10 non-beachy things to do in Goa

Let’s get something out of the way: Goa is not just a beach with a state attached to it. Sure, the sand and surf are iconic, but if you take a detour, you’ll discover a wildly eclectic Goa—one that’s quirky, culturally rich, and a bit eccentric (in the best way). If you’re the kind of traveler who likes exploring the off-beat, here are 10 gloriously non-beachy things to do in Goa that prove the sunshine state is more than what it seems like.

Hop on the Chorao Island FerryNo, it’s not a scene from Life of Pi. The ferry to Chorao Island is your gateway to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where the only thing crashing is the sound of wings in a mangrove forest. Herons, egrets, and maybe even a crocodile.

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Visit Fontainhas to time travelWander into Panjim’s Latin Quarter, where Portuguese-era homes wear pops of pastel like they’re at an eternal Easter parade. It's like Instagram meets a history book—with less dust and more gelato.

Play your tunes at the ruins of Cabo de Rama Fort
Perched dramatically above cliffs, this centuries-old fort offers haunting ruins, breathtaking views, and possibly a ghost or two. Bonus: zero beach umbrellas.
Check into a 200-year-old Portuguese mansionThink chandeliers, creaky floors, and colonial nostalgia. Stay at one of Goa’s heritage homestays like Figueiredo House or Casa Menezes and live your 19th-century best life—with Wi-Fi, of course.

Groove at a Silent Disco in PalolemOkay, it’s near a beach—but dancing in silence with headphones under the stars while three DJs battle for your ears? That’s next-level quirky.

Explore the spice plantation

Visit a spice plantation in Ponda, where cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom grow wilder than your beach hair. Bonus: elephants sometimes make guest appearances.

Hike to the Tambdi Surla Temple
Trek through dense forest to this 12th-century gem Mahadev Temple made of black basalt. It's a Hindu temple so ancient that you will feel like getting transported to some other time.

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Catch a film at the Cinephile ClubTired of sun and sand? Join Goa’s coolest cine-lovers at the Cinephile Film Club in Panjim for indie and world cinema, often screened with commentary.

Get lost in the Friday Mapusa Market
It’s chaos, it’s color, it’s bargaining galore. From local sausages to brass trinkets, you’ll leave with a full bag and an even fuller photo roll.

Learn to cook Goan FoodSign up for a Goan cooking class. Learn to work that coconut, conquer that xacuti, and basically level up your dinner parties forever.

If you are keen to experience the other side of Goa, you will have ample choices. Whether you’re sipping feni in a forest, spotting birds, or learning the delicate art of prawn balchão, the off-beach adventures are what truly set Goa apart. So next time, ditch the towel and dive into Goa’s wonderfully weird inland wonders. You’ll come back sun-kissed… and surprisingly well-read.