Goa as a picnic destination
Firstly, Goa is usually only thought of as a destination with beaches and parties. This basic image of Goa is almost shared by everyone. No doubt, that beaches are one of the key features of Goa and beaches are a great place to relax as well as have a blast with your friends and family. Also, almost all Goa holiday packages include beach-based experiences of parties, relaxation, and water sports. So, here are the Best Picnic Spots in Goa, India to visit and explore. These Best Picnic Spots in Goa India will blow your mind!
However, there is another side of Goa that is often ignored by the usual tourist crowd. If you wish to have a complete experience on your Goa trip package then do consider other destinations within Goa which are not beaches. Picnic is a great way to explore the lesser-known parts of Goa. There are many places in Goa which are great for enjoying a picnic with your friends and family.
Goa is full of rich history and culture that includes British and Portuguese influences. Apart from these, the local tribal culture is also a huge part of Goa’s flavor. From food to architecture, there are plenty of opportunities for you to truly relax into the laid-back vibe of Goa. We have compiled a list of the best picnic spots in Goa that are away from the regular tourist areas where you can avoid the crowd and have a great time with your friends.
Contents
Best picnic spots in Goa
1. Mayem Lake
First in our list of Best Picnic Spots in Goa India is the Mayem Lake.
Popularly known as the ‘Maya Lake’, this lake is located in Bicholim in Northern Goa. Mayem Lake is a freshwater lake that is a great spot for picnics in Goa. Mayem Lake is quite popular because of the many birds that come here. For photographers and bird-watching enthusiasts, Mayemlake is a great place to admire the many species of beautiful birds flying around here.
Among the locals, it is a great place for having a picnic gathering along with having a boat ride in the lake. There are several small hotels and cottages where tourists can also stay and enjoy the natural surroundings without being out towards crowded beach areas.
2. Cansaulim Monte
Next, this is a relatively small village that is located in South Goa. Cansaulim Monte is situated at the top of a hill with a great view. This village is an ideal picnic spot in Goa where you can spend an entire day with your friends and family.
One of the best attractions in Cansaulim Monte is the Chapel of 3 Kings which is very relevant to the locals and their religious beliefs. Moreover, this chapel is also very famous among the tourist community.
The tranquil beach of Cansaulim Monte is beautiful and you can also spend some time there enjoying foods from various restaurants. The Cansaulim Monte beach is known to be one of the cleanest beaches in Goa which can be your best overnight picnic spot in Goa if you choose to stay the night here. So, you can have a perfect picnic at Cansaulim Monte with beautiful surrounding areas and a calm vibe.
This is surely one of the Best Picnic Spots in Goa India that you can’t afford to miss.
3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Of course we also have waterfalls that are being considered as Best Picnic Spots in Goa India. These falls have gained significant popularity in recent years because of the increasing number of tourists visiting this place every year. Because of social media posts done by tourists, there has been a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting these waterfalls every year.
The waters of this gorgeous waterfall originate from the Mandovi River and its flow over the rocks looks like the pouring milk and hence the name Dudhsagar. Many people come here to enjoy trekking and bird watching. The area surrounding the waterfall is rich in biodiversity.
Dudhsagar Waterfall is one of the most famous picnic spots in Goa. Having a picnic with your friends and family in this scenic location is an experience that you will remember for years.
4. Spice Garden
Spices growing in Spice Garden, Goa (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Spice you Best Picnic Spots in Goa India in the Spice Garden.
The travel operators who offer the Goa tour packages to the tourists include a tour in the Spice Garden to add some variety to the travel experiences. Spice Garden is one of the most recommended destinations in Goa.
There are many different species of herbs and spices that are meant to promote health and are even used as medicine by many people. These herbs and spices are grown using many different techniques to make the harvest more healthy.
Tourists visiting the Spice Garden can purchase various essential oils and products developed from these spices and herbs. If you looking for one of the best tourist places in Goa where you can have a picnic as well, then the Spice Garden is an ideal picnic spot in Goa.
5. Mangeshi Temple
This beautiful temple is one of the most popular destinations in Goa famous for its architectural design. Known for the eye-catchy architecture and designs, temples in Goa are worth every minute of your time. The design of this temple is a unique blend of Hindu and Portuguese design elements. Also, Mangesh temple is also considered a historical destination in Goa.
People who are devoted or are interested in Hindu mythology can visit this temple along with other nearby temples such as the Brahma Temple, Nagesh Temple, and Kamakshi Temple.
The premises around the temple are a great picnic spot in Goa for a family. People gather in the areas around the temple premises to enjoy a picnic in the natural environment.
6. The Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is a beautiful historical destination in Goa which is mostly included in the popular Goa holiday packages. This fort, Chapora Fort, became one of the most popular destinations in Goa after being featured in a Bollywood movie called ‘Dil Chahta Hai’.
Moreover, Chapora Fort is a great place for watching the sunset and simply sitting and relaxing with your friends. This fort is located near the Chapora River which eventually flows into the Arabian Sea.
The famous Vagator beach is close to this fort where you can enjoy a splash in the sea after having a picnic with your friends at Chapora Fort. Vagator beach is also famous for the many water sport activities which you can enjoy as well.
7. Church of Bom Jesus
This church is an integral part of Old Goa and its history located in Ponda. The Bom Jesus Church is considered one of the best tourist places in Goa where you can find many historical elements from the Portuguese era. This church has a huge complex and large building which is visible from quite a distance.
One of the most defining features of this church is the beautiful art on its ceiling which is loved by many tourists who visit from all over the world to see the remain of St. Francis Xavier. The art gallery of this church is another attraction that is worth visiting.
The area around the church is a great spot for picnics in Goa where you can spend time with your friends and family. You can also visit other nearby churches to understand more about Goa’s history.
8. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Sanctuary is one of the famous picnic spots in Goa which is ideal because of its lush green beauty and natural surroundings. If you are traveling with children then it is a great place to see various animals and birds on your guided tour. This sanctuary is located in the area of Ponda.
The rich bio-diversity of this area is great for animals and birds as it provides a good habitat for their species to flourish. The said Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is also a favorite destination for wildlife photographers and bird watchers who can get a glimpse of some of the rarest species of animals and birds. Certain areas of this sanctuary are a great picnic spot in Goa for a family.
9. Arvalem Waterfalls
Lastly, after Dudhsagar, Arvalem Waterfalls is another popular destination which you can include in your Goa trip package. This beautiful waterfall with gushing waters is located in the middle of a lush green jungle area. The natural setting makes Arvalem waterfalls the best picnic spot in Goa.
The natural beauty of the area around Arvalem is simply breathtaking. You can take a bath in the pool that is formed under the waterfall and especially during the monsoon months. This waterfall becomes spectacularly beautiful. The nearby attraction that you can visit is the famous temple of Rudreshwar. This is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although there is no set rule on where to picnic in open nature, it is good that you understand the unspoken rule of keeping the natural surroundings clean. People who litter in Goa are frowned upon. If you are traveling to Goa, make sure to carry an extra bag to take back non-biodegradable items with you and dispose of them in a garbage bin.
Moreover, apart from the above-mentioned places for a picnic, you can also choose to have a picnic on any of the beaches. Beaches are the most common picnic spots that’s why we have not included the beaches in our list. If you still choose to have a picnic on a beach, then you can choose any spot on any of the beaches in Goa. Hence, the picnic spots mentioned above are places which you can explore for their culture, shopping, food options, and other adventure activities.
This Best Picnic Spots in Goa India will surely blow your mind. Therefore, never miss the opportunity to visit and witness it.
See also:
Best Beaches in India
Majuli Island in India
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Rahul Arora likes to explore by interacting with people and learning about their culture and traditions. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define him the best. He loves to explore new terrains in a different corner of the world. He believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.
Wow such a cool place with lots of fun things to do! Great read!