Tired of Goa’s Beaches? Explore These 5 Scenic Weekend Road Trips to Hills, Forests, and Heritage Sites Nearby

Tired of the same old beach days in Goa? Just a few hours’ drive away lie hidden hills, quiet forests, ancient ruins, and peaceful riversides waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving some fresh mountain air, historic vibes, or just a break from the crowds, these road trips from Goa promise quick escapes without the need for long travel planning. 

Here are five must-visit spots that are perfect for your next weekend getaway.

Goa to Gokarna
Around 150 km from Goa, Gokarna in Karnataka offers a peaceful change from Goa’s busy beaches. On the drive, you pass the quiet countryside before reaching Gokarna’s small temple town. Visitors enjoy beaches like Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Paradise Beach. This route takes about 4–5 hours, making it perfect for a calm weekend trip away from crowds. 

Goa to Amboli
About 127 km away, Amboli lies in the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra. The road winds through misty forests and falls. It takes around three hours to reach this hill station. During the monsoon, Amboli becomes lush and green, ideal for short nature walks and waterfall visits.

Goa to Hampi
At a distance of nearly 320–350 km, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka. The journey is longer, about six hours, but brings you to ancient temples and stone pillars of the Vijayanagara Empire. Along the way, you see rocky hills and farmland. Hampi offers a mix of history, calm, and open spaces.

Goa to Dandeli
Just 98 km from Goa, Dandeli in Karnataka is known for dense forests and the Kali River. The drive takes around two and a half hours. This is a top choice for people who enjoy adventure, wildlife, and water fun. You can do rafting, wildlife safaris, and spend time by the river. 

Goa to Chorla Ghats
Only about 50–68 km away, Chorla Ghats sits on the Goa-Karnataka-Maharashtra border in the Western Ghats. In just two hours, you can go from beach scenes to misty mountain roads. Chorla is part of a protected wildlife region and known for its forests, waterfalls, and nature trails.

All these weekend road trips give different experiences, beaches, hills, heritage, forests, and adventure. They can be done in a short time without staying overnight, or you can plan a longer trip to enjoy more. Each drive shows how rich and varied the region around Goa is. Choose one based on what you enjoy most, peaceful beaches, hill walks, history, wildlife, or quiet forests.

Whether by car or bike, these trips are safe and easy for most people. Roads are in good condition, but checking for weather updates is wise, especially during monsoon. For a quick yet vivid travel experience, these five routes make a great start for anyone looking for a weekend getaway from Goa.