glisten on the floor as you make your way through this royal property. Meals can be cooked if requested. They will also help you with tours around the local villages. This stay/visit is truly one of those Goa things to do. Find out more about it here.

Who to call: Figueredo House - 9552017514

Price for room: INR 4500 onwards (Book here)

Fee for Museum Visit: INR 300

Visiting Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM

They say that the best way to discover a new land is by walking around, and we agree! If you too are with us, join in for a walking tour or two. From singing, storytelling and jiving to tile painting, pottery, jam-making or even dancing, these companies will introduce you to Goa from the eyes of a local. They mostly have pre-decided tours that you can sign up for, and these include heritage walks, church tours, island tours, tours of old Goan homes, Fado performances and much more.

Who to call: Sounds From Goa, Make It Happen - 9764972646, Soul Travelling - 95294 90245

Fancy a romantic experience while in Goa? A sunset cruise is one of the things to do in Goa that lets you soak in the scenery and landscape without burning a huge hole in your pocket. Hop on to a cruise from Panjim and sit back to enjoy this immersive experience as the cruise takes you along the Mandovi river.

You can choose from the local ferry for a totally local experience, a backwater cruise, a sunset cruise or even a casino boat with dinner and entertainment. The city skyline, hills and sea in the distance make for a breathtaking landscape, and as the sky turns shades of pink as the sun makes its way towards the horizon, you can take it all in with a pint, a glass of wine or even a candlelit dinner for two.

Who to call: Yacht Life Goa - 8080931905, Fun Cruises - 7391052730

Another one of those unconventional things to see in Goa is the butterfly conservatory. Located in South Goa, the Mystic Meadows Conservatory provides a fresh change from the usual Goan experiences. The conservatory was started by a couple who were concerned about the future of the butterfly population of Goa and wished to preserve the endemic species of butterflies in the region. Today, more than 133 species of butterflies are found here!

They also have a couple programs like the Breakfast with Butterflies that includes a homemade breakfast and walking tour. If you love nature, a visit here will make your heart jump with joy. Find out more at their website.

Where to call: Mystic Woods - 9822895474

Best time to visit: August to November   

Entry Fee: INR 200 (No pre booking required)

Head over to Mayem lake to satisfy that adventurer in you. A little far from more touristy spots but yet it's in the beautiful Bicholim. Skip the regular highway and opt for the more scenic Chorao Island route, surrounded by captivating hills. Mayem Lake promises a serene experience, allowing you to almost dive into its beauty. Jumpin Heights Goa is the sole provider of bungee jumping in Goa. With a fantastic rating of nearly 5 on maps and a pocket-friendly cost, it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure you wouldn't want to miss. 

Where to call: Jumpin Heights - 9810995172

How To Reach: Mayem Lake in Bicholim  is an easy 1-hour ride, located just a few kilometres east of Mapusa. Buses and taxis are readily available for those relying on public transport. For a more scenic journey, renting a two-wheeler and navigating the winding roads through cashew plantations and pineapple farms is an experience in itself.

Fee: Rs 4110/- +GST (includes video!)

Tired of the same old dinner dates? Level up the excitement by elevating your experience—literally! Forget the elevator; picture your entire table soaring to new heights, thanks to a crane. Enter Horisen Sky Experiences, the only game in town offering this thrill ride. Head to Grand Hyatt, buckle up, and brace yourself for stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It's not just a meal; it's a sky-high adventure! Plus, they've got celebration cakes on pre order and do meals throughout the day.

Where to call: Horisen Sky Experiences - 8447734778

How to Reach: Horisen is based in Bambolim, and if you're heading there from Panaji, it’s only about a 15-minute drive. Just keep an eye out for the Grand Hyatt Goa—that’s your main landmark to find the spot!

Timing: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Price: INR 4000 onwards

Done and dusted with the overly popular parasailing? Meet its cousin, paragliding, an experience possible through north and south Goa. For beginners, opt for the joyride as you fly tandem with an instructor for about 5 to 12 minutes.

In case you would like to go in full swing, don’t miss the paragliding courses. The first one itself allows you to take a short solo flight. Like all good things take effort, remember to wear secured comfortable shoes as you would have to do a short hike to the take-off spot.

Who to call: Atlantis Water Sports - 9607904113, Rainbow Paragliding - 9016816890, Goa Travels Junction - 9561798598

Price: INR 3000 onwards (along with a GoPro video)

Beyond Goa's reputation for affordable booze and epic parties, let's hit pause and savor the spirits differently. Dive into the narrative of your drink, how it's crafted and the tales it holds. Goa is filled with breweries and distilleries, inviting you on guided escapades concluding with tastings. You get to mix your own cocktail and maybe rub elbows with the masterminds behind the brew. Brace yourself as your perception of alcohol is about to get a major upgrade. These tours aren't just about the drink, they're a journey into the artistry of spirits. Get ready to see your favourite tipples in a whole new light!

Price: Doja (Margao) - INR 950, Tamras Gin - INR 1250 (Every Friday & Saturday, 5:00 - 6:00 PM), Seven Rivers India, Maka Di or Susegado

Imagine a night or two in the heart of Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, where your eco room awaits, accessed by a cool funicular ride. Dive into the local flavours with homely delights and explore the great outdoors with exciting and easy treks. But hold up, it gets better—India's first infinity pool is right here!

Say hello to Wildernest in Chorla Ghats, a quick drive from Panjim. It's not just a stay; it's a rendezvous with nature, a feast of local tastes, and a splash in the country's inaugural infinity pool. Pack your bags; the adventure of a lifetime awaits! Find out all the deets about it here.

 Who to call: Wildernest - 8314207954

Price: INR 8000 per night