Located in the western state of Goa in India, North Goa is a popular destination for tourists across the globe. It is known for its picturesque beaches, spectacular nightlife, and remarkable cultural heritage. North Goa offers something for everyone.

Trekking expeditions in North Goa offer a unique way to explore the beauty and experience the great outdoors. There is a trek to suit every level of ability- from easy trails through lush forests to more challenging routes that take you to the top of towering cliffs.

The Trekking Destinations In North Goa

One of the most popular trekking destinations in North Goa is the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, home to exotic animals and plants variety. The sanctuary's Hidden Waterfall Trail is a popular route, taking trekkers through dense forests and alongside the Mhadei River, culminating in a visit to the serene lagoon of Tonir. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and even the occasional elephant.

Another popular trekking destination in North Goa is the Tambdi Surla Temple Trek. Located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, this trail takes you through dense forests and several ancient temples and shrines. The trail culminates in a visit to the Tambdi Surla Temple, a 13th century structure dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

No matter which trek you choose, you can expect to be guided by experienced and knowledgeable guides who will ensure your safety and provide insights about flora and fauna of the region. 

We chose to go trekking through the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Many trekking expeditions travel companies in North Goa also include meals and accommodation, making them a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the great outdoors. We opted to go hassle-free and trusted the travel company for everything from breakfast to lunch till we reached our resort.

How Did We Do The Planning?

Honestly, we did not do any planning! We left the planning to a travel company- Ya mare. Planning a trekking trip in North Goa, you must choose a reputable and reliable organizer. A good trip organizer will handle all the details of your trek, ensuring that your experience is safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free.

 

One of the responsibilities of Ya Mare was coordinating transportation to and from the trekking location. It involved arranging a pick-up at your hotel or a nearby location and providing a comfortable and safe vehicle for the journey. A good organizer will also ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for your trek, such as life jackets and first-aid kits. 

We were lucky to have a good trip organizer coordinating the overall experience of the trek. They properly briefed us on the route and what to expect. They provided us with experienced guides to lead the way and gave us access to food and water along the way. They handled the necessary permits or fees required to access certain areas.

So this vacation, we opted to go on a trekking expedition with all my family members. We were 12 of us with five kids and my parents, although aged but young at heart! 

The Trekking Begins

We recently had the opportunity to go on a trek through the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in North Goa, and it was an experience we will never forget. The trek, known as the Hidden Waterfall Trail, took us through lush green forests alongside the beautiful Mhadei River. 

We started our journey early in the morning and were picked up from our hotel by a tempo traveler. After a short drive, we arrived at a shack in the countryside at 8:30 am, where we had breakfast with two other groups joining us on the trek. The crunch of kutcha roads and rough and unpaved paths was one familiar childhood experience through the countryside. We were treated to the satisfying crunch of footsteps on the loose dirt and rocks beneath our feet.

We decided to go for a 3 km trek. Three guides accompanied us. The first 1.5 km was an easy terrain of forests. The rustle of a forest provided us with a whole new experience. A trek through a forest is a magical experience, and the sounds you'll hear there are equally enchanting. The sounds of a forest are a joy to the behold-The rustling of leaves in the breeze, chirping of birds, and the occasional hoot of an owl, nature captivated us. We had all sorts of life experiences during our trekking. Kids and parents were dropped halfway through a two-wheeler, Activa easing their way.

The second half of the trek became more challenging as we had to cross the Mhadei River. Despite the difficulty, the views of the surrounding landscape were stunning, and it made an effort worth it.

After a few hours of trekking, we finally reached our destination: the beautiful lagoon known as Tonir. The lagoon was about 10 to 15 feet deep and had small springs. The rush of spring is always mesmerizing. Whether a gentle trickle or a thundering cascade, the sound of a spring is invigorating. As the water tumbles over rocks and falls to the ground below, we were treated to a soothing, white noise-like sound perfect for clearing your mind.

We were provided with life jackets by the trip organizer to jump in and enjoy a swim. (Those who knew swimming got away from wearing life jackets. Luckily I knew swimming!)We spent about 1.5 hours at the lagoon, taking in the peaceful surroundings and soaking up the sun. The gurgle of a lagoon is something you cannot give amiss. A lagoon is a serene place, and the sounds you'll hear reflect the tranquility- The gentle lapping of the water against the rocks, the soothing chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves in the breeze, the sounds of a lagoon are a balm to the soul. We all took turns diving into the lagoon and enjoyed every second of it.

We packed up and headed back to the shack for lunch after our swim at the lagoon. The trek organizers arranged lunch at the same destination we had halted for breakfast. After a short rest, we began our journey back to the resort, arriving around 3:30 pm.

My Thoughts On The Family Trekking Expedition

Overall, my trek through the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary was a truly memorable experience. The region's natural beauty, combined with our guides' expert guidance, made for an adventure I'll never forget. If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the beauty of North Goa, I highly recommend the Hidden Waterfall Trail.

Trekking with your family can be an excellent opportunity to bond and spend quality time together. We chose to go trekking with the family because it gave us enough time to bond. We had peals of laughter, misses, catches, childhood memories, and chatters through the trekking path. With all the distractions of daily life stripped away, you'll have the chance to connect and create lasting memories, which we did indeed.

It served as a significant physical activity. Trekking is an excellent form of physical activity to help you and your family stay fit and healthy. The fresh air and beautiful surroundings of a trek are sure to invigorate you and help you feel your best. I am glad we chose to do so, as it was a new experience for all our family members. We know Goa for beaches. But to see this side of this beautiful place took us to a whole new world of enjoyment.

Trekking can be a great way to learn about the natural world and the environment. As you explore different trails and landscapes, you'll have the chance to discover new plants, animals, and geological formations and learn about the history and culture of the region. Our kids unknowingly learned a lot about the natural world. I remember our little one asking, "What is a lagoon?" We were glad we could give him a first-hand experience.

Our adventurous walk into the trail was a great way to escape the stresses of daily life and find some much-needed peace and relaxation. The quiet and solitude of a trek helped each of us as we were so hooked on our jobs that it gave us time to unwind and recharge our batteries.

Above all, trekking with your family can be much fun! Whether tackling a challenging trail or taking it easy with a leisurely hike, you'll find plenty of opportunities to laugh, play, and create lasting memories together. It is what we did.

So why wait? Gather your family and start planning your next trekking adventure today!

My Piece Of Advice

Choosing a reputable and reliable trip organizer is the key to ensuring that your trekking experience in North Goa is a success. I was lucky to have Ya Mare, Goa, as our travel company who made the expedition exciting and took care of every aspect of our requirements. Look for an organizer with a track record of customer satisfaction and a commitment to safety, and you'll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure.

So why wait? If you're looking for an exciting and unique way to experience the beauty of North Goa, consider embarking on a trekking expedition. You won't be disappointed.