Highlight - This write-up is for Goans who wish to Get away for a break or for guests who wish to do something different from being on the Goan Beaches or combine a Goa beach holiday with some other destination nearby.

Tiracol Fort (Also pronounced as Teracol) : This is northern most tip of Goa at 70 kms from Panjim touching Neighbouring Maharashtra. There is no direct road access from Goa (Accessible via a Ferry ride across a small creek / Canal) and best accessed via Sawantwadi.  

The Fort now a well-run heritage hotel is located on a cliff and sports commanding views of the Arabian sea . Idyllic and cut off nature of the location is a perfect getaway for those looking for Peace and Tranquility.  

Aronda : Just a kilometers away from the fort along the river into Maharashtra territory is Aronda, a luxury backwater resort there has come up there which is an ideal getaway resort for honeymooners and for a relaxed holiday / getaway ex-Goa / Belgaum or even a break away from a regular beach front two-week / three-week stay.

Amboli : This is a Hill station on the Southern Tip of Maharashtra just 25 km from Sawantwadi which is another 50 km north of Panjim. Amboli is a monsoon destination when the waterfalls abound in the neighboring hills. Winters are also pretty cool.  This is a popular weekend getaway ex-Belgaum (60 kms) and Ex-Kolhapur. Idyllic and cut off nature of the location is a perfect getaway for those looking for Peace and Tranquility.

Accommodation options at Amboli: JRD International is an option here with Cottage / Room accommodation with a swimming pool. Green Valley is another option here which used to be an MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) and now renovated and privately managed.

Wildernest ( Swapnagnadha Valley , Chorla Ghats) :  Wildernest Resort is located at 2500 ft above sea level overlooking the Swapnagandha valley, 27 kms off Sankhali at a distance of 40 kms from Thivim Railway Station and 65 kms (1 hour 15 minutes) from Panjim and 60 kms (2 hours) from Belgaum and about 80 kms from Dandeli. Wildernest is a middle of no where kind of a place blessed with natural beauty all around.   Swapnagandha Valley is one of the few actively protected and managed eco-sensitive areas in India and is home of a variety of Flora and Fauna. Leopards, Wild Boar and Bisons are spotted in this region. However the region is known for being home to a variety of plants with medicinal value. Wildernest is also a delight for birding as there are 150 varieties of birds spotted there along with innumerable varieties of Moths, Butterflies, Spiders and other insects.This one is for those who love nature and some activities like trekking.  

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary - Dudhsagar Eco and Wild Life Resort is situated along the Western Ghats near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury at 24 Kms from the commercial city of Ponda. This is a getaway resort that offers nature centric experience at 45 kms from Madgaon.

Dandeli : This is a wildlife sanctuary at 100 kms from Panjim.  It is a tropical rain forest and therefore its not visited for its wildlife sightings. However its best known for its white water rafting and other adventure activities.

• Wildlife and Nature : Watching, Jungle Safari, Coracle Ride, Croc Trek Excursions : Visit to Syntheri Rocks, Visit to Cavla Caves, Sunset Point 

• Water Adventures : Rafting, Coracle Ride, Kayaking, Canyoning, Moonlight Boatride, Fishing Tackle 

• Tribal Experience : Visit to Tribal Village , Tribal Dance 

• Land Adventures : Mountain Biking, Cycling, Visit to Cavla Caves 

• Sporting Fishes of Kali River : Snake Fish, Kadas, Rohu, Katla, Panal Kamin, Maral, Golsi, Pithol, Cat Fish (Tiger), Gojal, Tortoise. 

Accommodation options at Dandeli: Bison River Resort is an option here located right next to kali river in the middle of the forest at 15 kms before Dandeli on the Belgaum Road. Kali River Lodge is a spread out resort located located right next to kali river at 2 kms from Dandeli Town.

Karwar : Karwar is 100 kms south of Panjim. Karwar sports a couple Islands i.e Devbagh and Kurumgad which are now popular off-beat getaways. Idea here is to basically relax and indulge in some cruises and joy rides. 15 minute ride from mainland to the Island is exciting and if you are lucky you will be able to spot a few dolphins as well. Besides the islands Karwar has couple of mainland options as well for accommodation. Sea view Hill Resort is now called Estuary View Resort which has Kairali Ayurveda Centre and sports a great view of the Kali river meeting the Arabian sea and Devbagh Island.  Paradise Riveredge Resort is a few kms inland and is out and out adventure option ideal for Groups.  

Ankola : Ankola is 135 kms South of Panjim on NH-17. Its a small coastal hamlet where guests arrive for a quiet time. Honey Beach Cottage has cottages overlooking the Arabian Sea. From here guests can visit Sirsi, Jog Falls, Gokarna, Murudeshwar etc.

Yellapur : 165 kms from Madgaon and 65 kms Short of Hubli, Banana County is a getaway resort focussing on activities and nature centric experience. From here Sirsi is just 50 kms, Known for Yana Rock face, Sahastralinga Shiva Temple and Unchalli Waterfalls. Sri Marikamba Temple of Sirsi is a famous Devi shrine situated in northern Kannada.

Kankavali :This is located 120 kms north of Panjim and may sound like a stopover on Mumbai-Goa Road however its proximity to Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary which makes it an exciting getaway. The jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts, near the backwaters of the Radhanagiri dam. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded area is completely cut-off from human habitation. Dajipur is home to bison, wild Deers, Chital, Gawa and many birds species. Neelam Countryside is an excellent resort here with a swimming pool / Health Club and Rooms.

Tarkarli / Malvan / Sindhudurg / Vengurla - There are number of homestays and small resorts in this area [ Full List ] that are good for a getaway and exploring region around. The area is full of shore temples, idyllic beaches and there is also an option now to explore the backwaters and do some snorkeling and scuba diving. In organised stay options, Tarkarli Beach Resort from MTDC is a popular option. Sagar Sangam Riverside Resort is the best located hotel in the area overlooking a river meeting the arabian sea. Chivala Beach is a new hotel in close proximity to a beach in Malvan. Krishna Sagar Beach Resort is a sea facing beach resort at Vengurla.

Other Breaks