Goa is not just about Baga, Calangute, Tito’s and Mambo. There is another side to the party capital of our country that you must explore and it’s down south. There are numerous places to visit in South Goa that are not just restricted to beaches but there are other areas full of vim and vigor that a true traveler must explore. While North Goa has a reputation for being a party place, South Goa sightseeing is when people get to have a relaxing time and rejuvenate their senses. Take a look at these best places to visit In South Goa for that punch!
- Best Beaches Of South Goa
- Places To Visit In South Goa At Night
- Shopping In South Goa
- Best Churches In South Goa
- Other Top Places To Visit In South Goa
- Leisure Resorts Of South Goa
Best Beaches Of South Goa
- Butterfly Beach
- Palolem Beach
- Polem Beach
- Agonda Beach
- Mobor Beach
- Bogmalo Beach
- Arrosim Beach
The leisurely pace of life, exotic beaches and historic villages beckon solitude seeking travelers from around the world to Goa. The second most important city, Margao begins the beach circuit of South Goa. If the laziest person was to choose one destination in the country then, beaches amongst the places to see in South Goa would be their pick! With the smiling sun, clear water of the sea and the beautiful virgin sand, why would you go anywhere else? Choose your secluded beach from the list:
1. Butterfly Beach
The unfrequented and concealed beach of Goa is a masterpiece on its own. The name itself justifies the beauty of the place. If you have never been to this beach, then that gives you all the more reasons to go and explore the beauty of it. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in South Goa in 1 day. You can also spot dolphins, crabs, and butterflies on this beach.
Location: South Goa
Distance from Panaji: 70 kms
Things To Do: Attend parties, Boat Riding, Canoe Riding
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2. Palolem Beach
The palm grooves, shacks and the long stretch of the pristine beach carrying white sand is just fantabulous! It is also famous for the popular Silent Disco which is located on this beach. Apart from that, you can enjoy watersports, swimming, and yoga.
Distance from Panaji: 70 kms
Things To Do: Attend parties, Boat Riding, Canoe Riding
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3. Polem Beach
The clear waters of the beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Enjoy the dolphins playing in the water and some rare migratory birds at the beach. It is the last beach in Goa and even in Cancona region. From this point onwards, Karnataka region begins.
Things To Do: Banana Ride, Wind surfing, Water scooter, Dolphin Sighting
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4. Agonda Beach
If you seriously want to do nothing and chill with your friends, then it’s an ideal beach for you all to get pampered.
One of the only four beaches in Goa designated as turtle nesting site, Agonda Beach offers you peace and tranquility. In case you ever need to get away from all thr tourist bustle, you should escape to this beach.
We Recommend Staying At: Agonda Beach huts, Rose Bud Beach shacks and Sam’s Beach Shack
We Recommend Eating At: Jolinn, Dun Hill and Nature Organic
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5. Mobor Beach
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If you are on your honeymoon and looking for romantic escapades, then Mobor is your heaven amonsgt the South Goa attractions. The picturesque scenery and serene environs of this place make it a perfect place for lovebirds to take a romantic stroll with hands clenched like lobsters and spend some quality time together. There are also myriad watersports that you may like to enjoy in your free time.
Things To Do: Banana Boat Ride, Ringo Ride, Jet Skiing
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6. Bogmalo Beach
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A tiny beach in size, Bogmalo is one of the best picnic spots in South Goa where you can spend your afternoons and evenings at leisure. The best part is that it is just 4 km away from Dabolim Airport so you can come directly to this place as soon as you land in Goa. There is even a resort called Bogmallo Beach Resort where you can wish to stay if you want a beachside and quiet accommodation in Goa.
Things To Do: Windsurfing, Parasailing, Swimming
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7. Arrosim Beach
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One of the cleanest beaches in Goa, Arrosim deserves a visit on your trip to the wonderland. The white sandy beach is fringed with palm trees and the clean blue water looks tempting enough to take a swim. It is a hawker-free beach however you will find a few beachside shacks and delis that serve lip-smacking street food. It is one of the best places to go in South Goa where you can have a relaxing evening.
Things To Do: Try the street food, swimming
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Places To Visit In South Goa At Night
Nightlife in Goa is taking a twist now-a-days. The pubs, bars and the parties in South Goa will make you groove. Have a blast in the flashy neon lights and the vibrant music on the dance floor. The silent South Goa is actually not silent anymore, but it organizes the freaky silent parties! This part of Goa has something different to offer as nightlife for all you night crawlers out there. Let’s start the dilemma:
8. Johnny Cool’s
Love jazz blues? Then there is not better place of all South Goa sightseeing places than Johny Cool’s to enjoy some good jazz music. The place is also quite popular for its beers, snacks, feni. The crowd is usually young and the place gets pretty crowded. Good for chilling out over a couple of drinks, listening to local music and people watching.
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9. Down The Road
The bistro-bar of Goa and the smell of Italian dressing is all in the air. It is now becoming the most exciting to place with live party music. Set in a beautiful location, the restaurant is set in an old Portuguese style villa. Down The Road is where you can enjoy a range of exciting cocktails in a perfect, lively ambiance. If you are in no mood to go to a pub with loud music, prefer to enjoy your drinks here.
Important Information: There is no entry fee and restaurant is attached to the bistro for a perfect meal.
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10. Silent Noise
This one is a must on your list of must-visit places in South Goa! Highly recommended. A one of a kind party, teens, youngsters and foreigners gather around, plug into the headphones and listen to the different forms of music like hard rock, pop, jazz & trance and grooving on the dance floor.
Important Information: Every Saturday on Palolem Beach, for further details click here
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Shopping In South Goa
Goa isn’t typically a shopaholic’s paradise but you definitely shouldn’t miss out on its colourful flea markets. Most of the roads near the beaches sell extremely cheap clothes and souvenirs of Goa. Buy jhola bags, trendy accessories, flip flops and more at dirt cheap prices. P.S: Add this to your list of places to see in South Goa, to return with exquisite Goan specialties—cashews and fenny.
*Caution: You might not be able to resist and go out of the budget.
11. Palolem Beach
Buy the best of the things from the hippie culture market. It is on organized every Saturday. Don’t miss this day shopaholics. It is also one of the best places to enjoy nightlife apart from shopping. You will find a lot of international tourists shopping and wanderinghere. If you get tired of all the shopping, you can go for an Ayurvedic massage.
12. Colva Beach
Use your bargaining skills here and buy the best gifts for your loved ones. Let’s shop in the flamboyant lights, dancing around the market to add a whim to the ambience. Tourists and hippies are drawn to the market because of all the cool stuff available here. You too ough to check out this quirky market on your trip to South Goa.
We Recommend Shopping At: Chim on Palolem beach and Fat Cat en Route to Patnem
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Best Churches In South Goa
Vasco De Gama, the famous city with 400-years old monuments and home to many English bands, is a major tourist attraction in South Goa. Old Goa is known for its finely constructed churches and the culture that it follows. A visit to the heritage monuments and the gothic architecture of the Lord’s house is a must. Time to hop from one building to the other:
13. Se Cathedral
The largest cathedral in Asia has five bells, out of which the golden bell—is the famous and the largest in the world. The cathedral was built by the Portuguese to celebrate the victory of their war with the Muslim army in the year 1950. The architecture of the church is in Portuguese-manueline style where the Tuscan exterior compliments the Corinthian insteriors very well.
Location: Velha, Goa 403402
Timings: 7 Am – 6:30 Pm
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14. St Xavier’s Church
The most famous church of South Goa, has beautiful interiors and gothic architecture. This is a must visit in you’re in the southern half of the city. This church was built in 1605 and you must visit it in December so that you can become a part of the festivities and celebrate Christmas.
Location: Velha, Goa 403402
Timings: 7 Am – 6:30 Pm
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Other Top Places To Visit In South Goa
- Shantadurga Temple
- Naval Aviation Museum
- Benaulim
- Loutolim
- Chandor
- Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Grande Island
- Cabo De Rama
- Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
- Netravali Lake
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
If you think this was it, here are some attractions that you can visit in South Goa if you have got more time on your hand.
15. Shantadurga Temple
It is located at Kavlem and is dedicated to Shantadurga goddess. It is known as one of the richest temples in Goa and was built during 1713 to 1738 AD. It is believed that Goddess Shantidurga is Goddess Parvati’s form who mediated between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu when a fierce battle took place.
Location: Kavlem, South Goa
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16. Naval Aviation Museum
The museum showcases the Indian Naval Aviation, weapons, sensors safety equipment & air crafts depicting Goa’s liberation. The military museum is just 6 km awy from Vasco da Gama and was founded in 1947. Feel proud at the rich histroy of Indian naval army and aircraft along with its evolution with time.You will also find a photo gallery of all the aircrafts and a ‘Hall of Silence’ for meditation. This place in South Goa is one of its kind.
Important Information: Opening- 9:30 pm to 5:00 pm; entry fee is INR 20 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners and INR 50 for camera
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17. Benaulim
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If you are looking for places to visit in South Goa in monsoons, then Benaulim is one of them. For those who love seafood can absolutely not afford to miss this place on their Goa trip. Benaulim is a beautiful beach located to the south of Margaon where you can relax in peace and tranquility. You can also spot some dolphins here. It even has a vibrant culture which makes it one of the best places to visit in South Goa at night.
Location: Benaulim Beach, South Goa
Things To Do: Para sailing, jet-skiing, Dolphin and crocodile spotting
18. Loutolim
A beautiful large village in South Goa, Loutolim is filled with historical surprises for you. It is the ancestral village of famous cartoonist Mario de Miranda. Find the remnant of Portuguese era in its churches, castles, and buildings. Visiting this old charming town is like opening a history book. The whole village seems right out of a fairy tale. You have got to visit next time you are in South Goa. You can visit the Big Foot Museum and Salvador de Mundo church.
Location: South Goa
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19. Chandor
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Visiting Chandor is South Goa is like opening a history book as you find an amazing collection of old and archaic buildings with an influence of Portuguese architecture. Some of these buildings date back to 6th century B.C. Witness the headless Nandi Bull that was built in the 11th century and is placed inside the Portuguese Mansion.
Location: Taluka, South Goa district
20. Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1978, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury is one of the most popular places to explore in South Goa. This sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and before that it was called Mollem Game Sanctuary. If you are into birdwatching then you can spot a of birds like drongo, fairy bluebird, and emerald dove. You can also spot a lot of mammals like f;ying squirrel and leopard.
Location: NH 4A, Caranzol, Goa, 403410, India
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person for Adult and Rs. 10 per person for Children
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21. The Grande Island
If you are searching for a place which is not crowded and where you can relax and replenish your soul, then you must visit the Grande island in South Goa. There are various adventurous activities which you can try on this island like snorkeling, swimming, and you can also spot Dolphins on this island.
Things To Do: Scuba Diving, Sunbathing, Swimming
22. Cabo De Rama
Cabo De Rama is one of the most visited historical sites in South Goa. In the past this fort was ruled by the Portguese monarchs and when there rule was over, this fort was used as a jail. Today a lot of tourists visit this fort as the well-known Santo Antonio church is located inside this fort.
Location: Taluka Cabo da Rama, Canacona, Goa 403702
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
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23. Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is a renowned religious site in South Goa. This ancient temple belongs to the 12th century and is the last temple of the Kadamba dynasty. If you want to witness the brilliant Kadamba structure then you ought to add this temple to your itinerary.
Location: Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406
Timings: 7:00 Am – 5:30 Pm
24. Netravali Lake
Famed as the Budbudyanche Taley, the Netravali lake is located in the Sanguem Taluka in South Goa. This unique lake is quite popular among the locals as well as the tourists as it is the only lake in Goa in which you can see bubble rising from the surface. There are a lot of mythological stories behind the bubbling but in reality the bublles occur as the water in this lake has limestone and carbon dioxide in it.
Location: Netravali, Vichundrem, Goa 403704
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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25. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Another terrific spot on our list of best places to visit in South Goa is Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Whether its the flore or fauna, this wildlife sanctury has plethora of interesting species that you must capture on your camera. Some of the animals that you can spot in this sanctuary are four-horned antelope, leopard and black sloth bear.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location: Verlem, Goa 403704
Leisure Resorts Of South Goa
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The best thing about Goa is—it understands everyone’s pocket size! There’s something for everyone. There are numerous options for an opulent stay as well as beach shacks for the ones low on budget. The best part, all these are near the most famous tourist attractions in South Goa. You can book resorts, beach bungalows or hotels by the beach. If you are interested in an evening walk on the tranquil white sand, then pick a private beach bungalow, offering a secluded sojourn, for yourself. Budget lovers can rent a guest house near the beach for a serene view.
We Recommend Staying At These Resorts: The Lella Goa, Ramada Cravela Beach Resort and Taj Exotica
We Recommend Staying At These Bungalows: GVR104: Pool Villa, GVR: 107 Mini Villa and GVR 108 Saipen Villa, for further information click here.
We Recommend Staying At These Guesthouses: Village guesthouse and Goa Guest House, for further queries click here.
P.S: You could also look for stay options at Airbnb.com
Further Read: 16 Super Awesome Places To Visit In North Goa
Ready to ruin yourselves at the best places to visit in South Goa like these lazy beaches, luxurious resorts, and parties? South Goa is an ultimate destination for some soul searching and having a peaceful time. It has quite a lot of options for party too. Share with your friends and head to these famous places in South Goa. But before that, plan an exotic vacation to Goa now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In South Goa
A. South Goa is famous for its beaches like Colva Beach, Agonda Beach, and Palolem Beach. Another must-visit place in South Goa is Varca that is one of the most serene places to explore with your friends. Imagine yourself on a golden beach lined with palm trees, blue waters striking the sand, and the wind blowing your hair. This is an exact image of Varca which has bewitched the tourists to go to South Goa and explore this place themselves.
A. As South Goa is now a famous tourist destination, there is no dearth of places to stay in this area. From homestays and cottages to hotels, you will find a wide array of options to stay in South Goa. Some of the well-known abodes are Patnem Garden Cottages, The Majorda Pristine, The Charming Night, and Samyama Retreat. Depending on your budget, you can choose one of these places and have a comfortable stay with your friends.
A. There are several ways to reach Goa as there is no issue in commuting to the place. Let’s take a look at the different ways of commuting:
By Air: The nearest airport in South Goa is Dabolim Airport that is situated just 23 kilometers away from Margao. So, if you are coming from a far place you can opt for airways to reach South Goa.
By Rail: The best way to reach South Goa is via a train as Margaon Railway Station is the biggest as well as the busiest railway junction in the area. As it is one of the cheapest ways to travel, people coming from a far-off destination book their tickets in advance to reach South Goa.
By Road: Margao is a well-connected city in South Goa and can be easily reached from Udupi, Ratnagiri, Mumbai, Mangalore, Ponda, and Bhatkal.
A. Whether you are alone or with a group of people, it is always safe to travel in South Goa. Anyone can enjoy the nightlife of Goa as the state does not sleep at night. However, it is not advised to travel from one beach to another at night.
A. There is no comparison between these two destinations because they both have their own beauty. Beaches in North Goa are more lively and crowded with people. However, if you are looking for a quaint place to resort to then you can head to the beaches in South Goa that are more quiet and serene to explore.
A. For avery short trip, following are the places you can visit in South Goa:
1. Visit famous beaches – Palolem, Colva
2. Vibrant nightclubs – Down the road, Silent noise
3. Famous churches – St Xavier’s Church, Se Cathedral
4. Other attractions – Vasco Da Gama, Chandor, Cabo de Rama Fort
A. Mid November to mid February is the best time to visit Goa as the weather during this time is pleasantly cool and favorable. It’s the best time to relax on the beach.
A. Palolem Beach Market, Gandhi Market, Colva Beach Market, Covered Margao Market are the best shopping places in South Goa.
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