When you think of Goa, what comes to mind? Is it the palm-fringed beaches, vibrant churches, or the exciting road trips? During my recent adventure, I had the chance to explore Goa in an unconventional way, behind the wheel of the Tata Tiago EV. This wasn’t your typical beach-hopping holiday, but rather a deeper dive into South Goa’s offbeat experiences.
Day 1: A Silent Ride and Serene Beaches
The moment I picked up the Tata Tiago EV from Anjuna Beach, I knew this trip was going to be unique. The electric car was silent, which took some getting used to, but it made the ride even more peaceful. One of the standout features of the Tata Motors ZConnect app is the pre-cooling function. Imagine arriving at your car, parked under the hot Goan sun, only to find it perfectly cooled before you even step inside. That little touch of comfort set the tone for the rest of the trip.
My destination for the day was Colva Beach in South Goa, an ideal spot to avoid the typical tourist crowds. I stayed at Anthy’s Guesthouse, a lovely beachfront property. The best part? I was just 100 meters from the shore. Stepping out each morning and being greeted by the ocean was the perfect way to start the day.
As the day progressed, I took the Tiago EV out to explore South Goa, visiting the pristine and relatively untouched Fatrade Beach. The beach was quiet and nearly empty—a stark contrast to the more popular tourist spots. Walking along the shore, it felt like I had stumbled upon a hidden gem, a tranquil escape from the busy world.
Day 2: A Hike, a Tribe, and a Waterfall
Day 2 took me on a completely different adventure—one filled with nature, local culture, and a bit of hiking. Our first stop was in Canacona, where I had signed up for a hike and a visit to meet the Velip tribe, one of Goa’s four major tribal groups.
The hike itself, through the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, was relatively mild but incredibly scenic. We crossed several streams, walked through shaded paths, and even took a dip in a crystal-clear basin halfway through the hike. The highlight, though, was reaching the twin waterfalls, locally known as “Balkond,” which translates to “child’s pond.” Surrounded by the sounds of nature and the cool rush of water, it was the perfect place to unwind after the hike.
What made this experience even more memorable was the chance to learn about the Velip tribe. We enjoyed a traditional breakfast, with dishes like sun-dried shrimp kismur and potato bhaji with a coconut base. Later in the day, we met the tribal leader’s wife, Sanjana, who explained more about their culture and way of life. It was a humbling experience to connect with the local community, and it gave me a new appreciation for the richness of Goan culture beyond the beaches.
Day 3: E-Bikes and Exploring Cansaulim
On the final day of my trip, I took a break from driving and hopped on an electric bike for a tour of Cansaulim, a picturesque village just 25 minutes from my accommodation. B-live, the company organizing the tour, guided us through quiet lanes flanked by paddy fields, coconut groves, and scenic water bodies. It was a different pace from the road trip and provided a closer connection to the landscape.
The ease of the e-bike made it feel almost effortless to explore the village. We stopped at the famous Three Kings Chapel, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of Goa from above. The story of this chapel is both fascinating and mysterious. While some claim it is haunted due to a legend of three kings who betrayed one another, the real story is tied to the celebration of the biblical Three Wise Men, who brought gifts for baby Jesus. Every year, three children from different villages are chosen to represent these kings in a festive procession.
The Tata Tiago EV Experience
Throughout the trip, I was thoroughly impressed by the Tata Tiago EV’s performance. Electric vehicles are becoming more common on Indian roads, and this trip gave me a firsthand look at how convenient they can be. Charging the car overnight took around seven hours, and by the morning, it was fully charged and ready for another day of adventure.
Range anxiety, which often plagues first-time EV drivers, wasn’t a problem, thanks to the growing EV infrastructure in Goa. Using the ZConnect app, I found a fast-charging station at Taj Exotica in Benaulim when my battery was running low, and in just under an hour, the car charged from 24% to 54%, allowing me to comfortably continue my journey.
Conclusion: Goa Beyond the Beaches
This road trip through South Goa wasn’t just about the destination—it was about the journey, the people I met, and the local experiences that made it truly unforgettable. Whether it was exploring empty beaches, hiking through wildlife sanctuaries, meeting the Velip tribe, or gliding through the countryside on an e-bike, I discovered a side of Goa that many overlook.
The Tata Tiago EV was more than just a means of transportation; it was part of the experience. The silent, eco-friendly drive through Goa’s serene landscapes added an extra layer of tranquility to the trip, and the smart features like pre-cooling and easy charging made it a seamless travel companion.
If you’re planning a trip to Goa, I highly recommend stepping away from the usual tourist traps and exploring the road less traveled. You’ll find that Goa has so much more to offer than just its beaches.
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