Goa – Forest to Coast

Description

Quintessential seaside villages, verdant hillsides, innumerable waterfalls and pristine beaches is what the real Goa is all about! Stay clear of crowds that swarm the usual beaches, clubs and sight-seeing spots. Spend a couple of days in a tribal village in the western ghats and a day with a at a village near one of the lesser known beaches. Trek through dense tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen jungles to visit unexplored waterfalls, feast on local cuisine and last but not the least – do ‘socegado’ like only Goans do!

While this trip is do-able all through the year, the monsoons and the months just after the monsoons are the best time as you get to see greener-than-green forests, and waterfalls in their full glory.

Netravali wildlife sanctuary, located in Sanguem taluka in South Goa, is spread in an area of 211 sq km. It is connected to Madei wildlife sanctuary and Karnataka’s Dandeli tiger reserve. The wildlife sanctuary has a good mammal and bird population. In addition it has almost 100 species of butterflies, some of which are endemic to the region.

Netravali is home to the Velip tribe. Velips were originally forest dwellers but have now settled in villages. They still revere forests and depend on them for food, fodder and fuel. A Velip family will host you for two nights during the stay in Netravali. You will get to trek to Ravan Dongor, one of the peaks from which you get a good view of the villages and the forest. You will also go on short-hikes (2 hours to 5 hours) to some of the majestic, unexplored waterfalls in the vicinity. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna from our guides who will accompany you on these excursions.

You will spend the last night in a resort in Velsao or Gokarna – quiet, relatively non-touristy, pristine beach side villages. While you can spend a relaxed day at the beach you can also learn about marine life and intertidal zones from our naturalist guide.

Itinerary

• Day 1Dabolim airport / Margao railway station - Netravali wildlife sanctuary

  The scenic drive to the tribal village in Netravali should take about 2 hours. Enjoy views of paddy fields, cashew orchards and verdant hills

• Day 1Netravali wildlife sanctuary

  Trek to Ravan Dongar to catch great views of the entire sanctuary. On a clear day one can see the Arabian sea from there. Accommodation in a village homestay

• Day 2Netravali wildlife sanctuary

  After breakfast trek to Sonal and Mainapi waterfalls and back. In the afternoon, hike to Pokunna waterfall and the sunset point. Stay the night in the same village homestay.

• Day 3Netravali wildlife sanctuary - Velsao/Gokarna

  After breakfast, set off on a 2.5 hour drive to Velsao or Gokarna. Stay at a beach resort. Sample local cuisine, spend a relaxed day at the beach. Learn about marine life.

• Day 4Velsao/Gokarna - Dabolim airport / Margao railway station

  After breakfast, get dropped off at the airport or the station to head back to your respective places.

Inclusions

Note that the cost covers all arrangements from Madgaon to Madgaon. We can help you with travel from and to your city to Goa at an extra cost.

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