31 Best Hidden Places In Goa For An Unforgettable Vacation – Unexplored India

Goa is a renowned tourist destination in India. However, there are many hidden places in Goa that are yet to be explored by tourists. Goa is a dream destination for people who are looking for a relaxed life and an easy-going lifestyle. These places are not only beautiful but also a great opportunity to relax your mind and explore the culture of this beautiful place. If you’re bored and looking to get off the beaten path in Goa then you are in the right place. Here are some of the hidden places in Goa that are worth visiting.

List Of Hidden Places In Goa For a Memorable Vacation

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Goa’s beach scene, there are plenty of hidden places in Goa to explore. From secluded beaches to secret waterfalls, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite unexplored places in Goa:

• Kakolem Beach
• Hollant Beach
• Galgibaga Beach
• Betul Beach
• Cola Beach
• Velsao Beach
• Bogmalo Beach
• Butterfly Beach
• Mobor Beach
• Bamanbudo Waterfalls
• Cabo De Rama
• Rivona Caves
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park
• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Our Lady Of The Mount
• Arambol Beach
• Ashwem Beach
• Querim (Keri) Beach
• Harvalem Falls
• Fort Tiracol
• Sinquerim Fort
• Arvalem Caves
• Lamgau Caves
• Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Carambolim Lake
• Convent Of Santa Monica And The Chapel Of The Weeping Cross
• Chorla Ghats
• Savoi Spice Plantations
• Pequeno (Bat) Island
• Cumbarjua canal

Hidden Places In South Goa

There are many unexplored tourist places in South Goa from serene beaches to mysterious caves. Below we have listed some of the hidden tourist places in South Goa. 

1. Kakolem Beach

Kakolem Beach is located in Goa, India. It is a long, sandy beach with crystal clear water. It is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are several restaurants and bars located near the beach, which makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: August to October.

Things to do: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, kayaking, Banana ride, Parasailing, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 74.5 km

2. Hollant Beach

If you are looking for a secluded beach to relax while staying in Goa, Holland Beach is the place for you. This beach is located in the southernmost part of Goa, away from the hustle and bustle of more popular beaches. Holland Beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and simply breathtaking views. There are also a few beach shacks where you can get breakfast.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Water activities like Scuba Diving in Goa, Snorkeling, kayaking, Banana riding, Parasailing, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 28.4 km

3. Galgibaga Beach

Galgibaga Beach is one of the most beautiful hidden and secluded beaches in Goa. It is located in South Goa, about a 2-hour drive from the capital city, Panaji. The beach is known for its clean water and white sand. There are no crowds here, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Goa.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: You can visit Swaastha Home Spa, Himalayan Therapeutic Studio, Samson’s Kiosk, and other water activities.

Distance from Panaji: 75.7 km

4. Betul Beach

Betul Beach Goa is a beautiful beach with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most hidden beaches in Goa and there is much more to explore. The beach is located in the village of Betul and about 10 km from Panaji. The beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the sea. Beach is also a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, you can visit Arya Ayurvedic Center, and Zorro Jewellers, and also can enjoy Boomerang Beach Bar.

Distance from Panaji: 64.7 km

5. Cola Beach

Goa is a state in India with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One of these beaches is Cola Beach in South Goa. Cola Beach is a secluded beach known for its natural beauty. Two cliffs surround the beach, and the sand is white and powdery. The water is clear and transparent, and the waves are gentle. This makes Cola Beach a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Visit Krishna Ayurveda Massage Centre, Cabo de Rama Fort, Fluidsymmetry and water activities like swimming, scuba diving, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 62.5 km

6. Velsao Beach

If you are looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on while in Goa, then look no further than Velsao Beach. With its gentle waves and sandy coastline, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply stunning views. Be sure to enjoy or bite fresh coconut water from a beach stall while enjoying the tranquil environment.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Visit the beautiful Church The Our Lady of Assumption Church, Velsao Chapel, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 25.8 km

7. Bogmalo Beach

Bogmalo Beach is one of the breathtaking hidden beaches in Goa. The beach is located in the village of Bogmalo, about 4 km from the town of Vasco da Gama. Bagmalo beach is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and palm trees. The beach is also a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Visit the Beach Casino The Casino Pearl, enjoy sunbathing, and have local cuisines 

Distance from Panaji: 28.0 km

8. Butterfly Beach

This hidden gem of Goa is located on the southernmost tip of Palolem beach. It gets its name from the abundance of butterflies that can be seen flying around here. The beach is completely untouched by commercialization and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Goa.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Spots different species of Butterflies, indulge in different water activities like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 69.0 km

9. Mobor Beach

Mobar Beach is one of the most hidden places in Goa. It is located in South Goa and it is a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is also popular for water sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: September to March

Things to do: parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 58.3 km

Hidden waterfalls in South Goa

10. Bamanbudo Waterfalls

Bamanbudo Falls is a hidden waterfall located in the village of Gaodongram on the Kanakona-Naturlim Road in South Goa. It’s a beautiful waterfall that’s well worth the drive to see. You can enjoy a refreshing break at a nearby cafe and don’t have to pay any fees to enter. This waterfall can be reached by a short walk from the village or the road.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: Any time other than the rainy season

Things to do: Camping, enjoy Bird watching, exploring wildlife animals, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 87.3 km

Secret Forts in South Goa

11. Cabo De Rama

This hidden place in Goa is located on a hill overlooking the sea and is one of the oldest forts in Goa. It was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later used as a prison. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Witness the old architecture, and visit Agonda Beach, Cola Beach, Patnem Beach, and Varca Beach.

Distance from Panaji: 74.8 km

Unexplored Caves In South Goa

12. Rivona Caves

Rivona Caves is one of the most notable collections of Buddhist caves in India. They are located about 5 km northeast of Ponda in South Goa and are believed to have been excavated by Buddhist monks living in the area in the 6th or 7th century. The caves are in the village of Rivona and consist of five caves. The main attraction of these hidden caves is the frescoes which are in a very dilapidated condition.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: September to March

Things to do: Explore the ancient crafts, visit the nearby attractions like Damodar Temple, Usgalimal Rock Engravings, Palacio do Deao, Saptakoteshwar Temple, St.Anthony Holiday Homes, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 47.0 km

Unexplored Wildlife Sanctuaries In South Goa

13. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park

Bhagwan Mahavira Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the town of Mollem on the northwest coast of the state of Goa. It is located in the Western Ghats of the Indian Peninsula and was built in 1978. Bhagwan Mahabir Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden tourist destination in South Goa including Mollem National Park. It is rich in wildlife, as well as bird watching opportunities.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Exploring wildlife, Bird watching, visiting the ancient Tambdi Surla temple, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point, and Tambdi Water Falls, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 48.0 km

14. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South Goa and is a hidden gem. It is a haven for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of animals and plants.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Witness wildlife like panthers, tigers and sloth bears, Indian bison, hyenas, etc. 

Distance from Panaji: 103.7 km

Unexplored Lakes In South Goa

15. Netravali Bubbling Lake

Situated in the peaceful and serene village of Netravali, It is an unexplored serene lake in South Goa. The lake is famous for its bubbles that rise continuously to the surface in various places in the lake. Strangely enough, these bubbles also appear to be a naturally occurring phenomenon.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Witnessing the mysterious bubbles, camping, swimming, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 77.3 km

Hidden Churches In South Goa

16. The Chape Of Our Lady Of The Mount

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is a lesser-known tourist destination in Old Goa, India. It is on our list of top 10 hidden places to visit in Goa due to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The chapel is a small but beautiful structure built on the ruins of an ancient Portuguese church during the reign of Dom Francisco de Almeida. The chapel was restored to its present form in 1810 by the Portuguese queen.

Location: South Goa

Best time to visit: November and December

Things to do: Enjoy the breathtaking surroundings of the Church, the beautiful structure of the Church, and Pray for goodness.

Distance from Panaji: 17.3 km

Isolated Beaches In North Goa

17. Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach is a beautiful beach that is located in the northern part of Goa. It is also one of the most unexplored places in Goa. It is a long stretch of beach that is well-known for its cleanliness, sand and serenity, and the natural beauty that it offers.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to February

Distance from Panaji: 25 km

18. Ashwem Beach

If you are looking for a beach where you can have a romantic trip with your partner, Ashwem Beach is the right place for you.

Ashwem Beach is another hidden place in Goa located near the coastal village of Mandrem. This beach is a great place to enjoy some time in peace with your partner.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Enjoy Banana Surfing, visit Mariners Bay Resort Mandrem, Mandrem Beach, and enjoy a very unique Shanti Ayurvedic Massage.

Distance from Panaji: 30 km

19. Querim (Keri) Beach

Querim Beach is considered to be one of the best-hidden places in Goa. The beach is located in the village of Querim in Pernem. It is one of the largest beaches in North Goa which is extremely peaceful and known for its fishing fleet.

The beach is very popular among the locals with lots of restaurants and bars.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to May

Things to do: Enjoy Arti Fabulous Body Care Spa, water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, sunbathing, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 50 km

Hidden waterfalls in North Goa

20. Harvalem Falls

Harvalem Falls, a blessing of Goa’s nature, is one of the best-hidden places to visit in Goa during the monsoons. Hidden from the public eye, the Harvalem waterfalls are about 70 meters high and the beauty of these waterfalls is boundless and breathtaking.

You can also see some old Buddhist caves 1.5 km away from the waterfall. These caves are also called Pandava caves because in the past the Pandavas lived here.

If you want to explore unique things and do some water activities then this hidden place of Goa is a destination.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: July to September

Things to do: Picnicking, Camping, Exploring 6th-century caves, visiting Basilica of Bom Jesus, Shree Mangesh temple, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 32 km

Secret Forts in North Goa

21. Fort Tiracol

Tirakal Fort is a Portuguese fort located on the northern edge of the historic city of Goa. The fort is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is one of the best-hidden places in Goa.

The castle has 7 rooms and each room has a different view. These are all designed in a mix of luxury and Indian style. This fort is not only a beautiful place to visit, but it is also a beautiful place to stay.

When you first see this castle, it takes your breath away. The building is all made of limestone, and the views from the inside are simply amazing. From the castle, you can see the beach and the Arabian Sea.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: August and September

Distance from Panaji: 48.0 km

22. Sinquerim Fort

Located in the heart of Sinquerim beach and 18 km from Panaji, Sinquerim fort is an offbeat fort in North Goa. The fort was built in 1612 to protect the area from the Dutch and Marathas.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to February

Things to do: heritage walks around the fort, fishing, and indulging in different indoor and outdoor games.

Distance from Panaji: 13.8 km

Unexplored Caves In North Goa

23. Arvalem Caves

Arvalem Caves is a historical relic known as Pandav Cave which is located in Bicholim Taluka near Arvalem Falls in Goa. This place is considered one of the hidden beautiful tourist places in Goa.

It is believed that the caves belong to Buddist Monks because of there architectural resembles that of similar caves crafted by Monks. 

There are four Shivlings present in the caves, which leads to believe the caves belong of Brahmin origin. 

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Explore and witness the ancient crafting, enjoy the amazing surroundings, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 30 km

24. Lamgau Caves

Another hidden tourist spot of Goa that must be visited is Lamgau Cave which is located near Lamgau village in Goa. In these caves, a Shivling and a small Nandi bull have been placed. The caves are surrounded by tall palm trees which look amazing in summer.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: November and March

Things to do: Explore the fascinating man-made caves, camping, picnic, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 26.2 km

Unexplored Wildlife Sanctuaries In North Goa

25. Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa

Who doesn’t like butterflies, they are one of the most beautiful creations of nature. If you are one of them, you must visit this Mystic Woods.

It is a breathtaking yet least known place to visit in Goa. Here you will find more than 133 species of butterflies that will take your breath away.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to February

Things to do: Spotting various species of Butterfly, visit Butterfly pub, and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. 

Distance from Panaji: 27 km

26. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Dr. Selim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located near Ribandar Ferry, Chorao, North Goa. The things that make this place a must-see destination are the ferry rides from Ribandar, the bird variety, and the breathtaking environment. The best time to visit this hidden attraction of Goa is from October to March when migratory birds are found in the sanctuary.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to March

Things to do: Go Ferry ride from Ribandar, trek to the top, spot different types of migratory birds, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 6.7 km

Unexplored Lakes In North Goa

27. Carambolim Lake

Another peaceful and serene yet lesser-known place in Goa is Carambolim Lake. After Selim Ali Bird Sanctuary, if there is any other place for bird watching in Goa, it is Lake Carambolim. Here you will see different types of migratory birds, also the stunning environment around the lake makes it one of the best-hidden places in Goa.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Indulge in different water activities like swimming, sunbathing, fishing, visiting St Blaise Church, and bird watching.

Distance from Panaji: 14.7 km

Hidden Churches In North Goa

28. Convent Of Santa Monica And The Chapel Of The Weeping Cross

The church is believed to be among the oldest churches built-in 1606 in Monte Santo. This architectural building took a total of 21 years to build. In the Church, you can find four alters dedicated to St. Monica, Bom Jesus, Immaculate Mary, and Crucified Christ.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: November and December

Distance from Panaji: 10.5 km

Unexplored Hill Stations In Goa

29. Chorla Ghats

Are you a nature lover and looking for hidden places in Goa, then Chorla Ghat is for you. It is a tropical forest and is now an eco-tourism destination. Chorla Ghat is located right on the north-eastern side of the Goa-Karnataka-Maharashtra boundaries. 

There are many waterfalls around the area. The biggest waterfall is called the Chorla Fall. The reason you should visit the place is to explore the area, do bird watching, butterfly watching, and just wander around.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: August to November

Things to do: Jungle walking, trekking, camping near Chorla fall, bird watching, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 55.1 km

Some other Hidden places in Goa

30. Savoi Spice Plantations

Savoi Spice Plantation is a family-run spice garden that produces a wide variety of spices and herbs. The plantation is located on the outskirts of the small village of Savoi, about an hour’s drive from Calangute and 25 kilometers from Panjim.

In the garden, you can see various species of birds attracted by the enchanting landscape and its beautiful pond. Due to its location, this garden is one of the secret places in North Goa.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: April to June

Things to do: Walking in the greenery, enjoying different types of dances at night, tasting the local cuisines, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 26.1 km

31. Pequeno (Bat) Island

Pequeno Island, also known as Bat Island, is a unique natural wonder and one of the best-hidden places to explore in Goa. The island is located in Vasco-da-Gama, just one kilometer from Baina Beach.

The island is called Bat Island because of its large colony of bats.

The island is home to exotic birds and is a great place for bird watchers.

Location: North Goa

Best time to visit: October to May

Things to do: Snorkeling, fishing and exploring the sea, watching the bats in nearby caves, bird watching, etc.

Distance from Panaji: 30.4 km

Conclusion: Hidden Places In Goa

We hope you enjoyed our blog about ‘hidden places in Goa’. We hope that you found this blog post to be a helpful source of information when planning your next trip to Goa.

If you enjoy exploring new places and want to visit a hidden location in Goa, you’ll want to check out our blog post! We are always thinking of new places to visit, so we’d love to hear how our blog post helped you. You can reach out to us at Unexplored India. Hope to hear from you soon!

How to reach Goa

By Air: The best way to reach Goa is by plane. There are several airports in Goa, but the most popular is Dabolim Airport. The airport is about 20 minutes from Panaji, the capital of Goa.

By road: You need to hire a car or a taxi to reach Goa by road. The bus terminal is located in Margao, about 21.7 miles from Panaji, and is connected to almost all major cities in India.

By rail: If you plan to travel by train, you can reach Goa either by traveling to Margao or Vasco-da-Gama. Both these stations are major railway stations in Goa and are well linked with Mumbai.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Places In Goa 

Q. What are the unique places to visit in North Goa? 

• There are many offbeat places to visit in North Goa some of them are:

1. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
2. Carambolim Lake
3. Convent Of Santa Monica And The Chapel Of The Weeping Cross
4. Chorla Ghats
5. Savoi Spice Plantations
6. Pequeno (Bat) Island
7. Cumbarjua canal

Q. What are the beautiful hidden places in Canacona?

• Canacona is a popular tourist destination in Goa, India. There are many tourist places in goa from beautiful Beaches to unseen Forts. Below I have listed some of the unexplored places in Canacona…

1. Cabo de Rama Fort
2. Cola Beach
3. Goa Jungle Adventure More

Q. What are the hidden places in Calangute Goa?

• Calangute is a wonderful tourist spot in Goa where one can find beautiful waterfalls, mesmerizing Beaches, and other offbeat attractions. Some of them are Harvalem Waterfalls, Arambol Beach and Kakolem Beach, etc. 

Q. What are the secret places to visit in Goa for couples? 

• Couples need some privacy to spend their time with a loved one. Goa is a perfect destination for honeymooners, it offers romantic places like Butterfly Beach and Harvalem Waterfall. 

Q. Which are the isolated Beaches in Goa? 

• As mentioned above some of the hidden beaches in Goa are :

1. Kakolem Beach
2. Hollant Beach
3. Galgibaga Beach
4. Betul Beach
5. Cola Beach
6. Velsao Beach

Q. What are the offbeat places to stay in Goa? 

• Some of the best offbeat places to stay in Goa are Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, Nilaya Hermitage, and Champions Yacht Club Goa. These are luxurious resorts yet budget-friendly and one can experience a comfortable stay at these places.

Q. What are the hidden places to eat in Goa?

• Many lesser-known restaurants in Goa offer different types of cuisines like French Cuisine, Burmese cuisine, Portuguese and Goan cuisine that will give you a feel like you’re tasting Amrit. Some of them are: 

1. Bomra’s
2. La Plage
3. Zooris More