Must Visit Hidden Gems in Goa

Goa attracts whole bunch of people looking for a getaway from their hectic lives. While the majority of holidayers end up in the tried and tested tourist hotspots, there are those who’ve discovered a little more than just Baga and Calangute. Read on to find out about those 5 hidden gems that are still off the popular tourism radar.

1. Mayem Lake
   Nestled in the hinterlands of north Goa, Mayem Lake is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of regular tourist raffic. This gorgeous lake is surrounded by lush green hills and is home to fun activities such as zorbing, pedal boating, and a reat children’s park. An ideal spot for bird watching, nature gazing, and exploring, Mayem Lake is teeming with quaint wonders.
2. Cola Beach
   Possibly one of the best kept secrets of south Goa, Cola beach is relatively untouched mainly because of its off-the-grid location. A bumpy road trip lands you at the top of a hill overlooking this stretch of sandy beauty that comes complete with its own little freshwater spring/lake that makes for an ideal kayaking experience.
3. Selaulim Dam
   A little over an hour’s drive from Margao, Selaulim Dam is a wonder in itself. Surrounded by greenery all around, this dam is best visited in the monsoons when the water flows like a silvery blanket into a vortex like structure here. Dreamy, Romantic, and totally adventurous, a visit to Selaulim Dam is definitely a must-do if you’re looking for a Goa experience that’s out of the ordinary.
4. Colomb Bay
   Between the bright lights of Palolem beach and the quiet sands of Patnem lies a stunning little stretch called Colomb Bay. Home to a small fishing community, this bay is almost untouched by tourism that usually passes it by looking for excitement that lingers around it. It is truly a hidden gem that is breathtakingly beautiful owing to the calm Arabian Sea that mellows and soothes the coastline here.
5. Cabo de Rama
   Fort Cabo de Rama has seen its fair share of battles and war. A strategic asset for any naval defensive, Cabo de Rama was claimed by the Portuguese after the defeat of the King of Soonda. They armed it to the teeth with 21 guns, military barracks, commandant quarters and also a beautiful chapel. The fort used to be a prison until 1950 and has since come to ruins. However the panoramic views from the fort and the steep drop of the cliff on which it stands, make for a great outing in the south.

Text: Amina M Azad

Pics: Planet Goa Archives

Planet Goa Team

For us at Planet-Goa, our team is driven by that feeling of exhilaration that one gets when discovering that something ‘unique’ and ‘new’ about Goa for our ever-so-discerning readers.