No matter how it changes, Goa makes it to everyone’s bucket list. Backpackers, families, couples, solo female travellers, and now, remote workers and digital nomads, all find their home in Goa. It’s the perfect blend of nature, rustic architecture, quiet villages, good food and beaches. That said, digital nomads in Goa who come for a workation deserve a special itinerary of their own. This list of top 10 places to visit in Goa on your month-long workation will help you plan the perfect getaway.
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Morjim-Arambol
If you want to go flea-market hopping, work from vegan cafes and be at quieter beaches, claim the Morjim-Arambol stretch. The drive up to these villages takes you through some amazing views too! If you are around October-December, you can be present for the Olive Ridley turtle hatchings. However, it is important to know that influx of tourists at the Morjim beach affects the natural patterns of the turtles breeding cycle. This can happen due to various reasons, but you need to be responsible. Consider volunteering for beach cleanup and educate yourself before you become part of the tourist crowd. Apart from that, you can also head to the Sal or Chapora river for mangrove kayaking, check out Goa’s northernmost tip – Querim beach, find waterfalls to trek and take a go at bungee jumping in Goa at Morjim! As a digital nomad in Goa, Morjim-Arambol can easily fill up your weekend with plenty of fun things to do.
Palolem Beach and Cabo De Rama Fort
If you like quieter beaches, road trips along green roads and killer sunset views, head to the Palolem beach. While it does have some weekend crowd, it is generally quiet and peaceful – perfect for sea kayaking and swimming. The lagoon harbours queiter waters so you needn’t even be afraid of bigger waves. While the Cabo de Rama fort is a little farther away, you can drive there for sunset. The cliff overlooks the Cabo de Rama beach and you can just sit and chill watching the sun dive into the Arabian Sea.
Butterfly Beach and Cola Beach
There are days for slowly travel and there are days for some adventure. If adventure is on your mind, one of the best places to visit in Goa for digital nomads is the Butterfly beach. It’s an easy trek from a spot 20 minutes away from Palolem beach. You can head out in the morning, carry camping supplies and spend the night watching the stars. The Lost Hostels in Palolem help you plan it if you aren’t sure of doing it on your own. Apart from that, the Cola beach is along the same stretch and known as a kayaking destination. You can spend a breezy evening floating away into the sunset.
Old Goa
If you want to spend a day exploring the history of Goa, India, start with Old Goa. Yes, the Basilica of Bom Jeus is good, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Old Goa is home to a rich history filled with stories of wars, intricate art and magnificent architecture. Head out from Panjim, drive along the Mandovi river or take a bus, get a local snack from Teixeira’s, take in the view from Our Lady on the Mount Chapel and make a pitstop at the Christian Art Museum. Lastly, if you want to end your day with a sunset, head to the Carambolim Lake behind the Karmali railway station.
Panjim City and the Latin Quarters
You have heard enough about the beauty of the Latin Quarters in Panjim, Goa, India. While they are now a tourist hotspot, it doesn’t take away from their charm. Start early in the morning to pick up a plate of local Goan breakfast from Anita Tea House and then walk along the Rio de Ourem. You can book a heritage walk with a local aggregator like Soul Travelling or Make It Happen for some story time or treasure hunts. Or you can walk around, stop at Joseph Bar for a drink, check out Horshoe or Viva Goa for some local Goan lunch, chill at the Tea Trunk Tea Room and end your day at the Maruti Temple in Altinho. For a lazy afternoon, head to the Mangrove Boardwalk next to the Central Library.
Dudhsagar Waterfall and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Needless to say that one of the best places to visit in Goa are its wildlife sanctuaries. Tucked away in the Sahyadri mountains and the western ghats, they sit away from the touristy crowds. You can pack a picnic and keep driving until you find a waterfall, or you can head to the Bondla Wildlife sanctuary. The reserved area has its own mini enclosures for endagered species and makes for the perfect picnic location. You can also start early and check out the Dudhsagar waterfalls. For this, you can either hire a car or take a train from Vasco Da Gama in the morning. Pack lots of food and carry rainwear just to be safe!
Spice Plantations in Goa
Goa’s spice plantations are a charming way to understand its biodiversity and spend a lazy afternoon. Sahakari Spice Farm and Tropical Spice Plantation are one of the best places to visit in Goa. They welcome you with flower garlands, take you through the farm and then offer you a delectable local lunch spread. The Nandanvan Spice Farm also has its own swimming pool if you feel like spending a day out swimming.
Divar and Chorao Islands
Not many experiences beat the thrill of island hopping in Goa. There are about 17 islands in Goa, of which two – Divar and Chorao islands – can be explored with a personal vehicle. You can find ferry stops for both along the Ribander causeway. Start with the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao, then stop at India’s only Devaki-Krishna temple and take a break at the Meenali Bar and Restaurant for lunch and some feni. If you head out early, you’ll catch one of the surreal sunrises of your life on the ferry to Chorao. You then come back to the mainland and take another ferry to Divar island. You check out the view from the Our Lady of Piety Church, admire the Saptakoteshwar Temple and marvel in the unique design of the Naroa Church. The Rock Inn Restaurant and Bar is the perfect place to end your evening. In between the sightseeing, your drive along the roads lined with paddy fields adds to the magic.
Tambdi Surla
When you are travelling through the Goan hinterlands, consider driving up to the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple. The drive through lush wilderness and the location in the middle of the Sahyadris is quiet and serene. Right behind, you can also check out the Tamdi Surla waterfall. If you are into trekking, book one with a local trekking agency.
Anjuna-Assagao-Vagator
The Anjuna-Assagao-Vagator stretch is an up-and-coming destination in Goa to satisfy the foodie in you. From regional restaurants to fusion cafes and bars, there is something for everyone. Moreover, the Vagator hilltop is one of the best locations to catch a sunset. You can drive through roads lined with rolling fields and traditional homes, bask in the abundance of greenery and let the restaurants surprise you!
These are the top 10 places to visit in Goa if you are travelling as a digital nomad. What’s more? You can live, work and be part of a growing digital nomad community in India at NomadGao. The Anjuna beach is a 15 minute walk away, the best breakfast is on the way at Baba Au Rhum and the best workation is waiting at the community events at NomadGao.
