For most visitors and for those looking for a second home in Goa, Goa conjures images of sand and sea coupled with rave beachside parties. Part of this is largely due to the excessive peddling by the entire tourism industry. For most Goans, real Goa lies in its quaint villages, serene countryside and a culture which is inclusive yet original. Try getting off the beaten beach circuit and experience the real Goa.
Visit the Tambdi Surla temple: The Mahadev temple Tambdi Surla is a 12th century Shiva temple. It is the only structure to survive the period of destructive violence during Portuguese and Muslim occupations of Goa. The temple is located at a clearing in the dense forest on the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is considered to be the only surviving specimen of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone. Tambdi Surla is accessible by a fairly good motorable road and is about 65 km from the capital city of Panjim.