Bored of beach hopping and doing other touristy activities in Goa? Try these lesser-known places in South Goa. Visit these sites, participate in underrated activities and #GoBeyondBeaches!
Located in the Sanquem Taluk of South-Eastern Goa, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest sanctuary in the state. The rich flora, fauna and lush green forests span about 211.05 square kilometers. Goa’s forest department maintains where animals and humans can co-exist. But beyond this symbolical beauty, there are quite a few things you can experience in and around the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs. 100 per adult and Rs. 30 for child/ student (ID card mandatory)
- Vehicle Entry Charges: Rs. 50 for two or three-wheelers and Rs. 100 for four-wheelers
- Camera Charges: Extra
Things To Do Near Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Table of Contents
1. Hike To The Hidden Waterfalls
The Savri (Neturlem) and Mainapi Waterfalls are also known as the Hidden Waterfalls. Since these are located in the reserved forest area, you must hike to these places and require permission to enter the space. We have given an exclusive guide to these two mesmerizing falls in a separate blog. You can check that out here!
2. Taste Fresh Strawberries
About 9 Km from the forest check post office, Strawberry Farms at Verlem has a land of over 2000 Square feet where you’ll see nothing but strawberries growing. It is a project assisted by Goa’s government, and you can get baskets full of ripe and juicy strawberries. There are few places in the country where you can get fresh and good-quality strawberries, and this place is one of them. Don’t forget to try these out.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 20
- Box of fresh strawberries: Rs. 80, usually gets sold out quickly
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Parking Facility: Available
- Restroom: Not available
Note: Since no mobile signal is available in the forest area, you can buy these strawberries only with cash. Even your cards won’t be useful here as they aren’t accepted.
Besides the above two, the rest of the places on the list are outside Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. However, they are quite close by, and we recommend you don’t miss any of them on your visit.
3. Look At The Natural Wonder At Bubbling Lake
Popularly known as Budbud Tali, the Bubbling Lake is a holy pond in front of the Gopinath Krishna Temple and has existed for over 500 years. The pond gets its name from the bubbles on the water’s surface. Usually, the bubbles tend to appear at a higher rate if someone claps because the water seems to respond to some form of sound. While the actual reason behind the phenomenon is yet to be proven, some believe the bubbles result from carbon or sulfur dioxide gas.
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Parking Facility: Available
- Restroom: Not available
4. Tour The Spice Farm
In the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats, Tanshikar Spice Farm is home to a wide variety of organic spices grown across 25 acres of land. The guided and curated nature trail can educate you on how natural farming and beekeeping are conducted without the use of pesticides. Stroll through this verdant plantation for an enriching experience and have a sumptuous traditional Goan-style veg/non-veg meal served in mud pots.
- Cost: Rs. 350 per person for a spice farm visit, Rs. 600 for a Spice Farm Visit + Lunch. You can also enjoy the adventure activities at an additional cost.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Parking Facility: Available
- Restroom: Not available
5. Explore The Seasonal Waterfalls
Besides the Hidden Waterfalls, you can also visit the Bamanbudo and Bhupar Waterfalls. While the former is located en route to the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (If you leave from Palolem), the latter is a Km away from the main road. The Bamambudo is a seasonal waterfall that doesn’t end up in a specific pond. So you can simply park your vehicle and absorb its magnificence.
Bhupar is also seasonal but a lesser-known waterfall and ends up in a small pond with plenty of fish. You can dip your toes into the water and get a natural fish spa while enjoying the scenery and relaxing.
6. Stop By The Mallikarjun Temple
The Mallikarjun Temple has a unique architecture and aesthetic. Known to be one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Goa, the temple is at least 400 to 500 years old. The rustic wooden pillars possess intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Puranas and the Mahabharat. Interestingly, Lord Shiva in this famous temple is called Advat Sinhasanadheeshwara Mahapati. Since the temple resides in a valley, the road to the temple is quite scenic and enveloped by mountains. So the drive/ride to this place is quite peaceful and revitalizes your energy.
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 8 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Parking Space: Available
7. Visit The Salaulim Dam
Like the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, even the Salaulim Dam is maintained by Goa’s forest department. You can enter the dam via a botanical garden and recreational park. The unique ungated duckbill spillway design of the Salulim dam is one of a kind and sets this dam apart from most others you will see in the country. Water from the Guleli Nadi (Salauli) River flows through this multipurpose composite dam.
The lake’s surface reflects the hill, which is the dam’s breathtaking backdrop, and the dense green landscape envelopes you. Since the water dries up during summer and doesn’t reach the semi-circled spillway, the best time to visit this place is during the monsoon or post-monsoon season.
- Entry fee: Rs. 40 per adult, Rs. 20 for a child, and free for children below 5 years of age
- Timings: 7 AM to 6:30 PM
- Parking: Available
- Restroom: Available
Note: Proof of identification should be shown upon entry.
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