EXCURSIONS FROM GOA
1. Amboli
Maharashtra, 90 km (56 miles) from Panaji • Bus or car
Blessed with numerous waterfalls, this hill station is fondly called the “Queen of Maharashtra”. A perfectly peaceful retreat, Amboli is among the world’s top eco hot-spots and is flush with unusual flora and fauna. Amboli Falls, Shirgaonkar Point, Madhavgad Fort and Hiranya Keshi Temple, are definitely worth a visit.
Stunning waterfall in Amboli
2. Chorla Ghat
Goa’s hills (ghats) are just as beautiful as its beaches, with Chorla Ghat being just one such example. Located on the Karnataka border in the Western Ghats, this area is ideal for jungle walks, treks and hikes.
3. Sawantvadi
Maharashtra, 62 km (39 miles) from Panaji • Train & bus
Located a short drive away from Panaji is the pretty little town of Sawantvadi. It has a palace named after the erstwhile rulers of the state, Khem Sawant. The current queen still lives in the palace with her family and promotes local arts such as woodwork painting. Workshops held in the palace attract locals and tourists. Moti Talao and Raghunath market merit a visit.
4. Dandeli
Maharashtra, 100 km (62 miles) from Panaji • Train & bus
An ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts, Dandeli has abundant wildlife and the sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna. Safaris, white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rapelling, mountain biking and trekking are some of the activities available here.
5. Hampi
Karnataka, 347 km (216 miles) from Panaji • Train & bus
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is known for its architecture and history. Among the places to visit are the many temples, palace ruins, royal pavilions and ancient markets, along the Tungabhadra River, dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
6. Nersa
Karnataka, 113 km (70 miles) from Panaji • Train & bus
An off-the-beaten track village rich in biodiversity, Nersa is a haven for ornithologists. It is home to over 250 birds and 950 bat species. It is perfect for trekking too.
7. Chorão & Divar Islands
These two islands are ideal to get a feel of rural Goa. Chorão Island can be accessed from Ribandar, a short drive away from Panaji, and Divar can be reached from Old Goa through short ferry rides. Go bird watching at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary; walk or cycle through the picture perfect countryside dotted with elegant Portuguese villas and visit a small church at Divar.
8. Fort Tiracol
42 km (26 miles) from Panaji • Ferry from Querim
Once an armed fortress of the Portuguese, Fort Tiracol is now a heritage hotel located on a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and Tiracol River.
9. Gokarna
Maharashtra, 164 km (102 miles) from Panaji • Car or bus
With its quiet beaches, beautiful temples and good food, Gokarna is a quaint town with a unique culture. Visit the iconic Om beach or Kudle, Paradise, Half Moon and Gokarna beaches. It is the perfect place for jet skiing, dolphin spotting, and fishing or simply for a stroll along the coast.
Gigantic Shiva statue in Gokarna
10. Vengurla
Maharashtra, 65 km (70 miles) from Panaji • Train & bus
The charming town of Vengurla is known for its temples, rocks, white sand beaches, mango and cashew plantations and folk art known as Dashavtara. Watersports facilities are available and seafood is abundant.
