Things to do in South Goa

If you are visiting Goa, there are many things to do in South Goa. The quieter part of the state, South Goa is less frequented by tourists as compared to North Goa, which is a popular party destination. However, South Goa has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Read on to find out more about the different things you can do in South Goa.

Visit the beautiful beaches

Unlike most of the beaches in North Goa, the beaches of South Goa are much more serene, cleaner, and quieter. These beaches are perfect if you want to unwind and relax without too much chaos around you.

The Butterfly Beach in South Goa is a hidden gem tucked away in Canacona. The beach is a short hike away from Palolem, and ends in a stunning area full of butterflies. Another popular beach is Majorda beach. The beach and its sunsets are some of the prettiest in Goa. Varca Beach is one more beach in South Goa – clean, white sands and bright blue waters of the beach make it a great place to unwind.

Some of the other must-visit beaches in South Goa are Betalbatim Beach, Colva Beach, 

Varca Beach

Trek to the waterfalls

Dudhsagar Falls in Goa is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Located on the Goa-Karnataka border, you can access the spectacular waterfall via a beautiful trek. The trail is stunning, with a variety of flora and fauna along the way. If you want to see the falls from afar, there are a few trains passing along the way, and you can see the majestic falls from the train itself!

Bamanbudo Waterfalls in South Goa is relatively unexplored, which is why it is also one of the cleanest waterfalls in Goa. With water cascading down surrounded by lush greenery, it is a sight for sore eyes and an enchanting escape from the regular tourist attractions.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

Experience a luxury vacation

If you want to live luxuriously, South Goa is the perfect place to splurge. Not only will you find high-end luxury resorts and private yacht cruises here, but you will also find peace, tranquility, and fewer people on the clean beaches. South Goa has many luxury resorts like The Leela Goa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Fairfield by Marriott Goa, and more. Most of the resorts have private beaches, guaranteeing you the perfect secluded vacation.

South Goa also has many upscale restaurants and bars to choose from, for a night full of music, cocktails, and delicious food. You can also enjoy a dinner on a cruise, or even an entire stay.

Taj Exotica, Goa

Visit the spice plantations

Goan cuisine uses a variety of spices, and most dishes are cooked using the local spices available in the region. Goa is also home to a few spice plantations, which you can tour. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and more are grown in Goa. Learn the history of the spices of South Goa, along with fun facts about the Goan cuisine and the spices used in the dishes.

spice plantations in Goa

Enjoy water sports

The beach state of India has many water sports and activities that you can try out. Parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat ride, and surfing are a few activities you can check out in South Goa. There are many beaches that offer these activities, such as Calangute Beach and Colva Beach.

You can try out kayaking at Cola Beach. The Grande Island in South Goa is very popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Bogmalo Beach near Vasco da Gama is home to the Goa Institute of Diving.

Parasailing

Experience a hot air balloon safari

If you have ever wanted to take a hot air balloon ride, South Goa is the place to do it. The beautiful blue waters, golden beaches, and lush green forests make it one of the best places to take on this fun activity. Enjoy an hour long ride above South Goa from a height of 2000 feet, taking in the true beauty of Goa from a unique perspective.

You can indulge in a hot air balloon safari at Chandor in South Goa.

hot air balloon ride in Goa

Visit wildlife sanctuaries

The lush forests of South Goa are full of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves that protect many species of flora and fauna.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 240 square kilometers, the largest in Goa. The sanctuary is home to the renowned Dudhsagar Falls, along with many birds such as drongo, fairy bluebird, and doves. You can also spot animals like leopards and flying squirrels.

Nearby is the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, home to around 50 animal species and nearly 200 bird species. You may be able to spot leopards, wild boars, barking deer, civets, porcupines, giant squirrels, and reptiles like vipers and snakes.

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another park nearby which is home to many endangered flora and fauna. The green forest cover makes it perfect to enjoy a quiet and peaceful time amidst nature.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Go shopping

The Palolem Flea Market is open every Saturday, with rows and rows of stalls selling bohemian clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, home decor, and more. If you are looking for a spot to shop in South Goa, you must check out this market.

Another shopping paradise is the Margao Market, which sells fresh local produce, spices, and knick knacks you can buy as souvenirs. You can buy fresh seafood as well, if you would like to cook an authentic Goan dish.

You can get fresh seafood in the local markets of Goa

Savor the local cuisine

Goa is known for its delicious cuisine and fresh seafood. When in Goa, make sure you try the local delicacies of the region. The Goan fish curry, Prawn Balchow, and Pork Vindaloo are some of the most popular dishes in Goa. You will get fresh seafood at most of the shacks along the beaches.

If you are skeptical about the street-side shacks, Goa also has many good restaurants you can visit. And if you get enough of the local cuisine, you will also find many continental restaurants and cafes all around Goa.

Goa has a delectable seafood cuisine

Visit the museums

Goa has many museums you can visit to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

The Naval Aviation Museum displays the weapons, equipment, and artefacts belonging to the Indian Naval Association and the evolution of the Indian naval army and aircraft.

The BigFoot Museum in Loutolim showcases the culture and heritage of Goa through a mock village, named Ancestral Goa. There are two smaller museums within the BigFoot museum – the Museum of Crosses and the Rosary Bead Museum. The place also hosts many events, performances, and live shows to promote the culture of Goa.

The Naval Aviation Museum

Visit the religious places of worship

Se Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Asia. dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, the cathedral has five bells, of which the golden bell is the largest in the world. It was built in 1850 by the Portuguese to celebrate their triumph against the war with the Muslim army.

St Xavier’s Church is popular in South Goa. Built in 1605, the church is built in the Gothic style of architecture, and has stunning interiors with intricate details.

The Shri Chandranath Temple in Quepem is a temple dedicated to Lord Chandreshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The rock formation of the temple drips out water during the full moon, which is believed by devotees to be the sweat of Lord Chandreshwar. This miraculous event is what attracts tourists to this temple, along with a beautiful hike you take to reach the temple.

The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to the 12th century, it is the last temple of the Kadamba dynasty.

Shri Chandranath Mandir

Indulge in an Ayurvedic Massage

An Ayurvedic massage amidst the tranquility of South Goa sounds like a relaxing activity, doesn’t it? Margao, Palolem, Agonda, and Vasco Da Gama are a few places in South Goa that offer such massages. Medicinal and essential oils are used to massage your body, relieving your muscles and untying the knots in your body.

South Goa also has many wellness retreats, Yoga and Ayurveda centres with a range of therapies and sessions to choose from.

Take an ayurvedic massage in South Goa

Explore ancient caves

Arvalem Caves, also known as Pandava Caves, date back to the 6th century. The caves are believed to be home to the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The rock-cut formations are made out of laterite and showcase the ancient history and culture through Hindu and Buddhist influences. If you are a history buff, you should not miss these caves.

The Rivona Caves near Margao were used by Buddhist monks in the 6th and 7th centuries for meditation. You can find a stone-carved seat inside the caves, used for spiritual practices. The area is quiet and peaceful, if you want an escape from the chaos of tourists.

Visit the mighty forts

The Cabo de Rama Fort is located in Canacona in South Goa. Named after the Hindu Lord Rama from the Indian epic Ramayana, the historic fort offers mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea. Check out the cannons and massive walls of the fort, now in ruins. The fort has a rich history of many rulers and is a fascinating visit. The place also offers some of the most stunning sunset views, so try to visit it when in South Goa.

Betul Fort is a historic fort built by the Portuguese at the mouth of river Sal. It is a must-visit place in South Goa for history enthusiasts, as it offers an insight into the ancient history of the region with strong stone walls and beautiful views of the sea.

Chapora Fort

Marvel at the Salaulim Dam

The Salaulim Dam in South Goa is the biggest man-made dam in Goa and a popular tourist attraction. The most attractive feature of the dam is the No Gate Duckbill Spillway, since the water falling over it looks like a deep hole sucking in the water, making it look mesmerizing and dramatic. The backwaters of the dam are mesmerizing and so quiet that you can hear nothing except the sounds of birds.

There is also a botanical garden near the dam, making it perfect for families to spend some time here, or even enjoy a picnic lunch. The best time to visit the dam is during monsoons or immediately after, when the dark skies add to the vibe, and the water levels are quite high.

Salaulim Dam

Explore Chandor Village

The village of Chandor has a history that dates back to as early as 200 BCE. Earlier known as Chandrapura, it used to be the capital of the Bhoja and Kadamba dynasties. Later on, it became home to the Portuguese in India. Today, the ancient past is all but wiped off, with only the ruins of an old fort and a bull sculpture left. However, there are many structures from the Portuguese period, such as intricately designed mansions. The Braganza House and Sara Fernandes Mansion are more popular of the lot. During the festivals of Shigmo and Ganesh Chaturthi, the traditional village becomes even more vibrant, and it is a good time to immerse yourself in the culture of the place.

Chandor Village

So, what will you be doing in South Goa? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan personalized trips to India based on your likes and preferences. Contact us and we will plan the perfect trip to India for you!