Goa’s Best Places to Visit After the Pandemic

It’s a rightful instinct! The pandemic has made anyone a hodophile by keeping them inside since March. In recent months, nature has been revived; wouldn’t it be great to reconnect with the natural world? Goa is the ideal place to reconnect with nature and escape the chaos of COVID-19.

 

Goa is a great place to revitalise anyone, no matter if they are looking for a weekend getaway to enjoy the beach and/or a longer stay to “work from home”. After September’s relaxed regulations, people can now travel to Goa. You don’t need a Covid-19 positive certificate, an electronic pass, or to go through quarantine if you travel by air, rail, or road. Social distance and obligatory precautions such as using sanitizer and masking must be maintained. It is now the perfect time to plan your trip to Goa, as the monsoon season is over and the tourist season has started.

 

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

 

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island: This sanctuary is one of Goa’s best-kept secrets and a great place to bird watch and spend time in nature. It’s an estuarine mangrove habitat that runs alongside the Mandovi River, named after Dr. Salim Ali, an internationally renowned ornithologist. You can reach the sanctuary by ferry from Ribander. The best time to visit the sanctuary is in the mornings when it is alive with exotic and migratory animals. The walkway will allow for a relaxing stroll amongst the mangroves. You can also take a boat tour of the island to view the mangroves and marshes.

 

Netravali waterfalls & Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Verlem, Netravali Waterfalls & Wildlife Sanctuary, Verlem – The sanctuary houses two waterfalls called the Netravali waterfalls: Minapi and Savari. It is situated in lush green forest near the Karnataka–Goa border. You will pass several streams on the way to the waterfalls. You will see many animals, birds, rare butterflies, and other wildlife along the trail. The setting is reminiscent of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. This is a must-see place in Goa, with its beautiful view of the waterfalls and the opportunity to swim in the waters.

 

Verna, Kesarval, and Udear Springs

 

These two small springs, Kesarval, and Udear Springs in Verna, are some of Goa’s most unusual, yet often overlooked destinations. It is quite soothing to hear the water cascading down rocks. Kesarval Springs, a remote waterfall, is believed to have medicinal properties. This water is a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, much like a spa visit. Udear Springs is close to Kesarval Springs. The water is perfect for swimming and splashing. The tiny red garra fish will nibble on your feet, so you could get a natural manicure. These two locations are best visited in the monsoon season or immediately after.

 

Carmona Beach

 

Carmona Beach in Carmona, Goa: Carmona Beach is a beautiful, peaceful stretch of beach located in southern Goa. It is surrounded on both sides by palm groves and the magnificent Arabian Sea. The beach is tranquil and attracts both locals and fishermen. Bioluminescence is common at night. You will see a light blue glow as you look out at the water and walk in the shallow waters barefoot. This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and unique experiences you’ll ever have.

 

Agonda Beach

 

Agonda Beach is another hidden gem. There are beaches in southern Goa with their ultramarine waters. The picture is completed by the Agonda Beach. The beach is tranquil and has many yoga retreats, spacious shacks, as well as cool bars. Dolphins can often be spotted in its waters.

 

Here, the water is crystal clear and beautiful. The beach is ideal for sunbathing or reading by the ocean. You can also stroll along the shore and admire the fiery sunsets. You can stay at the beach in many eco-huts or rooms with ocean views. Enjoy the beauty of the natural world and the vastness of the ocean.

 

Palolem Beach

 

Palolem Beach in Palolem, Goa: A beautiful beach with a crescent-shaped shoreline and clear water. It is ideal for a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. Palolem is known for its strange silent disco parties, and a multitude of souvenir shops. There’s something for everyone. The park also features a rock garden and tranquil backwaters that are surrounded by lush greenery at its far end. Parasailing, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing are just a few of the options available to get your adrenaline pumping.

 

Butterfly Beach

 

Butterfly Beach, Palolem – There’s no better place than Butterfly Beach to find tranquility and peace. This remote beach can only be reached by boat, and is accessible only from Palolem or Agonda. It is possible to hike through dense forest to reach this beach, which is an exciting but short adventure. The shallow seawaters are alive with marine life at low tide. It is annoying to see sea urchins and redfish in the sea. This rocky beach is not the best place to swim, but it is a great spot for relaxation and disconnecting with the outside world.