Experience the beautiful rural Goa, beyond beaches, from Kolkata, Belgium, the UK, Spain, and the rest of Europe

Explore the soulful essence of Goa beyond its beaches. Unearth cultural treasures, traditional lifestyles, and serene villages on a memorable rural tourism circuit.

The Goa Rural Tourism Circuit is perfect for travelers seeking an offbeat yet immersive experience in the beautiful state of Goa. Enjoy the tranquil villages, lush spice plantations, vibrant markets, and authentic Goan households. Enjoy eco-friendly tourism and connect with the heart of Goa.

Day 1: Arrival in Goa – Dive into Goan Heritage:

Arrive at Goa International Airport and drive to Panaji. Check into a nice hotel there.

The same day, go for a heritage walk in Old Goa. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. You can also go and explore the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine, a massive church complex from the 17th century. The ruin of the St. Augustine Church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument.

Later, after returning to Panaji, go and explore Fontainhas, Goa’s old Latin Quarter with its colorful Portuguese-style houses. Savor authentic Goan cuisine at a heritage restaurant.

Overnight in Panaji.

Day 2: Explore Divar Island:

After breakfast leave for the jetty over River Mandovi in Old Goa (near the Viceroy’s Arch). Divar Island lies on the Mandovi River in Goa and is home to some fascinating people and cultures. It is a charming haven untouched by urbanization. The island was deserted by the Hindu population when the Portuguese started religious persecution and forcible conversions.

Explore the tranquil lanes, lush paddy fields, and traditional Goan homes on the island. Visit the famous Our Lady of Piety Church and interact with locals to learn about their farming and fishing practices. There are other churches on the island that can be visited. Temple ruins are also there to explore. You can also see the Portuguese-era colonial bungalows on the island.

Return to Panaji. Enjoy a nice dinner. Overnight in Panaji.

Day 3: Authentic Village Life in Aldona:

Have an early breakfast in the morning, and after packing your bags, leave for visiting Chorao Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. You will have to catch a ferry to this island from Ribandar Jetty, a short distance from your hotel in Panaji. Once on the island, go and explore local life amidst the mangroves. During the migratory months birds come from as far as Siberia and are best spotted early in the morning.

Return to your hotel afterwards and check out. Head to Aldona village, a beautiful village around a 40-minute drive from Panaji. Check into a nice accommodation in the village.

Go on to discover the charms of Aldona Village. Aldona is situated on the banks of the river Mapusa, which is a tributary of the river Mandovi. So, a river cruise in the mangrove forests is highly advisable for all.

Go on to explore Corjuem Fort, a small fort built originally by the Marathas but later controlled by the Portuguese. There is a centuries-old St. Thomas Church to explore as well.

Interact with locals, visit ancestral homes, and learn traditional cooking techniques.

Overnight in Aldona.

Day 4: Aldona—Organic spice farm near Netravali:

Enjoy Hinterland Adventure in Netravali:

Have a nice walk in the beautiful Aldona village once more in the morning. Enjoy your breakfast. Afterwards, check out from Aldona and drive to an organic spice farm. This is a round 2.5-hour drive. Check into the accommodations available on the farm, which is completely organic.

Enjoy a nice lunch at the farm. Head off to a guided jeep safari tour of the nearby Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy the nature. There are chances you may spot some wild animals. Sightings of animals are not easy, but the forest is home to animals like leopards, black panthers, wild boars, bisons, and sloth bears.

The Sanctuary is also home to the Savri and Mainapi waterfalls. You can trek up to both of these, or one of these waterfalls.

Return to the Farm. Get fresh and enjoy some snacks and food afterwards. Meanwhile, you can have a look at the products of the farm. There are several packed spices you can buy here. You can buy vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg with or without shell, chili, cardamom, black cardamom, black pepper, or white pepper. You can also buy coconut oil, pickles, and honey from the farm.

Overnight at the Farm.

Day 5: Organic Spice Farm – Chandor – Agonda Beach:

Indulge in a morning yoga session at the farm in the morning. Afterwards, have a tour of the spice farm. Enjoy your breakfast. Pack your bags, and say goodbyeto the lovely farm. Drive to Chandor village, an hour’s drive from the farm.

Explore Chandor, the ancient capital of Goa. Chandor is a quiet hamlet where the past and present seem to coexist in perfect harmony. It was once called Chandrapur, and it served as the glorious capital city of the ancient Kadamba dynasty. Take a guided tour of this village with a storyteller narrating the stories from the 11th century onwards.

The temple remains in the village date as far back as the 11th century. Visit a 500-year-old heritage home that predates the Portuguese era in Goa. Enjoy hearing intriguing tales of its various past occupants who have contributed to the home’s rich and ever-evolving history. This is what has made this home an iconic landmark today.

Visit the Braganza House, a 17th-century mansion showcasing Goan-Portuguese architecture. This Indo-Portuguese family was once considered nobility during the colonial Portuguese period. Walk up to the local chapel atop a small hillock and enjoy scenic views along the Kushavati River.

Witness traditional pottery-making, and you may choose to try your hand at this timeless craft. After Chandor, drive to Agonda and check into beach huts, right on the beach. Enjoy one of the best beaches of Goa.

Enjoy some of the nicest food sitting on the beach. Overnight in Agonda.

Day 6: Visit Fishing Villages:

Very early in the morning, go and visit the fishing villages. Learn traditional fishing techniques and sustainable practices. If interested, you can even go to look for dolphins.

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch prepared by local fishers. Relax at the nearby serene Butterfly Beach, accessible by a scenic trek or on a boat.

Overnight in Agonda.

Day 7: Agritourism in Quepem:

In the morning, head off to Quepem, an hour’s drive from Agonda. Take a tour of a cashew farm in Quepem. Observe cashew nut processing and try feni distillation.

In the afternoon, visit a local bakery to learn traditional Goan bread-making techniques. And, in the evening, participate in community-based farming activities.

Return to Agonda in the evening. Overnight in Agonda.

Day 8: Dudhsagar Waterfalls

In the morning, after breakfast, proceed to visit the stunning Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of Goa’s most famous natural attractions. It is a four-tiered waterfall. The mountains from which the water descends are in Karnataka, and the forest in which they fall is in Goa. The base of these waterfalls lies within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mollem district of South Goa. It is a lush green sanctuary, so typical of all forests in the Western Ghats.

Take a jeep to visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. This jeep goes through Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.

Return in the evening to enjoy a nice sunset at the beach. Have a nice dinner and relaxing time.

Overnight at the hotel near Agonda Beach, Goa.

Day 9: Departure:

Enjoy a nice breakfast. You can choose to spend your final hours shopping for handicrafts and organic produce at a rural market.

Depart for Goa International Airport, taking home memories of Goa’s serene rural charm.

Why opt for the Goa Rural Tour of Excursion2India?

• Unique and Interesting Places:  Visits to Divar Island, Old Goa, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and Ponda.
• Cultural Insights: Engage in local crafts, traditional cooking, and heritage exploration.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Promote sustainability and support local communities.

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