8 hidden places near Goa that’ll leave you in awe!
Goa is a tourist friendly town as lots of people are looking for weekend getaways near Goa. A lot of tourists first visit Goa and then combine it with top places near Goa for a perfect trip.These destinations are attractive, popular and offer travellers a mix of everything ranging from Hill Stations to Lakes to Wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls even!
Places to visit near Goa offer a quiet retreat from the busy city life. You can also try the various picnic spots near Goa which are rife with people every other weekend. Get a taste of the local cuisines and festivals while visiting the best tourist places near Goa.
These beautiful places near Goa have something for every kind of traveller; that is why they attract domestic as well as international tourists all-round the year. There are many tourist places near Goa which are perfect for those trying to escape their daily routine; they make for the perfect weekend getaway from Goa. Escape to these offbeat places near Goa and explore them if you haven’t already!
(These are all places to visit near goa within 500km)
Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place near Goa is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire!
Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise! It is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.
The city is surrounded by boulders of different sizes, and you can climb to the top of them with a little effort to get a stunning view of the entire city and its geography.
It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Famous for its massive, beautifully carved temples, especially the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to the patron deity of the empire.
Many efforts have been taken to restore the lost glory of the place – very limited (if any) modern establishments are allowed in the main area, which gives an authentic feel to the ruins. It is one of the best places near Goa for the younger crowds.
Best Time: October to March
Known For: Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vittala Temple, Lotus Palace, Funky hostels
Distance From Goa: 349.8 km via NH67
2. Tarkarli
Maharashtra, India
A gorgeous beach, sunshine and water sports!
These are the three words that come to mind when you talk about this place near Goa, Tarkarli.
Famous for its long and narrow stretch of the beach, Tarkarli is one of the best picks for a weekend getaway near Goa. The pristine water, the white sand and of course the all-time famous sea fort makes this place a must to visit.
If lucky enough, you might spot Dolphins too! Among all the places near Goa, this boasts the finest talcum-powder sand to be found along Konkan. It could be called the most beautiful beach in all of Maharashtra, if not in India!
If you’re looking for quaint places to visit around Goa, here is your answer. As this place is just being discovered, you might be in time to find it untarnished by commercialization.
If you’re looking for places to visit near goa within 150km then I’d definitely recommend Tarkali. The pristine white beaches shrouded with suru trees are a perfect place to relax, get in touch with nature and eat amazing Malvani food.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Water sports, Tarkarli Beach, Karli backwaters, Sea fort
Distance From Goa: 115.2 km via NH 66
3. Gokarna
Karnataka, India
With its stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies! Situated on the coast of Karwar, this Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation every year.
The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.
Palm clad beaches are dotted with foreign tourists in a majority and very few Indians are seen across. Compared to other places near Goa, Gokarna is not very conventionally touristy.
The beaches are meant for a slow, relaxed holiday and everything on the beach goes at the same relaxed pace. Gokarna is a ‘one of a kind’ place in the country.
- Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Om beach, Murudeshwar Temple, Paradise beach, Hippie culture
Distance From Goa: 167.2 km via NH 66
4. Malvan
Maharashtra, India
Driven by rich cultures and traditions, Malvan is a magnificent place near the beautiful city of Goa. The Sindhudurg Fort located over here is a sight in itself.
Historically it’s enriched with scriptures of Chatrapati Shivajiraje, while culturally, it is famous for its mouth-watering Malvani sea-food and sweets.
Malvan, one of the many places near Goa, is also known for its beaches that are clean, refreshing and less crowded. People can witness the most magnificent sunsets from here. Water sports are available too.
Fishing is the main occupation of the region, which generally sees a hot and humid climate because of its proximity to the sea. Boat rides in Karli backwaters are also enjoyed by visitors, which makes it a must-visit in the places near Goa.
Malvan is perfect for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling as well! We’ve all at some point thought about which place is near to Goa that is fun yet still secluded…Malvan is just that.
Try the famous coconut, rice and fish dishes of Malvani cuisine along With Malvani Sweets and Sokadi – A drink made from the kokum fruit.
- Best Time: November to March
Known For : Sindhudurg Fort, Scuba Diving in Malvan, Rock Garden, Malvani Thalis
Distance From Goa: 73 km via NH 67
5. Devbagh
Karnataka, India
The perfect blend of magnificent mountain ranges and the crystal clear water give ranks Devbagh high in the places to visit nearby Goa. It is an amazing exotic island lying along the coastline of Arabian sea about 2kms from the southern part of Goa. With splendid weather throughout the year, this beach town is famous for the fresh seafood, water sports and sunsets.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling are the most popular activities here. The Lighthouse and the Tagore Beach are other famous landmarks near Devbagh.
Beach resorts and Jungle lodges are the most sought after stay options in Devbagh. Out of all the places near Goa, this is the perfect getaway for couples looking for an exotic vacation.
- Best Time: October to April
Known For: Tagore Beach, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Lighthouse, Devbagh
Distance From Goa: 79 km via NH 66
6. Karwar
Karnataka, India
A heaven for the shopaholics, Karwar is one of the gorgeous picnic places near Goa. It is both a natural harbour as well as a town with a history that goes back to the 15th century.
There are many places near to Goa but Karwar is a multicultural destination with Konkani, Kannada and Marathi speaking communities that is a photographer’s paradise because of its brilliant architecture along with scenic landscapes.
This port city is located 15kms away from Goa, on the west coast of Indian Peninsula and is one of the cutest tourist places to visit near Goa. Snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are some of the adventure activities this place offers.
- Best Time: November to April
Known For: Kurumgad Island, Karwar Beach, Sadashivgad Hill Fort
Distance From Goa: 108.5 km via NH 66
7. Dandeli
Karnataka, India
Bestowed with lush green forests and the Kali river flowing across; Dandeli is a fascinating destination to throng near Goa. The adventure sports and a variety of flora and fauna are the highlights of this place.
Located on the Western Ghats of Uttara Karnataka, Dandeli is known for its many fantastic adventure opportunities…it is a hub for river rafting, mountain biking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing.
If you’re looking for places to visit near Goa within 200km then Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another exciting element about this place. It is perfect for nature lovers too as they can spot Hornbills, Bisons and Black Panthers here as well as be amidst beautiful flora as well.
Kavala Caves, Ulavi Temple, Sathodi Falls and the very famous Sykes Point are some other places near Goa which give tourists a breathtaking view of Dandeli. Camping is a popular activity here and there are plenty of operators that provide fantastic services and memorable experiences to their guests.
- Best time: October to May
Known For : River Rafting in Dandeli , Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Magod Falls
Distance from Goa– 88 km via NH 66
8. Jog Falls
Karnataka, India
This is the second highest waterfall in India!
Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in the state. Second, to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253m (850 ft. ) in a single fall. However, due to the construction of Linganamakki Dam which is a hydroelectricity plant close by, the flow in the falls is hugely restricted before monsoons. So, if you’re wondering which would be the best places near Goa for a fun monsoon getaway, Jog falls is the answer to see it in all its glory. To reach here would be a two hour scenic drive from the main Shimoga city.
Nilu’s protip:
The waterfall is broken into four segments – Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani. They’re named based on certain characteristics of the streams. Raja is an unbroken stream, Roarer is a strong and violent current that gushes down to meet the Raja stream, Rocket flows down in different jets and Rani is a quiet stream with falls in foam. Next time you visit, try identifying the streams!
- Best Time: July to December
Distance From Goa: 268.1 km via NH 66
If you’re hanging out in Goa, head further south and check out the cool state of Kerala. Backwaters, surf and tonnes of cool things to do!
Travelling to Goa always promises an everlasting impact on one’s mind and soul. Though I do understand that Goa tourist places can get very crowded sometimes, so these are wonderful alternatives that offer just the same minus the crowds…
What was your experience when you visited these places near Goa? Share your suggestions in our comments section below. 🙂
Your next read: The 12 best beach shacks in Goa
Oh these places make me want to go on a nice beach trip! 🙁
Same here 🙁 Missing the good times….
Never heard of Devbagh before but it’s so beautiful…adding it to my list
Thanks Anil 😉
Can’t wait to explore these places, thankyou for the details,it will help me to map out a itinerary.
Thank yo Rhea!Glad this was of help 🙂
Maharashtra has such beautiful locations…
Have been to Goa thrice and yet never thought of exploring its surroundings
Thanks for this wonderful article nilima
Planning a trip to them soon 🙂
So glad to hear that Anjali 🙂
Great content! These places are really worth a visit. This article is really helpful for travellers looking for a change
Goa is back in the limelight…so this is more relevant now! Thanks Raj
Deep Discovery ..Goa and around ..some more reason to be there $$$
Yess! Goa & around is an anytime trip…:)
Amazingly put! Crisp and clear. Will definitely help me map me exciting places for travelling. Thank you so much!
Help me map exciting*
This is so lovely and well written!
Thank you Ranim 🙂
Such a detailed guide! Will keep this handy for the next travel season:)
Thanks Mitali !
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to visit the eight hidden places near Goa. I visited Gokarna and Karwar 2 years ago. Keep up the good work.
Thanks a bunch Cedric!
I love that it has so many pics ….really gives a feel of the place 😊
Thanks! That’s the idea.. 🙂
Perfect timing..I was planning a trip to Goa in October…these are beautiful places Nilima, thanks a lot for this blog
Gonna make a note of them and then bug you with more questions later 😛
But great going!
Glad to be of help Aarti ! Anytime for your questions 🙂
Vry nicely written
I’d much rather go to Devbagh than Goa..thank you for giving this information
very helpful.
Haha, enjoy the serenity 🙂
Nice article. Visited already few of them
Thank you for the information, you have written wonderfully. I loved reading it, though I haven’t travelled to Goa. But you have clearly mentioned places of my Interest, Forest areas, Birds attraction, Adventure Sports. Once again Thank you so much.
Glad this was useful! Happy reading & happy traveling 🙂
Thanks Harsh 🙂