20 Offbeat Activities In Goa That You Should Add To Your Bucket List

While there are plenty of places to go kayaking in Goa, doing it through the mangroves is a completely different experience. It's eco-friendly, green-thumb-forward, and unbelievably serene. You’re not just paddling alongside nature, you’re gliding right through it, with the Chapora River winding through Goa’s lush terrain to create the perfect setting for a quiet and truly unique kayaking experience.

Price (approx.): INR 500 onwards

Pro-Tip: Read more about Mangrove kayaking here.

Whether you’re a hardcore wellness enthusiast exploring the city’s best healing experiences or simply someone who wants to spend a day prioritising fitness and calm, Kaizen is the place to be. From sound healing and recovery therapies to guided healing sessions and pilates, Kaizen has a mindful space for everything. You can turn it into a full retreat or just drop in for an evening of pure, grounding mindfulness.

Price (approx.): INR 899 onwards; check their pricing here.

Pro-Tip: 10 Best Wellness Retreats In Goa

The Local Beat is all about reviving Goa’s old-world charm, or rather, reminding you that the Goa everyone “misses” is still very much alive. They bring back everything the state now longs for: cosy communities, feasts, picnics, and parties that still feel rooted. The folks at The Local Beat curate some of the most fascinating slow-travel tours across Goa, perfect for anyone who loves exploring like a true-blue, intentional traveller. They’ll take you into hidden villages, help you meet and interact with local Goans, and show you a side of the state most people never experience. Basically, this is who you call when you want something different.

Price (approx.): INR 3,500 for a group of 5

Pro-Tip: Know more about them here.

Figueiredo House is a museum and mansion that has belonged to one of Goa’s most influential families for over 400 years, and you can feel that history in every corner. The ballroom, dining room, bedrooms — everything has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 1700s, with the grand two-staircase façade and extravagant interiors setting the mood the moment you arrive. It’s also a place that appeals to every kind of traveller. Nature lovers can wander through village paths, while history buffs can happily get lost among its artefacts.

Price (approx.): INR 5,000 onwards

Pro-Tip: Get to know more about them here.

As the name suggests, this bubbling lake sits in the village of Netravali in Goa, and yes, its claim to fame is the bubbles. The strangest and most fun part is that while the lake naturally releases bubbles in several spots, they respond even more when you clap; it’s the sound that triggers a stronger reaction (with no solid scientific explanation yet). The Government of Goa is actively improving the area, from better access roads to designated parking, making the visit smoother for travellers. And if you’re already there, the Usgalimal rock engravings, an archaeological gem, are just around the corner.

Entry: Free

Yes, most parts of Goa will sweat you out for most of the year, but Kuskem Waterfall in the Canacona region is a refreshing exception, with pleasant weather almost year-round. The best time to visit is during the monsoon, when the waterfall is in all its glory. While with most waterfalls, trekking can be risky during this season due to slippery trails, the good news is that this one is just an easy 15–20 minute walk from the parking area. There’s even a small bridge and plenty of spots where you can sit, relax, and turn it into a little picnic.

Entry: Free

Pro-Tip: 7 Waterfalls In Goa To Enjoy In The Monsoons

Safa Masjid in South Goa is like a time machine to an era before Portuguese influence, when Indian rulers shaped the region’s landscape. While Goa is famous for its churches today, this mosque has stood here even longer. Once part of a sultanate that was home to 24 mosques, with Safa Masjid being one of the last remaining and the oldest in the state. Its beautifully designed Charbagh-style garden is a major highlight.

Entry: Free

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 57 km from Panaji, is the largest contiguous protected wildlife area in Goa and an absolute must-visit for every nature and wildlife enthusiast. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna, and if luck’s on your side, you may even spot notable mammals like tigers, leopards, or sloth bears. It’s also home to Dudhsagar, the tallest waterfall in India, which alone is worth the trip. Beyond the wildlife, you can explore a 12th-century Hindu temple and a striking natural formation of basalt rock, making the experience even more rewarding.

Entry: INR 20

If it's a Goa list, there is no way I wouldn't mention beaches. But, of course, not the ones that are flooded with crowds. This one in South Goa is quiet and rocky, and it should honestly be mandatory to witness sunsets here because they’re absolutely breathtaking. It sits alongside the foothills of the Western Ghats, and Cabo de Rama Fort is the nearby attraction. So you can rest assured that tranquillity is a given, and you can even swim in these calm waters.

Entry: Free

Pro-Tip: 15 Best Beaches In South Goa To Visit

Another spot in the Western Ghats that’s bound to mesmerise you is Chorla Ghat. It sits right at the intersection of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, and is known for its sub-tropical forests that shelter some of the rarest wildlife species. Since it’s a biodiversity hotspot, you might even come across signs of mammals like Mouse Deer, Jungle Cat, Leopard, and more. There are also a few resorts around the area if you want to turn it into a full trip and stay right in the middle of all that greenery.

Entry: Free

If you’re looking for a nature therapy experience that isn’t the usual yoga session, head to Arambol for a mud bath. This North Goa experience, hosted by Divine Retreats, has private pools filled with medicated mud that’s known for its therapeutic properties. You can go beyond just the mud bath, too; there are mud masks, body scrubbing, acupressure, reflexology, and even sound healing. Everything is guided by naturopathy experts, and the timings are 10 AM to 6 PM.

Price (approx.): INR 1,650 onwards

Possibly the most striking feature of this small museum is the building that houses it. Shaped like a curious triangle that almost resembles a ship, it is right on a traffic island in the middle of the road. Inside, you can explore the layers of this oddly shaped structure along with the many treasures it holds. Spread across three levels, the museum features plenty of pictorial displays and a collection of artefacts to browse through. On the first level, there’s a thrilling series of sketches by Mario Miranda that traces the history of Goa, along with sections that delve into how architecture evolved after the Portuguese colonised the state.

Entry: INR 150

Pro-Tip: Top 12 Museums In Goa For A Dive Into Its Local Heritage

If you’re in Goa, there’s no way you should skip water sports, especially if you’re the adventurous type. And while most water sports shut down across the city during the monsoon, you can still enjoy them here because the river water stays still and safe. There are plenty of exciting options like surfing, banana rides, jet skiing, and kayaking, and you can even live out your cruise party dream. Most of these experiences usually come as a package.

Price (approx.): INR 1,599 onwards

Another great recommendation for anyone visiting Goa to unleash their adventurous side is parasailing. It’s one of the most memorable and fun water activities you can try there. All the gear and equipment are available at the beach, and trained professionals are always around to guide you. Once you’re up in the air, soaring hundreds of feet, you get a unique, bird’s-eye view of Goa’s golden beaches and the sparkling blue of the Arabian Sea.

Price (approx.): INR 800 onwards

Pro-Tip: 8 Beaches For Parasailing In Goa

If you liked the idea of kayaking and want to try something similar, head to Mayem Lake for paddle boating. It’s a great alternative when you don’t want to do the heavy stuff but still want to be on the water and take in the scenery around you. And if you prefer picking up the pace, there are battery-operated boats available too.

Price (approx.): INR 100 onwards

The Devil's Finger is a rock formation near Sinquerim Beach (not a cave) and requires a short trek from the beach. To reach it, drive towards Candolim from Panjim, follow the signs for Fort Aguada, and then head to Sinquerim Beach to begin the trek. As you walk through the narrow pathways, the slippery rocks under your feet are a constant reminder to tread carefully, but the final view makes every cautious step completely worth it.

Entry: Free

When in Goa, don’t forget to check out the spice plantations. You can visit Tropical Spice Plantation, which is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. If you’re curious about how spices are grown and harvested, this is definitely worth a stop — and the best part is, you can even take some home! The tour usually includes a meal and a proper guided walk through the plantation, where you get to see everything up close and happening in real time.

Price (approx.): INR 500 onwards

If you’re into forts and want to get closer to history minus the crowds, head to Reis Magos, a village in North Goa. The famous Reis Magos Fort offers amazing views of the sea and the Mandovi River, making it a great spot for photography or simply relaxing while soaking in the scenery from above. The fort also has the infamous “Death Hole,” a feature that once struck fear into the hearts of invaders.

Entry: INR 50

Ever wondered what makes Goan Pao so soft and fluffy, and maybe even felt like learning how to make one? That’s exactly what Soul Travelling has sorted for you. Their Life of Pao experience is a bread-making workshop where, from the aroma of wood-fired ovens to getting your hands doughy while shaping Poi, you’ll walk out feeling like a full-fledged breadmaker. It’s a 2.5-hour session held at Da Tita by Majic Italy in Majorda, every day except Wednesday, at 2 PM.

Price: INR 1,599

Yes, Fontainhas is pretty much on everyone’s list, and it might sound like a non-offbeat place to be, but if you’re coming to Goa for the first time and have always been bewitched by its colourful houses and curious about the history behind them, you shouldn’t skip it. Many providers offer heritage walks here, so you can pick whatever suits your needs. These walks usually take you through the most important parts of the neighbourhood and even give you access to hidden lakes and lesser-known spots.

Price (approx.): INR 1,000 onwards

Pro-Tip: 13 Hidden Gems In Goa To Explore