Travel better with Urbanaut

Events

Aham Murakami: A Name Forgotten, A Self Remembered

by Teatro Entertainment

May 30 - May 31INR 1200.00 onwards

Wildlife yoga retreat

Jul 17 - Jul 20INR 31790.00 onwards

Kayaking Under The Stars

by Meraki Experiences

Apr 19 - May 31INR 1200.00 onwards

Cooked Up Histories (Cooking Classes for Adults)

May 10 - May 31INR 1500.00 onwards

Experiences

Floating Feni Experience

by Fazenda Cazulo

Multiple DatesINR 2500.00 onwards

3 hours Adventure Formula by Konkan Explorers

by Konkan Explorers

Multiple DatesINR 4000.00 onwards

Kayaking Program on the Chapora River, Goa

by Konkan Explorers

Multiple DatesINR 1800.00 onwards

A Traditional Goan Saraswat Meal

Multiple DatesINR 4500.00 onwards

Ocean Trek Hippie Trail

Multiple DatesINR 1290.00 onwards

Nhoi : Dip & dine by the riverside.

by The Local Beat.

Multiple DatesINR 2900.00 onwards

Jetboard (motorised surfboard) experience

Multiple DatesINR 3499.00 onwards

Immersive Coconut Experience - by Mulgao Verde

by Mulgao Verde

Multiple DatesINR 1550.00 onwards

Shirachi Nhaai : Milkman's Way in the north.

by The Local Beat.

Multiple DatesINR 3000.00 onwards

Ilha Verde : Chill on an island in the north.

by The Local Beat.

Multiple DatesINR 3680.00 onwards

Eat / Drink

by Urbanaut Craving authentic Goan food and thalis but looking for a slightly elevated experience? Avo’s Kitchen is a must-try in that case. This place gets their food right and even have a sweet bar and cocktail program to accompany your local, seasonal and very delicious food. Their fish thali is a favourite but they even have a good vegetarian offering.

Larder and Folk

by Urbanaut The brilliant chef Priyanka Sardessai is the force behind this fabulous bakery and cafe. Their usuals are just incredible but we love an inventive bakery with different offerings on the menu ever so often as the bakers experiment. The cozy space in Panjim is a great spot for a meeting or to get some light work done as well.

The Second House

by Urbanaut The good folk behind The Daily in Mumbai join hands with the design genius that is Busride Studio to create a unique (actually unique) space where excellent food meets old-school Goa (the location is in Saligao) meets the visual arts. A bar, a verandah, AI powered projections on the walls, a beautiful open space, an area for intimate gigs - this is a treat that we hope will last it out.

Room One Cocktail Bar

by Urbanaut Room One is a great addition to the North Goa bar scene. Promoted by Siddharth Kerkar (artist, sculptor, designer and more), it’s a welcoming, moody (in the right way) bar with fabulous cocktails and a great night scene on the right days. They open at 8pm and generally stay open until the last guest leaves. A perfect bar for a groups of friends catching up - you’ll love the hospitality and service.

by Urbanaut A neighbourly cafe hidden behind a charming yellow door - Mo’s is a lovely spot smack dab in Panjim that’s perfect for a catch-up cuppa with friends. Started by Moina Oberoi, we love their bakes and beverages and cozy outdoor, green space.

by Urbanaut Hidden at the back of Hosa, the much celebrated South Indian restaurant from the lauded team behind Indian Accent is the fantastic Thai restaurant Fireback. Named after the national bird of Thailand, celebrated Michelin-star chef David Thompson brings his exceptional touch to Goa. Expect freshly made curry just for the day, unexpected flavours and thai food that you really can’t find anywhere else in India. Top it off with a Tom Yum cocktail and there you have it.

Marāi - The Courtyard of Slow Living

by Urbanaut We love, love a good courtyard - conversations, community and collaboration all seem to blossom within a courtyard - so we love that Malini Akerkar and her daughter feel the same way and have built their restaurant with the courtyard at its heart and soul. Marai is part bakery, deli, store, bar and more located in the still relatively quiet area of Arpora. Vibrant art, a tropical courtyard of course and an ingredient driven menu make this the hottest new space this season.

Sogo Bar & Grill

by Urbanaut Donovan Vaz, the popular owner of even more popular bars like Firefly and Tesouro (now both closed) brings a new and delightful new space to South Goa (now do you get the genesis of the name?) An incredible place for sundowner drinks - their paddy field views are truly special - Vaz brings renowned local mixologist Tobias Carvalho (who was instrumental in building the cocktail program at bars like Home in Delhi) back home to Goa to helm the drinks menu at Sogo. Expect really clever riffs on feni cocktails, great bar food, and that signature warm hospitality that only South Goa can give you.

by Urbanaut Alcohol in ice cream? That’s our curiosity piqued. Hice Cream, based out of Assagao, whips up boozy scoops of artisanal ice cream that are hilariously named after movies and songs — Sin City is a lavender martini ice cream and The Godfather puts LIIT in a scoop. If you’d rather skip the booze, they also have great vegan and regular ice cream. They stay well clear of synthetic flavours so you’ll get the freshest pint to go with a planned binge fest.

by Urbanaut The quintessential Anjuna ‘Chai Shop’ on the beach came from the coconut tree….branches for the roof, stumps for foundation, bound by coir rope and so on - a space motif that soon evolved into the ‘Shack’. Slow Tide sits on what was the first such shack from the late 60’s….then named San Francisco, perhaps in praise of its hippie cousin of the time. Slow Tide, conceived in the pandemic redefines the Anjuna Shack. Award winning Sri Lankan architect Palinda Kannangara’s contextual sensitivity and experimental use of material informs the stunning design - it will be a space that is never complete, always evolving. We can’t wait to savour sunset cocktails and relive, for a moment, the Goa of old.

Do

Aguada Port & Jail Complex - The Aguad

by Urbanaut How incredible is the revitalised Aguada Port and Jail complex - or simply, The Aguad. An erstwhile Portuguese jail situated right on the rocks at Sinquierim (lucky inmates!) is now a museum and public space. Their programming is on point, there are restaurants and pop-ups, and their concerts under the stars shouldn’t be missed. We love cultural spaces that add so much to a place like Goa - rich in history, but lacking enough storytellers.

Museum Of Christian Art

by Urbanaut A fantastic museum attached to a centuries old church. You can visit on a self-guided trip (entry fees applicable) and they also have guided walks available. Sweet little on-site cafe.

Babu Huts And The Pagan Cafe

by Aliya Rashid The best local Goan sea food on the Ashwem beach stretch, Babu boasts of amazing prawn curries, calamari, chilli garlic noodles, and the best nutella pancake (basically a crepe) on the strip. Has beach beds at no charge and serves food right through the day. It has small beach huts at the back which one can grab to spend a night on the beach. Basic budget rooms for up for thetaking.

Clay - The Coworking Cafe

by Urbanaut A co-working cafe set in a heritage bungalow in Anjuna - Clay is perfect for creative professionals and digital nomads. Their in-house cafe has delicious home style food and they’ve got Internet and spaced out seating.

Mangaal Farmstay Goa

by Gianfrancesco Perrone Eco friendly home stay with a farm to table concept. You can visit for a day trip or stay for longer depending on your schedule but expect nature walks, peace and quiet in the midst of the Western Ghats.

Dudhsagar Falls

by Urbanaut This four-tiered waterfall one of Mollem National Park’s most-frequented natural attractions. The milky white waters, coloured so because of the speed and altitude, tame into a deep green pool near the base. It’s the reward after a long hike, so we dare say you’ll want to take a dip in the inviting natural pool. Dudhsagar is also accessible from Karnataka.

by Netraa This ‘spiritual dance temple’ is the go-to spot for Psy trance lovers. One floor is a shack (skip the food) and the rest of the floor is on the beach

Savoi Plantation

by Urbanaut A stunning drive on great roads take you to this self-contained ecosystem. The Savoi Plantation is 10 hectares of pepper, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, star fruit and a host of other spices and produce. Their local lunch buffet uses all their own produce as seasonal ingredients. While the lunch itself is simple, it’s a beautiful, peaceful experience - and the plantation is truly something else. A refuge and haven that showcases the real side of Goa.

Terra Conscious

by Urbanaut An absolute must-do in Goa, Terra Conscious offers ethical outdoor activities that provide an opportunity to engage with the local biodiversity and natural environments. Whether you choose the ocean biodiversity experience (dolphin watching), the backwater kayaking or cycling trail, or the conservation diver programme - these guys have something for everyone . There’s no better way to experience the ‘other’ side of Goa.

by Urbanaut This quaint little café and co-working space overlooks stunning sunsets on the Mandovi river, but there’s as much inspiration inside as outside. Walk in and you’ll find a plethora of seating options, from metal chairs to mind your posture on to low sofas perfect for informal discussions. They have all the trappings of the ideal coworking space– free WiFi, loads of electric sockets and lockers to stash your valuables in. A quieter area tucked in a corner of the restaurant doubles up as a great meeting space, but we dare say you’ll be drawn back to the mainland by the scents wafting out of the kitchen. Their food menu runs the gamut of dishes and flavours, but the local twists are what set them apart (Kulcha Tacos, anyone?)

Stay

by India With Insia Gorgeous boutique home stay with 6 spacious suites, a swimming pool and home cooked meals.

Seven Doors house

by Urbanaut A five-bedroom, six-bathroom gorgeous villa managed by the team behind the lovely Wildflower Villas in Goa. Stay here if you enjoy a Portuguese style house when you visit Goa. With multiple common room and communal areas, and a garden that’s been landscaped keeping indigenous conservation methods in mind. Overall, a great spot.

by Urbanaut A soulful boutique hotel on the peaceful shores of Mandrem beach - Vaayu Kula is a new offering from the team behind Prana cafe. Tastefully done rooms right on the beach, calm sit outs and beachfront restaurant means that this space will be a sought after place to stay and visit this season.

Frangipani House by The Rose Nomad

by Urbanaut Frangipani House comprises an old Goan bungalow, two new houses, a natural infinity pool and an acre and a half of tropical gardens. If that doesn’t sound like paradise, we don’t know what will. The beautiful property was designed by Italian architect Annalisa Bellettati, who infused the space with Susegad — the laidback, content attitude that has been associated with Goa for decades.

Mangaal Farmstay Goa

by Gianfrancesco Perrone Eco friendly home stay with a farm to table concept. You can visit for a day trip or stay for longer depending on your schedule but expect nature walks, peace and quiet in the midst of the Western Ghats.

by Urbanaut Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of northern Goa, Wigwam is a serene natural sanctuary that’s still close to all the hotspots you might want to visit. Stay in luxury tipis, wooden lodges or comfortable apartments complete with private balconies.

by Urbanaut It’s practically impossible to find a beachfront hotel or villa in North Goa. Praya Villas thankfully is the answer to that dilemma. With 14 private large villas (each have 4 bedrooms and private pools) in a contained property right on Morjim Beach - this is your answer to luxe villa living on the beach.

The Coconut Grove

by Knowhere Travel Co This is a stunning property located on one of South Goa’s quietest beaches, where it’s difficult to beat the view since the property is on the beach. You’re so close that you can hear the soothing waves directly from your bed. A green oasis located in a tranquil part of the beach, away from all the bars and restaurants, yet close to everything. At the seafront, the property comes with a shaded verandah built within a coconut grove in a tropical garden with a view across the sand to the Arabian Sea. Your own slice of paradise! The property consists of five colourful wooden cottages on stilts and offers an elevated view of the surrounding lush greenery. Come and enjoy the ultimate chill-out experience on the beach.

by Knowhere Travel Co The homestay is situated in a traditional Goan village about 3.5 km away from the beach and Margao, away from the touristy and crowded spots of North Goa. The home is around a beautiful courtyard, with two rooms, offering a view of the rice fields, this quaint home encompasses all that is “Susegado”- a fitting term for Goans, meaning “chilled out”. It’s perfect for those who want to relax, rejuvenate, take a swim at the beach nearby, read or enjoy the local cuisine.

by Urbanaut A boutique pet-friendly stay in the middle of Anjuna. This is an absolutely gorgeous, pocket-friendly place to stay when in Goa with the friendliest hosts.

Real local

Aguada Port & Jail Complex - The Aguad

by Urbanaut How incredible is the revitalised Aguada Port and Jail complex - or simply, The Aguad. An erstwhile Portuguese jail situated right on the rocks at Sinquierim (lucky inmates!) is now a museum and public space. Their programming is on point, there are restaurants and pop-ups, and their concerts under the stars shouldn’t be missed. We love cultural spaces that add so much to a place like Goa - rich in history, but lacking enough storytellers.

by Urbanaut Craving authentic Goan food and thalis but looking for a slightly elevated experience? Avo’s Kitchen is a must-try in that case. This place gets their food right and even have a sweet bar and cocktail program to accompany your local, seasonal and very delicious food. Their fish thali is a favourite but they even have a good vegetarian offering.

by India With Insia Old school Chinese restaurant. Crispy honey chilli duck and clay pot rice for the win.

Mangaal Farmstay Goa

by Gianfrancesco Perrone Eco friendly home stay with a farm to table concept. You can visit for a day trip or stay for longer depending on your schedule but expect nature walks, peace and quiet in the midst of the Western Ghats.

Horse Shoe Bar & Restaurant

by Urbanaut This might just be the best restaurant in Goa - namely because the chef - Vasco Silveira - is an exacting master who handpicks ingredients and makes each dish for his guests. He is one of the finest chefs in the country, if not the world, and his Goan Portuguese food is one of a kind.

Dudhsagar Falls

by Urbanaut This four-tiered waterfall one of Mollem National Park’s most-frequented natural attractions. The milky white waters, coloured so because of the speed and altitude, tame into a deep green pool near the base. It’s the reward after a long hike, so we dare say you’ll want to take a dip in the inviting natural pool. Dudhsagar is also accessible from Karnataka.

by Urbanaut If Vinayak had a slogan, it would be this: “no frills, just good food.” The Goan favourite is where to go when you’re craving authentic seafood dishes and local fare. Vinayak’s doesn’t scrimp on flavours or spices. Their seafood is freshly bought every morning – and what a variety they bring to your table!

Olaulim Backyards

by Urbanaut The tagline of this rustic getaway is ‘the other side of Goa’, and it’s not hard to see why. Here you won’t find bars and beaches teeming with people, but you will find quiet waters, rustic cottages, sprawling lawns and an azure pool that beckons on summer days. The homestay is helmed by Savio and Pirkko, whose slice of heaven by the Olaulim River is an intentional departure from the images of Goa as we know it. The family and their pets live on the property so we’d recommend striking up a hearty conversation with them. And for the nature-inclined, a dip in the river or a kayaking trip at your own pace should not be missed.

Padaria Prazeres

by Urbanaut Authentic patisserie, bakery and cafe in Panjim serving up the best breads and amazing desserts. Their Pastel de Nata is delicious and it’s one of the few places in Goa that get it right. Visit to stock up on your bakery supplies and for a coffee break with a sweet touch.

Savoi Plantation

by Urbanaut A stunning drive on great roads take you to this self-contained ecosystem. The Savoi Plantation is 10 hectares of pepper, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, star fruit and a host of other spices and produce. Their local lunch buffet uses all their own produce as seasonal ingredients. While the lunch itself is simple, it’s a beautiful, peaceful experience - and the plantation is truly something else. A refuge and haven that showcases the real side of Goa.

Buy

by Dinika Thomas Asaii is an experiential clothing brand that brings storytelling to the apparel industry through art. They uniquely hand-paint stories and memories of people on their pieces.

Moka Desserts & Cafe

by Dinika Thomas Dessert and coffee? Stop by this cute little garden cafe in Siolim and indulge in one of my favourites - Mango passion fruit cheesecake and a pour over coffee. The desserts look contemporary, a piece of art with a playful twist of Indian flavors or freshly plucked fruit. Speak to the owner Moumita, to know more about her inspiration for everything she creates!

Gratitude Café

by Urbanaut A vegan restaurant in Goa that’s both lovely and welcoming. They have a huge variety of vegan options and are bang-on when it comes to flavours and presentation. The salads, wraps and sushi get special mentions from regulars! There’s also a yoga centre on the property where you can sign up for sessions.

Vaz Enterprises Colva Liquor Supermarket

by Hansel Vaz Buying booze was never this easy. With the largest selection of wines and spirits this is a liquor library of sorts.

by Urbanaut An eco-conscious wellness store that also doubles up as a fitness studio. It’s an inviting space heaped with sweet-smelling bath and body products, supplements, food ingredients and home decor. They also have farm-fresh fruits and veggies and vegan/organic gift hampers. The defining principle of the store is that every product is made in India — so you can expect to find something from every corner of the country.

by Urbanaut If you know, you know. These guys use the best ingredients ( a French chef is at the helm here, so we aren’t surprised) to bake the freshest breads and croissants. Pair with a coffee and you have your morning sorted in Goa.

Black Vanilla Gourmet

by Urbanaut Black Vanilla is both experimental and diverse, leaning towards French and European-style cuisine in a rustic property. The burgers and fruit iced teas are much raved about.

Paper Boat Collective, Goa

by Urbanaut Paper Boat Collective is a homegrown store with a tasteful and sometimes quirky selection of sustainable clothing, homeware, wellness products and accessories. They work with organic and natural materials which is what you’ll see reflected in their collection. It’s housed in a charming Portuguese home that somehow starts to work its magic even before you enter.

No Nasties Clothing

by Urbanaut Fair trade, organic, vegan - if these words don’t get you excited then shop at No Nasties because they have some great designs and perfect clothing for the beach and for a casual day out. Cute little Portuguese houses make great stores and these guys put lovely products in it to boot. Definitely check them out.

RENUKA COLLECTION

by Vinnie Singh This store is a treasure trove of all things ethnic and hippie. They have sarongs, dresses, tops, trousers, bags, bed covers, cushion covers and much more. All the items are also available at much cheaper prices than the Palolem market.