Let’s be honest. When most people say they’re going to Goa, what they really mean is they’ll be lounging on Baga Beach by day and bar-hopping in Tito’s Lane by night. But there’s a different kind of Goa too—one where the breeze rustles through palm trees, where sunsets don’t come with selfie sticks, and where you wake up to the sound of birds instead of bass drops.
If you’ve ever wanted to discover that calm, old-soul version of Goa—the one that feels like a personal retreat rather than a tourist destination—this guide is for you. Let’s journey through 7 lesser-known places in Goa where peace isn’t a luxury—it’s a way of life.
1. Divar Island – Where Time Forgot to Move
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Old Goa, Divar Island is a place that’s not really hidden… it’s just ignored. And thank God for that. Because what you’ll find here is untouched Portuguese charm, sleepy villages, moss-covered churches, and that deep, exhale-worthy silence.
You won’t find traffic jams or neon lights. Instead, expect roads lined with old Goan houses, gentle hills, rice paddies, and locals who actually smile and wave at you.
Why it’s peaceful:
No cars, no blaring horns—just bicycles and scooters
Old-world Portuguese architecture untouched by commercialism
Birdsong in the morning, church bells in the evening
You can literally walk the island from end to end in a day
Sit by the Mandovi River, sip some feni if you’re feeling adventurous, or just take a nap under a banyan tree. No one here is in a hurry, and that slowness is contagious.
2. Kakolem Beach – Solitude with a View
You won’t just stumble upon Kakolem Beach. You have to wantto go there. It’s one of the least accessible beaches in Goa—which is precisely why it’s so serene.
To reach it, you’ll drive to a small, almost hidden turn off NH-66 near Cola, then take a steep trek down through rocky terrain and wild bushes. When you finally arrive, you’ll understand the effort. The beach is a crescent of golden sand, framed by high cliffs, and usually completely deserted.
What makes it special:
The kind of isolation that makes you feel like you’re in a movie
Sounds of waves echoing against the cliff walls
A freshwater stream meets the sea at one end
There’s no café, no Wi-Fi—just pure, raw nature
Bring water, bring snacks, and bring someone who enjoys quiet as much as you do. Or better yet, bring no one at all.
3. Chorla Ghat – Forests That Speak in Silence**
Ever heard the sound of silence broken only by the flutter of butterfly wings? That’s Chorla Ghat for you.
Perched at the tri-junction of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, this green haven is a part of the Western Ghats, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It’s not touristy. It’s not commercial. It’s just trees, hills, fog, and you.
This is where you come to detox your soul, not just your body.
Must-dos here:
Stay at an eco-resort tucked into the forest
Trek to the Twin Vajra Waterfalls
Spot rare birds and butterflies
Sit on a rock at dawn and feel like the last human on Earth
If you’re lucky, you might see a Malabar giant squirrel or a shy deer. If you’re even luckier, your phone won’t have a signal.
4. Netravali – Goa’s Wild, Wholesome Heart
Far from the madding crowd lies Netravali, a forest-covered region in South Goa that barely makes it to Instagram. But talk to a local or a traveler who loves nature, and you’ll hear about this place with misty eyes.
Home to bubbling lakes, cascading waterfalls, and the quiet hum of insects and birds, Netravali is Goa without the gloss. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s rejuvenating.
Things to fall in love with:
The Budbudyanchi Tali (Bubble Lake) that actually bubbles when you clap
The powerful and stunning Savari Waterfall trek
Villages with wooden bridges, paddy fields, and absolutely no hurry
Forest lodges where nights are dark, cool, and filled with sounds of the wild
This isn’t just offbeat Goa. It’s Goa that reminds you how good it feels to be alive and unplugged.
5. Querim (Keri) Beach – The Last Quiet Frontier**
Drive north. Past Arambol. Past the sweet water lake. Keep going till the road almost runs out. That’s where you’ll find Querim, one of the most peaceful beaches in Goa.
It’s long, it’s wide, and more often than not, you’ll find no one there except a fisherman or two. The waves are gentle. The breeze is constant. And on one side, the Terekhol River meets the sea—creating a landscape so cinematic, you’ll think you’re dreaming.
Highlight
Take a short boat across the river to visit Fort Terekhol
Enjoy the clean, flat beach—perfect for long, soul-searching walks
Watch the sun dip behind the horizon with no noise around
Find your own corner and spend hours doing… nothing
Querim doesn’t entertain you. It lets you rest.
6. Ashwem–Mandrem Stretch – Where Yoga Meets the Ocean**
If you want peace but still enjoy some comforts—a good meal, a clean bed, and a decent cappuccino—head to Ashwem or Mandrem. These twin beaches are way quieter than their neighbors (Anjuna or Vagator), and are frequented by folks who come to heal rather than party.
From yoga retreats to vegan cafes to sea-facing cottages where time seems to stretch, this part of Goa offers an atmosphere of gentle introspection.
Why it’s perfect for peaceful travelers:
The beaches are wide, flat, and uncrowded
Sunrise and sunset yoga by the sea is a daily ritual
No loud music, just soft acoustic tunes and natural sound
Walk 10 minutes in either direction and you’ll find solitude
It’s not raw wilderness. It’s cultivated calm. And sometimes, that’s just what you need.
7. Arambol Sweet Water Lake – A Place Between Two Worlds**
Yes, Arambol can get crowded. But behind the main beach lies a secret sanctuary—a freshwater lake, cradled between forested cliffs and just a short walk away from the sea.
Here, you can float in cool water, listen to the breeze through the trees, and if you stick around long enough, you might hear the faint beats of a drum circle or a flute played by a wandering musician. It’s a strange place—half hippie haven, half spiritual retreat—and completely peaceful if you go early or during off-season.
What to do here:
Swim in the lake; the water is soft and surprisingly clean
Walk barefoot through the mud path leading to the lake
Meditate on the rocks surrounding the lake
Chat with nomads who’ve been coming for decades and have the best stories
It’s the kind of place where conversations get deep fast, or where you can simply lay under a tree and stare at the sky for hours.
The Goa You’ve Been Missing
Goa isn’t just about shots and sunsets. It’s also about silence and slow mornings. About conversations over chai, naps in hammocks, and walking without a plan.
These 7 offbeat places remind us that the real luxury in travel isn’t five-star comfort or loud parties. It’s space. It’s time. It’s being able to listen to your own thoughts without interruption.
So the next time you plan your Goa trip, skip the usual. Rent a scooter. Get lost. Let your GPS die. And find the Goa that’s waiting quietly for you—where the only rush is the wind and the only crowd is the birds in the trees.