There’s so much more to Goa than just beaches, booze and seafood. Don’t get me wrong, those things are great too. What’s not to love about sitting on a beach, sipping your favourite drink and watching the sun paint the sky in beautiful colours? But Goa has so much more to offer.
And because of this stereotyped version of Goa, most people either don’t know or are doubtful to step off the beaten path and explore some of the more offbeat experiences that Goa has to offer. And that’s why, I’m here to take you on a journey to some of the most unique and offbeat experiences you can have in Goa.
Cacao Ceremony
Have you ever heard of the magical powers of ceremonial cacao that help you delve into your inner self? Neither did I before I attended the Ecstatic Dance Event by Shunya Wellness! They hosted an incredible Cacao Ceremony as part of the event, and the profound effects of this ancient practice completely blew me away. The entry fee is 300 before 7.30 pm and 500 after – totally worth the experience!
I was greeted warmly by the event organiser, who explained that the cacao she was using was ceremonial criollo cacao from Ecuador, one of the most powerful cacao on the planet.
We were instructed to drink a cup of ceremonial cacao and unite our hearts by inviting the cacao Spirit to our circle. The cacao had a rich, earthy, bitter, and sweet flavour. The organiser then led us through a cacao meditation, inviting us to connect with the cacao Spirit within ourselves and feel connected to our higher selves.
Next, we were led through an ecstatic dance event. The instructor told us to relax our bodies and flow with the beats of the entrancing music playing in the background. We were enraptured by the sheer hypnotic waves of the music and danced to our will.
Exploring Divar Island
If you want to break away from the well-trodden path of partying and beaches, Divar Island is perfect for you! As I boarded the ferry from Panaji to Divar Island, my excitement for what lay ahead was palpable. It was my first island experience in Goa, and I couldn’t wait to explore it. Pro tip: Take your scooter with you or rent a cycle there.
As the ferry chugged across the Mandovi River, I saw the scenic views around me. The river was calm and serene, dotted with small fishing boats and colourful houses on its banks. It was hard to believe that the bustling tourist hub of Panaji lay just a short distance away.
Preserving the charm and tranquillity of countryside Goa, a trip to Divar Island takes you back in time. As I rode my scooter through the narrow, empty lanes of Divar Island, I couldn’t help but marvel at the serene surroundings. The closed gates, old churches, and shambled structures gave the island an old-world charm. The vast empty lush green spaces were a refreshing sight, a stark contrast to the bustling cities that I was used to.
When I visited Divar Island, it was literally empty. Other than a few locals, I barely saw tourists here. But over time, this place has gained some popularity, so it might not be as isolated as before.
Rave Party
Although I am not typically one to enjoy parties, I have always been intrigued by the idea of attending a rave. I had seen it in movies, and it looked pretty cool (and dangerous)! So when I found myself in Goa, I knew I had to do this. There are quite a few places in Goa where you can attend rave and psy parties, but I recommend Shiva Valley.
Located in Anjuna, it has gained legendary status as a party destination in Goa with its psychedelic vibe and a good crowd. You’ll see a lot of foreigners here, which kind of translates to a good crowd in Goa. I was a bit apprehensive the first time I attended a rave party, but as soon as I allowed myself to let go and immerse myself in the experience, I had the time of my life.
As the night wore on, the energy in the room intensified, and the party reached its crescendo. I found myself lost in the music, swaying and dancing with abandon.
If you, too, want to rave the night away, you can enter Shiva Valley for a small fee of 500 for stags, 1000 for couples and women can walk in free (on most days)! The party takes place every Tuesday, starting right as the sun goes down and continuing till the next day.
Pro-tip: if you want to enter for free, you can wait till 4-5 AM when the bodyguards usually leave their post.
Mud Bath
Natural multani mitti and a free spa day? That’s another thing Goa has to offer! My visit to this tiny bay, just off Arambol Beach, was one of my most refreshing and rejuvenating experiences. This place is behind Sweet Water Lake and you have to hike through a small jungle to reach here. You’ll see a clay belt glistening in the sun, and that’s when you know you have reached.
In case you don’t know, multani mitti can do wonders for your skin. I have been using it for years, and so I knew its benefits. Without any hesitation, I covered myself with the mud and let it do its magic. Then, you have to wait till the multani mitti dries, and only after that, you should wash it off with water.
As I soaked in the mud, I couldn’t help but notice how peaceful and serene the surroundings were. The experience is completely free for you to enjoy. All you need to do is take a little walk from the main stretch of Arambol Beach.
Trying Goan Cuisine
As someone who loves to explore different cuisines, I can say that Goan food holds a special place in my heart. When I first visited Goa, I was sceptical if I will get good vegetarian food there. So in the initial days, I stuck to food chains and Dal Khichdi. But when I took a chance and tried out authentic vegetarian Goan cuisine, I regretted not doing it before!
I LOVE coconut. Give it to me in any form, and I’ll eat it. Perhaps this is why I enjoyed Goan cuisine so much. Their use of spices and abundant coconut gives a unique and tantalizing flavour to every dish! And you can get a vegetarian version of everything. My absolute favourite is the Veg Caldinho at Pepper’s Gourmet Cuisine in Margao. It is a mild and creamy curry made with coconut milk, veggies, and spices. Have it with rice. You’ll thank me later!
If you are on a budget, you can always opt for delicious street food. Even on the streets, you’ll get the authentic flavours of Goa. So next time you visit Goa, steer away from the usual and indulge in what the state has to offer.
When you visit a place, try and look beyond its touristy places, you’ll be surprised to see what lies behind the popular facade. This list is just a glimpse of what Goa has to offer, but there is so much more to experience. You tell me- What is your favourite thing to do in Goa?
