Things To Do
in Raia
Raia is a traditional Goan village in South Goa's Salcete taluka, known for its leafy lanes, Portuguese-influenced houses and active village community life. It sits a short drive from Margao and several popular south Goa beaches like Colva and Benaulim, making it a quiet base for exploring both countryside and coast. The village blends Konkani culture, Catholic and Hindu festivals, and agricultural landscapes of paddy fields and coconut groves.
Visitors come for relaxed village walks, local cuisine, and easy access to nearby nature spots and waterfalls.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Chandranath Temple, where the intricate carvings and serene ambiance will leave you in awe. After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, stroll through the nearby village to experience the local culture and admire traditional Goan architecture. Stop at a small eatery for a traditional breakfast of poha and chai before heading to your next destination.
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Sri Damodar Temple, a revered site that showcases the region's rich heritage. Engage with the local priests and learn about the fascinating rituals and history associated with the temple. Afterward, explore the local market, where you can shop for handmade crafts and local spices, immersing yourself in the vibrant colors and scents of Raia.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant for a delightful Goan dinner featuring specialties like fish curry and vindaloo. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while listening to traditional Goan music that complements your culinary experience. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the riverside, taking in the tranquil ambiance and reflecting on your day.
Start your day early with a visit to the nearby Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can immerse yourself in lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a guided nature walk, spotting various bird species and perhaps even a deer or two in their natural habitat. The morning air is fresh and invigorating, making it the perfect time for photography and appreciating the beauty of nature.
After a morning of exploration, picnic at one of the sanctuary's scenic spots, enjoying local snacks while surrounded by the sounds of nature. Then, head to the nearby Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can take a guided trek to discover hidden waterfalls and exotic flora. The rich biodiversity here offers a fantastic opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Return to Raia in the evening and visit a local café for a cozy dinner featuring Goan delicacies. Savor the flavors of the region while sharing stories with fellow travelers or locals. As night falls, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps join a local gathering or music event.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pint) at a shack | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.20-0.60 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw/taxi ride | $1-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse per night | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic village life with strong local culture and festivals
- Close to popular south Goa beaches and natural attractions
- Lush landscapes, good photography opportunities and peaceful atmosphere
- Easy access to markets, cafes and Margao’s services
- Limited nightlife and few high-end tourist services directly in the village
- Monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor activities from June to September
- Public transport within the village is limited—best explored with a rented scooter or car
- Some facilities may be basic compared with larger towns or resort areas
- "Namaskar" - Hello / Respectful greeting
- "Dev borem korum" - A traditional Konkani blessing/good wishes (used as a polite expression)
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (Portuguese; commonly understood among older Catholics)
- "Dhanyavaad / Shukriya" - Thank you (Hindi, commonly understood)
- "Kitlo khobor? / Kitem asa?" - How are you? (Konkani)
- "Kitem mhonntat?" - What is this called? / What is it?
- "Bara / Dev borem" - Okay / All good
Places to Visit in Raia
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial-era facades, ornate balconies and narrow streets make for intimate architectural shots, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Expansive green fields with coconut silhouettes and water reflections in the post-monsoon months—excellent for wide landscapes and golden-hour photos.
Long sandy beaches with shacks, fishing boats and dramatic sunsets —good for both landscape and lifestyle photography.
Village churches and roadside chapels show religious architecture and are focal points during village festas and processions (photograph respectfully).
If you travel inland, the waterfalls and lush Western Ghats scenery provide dramatic nature shots; plan for dusty/steamy conditions and bring protective gear for camera equipment.
Food in Raia
Raia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy coconut-based curry using local fish such as kingfish or pomfret, served with plain steamed rice; widely available at village eateries and beach shacks.
Must-Try!
A spicy, sweet-and-sour prawn pickle influenced by Portuguese pickling traditions — great with rice or bread; try at local family restaurants.
Mackerel stuffed with a spiced chili-recheado masala and fried — a Goan classic found in many coastal restaurants.
A rich layered Goan dessert (baked coconut milk and egg custard layers), often available in bakeries and at festive times.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market nearby where you can sample local snacks, fresh seafood, tropical fruits and buy pickles, spices and sweets; try local samosas, bhaji pav and fresh shellfish stalls.
Evening shacks serving fresh grilled fish, prawn curry and fried snacks over the sand — informal and lively, great for sunset dining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in village areas and when visiting religious sites; beachwear is fine on the beach but cover up for village streets and churches. Remove shoes when entering some homes and places of worship.
Village festas and processions are important—observe respectfully, ask before photographing people, and follow any local instructions or barriers.
A friendly 'Namaste' or a simple hello is welcome; older generations may use Portuguese words like 'Obrigado/Obrigada' for thank you.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious ceremonies or private events.
Safety
Tipping in Raia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: in restaurants 5–10% if service charge isn’t included, small change for porters and housekeepers, and rounding up fares for taxis or auto-rickshaws is common.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in the village and markets; cards are accepted at many restaurants and hotels in nearby towns and beaches. Mobile payment apps and UPI are popular in Goa—ensure network access and ask vendors if they accept cards or apps before ordering.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May is hot and humid with temperatures often 30–35°C (86–95°F); mornings and evenings are best for activities, and stay hydrated. Local life slows mid-afternoon; sunscreen and light clothing are essential.
June to September brings heavy rain and lush landscapes; many inland trails and some beach shacks close. Roads can be slippery and some rural paths may flood—ideal for seeing green countryside but less ideal for beach days.
October to November is pleasant, humid but cooling, with clearer skies and greener scenery—good for outdoor activities, festivals and photography.
December to February is Goa’s peak tourist season with comfortable temperatures (20–28°C / 68–82°F), lively beach shacks, festivals and the best conditions for sightseeing and water activities.
Raia at Night
Hiking in Raia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular day trip into the Western Ghats to see dramatic waterfalls; options include jeep safaris, train viewpoints and guided treks—prepare for humid conditions and some rough trails.
Forest trails, wildlife spotting and stream-side walks; good for birdwatching and nature photography—entry rules and timings may apply.
Less crowded sanctuaries with shaded hiking paths, freshwater springs and biodiversity—ideal for peaceful nature hikes and spotting endemic flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Raia by plane.
The main commercial airport serving Goa (GOI), located near Vasco da Gama. It’s roughly a 30–40 minute to 1 hour drive from Raia depending on traffic and route; taxis and car hires are available.
Newer international airport in North Goa (GOX); travel time to Raia is longer (around 1.5–2.5 hours by road). Useful if flying into North Goa, but expect a longer transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Raia’s population are Goan Catholics with Portuguese cultural influences visible in architecture, festivals and cuisine.
Hindu Konkani families form another large community, maintaining temples, festivals and traditional agrarian lifestyles.
People engaged in tourism, fishing, agriculture and local trades—seasonal workers from other Indian states also contribute to the local workforce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular across Goa; local village matches and school-level competitions are common and passionate.
Cricket is widely played and followed, with neighborhood games and local clubs active year-round.
During festivals and monsoon season some regions hold traditional boat or community games—more common along coastal communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Raia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available—look for vegetable curries, dal, rice, and vegetarian thalis in local eateries. Explain 'I am vegetarian' clearly (in English or Hindi) and confirm dishes may use coconut or mustard seeds.
Vegan choices are fewer but possible: rice, vegetable curries made without ghee, fresh fruit and coconut-based dishes. Ask cooks about butter or cream in dishes and check for fish-based gravies used in neighboring pots.
Rice is the staple so many dishes are naturally gluten-free; avoid breads unless specified (e.g., local pao contains wheat). Always ask about batter-fried items that may contain wheat flour.