The Indian retreat of Goa has long been a destination for those who want to kick back and relax. This is the perfect time to book one of the area’s cheap apartments and see just what everyone loves about this place. If you want to get away from other tourists and enjoy an authentic Goan experience, here are some fantastic ways to do so.

Head to Chorao

This laid-back island can be reached by ferry from Pomburpa. It has a far more relaxed and local vibe than the main resorts in Goa, with an abundance of wildlife to observe.

Try fresh poi

Poi is the traditional bread of Goa, and it is particularly delicious when it’s eaten fresh from the oven. There is only one traditional bakery left in this region, and it’s worth a visit just to smell the aromas while you’re waiting for the bread to cook.

Get out on the open roads

If you want to explore more of the region, the road between Pomburpa and Panjim is definitely worth experiencing. You’ll go past open green meadows, grazing cattle, rice paddies, and locals fishing in the backwaters.

Celebrate like the locals

The Sao Joao festival in late June is a time for celebrations, and the Goan locals have their own way of doing this. An old tradition says that any of the men who are newly married have to jump into an irrigation well to recover the gifts that the villagers have thrown inside of it. If you happen to be visiting at this time, it is certainly an experience unlike any other.