Are you dreaming of a beach escape that's far from the maddening crowds? Look no further than Agonda, the hidden gem of South Goa! Buckle up as we take you on a journey through our unforgettable 5-day trip to this serene paradise.
Day 0: A comfy bus ride sets the mood
Our adventure began with an overnight Volvo bus ride from Bangalore to Canacona. We booked our tickets through Redbus - the bus was incredibly comfortable, complete with snacks and well-timed stops for dinner and washroom breaks.
Day 1: Unveiling Agonda's beauty
As the bus dropped us off near Canacona, the excitement was palpable! We hopped on a local auto for a quick ride to our pre-booked stay, "Duck n Chill." This place offered a perfect blend of budget-friendly and sea-facing huts. We opted for the charming garden-view huts, a steal at ₹1900 per night, situated just 50 meters from the beach.
Since it was the second week of April, Agonda was blissfully uncrowded. This translated to lower accommodation rates - a bonus for budget travelers like us! But here's a tip: for the ultimate deal, consider walking into homestays/huts directly. Agonda caters to those seeking tranquility - a world away from the party scene of North Goa.
Reaching our stay by 9 am, we were pleasantly surprised when they allowed an early check-in by noon. While we waited, we treated ourselves to a delicious breakfast at their beach-facing restaurant, the sound of the waves setting the perfect ambiance.
The midday sun demanded a siesta, and by evening, as the heat subsided, we were ready to explore! A walk along the shore, the cool sand caressing our feet, and playful dips in the waves were pure bliss. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, we savored a delightful snack, turning our beach stroll into a magical picnic.
The night ended with a special touch - a candlelit dinner at the hotel restaurant organised for all. The tables were set on the beach under the soft moonlight, the gentle flicker of candles adding a touch of romance.
Day 2: Butterfly Beach - A hidden gem revealed
The next day, we woke up with the sunrise, eager to explore one of South Goa's best-kept secrets - Butterfly Beach. Located 7 kilometers from our stay, this secluded paradise can be reached by two-wheeler (followed by a short 300-meter walk), four-wheeler (with a longer 1.5km walk), or boat from either Agonda or Palolem beach.
We opted for the two-wheeler, arriving at the beach by 7 am. The reward? Practically having the entire beach to ourselves! With less than 5 people around, we captured stunning pictures, feeling like we had discovered our own private heaven.
Our journey back included a delightful breakfast stop at the quirky "Greenland Restaurant." The ambiance, bursting with greenery, was matched by the host's funny personality. While the prices were a bit on the higher side, the delicious food made it worthwhile.
Keeping in mind the scorching summer sun, we planned our days strategically. Early mornings (6 am to 10 am) were spent exploring, followed by relaxation at the hotel until noon. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we ventured out again around 4:30 pm, enjoying the cooler evenings until nightfall.
In the evening, we embarked on a scenic ride to the Palolem market, 14 kilometers away. The journey itself was a delight, with the road winding through charming hillocks. However, the beach at Palolem was a stark contrast to the serenity of Agonda - teeming with tourists. We opted to grab a bite at the market and head back to our peaceful haven. Dinner was at the Fatima Restaurant in Agonda's market. The unique decor, featuring vintage cartoon paintings on the walls, created a quirky ambiance. While the food was average, the slightly higher price tag didn't dampen our spirits.
Day 3: Cabo de Rama - Cliffs & Rock Beaches
Day 3 began with a refreshing scooty ride through village forest roads. Reaching Cabo de Rama beach by 7:30 am, we were greeted by a stunning vista – the view from the cliffs was breathtaking. We then descended to explore the unique rock beach, a stark contrast to the soft sands of Agonda. Our exploration built up an appetite, and we found ourselves back at the familiar and friendly Greenland Restaurant for breakfast.
The afternoon sun demanded some relaxation. We returned to our beach hut, took a refreshing dip in the cool waters, and retreated to our room for a siesta. Later, hunger pangs led us to Agonda Corner, a small restaurant run by a welcoming Nepali family. They offered a delicious variety of food at reasonable prices, making it a perfect lunch spot.
As the day drew to a close, we couldn't resist an evening stroll along the beach. The sky transformed into a canvas of fiery hues as the sun dipped below the horizon, creating a magical sunset that we captured in photographs. Dinner was again at Agonda Corner, their delicious food and fair prices winning us over completely.
Day 4: Kayaking Adventure at Cola Beach
An early start on Day 4 took us to Cola Beach. The last stretch was a bit of an off-road adventure on our scooter, but the destination was worth it. The beach itself had similarities to Agonda, but the real highlight was the backwaters. Here, we embarked on our first kayaking experience, a thrilling 30-minute adventure for two that cost ₹500. We thoroughly enjoyed paddling through the serene backwaters.
On our way back to our stay, we stumbled upon a charming little restaurant called "Little Banana Leaf" run by a friendly old gentleman. They served a delectable spread of Indian and Goan cuisine at pocket-friendly prices, making it an unplanned yet delightful stop. Refreshed and satiated, we returned to our beach hut for another cleansing dip in the sea before taking a well-deserved afternoon rest.
Both lunch and dinner were at the Little Banana Leaf – their delicious food and warm hospitality kept us coming back for more. In the evening, we treated ourselves to a beach picnic. With frisbees in hand, we played on the sand, creating beautiful memories under the golden glow of the setting sun. It was a perfect day, filled with adventure and relaxation.
Day 5: A Serene Farewell and Local Delights
Day 5 began with a peaceful sunrise walk along the beach. After packing our bags and checking out of our room, we left our luggage at the hotel and headed to the Laxminarayan Temple, the village's main temple. The serenity of the place and the architectural beauty left us spellbound. We offered prayers and soaked in the peaceful ambiance.
Our return journey included breakfast at a new discovery - Romya Ram G Bakery. The friendly staff, good vibes with great music, and delicious food at reasonable prices made a great impression. We ended up having both breakfast and lunch there. Back at the hotel, we collected our luggage and spent the afternoon relaxing at the beach-facing restaurant, the gentle sound of waves providing the perfect soundtrack as I wrote this blog and painted.
As the sun began to set, we enjoyed some snacks before taking an auto to the Canacona bus stop. We boarded the same intercity Volvo bus that had brought us here, ready to return to Bangalore with a heart full of happy memories and a renewed appreciation for the hidden gem of Agonda.
Resort and restaurant details:
- Duck n Chill- Agonda: https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/LfvLcZgKfawqUkv86
- Greenland restaurant (Good ambience)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/H1ZZ3BsWthioJTo47
- Romya restaurant (Good ambience & price)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mVgV78Rdj4Dxsz9h7
- Agonda corner (Good price with taste)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QwtAGV2TCvmijDW88
- Little Plantain leaf (Good price)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUp78vE5eByRHA388
- Fatima's restaurant (Unique ambience)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/i2KkWYnrivXMjRZZ6
- Nilam taxi service(not on google map)
Phone no: 8999300533
- Kayaking (Online booking)
phone no: 9834382782
