Goa has always had an image of parties, alcohol and late-night fun. We hardly see another side of Goa. A Goa -of history, birds, animals, nature, mountains, rivers and most importantly – a tranquil Goa is which anyone’s hardly seen. And luckily, Olaulim is here to help break this Goan stereotype! Read further on “How” this town is breaking the party stereotype beautifully!
Where is this offbeat Goa –Olaulim?
Located in North Goa, India, 10-20 km away from the touristy places like Baga, Calangute, Mapusa etc. lies in nature’s lap -Olaulim.
A 40 min auto ride from Thivim railway station took us to a wonderful eco-friendly Olalulim Backyards!
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Why Olaulim Backyards?
Well, aren’t we here to explore offbeat Goa?!
If you love nature, getting up in the morning with birds’ chirping, staying in beautiful cottages with trees ambushing you, kayaking in the river right opposite the cottages then Olaulim Backyards’ got you back!
Olaulim Backyards will give you the relaxation and peace you need. It is possible since they have maintained their distance from chaotic and crowded party areas in North Goa.
Hence they have beautifully called themselves ‘the other side of Goa’!
Taking care of the environment:
• All the rooms are built with love and from natural resources found around (like bamboo, local stone, coconut wood, and palm leaves)
• This is done to avoid destroying the surrounding for their monetary gains.
• They compost and recycle, clean with bio-degradable agents, cook with organic ingredients, heat the water with solar panels.
• They also adopted the animals in the area and have sheltered them.
• The toiletries are handwoven and made by the local women with local ingredients. They smell so could I could hardly resist eating them!
• Their pet donkey has a companion of a horse because they need friends for their mental well-being.
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Things to do in Olaulim Backyard:
Fishing
You can ask for fishing rods here and spend a nice pristine morning catching your meals for that day!
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Ocean Biodiversity Experience
Ocean Biodiversity Experience with Terra Conscious, discover Goa’s incredible marine biodiversity.
It includes the Humpback dolphin, pelagic birds, estuarine habitats and other marine life with the conservation-orientated organization.
Booking with them contributes to ethical dolphin watching and other practices.
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Kayaking
Despite visiting Goa many times, I was surprised to read about Olaulim Backyards housing their own backwaters!
This in-house activity can be done till your heart is satiated with kayaking on the private areas of Mandovi river!
We kayaked through groves, spotted a LOT of birds, and picturesque house hidden among a million palm trees! Certainly a sight to behold and never seen before.
Bird Watching
Another in-house activity gives us an opportunity to spot numerous birds without even trying! This is the kind of bird watching that I love.
While many of them chirp around, you can try to figure out the species from the book in the library of the backyard!
We spotted common kingfishers, herons, storks and numerous other beautiful and never seen birds before!
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Yachting
Based out of Morjim Bay in North Goa, Konkan Explorers take you for an exceptional cruise on the open sea or along the quiet Chapora river.
To discover Goa’s rich and beautiful coastal habitat, you can contact this eco-friendly tour operator here!
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Otter spotting in Chorao Island
Surprised, right? Well, even I was when I learned there are Otters in India! Asia houses 13 otters and India 4 of them.
We visited Wild Otters to learn about the otters. How the facility is trying to protect them by talking to local government, creating awareness among locals, and travelers.
We also participated in an otter research expedition! Of course, it was a role play but why not be happy about it?! We were handed over a research document and were taken on an hour’s expedition. We were asked to search for otter shreds of evidence like scat, paw prints, their burrows, etc.
80% of the funds from your booking go towards Otter preservation! Also, did you know you can also learn how to build your own Kayak here?!
You can contact Mr Kshitij on +91 8879335165. Cost: INR 400 for otter research and ~INR 800 – 1000 per person for these activities.
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Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
We also dropped by at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary with the French and British research associate from Wild Otters.
Their rich in their knowledge of zoology, where they helped spot us many birds, fishes, reptiles, and their homes!
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Pottery
You can make some pots or simply purchase some local glazed pottery for your home. With a studio just in the vicinity, you can fix an appointment with a pottery expert- Sylvia (sylviakerkar.com).
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Scuba
Explore the world of Scuba with Barracuda Diving India, Goa’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre (around ~INR 5000+)
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Damn, what an exhaustive list of things to do already in this area of offbeat Goa, isn’t it?
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