Michelle's List

Here are a few ideas for things to do in Goa beyond the beaches and bars. If you are looking for a little history, art, music, culture, nature or sport, try these recommendations.

This list is taken from my book Becoming Goan – a contemporary coming home story. It is from the last chapter; Living local – Finding my go-to places

Heritage Walks: 

1. Soul Travelling https://www.soultravelling.in 

2. Make it happen https://makeithappen.co.in 

Nature walks and boat trips 

1. Terra Conscious https://www.terraconscious.com/learning-experiences 

2. Khoj Aao https://www.khojaao.com 

3. Plant Walks of Goa – Dr Maryann Lobo +91 9822714354 https://www.instagram.com/plantswalksgoa.official/ 

Water, outdoor and adventure sports

1. Konkan Explorers https://www.instagram.com/konkanexplorersgoa

2. Adventure Breaks https://www.instagram.com/adventurebreaks

Museums 

1. Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa https://www.museumofchristianart.com 

2. Museum of Goa, Pilerne – art space https://museumofgoa.com 

3. Goa Chitra, Benaulim http://www.goachitra.com 

Exhibitions, lectures, launches, screenings 

1. Sunaparanta, Altinho https://www.sgcfa.org 

2. Fundacao Oriente, Fontainhas https://www.foriente.pt/a-fundacao/delegacoes/india 

3. Xavier Centre for Historical Reserach (XCHR), Porvorim https://xchr.in 

4. Carpe Diem, Majorda https://www.carpediemgoa.com 

Street art

Find all the Solomon Souza murals

http://mycyclingdiary.barretomiranda.com/icons-of-goa/ 

Forts that have been restored and have a view and some interest

Reis Magos

Aguada Jail Complex

Tiracol 

Cabo de Rama

Fado and mando performances

1. Madragoa, Panjim https://www.cipagoa.com/madragoa/ 

2. Sounds of Goa – in a heritage home https://www.instagram.com/soundsfromgoa/ 

Cultural Festivals

1. Serendipity – December

2. GALF (Goa Arts and Literature Festival) – February

3. Monte Music festival – February

Village community markets

Made in Saligao – Tuesdays

Pilerne – Thursdays

Goan feasts and festivals but now become commercialized

Carnivale – all over Goa the weekend before Ash Wednesday

Bonderam – Divar – August (two Saturdays for Malar and Piedade)

Sao Joao – Siolim – 24 June

Sports

Goans love football. If you are here during the Indian Soccer League (ISL) season from October to February, do go to the Fatorda stadium and support FC Goa. The atmosphere is electric with bands, bugles, songs and chants. Wear the FC Goa shirt and wave the flag.

Wildlife

Olive Ridley Turtles

Olive Ridley turtles head to the shores of Goa to nest from January to March, usually to Morjim and Mandrem in the North and Galgibag and Talpona in the south, which are now protected natural habitats.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

You can take the ferry early in the morning to get to Chorão. Once there, hire a bird-watching boat along the mangroves to spot the rich variety of birds in the season and otters too.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

This peaceful sanctuary has dense deciduous forests and flowing water deep in Canacona on the border of Karnataka. There are plenty of opportunities for bird and

animal spotting, and walking on clearly defined nature trails. The butterfly park is a unique attraction. Cotigao is also where the indigenous Velip and Kunbi communities live. A few organizations offer sensitive experiences of their indigenous food and culture.

Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa

Saligao Market

San Joao Siolim - Alexyz illustration from my book Becoming Goan - a contemporary coming home story

If you are looking to save Goa’s rich natural heritage and biodiversity, do support, volunteer and donate to the Goa Foundation at http://goafoundation.org.