Things To Do
in Usgao
Usgao is a small inland village in North Goa set amid paddy fields, spice plantations and pockets of dense tropical vegetation. It offers a quiet, authentic slice of Goan rural life, with nearby temples, local markets and easy access to the central Goa towns. The village is a good base for exploring interior Goa — spice farms, wildlife sanctuaries and small rivers — while remaining within reasonable driving distance of Goa’s coast.
Visitors come for relaxed village walks, home-style Goan Konkani food and to experience local festivals and temple rituals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Usgao and settle into your accommodation, surrounded by the lush greenery of village life. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local delicacies at a nearby café. Spend some time exploring the local area to get a feel of this quaint, traditional goan village.
Visit the ancient Usgao Church and admire its beautiful architecture, which speaks volumes about the village's rich history. Take a stroll through the local markets, where you can shop for unique Goan handicrafts and spices. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, savoring authentic Goan flavors.
As the sun sets, engage in a friendly chat with the villagers, learning about their daily lives and traditions. Head back for a peaceful evening walk along the village trails, with nature soothing your senses. Conclude your day with a relaxing dinner, appreciating the calm ambiance of Usgao.
Begin your day with a yoga session in the tranquility of Usgao’s nature. After breakfast, participate in a cooking workshop where you can learn to make traditional Goan dishes. Immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of local spices as you prepare a meal.
Post-lunch, explore the nearby temples, each showcasing intricate carvings and a sense of serenity. Meet the local artisans and watch them craft traditional Goan pottery and toys. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the skills passed down through generations.
Join a local family for dinner, where you will enjoy a meal made from the ingredients you helped prepare. Share stories and laughter over the table, embracing the warmth of Goan hospitality. Wind down with a peaceful evening listening to folklore and music from the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea | $0.80-2.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi / tuk-tuk ride (5–10 km) | $3-8 |
| 🛌Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $15-35 |
| 🎟️Entrance fee to local sanctuary or attraction | $1.50-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Goan experience with lush landscapes and spice plantations.
- Lower prices and fewer tourists than coastal hotspots.
- Good base for inland nature excursions and cultural visits.
- Friendly local communities and home-style Goan food.
- Limited nightlife, entertainment and tourist infrastructure in the village itself.
- Public transport is sparse — a vehicle rental or taxi is often required.
- Heavy monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor plans.
- Fewer dining and international food options compared with coastal towns.
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Konkani: Dev borem korum" - Welcome / God bless (Konkani greeting)
- "Kitne ka hai? / Kitlo?" - How much is this?
- "Kripya pani (Hindi)" - Please give water
- "Madad chahiye (Hindi)" - I need help
Places to Visit in Usgao
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide, emerald rice paddies around Usgao are beautiful at dawn with reflections and villagers at work — great for atmospheric rural shots.
Small village temples and festival processions offer colorful, authentic cultural photography — always ask permission before photographing people and rituals.
Close-up shots of pepper vines, cardamom, and coconut groves make for rich detail photos and candid portraits of plantation life.
Nearby streams and river bends have tranquil scenes with birdlife and fishermen — good for golden-hour landscape shots.
Short drives inland reveal hilltop views toward the Western Ghats, especially dramatic after the monsoon when everything is lush and green.
Food in Usgao
Usgao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tangy coconut-based fish curry served with steamed rice — a coastal staple you’ll find in local eateries and homestays.
Must-Try!
A spice-forward chicken curry made with roasted coconut and complex spices, common in inland Goan restaurants.
Portuguese-influenced spicy, vinegary pork dishes available in traditional Goan homes and eateries; best tried where prepared authentically.
Sannas (steamed spongy rice cakes) and poi (local bread) are common accompaniments — look for them at local breakfast stalls or home meals.
A mixed platter of dal, vegetable curries, bhaji, rice and pickles — widely available and a good option for vegetarians.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets sell fresh produce, spices, regional sweets and hot snacks like patties and samosas; ideal for tasting local flavors and buying spices.
A larger town market (short drive) where you can find fruit stalls, fish, local snacks and small eateries serving traditional Goan breakfasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering, and avoid loud behavior. Photography in places of worship may be restricted; follow local signs and guidance.
A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is polite; use your right hand for giving/receiving items and eating. Respect elders and accept hospitality graciously.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and older people. A small tip or showing the photo afterward is appreciated.
Casual clothing is fine around the village; avoid revealing outfits in religious or conservative areas. For festivals, locals may dress in traditional attire.
Safety
Tipping in Usgao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For small village eateries and tea stalls, rounding up or leaving loose change is fine. For guided tours, drivers and good restaurant service, 5–10% is customary. Tip in cash directly to the person.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in Usgao and nearby villages — carry small denominations. ATMs are available in larger towns (Ponda, Panaji). Digital payments (UPI, mobile wallets) and debit/credit cards are increasingly accepted in town eateries and shops but may be unreliable in small rural establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with daytime temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities; carry water, sun protection and plan strenuous activities for early hours.
Heavy rains transform the countryside into lush green scenery; many rural tracks become muddy and some small roads may flood. It’s a peaceful time with fewer tourists but expect disrupted transport and limited beach activities.
One of the best times to visit: landscapes are fresh, humidity drops, and temperatures are comfortable. Ideal for hiking, sightseeing and photography.
Pleasant, mild weather with cool nights and comfortable days — peak tourist season in Goa generally; book accommodation in advance if you plan day trips to coastal hotspots.
Usgao at Night
Hiking in Usgao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short nature trails and easy hikes in a protected area with good birdlife and a small zoo — family-friendly and close by for a half-day trip.
Larger reserve with hiking routes, waterfalls and dense forest; excellent biodiversity and best visited with a guide, especially in the post-monsoon season.
A bit further south but rewarding for hikers who want quieter, less-touristed forest trails and chances to see endemic flora and fauna.
Short, accessible hikes that offer panoramic views over the inland countryside and are particularly scenic after the monsoon.
Airports
How to reach Usgao by plane.
Main commercial airport serving Goa, located south of Panaji. About a 45–75 minute drive depending on traffic; taxis and private transfers are available. Domestic and international connections are frequent.
Newer airport in North Goa providing more direct access to northern and central Goa. Driving times vary but typically 40–90 minutes depending on exact location and traffic; offers domestic and expanding international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population are Konkani-speaking Hindus involved in agriculture, temple activities and local trade.
Goa also has a large Christian community with Portuguese cultural influences visible in religion, cuisine and some architecture; nearby towns may have churches and community events.
People from other Indian states work in construction, hospitality and services; this adds linguistic and cultural diversity to the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is widely played and followed across Goa, with local tournaments and strong grassroots participation.
Cricket is very popular at all levels — you’ll often see informal matches in fields and playgrounds.
While not in Usgao itself, nearby beaches offer water sports such as jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing for day-trip adventure.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Usgao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are generally available (thalis, dals, vegetable curries, rice). In village eateries, clearly say 'no fish/no meat' and use 'vegetarian' — many kitchens are used for mixed cooking so ask about preparation if strictly vegetarian.
Vegan options (rice, vegetable curries) are possible but less labeled; ask about ghee/curd. Gluten-free visitors can usually rely on rice-based dishes but should confirm ingredients in breads and gravies.
Coconut, peanuts and mustard are common in Goan cooking. Communicate allergies clearly (carry translation or allergy card) and prefer freshly prepared home-style meals where you can speak directly with the cook.