The south coast of Goa is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of coconut plantations and rolling green hills and is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the region. A great starting point for those who want a chain of things to do in South Goa must note that the shores of North Goa are often considered the perfect destination for a beach holiday, but the beaches of South Goa are renowned for their natural beauty. Whether it be the picturesque Palolem beach or the serene Patnem, you can indeed have a truly memorable vacation. Goa also offers a wide variety of water sports, with Baga and Calangute being two top destinations for such activities.
14 Most Popular Things To Do In South Goa
If you are planning to visit the state of Goa and looking for things to do in South Goa specifically, read on to learn more about the best and most popular activities.
1. Take a road trip from River Sal to Agonda
Image Credit: Tuderna for Wikimedia Commons
Agonda, a secluded and picturesque beach located in Goa, has recently seen the emergence of luxury resorts and beach huts along its shoreline, yet despite this development, the beach remains relatively uncrowded even during peak tourist season, providing an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil getaway. Surrounded by towering mountains on either side, it is widely considered by many to be the most stunning beach in all of Goa, and if you are searching for a beachfront property with uninterrupted views of the ocean and a minimal number of visitors, a trip to an Agonda is highly recommended and one of the more offbeat things to do in South Goa.
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2. Hike up to watch the Dudhsagar falls
Nestled deep within the lush wilderness of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dudhsagar Waterfall is a spectacular natural wonder that cascades down from the Western Ghats in South Goa. With a height of approximately 310 meters and a width of 30 meters, this four-tiered waterfall is among the tallest in India and is a truly breathtaking sight to behold. The name “Dudhsagar” translates to “Sea of Milk” and the waterfall truly upholds its name, especially during the peak monsoon months when the water is at its most abundant and the waterfall appears to be a sea of churning white milk.
3. Visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Courtesy: Government of Goa
The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the small town of Mollem in Goa, nestled amidst the picturesque Western Ghats. This famous sanctuary is enveloped by thick, lush forests that provide the perfect setting for a variety of wildlife to thrive. It holds a prominent place among the wildlife sanctuaries in India due to both its historical and geographical significance. It is one of the best things to do in South Goa with family.
Address: 87MQ+H89, Goa 403410
Hours: 9 am–5:30 pm
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4. Attend a party on Colva Beach
What was once a small, sleepy fishing village and a popular hangout spot for hippies in the 1960s, Colva has now transformed into a bustling resort town. Known for its crowded beaches filled with day-trippers and package tourists, Colva Beach in Goa is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy water sports and soak up some fresh sea air.
5. Try scuba diving near Grande Island
Grande Island located in South Goa is a highly sought-after destination for those seeking the thrill of underwater scuba adventures. People from all over the world come to this exotic island to witness the stunning marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse underwater ecosystem. Divers, accompanied by their instructors, typically reach Grande Island via boat or yacht from the nearest beach, Bogmalo Beach. The visibility for diving in Grande Island is considered to be among the best in all of Goa, making it a prime spot for observing the underwater world, making this activity one of the best things to do in South Goa.
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6. Take a trip to the Big Foot Museum
Image Credit: JosephAssisFernandes for Wikimedia Commons
The open-air museum located in Loutolim is a unique attraction that aims to recreate Goan’s rural life as it existed 100 years ago. Visitors can take a step back in time and explore a recreated village that offers a glimpse into the traditional occupations, social classes, and way of life of the people who lived in Goa in the past. The museum features miniature houses that showcase different aspects of Goan life such as fishermen, artisans, music schools, farmers, liquor shops, the village market, and even a feni distillery.
7. Indulge in Water Activities
Coming to Goa and not trying watersports is a sin as the destination is not only confined to its beaches, seafood, nightlife and shopping experiences. There are numerous water activities in south goa including skiing, parasailing, diving, kite surfing, jet skiing to water scooter ride, flyboarding, paddle boarding, surfboarding, and sport fishing. Most of the beaches would allow you to indulge in these activities.
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8. Splurge in Shopping
Goa is indeed a shopaholic’s paradise. There are numerous markets where you will find hats, hand crafted products, keychains, decorative items, and several souvenirs. Some of the best ones where you can head to are Margao Municipal Market, Colva Beach Market, Palolem Beach Market, etc. Moreover, there are some markets like Covered Margao Market and Gandhi Market that are dedicated to only the food section. Since most of the markets are near the beach, you can simply head to the beach after enjoying some retail therapy.
9. Take a Spice Plantation Tour
Spice plantation plays a major role in Goa’s development. There are numerous locally-produced ingredients and spices used to prepare authentic Goan cuisine. Hence, you must add a spice plantation tour to your itinerary to learn about the flavors of Goan delicacies through its ingredients. You can also buy some fresh spice to bring back home. Sahakari Spice Farm, Pascoal Spice Village, Pascoal Spice Village, and Savoi Spice Plantation are a few plantations where you can visit.
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10. Go for Beach Hopping
Goa is loaded with beaches all around and to complete your Goan trip, you must explore some and witness their unique charm. Butterfly Beach, Palolem Beach, Palolem Beach, Bogmalo Beach, Polem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor Beach, Arossim Beach, Betalbatim Beach, and Cavelossim Beach are some of the most enchanting beaches in South Goa offering you invigorating experiences. Moreover, you can also indulge in water activities at most of the beaches.
11. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
One of the best things to do in south Goa for couples, a hot air balloon ride is indeed an underrated activity that one must try while visiting South Goa. However, it is one of the best things to do in South Goa for relishing the aerial view of the region. Assolda Football Ground is one of the few places in South Goa where you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride. The 45 minutes to 1 hour ride will let you witness landscapes that you have never seen previously. To make the most of your ride, plan it during the early morning hours.
From beach activities, exploring islands, shopping at flea markets to thrilling water sports, the list of things to do in Goa does not end. Have a look at the top activities to add to your list. Make sure you mark your favorites!
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12. Visit Soulful Temples
South Goa is home to a plethora of temples that emit serene vibes. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple, Maruti Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Shri Shantadurga Temple, Shri Damodar Temple, Mahalasa Temple, and Mangeshi Temple are some of the most popular temples in South Goa rendering sheer peach and tranquility. Interestingly, most of the temples boast an exceltic blend of Portuguese and Indian architecture.
13. Feel the Luxury of a Cruise
Cruising is one activity that truly deserved to be on your to do list while visiting South Goa. There are numerous options like backwater cruise, sunset cruise, and casino cruise but dinner cruise on Mandovi River that allow you to taste the luxury in a unique manner. The cruise starts from the Jetty at the Santa Monica and takes one through the river. One can enjoy the beauty of Goa after sunset, glittering beaches, and shacks.
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14. Sample Some Local Goan Delicacies
Goan cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and Konkani style of cooking that gives all the delicacies a rich flavor. One of the best things to do in Goa is to gorge upon some traditional food. The Fisherman’s Wharf, Riverside (The Leela), Village Square, Zeebop, Lobster Shack, The Garden, Martin’s Corner, Joecon’s Garden Restaurant, Blue Planet Cafe, and Magic Italy are a few restaurants and cafes where you can reshish upon the authentic Goan cuisine.
The quieter, secluded beaches and luxurious resorts of South Goa are what makes it famous. In contrast to the bustling and more crowded North Goa, South Goa is known for providing a tranquil and relaxing environment, making it a popular choice among travellers seeking a more relaxed, less developed vacation spot. Explore our Goa tour packages to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in South Goa
Is South Goa worth visiting?
South Goa offers visitors the opportunity to experience unspoiled beaches, picturesque churches and temples, and natural reserves home to diverse wildlife. Adventure seekers can enjoy a range of exhilarating water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing, or simply relax on the secluded beaches and soak up the sun.
Are 3 days enough in South Goa?
Absolutely, during a three-day trip to Goa, one can indulge in the white sands of Anjuna beach, experience scuba diving and snorkelling at Baga beach, and explore the numerous casinos. And perhaps one of the most memorable experiences you will have is to test your luck at the casinos and try your hand at the various games.
What is the best time to visit South Goa?
Goa is best enjoyed during the cooler months, typically from November to February, when the weather is perfect for exploring the sights and lounging on the beautiful beaches.
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