Azure waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, stunning cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, narrow streets lined with trees and colorful buildings...South Goa holds all this and more. It promises a complete family holiday. We have been to South Goa twice, and each time we explored a different part of South Goa.
ABOUT SOUTH GOA
South Goa is a large area, covering all the beaches falling below Panjim. There are 2 main hubs of tourism along the South Goa coast. One is centred around Palolem Beach, and covers Palolem, Patnem, Rajbagh, Galgibaga, Agonda, Butterfly beach and the nearby areas. It is far from the Dabolim airport and takes around 1.5 hours to reach. The other is centred around Colva and covers Colva, Benaulim, Betalbatim, Majorda, Cavelossim and the nearby areas. It is close to the airport and takes around 40 mins to reach.
WHAT TO EXPLORE
AROUND PALOLEM
Palolem is a centre point to explore some of the hidden beaches of South Goa. To the south lie Patnem, Galgibaga, Rajbagh ,Colomb, Butterfly beaches. To the north lie Agonda, Cola, Kakolem and Cabo de Rama.
1. Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is one of the best known beaches of South Goa. Adorned with fine white sand, this beautiful beach lined with palm trees is a hub of water sports and other activities during tourist season. It is famous for its silent parties and the sunset views from here are stunning.
2. Patnem Beach
Lying just 3km south of Palolem is Patnem Beach. It is a white sand beach, which is quiet, peaceful, and often full of foreign tourists. There are plenty of beach shacks available here.
3. Galgibaga Beach
Located around 8km south of Palolem, it is one of the cleanest and least known beaches of Goa. It is famous as a breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles which can be seen between Oct-Mar.
4. Agonda Beach
Surrounded by cliffs on both sides, Agonda Beach is located 10km north of Palolem, and is a relatively quiet beach. I personally found the waves to be a bit high, so be careful while venturing into the sea here. However, we have played a lot in the waters of Agonda, and this is my favourite beach in South Goa.
5. Cola Beach
Cola Beach is located around 14 km from Palolem. It is famous for kayaking through the mangroves. It boasts of a lagoon where the freshwater meets the sea. The beach can be reached only by a hike, so it's not easy to reach but the effort is worth the view.
6. Kakolem Beach
16 km north of Palolem lies this hidden beach that is accessible only through a hike. There are waterfalls on the beach and that's the most unique feature of Kakolem.
7. Cabo de Rama
Cabo de Rama lies around 23 km north of Palolem. The view point from the entrance of Cape Goa hotel is stunning, with a cliff overlooking a palm lined beach. There is no Hike involved for this view point. In the vicinity, there is the Cabo de Rama fort and from the fort, a short walk takes you to pebble beach, another hidden gem in Goa. The Cape Goa view point is a must visit for gorgeous sunset views.
8. Butterfly Beach
This is a hidden beach in Goa that can be reached by hike, taking a jeep or by boat from Palolem or Agonda Beach. It is reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa.
9. Salaulim Dam
Salaulim Dam is 43 km east of Palolem Beach. It is 34 km east of Colva. But the dam is a real beauty. We followed Google maps till around 5 km before the place. After that we followed the actual road signs and reached the dam without viewing the gardens. Nearby, there is an ancient temple and Rivona caves.
AROUND COLVA
Colva is a centre point to explore some of the beaches in this area. Varca, Benaulim and Cavelossim are to the south while Betalbatim, Majorda, Utorda are to the north of Colva.
1. Colva Beach
Colva is a quiet white sand beach located in South Goa. It is good for families. Colva Beach also throws full moon parties.
2. Varca Beach
Varca Beach lies 10 km to the south of Colva Beach. It boasts of a few luxury resorts in the area but powdery white sand beach is unspoilt. The area is good for trying out Goan Cuisine.
3. Cavelossim
Cavelossim Beach lies 15km south of Colva. The beach is pristine and the area has a few nightclubs so all those looking for nightlife can have a good time.
4. Benaulim Beach
Benaulim Beach is less crowded. Beach facing shacks are available and it's a great place for families.
5. Betalbatim Beach
Betalbatim Beach is a secluded beach in South Goa. It is famous for bioluminescence.
6. Majorda Beach
It is 5 km north of Colva. It is a tranquil beach, good for long walks and spectacular sunset views.
7. Betul Lighthouse
Betul Lighthouse is a real hidden gem with sunset views that will remain etched in your memory. It is around 20km south of Colva. First we went to Holy Cross Chapel Baradi. The view of the backwaters in the golden hues of the setting sun was so soothing.
After that a short hike of 500m through grasslands took us to the lighthouse. It is a place not to be missed!
9. South East Goa
The South Eastern part of Goa has various wildlife sanctuaries. The Netravalli sanctuary, Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary are worth exploring especially in the monsoon. Dudhsagar Falls is especially famous in this area. These areas around 40-50 km east of Colva
PLACES TO EAT
These are places we explored on our trips, and the food here is amazing.
1. Zeebop, Utorda
We stopped here on our way to Palolem from airport. The setting is just by the sea and the Goan food is very tasty.
2. Martins Corner, Betalbatim
Tucked away in the quiet lanes of Betalbatim is this homely place. Their fish raechado is scrumptious and you should definitely order their bebinca(Goan dessert). Beware that the queue for going inside is pretty long especially on weekends so reach there by 7 pm to grab a seat.
3. Dropadi Bar and Restaurant, Palolem
Dropadi is a sea facing restaurant with awesome Goan food!! It's the best place in Palolem to spend your evenings.
4. Dunhill, Agonda
Dunhill restaurant is just over Agonda Beach. Their food is awesome, especially the pasta, but their view is even better.
STAYS
There is no dearth of stays in South Goa. Here are 2 of them that we experienced
1. Shuchi's Villa, Betalbatim
This is a 3 bhk Airbnb. There is one bedroom along with hall and kitchen on ground floor. There are 2 bedrooms on the top floor. The kitchen has all amenities except the provisions. It is very close to Betalbatim beach and Martins Corner. There is a swimming pool for water babies as well. The cost is around Rs. 11500 per night for the entire villa
2. Sobit Sarovar Portico, Palolem
This is a budget resort, with all rooms facing the pool. They have a recreational room, in house restaurant and the overall feel is very relaxed. The parking is quite less but the resort location and rooms are very good. The cost is around Rs. 7500 per night for a room.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The tourist season is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. All shacks are operational and water sports and other activities as well.
From April to June the weather is quite hot. Water sports are available.
From July to September, the rains are quite heavy. However, it is a good time to explore the greenery in the wildlife sanctuaries. The water sports on beaches are not operational. However, the beaches themselves are quite pretty even during rains and lots of seasonal waterfalls make South Goa extremely pleasant.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: It's better to take a flight to Dabolim rather than Mopa if you are headed south
By Train: Madgaon and Vasco da Gama stations are centrally located.
From airport or station you can take a taxi to your destination.
By Bus: Buses to Goa run from Bangalore, Mumbai and other major cities.
4/5 DAYS ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Reach in the morning/afternoon. On the way, stop at Zeebop for lunch/brunch.
Stay near Benaulim/Colva/Betalbatim.
Evening at Benaulim/Colva Beach. Enjoy water sports if available.
Dinner at Martin's Corner.
DAY 2:
Start your day by exploring Majorda Beach. Have lunch at a beach shack/restaurant on the beach.
Explore churches around Benaulim.
Enjoy a sunset at Betul Lighthouse. Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, Cavelossim.
If it is bioluminiscence season, you can plan a nigh trip to Betalbatim beach. However it is secluded so go in a group and don't take any unnecessary risk.
DAY 3:
Change your stay to Palolem area. On the way, you can visit Cabo de Rama Fort.
Lunch at Patnem beach.
Explore Rajbagh, Galgibaga beaches. Sunset at Palolem and dinner at Dropadi.
DAY 4:
Go for a morning boat ride to Butterfly beach. Go for a late breakfast to Dunhill in Agonda. In the evening, explore Cola/Kakolem beach. Sunset at Cape Goa.
DAY 5:
If you have an additional day, plan a visit to Salaulim Dam and the surrounding areas with ancient temples and Rivona Caves, Goa
South Goa is a wonderful blend of natural beauty, good food and a laid back atmosphere. It is the best option if you are considering a relaxed holiday. You can refer to my stories of South Goa here and here
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