Goa pops images of warm beaches, parties, and Konkan food. While living a beach life is fun……Staying inland, exploring the Goan culture, kayaking in the backwaters, lunching with locals, crashing into the laid back music concerts & jam sessions for suppers, church & art gallery hopping all while kicking off at the pretty shacks watching the beach sunsets can be an experience in itself.

So What is Inland
Anything that is a little far (>10km) from the shoreline is considered as in-land in Goa. Why there is no place like Goa is because here the jungle meets the beach. some famous inland villages are near Anjuna beach and Vagator beach which are Assagaon, Saligaon and Siolim and even further are the villages of Olaulim, Socorro, Bicholim, Charo islands
Most of these villages are laid back, quaint with narrow alleys of pretty colorful houses and a lot of trees.

Chorao islands & Salimali Bird Sanctuary:
One can reach these islands by ferry from Ribander or Pomburpa. Chorao islands are surrounded by Mandovi river and backwaters, there is a beautiful church here to explore. Events, community gatherings, music concerts, and festivals are celebrated in the church grounds. On the same islands, the Salim Ali bird sanctuary is a mangrove habitat for so many species of birds along the Mandovi river. The trails are well paved. It’s a wonderful experience.

Mayem Lake & caves:
Located in Bicholim, Mayem is a serene freshwater lake. The sleepy countryside is perfect to relax, read a book or sip coffee while watching the water ripples. Visit Pandavas or Arvalem caves and Lamgau caves while you are in Bicholim, both can be visited on the same day

Olaulim Backyards:
This is a heavenly place in Olaulim village. They have a private river where you can get a clay bath, swim and Kayak. Its an eco stay with a farm and friendly animals including a donkey and a pony. The local food they serve is so fresh & delicious, Olaulim is a humble, green and silent village, a place where Goa’s locals reside. It’s away from the tourists and crowds yet not far from the beaches, Panjim and popular attractions.

Anjuna flea market:
This is one of the famous Saturday night markets. Legend says that this market was started hippies who came from Europe and settled down in Anjuna. They started selling their belongings in this very place to get some money to stay here for a little longer. With time the small hippie place grew into a famous Anjuna flea market. It’s a place to shop for some fun-hippie clothes and handmade stuff, enjoy some trance music, get mouthwatering local food and drinks and call it a night.

Terra Conscious:
They are into responsible and sustainable tourism. They organize ethical outdoor activities collaborating with locals thereby empowering the local communities. Some of the activities include walking/cycling in the forest trails, scuba diving & coral ecology and experiences related to ocean biodiversity.

Tito’s Whitehouse
I know Tito’s remind of the busy part street near Baga but this is no way similar. Tito’s Whitehouse is maintained well. Head there if you are a creative person. They organize art shows, attend classes, watch plays, meet like-minded people and much more. Check ahead what they are up to.

Apart from these activities, one can always take part in the cycling and walking tours in Panjim like b-live tours and mangrove boardwalk.
Watch the sun setting on the Arabian sea from a shack while the waves hot your feet.
Drive to the Panjim conservation area, the old Latin quarter- fontainhas and Old Goa to admire the Portuguese architecture, visit the beautiful churches and soak in some Goan charm.

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