September 23, 2022
The Western Ghats surrounding Goa offer an array of experiences for you to indulge in. You could simply go on a long drive or head to a pristine location to unwind. The roads are delightful – lined with palm trees or overlooking lush green and foggy mountains to soothe your soul. As someone who works a 9-to-5, planning long vacations can be difficult. However, that should not mean that you don’t get a much-deserved break from the constant hustle. If you are looking for quick day trips around Goa, here are some destinations to consider.
About 60 km away from Panjim city, Sawantwadi is a charming town nestled in the verdant Western Ghats. It falls on the National Highway 66 going from Goa to Mumbai and is located within the Konkan coast. Its tranquillity, natural beauty and market for traditional crafts such as Chitari have made it popular amongst tourists. One can easily book a cosy homestay and drive down for the weekend to relax and unwind. Apart from this, there are plenty of things to do in and around Sawantwadi. You can spend a day at the MotiTalao, explore the Amboli Ghats or visit the Royal Palace of Sawantwadi. If you are a fan of the shores, you must explore the gorgeous, lesser-known beaches of coastal Maharashtra. Redi beach and Vengurla beach are an hour’s drive away from Sawantwadi and set the stage for some stunning sunsets.
The surreal beaches of South Goa often go unnoticed by tourists but are hidden gems worth visiting. If you prefer to have a little quiet and expansive stretches of the golden shores all to yourself, Galgibaga should top your list. About 80 km from Panjim, this picturesque beach with its green forests and clear blue waters will mesmerise you. What makes it even more unique is that it is joined by the Galgibaga river on one side. The sandy deltas contribute to creating some really pretty corners. The lush cover along the shore just adds to the entire experience. Apart from the beach, you can also engage in yoga classes in the area or visit the Talpona river for some water sports. You can also make a detour towards Cabo De Rama fort and check out the Butterfly Beach on your way to Galgibaga.
The lush green town of Dandeli is located in the state of Karnataka, about 140 km from Panjim. Nestled in the rocky Sahyadri mountains along the banks of the River Kali, it is famously known as the adventure capital of Karnataka. The town is wrapped in a thick blanket of forest cover and is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. It offers a wide range of experiences to people of all age groups, making it perfect for a fun weekend getaway from Goa. You can go river rafting, take a safari through the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to spot tigers or go mountain biking through the Sahyadris. If you are a history buff, you can visit the Ulavi Temple, Kavala Caves, Syntheri Rock, Shivaji Fort and Mallikarjuna Temple. Their history and architectural beauty can amaze even the most seasoned travellers. Apart from that, you can hike to waterfalls, trek to Shiroli Peak, kayak or just sit back and relax. Dandeli will mesmerise you, regardless of what you enjoy doing on your travels.
The gorgeous coastal town of Karwar is located along the serene Konkan Coast of Karnataka. It’s a 3-hour drive from Panjim city through one of the most beautiful roads you will ever take. The town is located at the mouth of the River Kali, along the Rabindranath Tagore beach. While the beach might be crowded, you can easily head to less-populated ones like Tilmati beach, Majali beach, Devbagh beach and Kadamba Beach. The pristine coast of Karnataka is not as frequented by tourists and makes for the perfect quiet getaway. If you are a fan of architecture, then the Narsimha Temple and the Kali Bridge should be on your list of attractions. Apart from that, there is a fascinating Warship Museum in Karwar worth visiting. Lastly, if you’d like to spend a few days on an island, visit Kurumgad. On the island, you can indulge in lazy bathing, beach walks, fishing, water sports and beach activities such as volleyball. The Narasimha Temple is also located on this island.
A beloved tourist destination that needs no introduction, Gokarna is perfect if you want an unforgettable weekend trip. It’s farther down south, around an hour’s drive away from Karwar. Regardless of who you travel with, Gokarna will have something for you to do. The sightseeing and activities in Gokarna can range from temple visits, and water sports to shopping, beach strolls, yoga sessions and soothing massages. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is an architectural marvel wherein the Shiva linga is revealed to viewers only once every 40 years. If you are a fan of water sports don’t forget to experience the banana boat ride along with other activities such as parasailing, surfing and snorkelling. There are several tour operators that also conduct food tasting tours, cycling tours and other intimate experiences of the small coastal town. Lastly, Gokarna offers a stunning view of the night sky and witnesses plenty of curated stargazing night camps. Do try these out apart from catching bioluminescent waves during the late winter months. These experiences are ones worth staying up for.
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5 Day Trips Around Goa to Embark On