Think beyond Beaches in Goa..here it how:

5 exciting things to do in Goa other than visiting the beaches :

What more can you do in Goa than just hitting the beaches? Goa is India’s top beach destination and one of its popular tourist spots. In this article,you’ll come to know that Goa has a lot more to offer than just sun and sand.
The world knows Goa for its beaches, but do you know there is more to Goa than just sun and sand. So we picked activities to do in Goa that youwouldn’t have thought of. Check out these top 5 unusual but exciting things to do in Goa on your next holiday here.

1. Go on a walking tour of Goa Talking walks along Goa’s towns and villages is a world away from the wildparties that happen in Goa’s beaches. Walking tours are best for those who like simple pleasures and are looking for some peace and quiet.
See Portuguese styled houses and get a glimpse of the local village life as you pass through Goan houses and landscapes. You can choose to explorePanaji with its Victorian styled buildings and its numerous churches or explore Portuguese chapels and cathedrals. Ponda is another spot where youcan see a lot of Hindu temples whose architecture is unique to this region.
Exploring Goa’s sights by foot is easy and fun. If you feel tired during your walk, you can always catch an auto-rickshaw or a bus.

2. Explore the Goa’s wildlife
Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries are perhaps most visited by the locals and given a skip by the tourists swapping it for the beaches. If you want to explore the wild side of Goa then you have more than one option. The Bondla zoo and Mollem wildlife sanctuary have accommodation where you can spend a night amongst the jungles of this protected park. There isalso Goa’s famous falls – the Dudh Sagar waterfalls. Government guesthouses are also available in the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary in Canacona,South Goa.

3. Go on a cruise of the Mandovi River Promoted the Goa tourism department, the cruise at the Mandovi River is becoming popular among young couples and families. Enjoy the lushgreenery and some quiet fun as you meander along the Mandovi River.
You can choose between a sunset cruise, a moonlight cruise or a sun-down cruise. To keep you entertained on the boat, traditional Goan musicians and dancers play popular Goan tunes. Local food is also available on the boat. Check with the tourism office to see what’s served on the boat.

4. Pray at the Basilica of Bom Jesus: The Basilica of Bom Jesus is Goa’s most famous church. It is over 400 years old and holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who helped spread Jesus’ message in Goa. The casket is kept on a high pedestal inside the church and is lowered on special occasions for viewing.

Every year, on December 3rd, the St. Xavier’s feast is held in his honour.Devotees kiss the relic of St Xavier and also offer gifts. The church takes a festive atmosphere during the feast and special masses are held.

5. See the unique architecture of the Shantadurga temple: The Shantadurga temple in Ponda, North Goa attracts many visitors who pay respects to Goddess Durga as well as to see the unique architecture of the temple. Built during the Portuguese occupation of Goa, the temple’s domes and arches are similar to buildings seen in Europe.
Many Goan catholic families also continue to frequent the Shantadurga temple just as they have been doing from hundreds of years. Pay a visit here and see the grandeur and unique culture of the temple.