Goa has a different pace beyond the coastline, one shaped by rivers, caves, and farms. This trail takes you into the hinterlands of Goa, where culture runs deep and nature holds secrets. Set in Rivona, a village rich in history, this experience offers a grounded, local look at Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Start at the Rivona Caves in Goa, early Buddhist meditation chambers carved into laterite. No guides in uniform, no museum ropes, just you, the stone, and its story. We’ll then visit the Kushavati River, where you’ll explore the Usgalimal Petroglyphs, some of India’s oldest known rock carvings. These Neolithic engravings are unguarded and rarely visited, which makes them feel all the more real. From there, we shift into a local life breakfast at a kulagar (Goan forest farm), cooked and served by the family that runs it.
Expect simple, seasonal dishes that locals eat at home, like black chana, rice bhakri, and jackfruit cakes. You’ll walk through a traditional Goan spice plantation lovingly tended and still cultivated by the same family for generations, then stop at Shri Damodar Temple in Zambaulim, still an active centre of faith and central to community life. Depending on river levels, we end with a short, optional dip in a clean, spring-fed stream nearby. This trail into the hinterlands of Goa isn’t touristy. It’s practical, peaceful, and packed with local insight. Perfect if you’re looking to slow down and see a very different side of South Goa. ▪
Note: It is not a walking trail. Transport will be required to get between each of the points in the trail. We recommend using the same mode of transport used to come to the start point. Transport is not provided by Soul Travelling.