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Editor’s note
Our subscriber Samyukta Ranganathan is the Founder and Chief Everything Officer of Urbanaut—a wonderful app (available here) that curates recommendations from selected creative locals in different cities. The aim: to help you find insider tips, hidden gems, offbeat discoveries and maybe some of the more popular spots as well—so you can explore a city just like a local. She is delighted to have been able to put her lifelong passion and skill for stalking ‘cool things’ to good use. And her unpaid and thankless role of being the planner of all group holidays also finds a more useful outlet in the app. Below she offers a wonderful guide to a Goa few people know about.
Over to Samyukta…
During the first lockdown, the thing that bothered me most was not that I couldn't travel, but that I couldn't even plan for travel. Without having those regular blocks on my calendar to look forward to, life felt pretty bleak (yes, I'm checking my privilege here). In October 2020, as I parked myself in Goa for a few weeks with the idea of finding and listing great, soul-enriching experiences for our travel-starved users, I realised what a world-class destination Goa truly was—right in our own backyard. If we can travel to New Zealand and South Africa for wine tastings and adventure thrills, why wouldn't we explore something different in this delightful state that punches way above its weight? As we all slowly emerge from this wave, and inevitably head to Goa—here are some of my favourite experiences that I hope more people try.
Floating Feni at Fazenda Cazulo: The problem with something getting popular on social media is that discerning folks start to get suspicious. Don't be. While you may have seen instagrammable images of guests with their feet in the water at this feni tour and tasting session—this experience is truly world-class. There's no reason why feni shouldn't be a cult Indian liquor for the cool, quite like Mezcal or Cachaça. Small-batch, artisanal, family-owned, craft, seasonal, imbued with heritage—all the buzz words ring true in the making of this fantastic alcohol and there's no better person to learn from than Hansel Vaz—Goa's very own 'Renaissance Man' (our nickname for him) and the owner of the Fazenda. You may go in a sceptic (like many others), but we guarantee you'll leave a fan.
Hidden Pools in Forests: While Goa is by far the most popular tourist destination in the country—Goan locals have long been left behind in the tourist rush. But who better to show you the secrets of their home? Visit hidden pools, secret swimmable waterfalls and for the daring, a cliff dive. Finish this magical afternoon with a local spread prepared by the women of the village and feni cocktails. This rustic yet luxurious experience is one that has stayed with me for many months, the feeling of swimming in natural pools in the lap of nature was quite unparalleled. And it truly proves that travel can be regenerative for the local economy, if done right.
Yachting and Kayaking through mangroves: Goa is a biodiversity hotspot, and its mangrove systems are among the most dense in the country. On this magical trip up the Chapora river, you'll be able to try your hand (and balance!) at Stand-up Paddling, swim in the river and kayak through the mangroves with expert guides. It's an experience that works for all ages—so perfect for those multi-generational family trips.
An Ocean Trek: The word 'trek' does seem to turn away a lot of people, but these 3 hour hikes are fantastic for the willing and able-bodied. You'll walk through areas of different vegetation—from dry, grassy flatlands to deep forest and emerge, magically, on a pristine beach. These ocean facing cliff hikes are exhilarating and worth the early alarm.
Vinyl Listening or a Liquor Tasting session: If you're averse to the sun, sand and sea but still find yourself in Goa (why?), you'll be glad to know that there's a thriving sub-culture around music, craft liquor (I've stopped keeping track of the many Indian gins made here) and mixology. Cocktail-forward bars curate immersive experiences for visitors who want to try something different, but stay within the comfort zone of a nice bar.
Note: This is NOT sponsored content. We use this section to spotlight the recommendations of people we trust and admire.
