Looking for having a fun vacation? Well, Goa must be the perfect fit for you. There are lots of fun things to do in South Goa. Cool and tranquil, South Goa offers you a magnificent mix of exotic and sandy beaches, churches, and temples rich in history, highlights of Portuguese culture, spectacular seafood, fresh greenery, and an undeniable vibe of love.
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A holiday in the southern part of India’s party capital can be an easily memorable affair if you do two things – book your rooms in one of the best hotels in South Goa and explore the appropriate attractions of the region.
In south goa district, there are lots of things to do rather than North Goa, such as Butterfly Beach, Palolem beach, Colva Beach, scuba diving with beach shacks, pristine beaches, Agonda Beach, Cola Beach, jet skiing, hot air balloon ride, golden sand, water sports, Cabo de Rama fort, famous beaches, Cavelossim beach, Arabian sea, Netravali wildlife sanctuary, visit south goa, visiting butterfly beach, secluded beach, reach south goa for beach camping, Wax world museum, and authentic Goan cuisine, Majorda beach, lush green islands, boat house packages, Palm trees, Beach huts, Bat island, Palolem and cola beaches, Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, Beach hopping, Luxury resorts, Sea cruises, Scenic beauty, Breathtaking sunset, Lush green forests, Banana boat rides, true natural aqua land, river cruise, Dabolim beach, Polem beach, Talpona beach, Betalbatim beach, Hot air ballooning and other beaches also to watch traditional goan life.
Have you planned your Goa trip and already packed your bags? Let the fun begin. There are lots of things to do in south goa rather than north goa.
To help you out, we have listed things to do in South Goa
1. Palolem Beach, South Goa
One of the most beautiful beaches in South Goa, Palolem welcomes you with its golden sand and breath-taking views. The place has healthy beach shacks and moving palm trees, the place is full of party fun.
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Whether you are looking for adventure activities and water sports or just a relaxing day under the sun, Palolem fits well with the bill. There is more! The seafood market in Palolem, which is held every Saturday, offers you the opportunity to experience the delightful shopping culture Goa is known for.
- Activities: Canoeing, Trekking, Dolphin Spotting, Silent Discos, Yoga, Kayaking, Scuba diving, tortoise sighting, shopping, Arabian sea, jet skiing, beach camping.
2. Agonda Beach, South Goa
A lesser-known beach in the southern region, Agonda beach is a luxury. The pristine beach is full of beautiful cottages and shantytowns. Casuarina and palms add to their stunning beauty.
It is also one of four beaches identified as tortoise breeding grounds, giving you more reasons to visit Agonda beach. If you are in a state of relaxation and refreshment, make your way to Agonda beach and you will come back as your happiest version.
- Activities: Boating, Dolphin Spotting, Kayaking, Turtle sighting, Water Surfing, wax world museum, boat riding, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary.
3. Benaulim Beach, South Goa
Blessed with an attractive coastline and sparkling white sand, Benaulim exudes a charm of love. From rolling on the white sand and strolling along the beach to enjoying a variety of water sports, you can do it all here.
Nightlife on this beach is healthy and you can expect to have a good time with your SO.
- Activities: Wind Surfing, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Dolphin Spotting, Banana boat ride, Jetskiing, Rowing, boat ride,
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4. Colva Beach, South Goa
Colva is a hot favourite among families and couples heading to South Goa for a great holiday. While adventure freaks can be a great time to indulge in a few water-based activities, those who want to enjoy the sun and a peaceful time will also not feel disappointed.
Hip and happening Colva is also famous for its healthy nightclubs and full moon parties, making it one of the most exciting places to visit in South Goa.
- Activities: Windsurfing, Speedboat ride, Dolphin Spotting, Parasailing, Jetskiing, Snorkelling, boating, Water scooter, Banana boat ride
5. Butterfly Beach, South Goa
Butterfly Beach is a truly hidden gem in South Goa. An unsupervised paradise, this circular harbour is where you can see millions of butterflies flying over the hill. Once you turn your attention to the green water, you can see golden fish and crabs playing.
You will need to take a boat to reach this beach as the land route requires you to take a challenging ride in the jungle.
- Activities: Boating, boating, sunset, water sports, hot air balloon ride, scuba diving.
6. Galgibaga Beach, South Goa
Also known as Turtle Beach, Galgibaga is home to the protected Olive Ridley tortoise. Filled with few people and adorned with pine trees, it is an ideal place for tourists looking for privacy, beautiful sunset views, and tranquility.
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Not surprisingly, a visit to this beach is one of the top 10 things you can do in South Goa alone or with your family or friends.
- Activities: Tortoise watching, Sunbathing, Swimming, water sports, hot air balloon ride, scuba diving accordings to goa timings, boat riding.
7. Our Lady of Remedios Church in South Goa
Marked with lavish architecture and tranquility, Our Lady of Remedios Church in Betalbatim is an ancient place of worship dating back to 1630. Surrounded by lush green grass, the white exterior of the church offers a refreshing view of the day. At night, the church looks beautiful as the whole place shines.
- Location: Fatona, Betalbatim
8. Savior of the World Church, South Goa
Built in 1586, the Savior of the World Church is a vision that can be seen even today. The magnificent temple boasts of being one of the most beautiful churches in Goa built in the style of the Mannerist Neo-Roman architecture.
- Location: Salcette, Loutolim
- Distance from Margao: 9 km (approx.)
9. St. Alex Church, South Goa
Built in 1597 on the banks of the Angoddi Tollem Lake, St. Alex Church is one of the oldest churches in the region. An interesting fact about the church is that it was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple, called the Ravalnath Temple.
If you go to church, you can see the ruins of the temple here.
- Location: Curtorim
- Distance from Margao: 6 km (approx.)
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10. Three Kings Church, South Goa
Three Kings Church, another ancient Church in South Goa, started in 1599 and is in the small town of Cansaulim. A single church may not boast of a grand building or of a magnificent structure.
But what makes it so appealing to so many people are that it is believed that it is travelled. Yes, this may sound strange in a place of worship, but there is only one way to prove such claims – visit a church and find out for yourself!
- Location: Muder, Cansaulim
11. Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple, South Goa
One of the most famous temples in South Goa, the Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshiped here as King of the Moon. This ancient temple is situated on the slopes of Mount Chandranath.
If you happen to visit the temple on the night of the full moon, you can see Shiva Linga inside the shrine looking glorious under the moonlight. There is also the nearby Boothnath Temple which is worth a visit. This temple was also dedicated to Lord Shiva where the god was worshiped as the King of ghosts.
- Location: Paroda, Quepem Taluka
12. Shri Shantadurga Temple, South Goa
From over 450 years ago, this ancient temple is a typical Indo-Portuguese architectural model. It boasts of Roman arched windows, a rare sight among Goa temples. The five-story lighthouse is an additional attraction of this temple.
The Shanta Durga Temple is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga as mediator between King Shiva and King Vishnu.
- Location: Kavalem Village, Ponda
13. Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, South Goa
One of the oldest temples in the region, the Mahadeva Temple of Tambdi Surla dates to the 12th century. The temple, as its name implies, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is surrounded by lush greenery.
Another interesting fact about the temple is that it was built in the style of the Kadamba-Yadava architecture, something you would not normally encounter in Hindu temples in India.
- Location: Sanguem
14. Cabo de Rama Fort, South Goa
Counted among the oldest castles in Goa, the Cabo de Rama boasts a rich past and has many legends associated with it. One such legend states that King Rama and his wife, Sita, lived in the castle during their exile in Ayodhya.
It is said that the fort was named in honour of King Rama. Today, the castle is home to the Santo Antonio Congregation and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of this area.
- Location: Canacona
15. Indian Naval Aviation Museum, South Goa
One of the most popular destinations to visit in South Goa with family and children, this museum displays large machines and art objects related to the emergence of maritime airlines in the country.
By visiting this museum, you can learn many interesting things about flying, such as the flight system and life rescue. The place also has a cafe (called Cockpit Café) where you can enjoy tea, a souvenir shop, and a small theatre where you can find short movies and documentaries on a beach plane.
- Location: Vasco da Gama
16. Goa Chitra Museum, South Goa
If you thought that Goa’s culture and way of life had always been the same, think again! The Goa Chitra Museum takes you on a journey of Goa culture and history through its 4000 plus exhibits. These artifacts reflect the lifestyle of the Goa people in the past and how they changed over time, due to many historical and cultural factors.
A museum is a repository for all kinds of artefacts, from agricultural implements to musical instruments, and even basic food. It is one of the must-visit museums in Goa where you can get a glimpse of the region’s rich and exciting past.
- Location: Benaulim
Keen to know more about Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh, please visit Refreshing 20 Things to do in Dharamshala.
17. Big Foot Museum, South Goa
Big Foot is an inexpensive museum in South Goa, with a huge difference. First, it was created and run privately by an artist named Maendra Alvares. Secondly, it is an open museum reviving the Goan village of the past.
Some of the museum’s highlights include small houses that reflect Goan traditional life and culture, a Goan handicraft centre that sells art, a bird sanctuary, a restaurant, a rubber plantation, a spice yard, and much more. The 17-foot-high [14 m] Sant Mirabai sculpture, apparently the largest sculpture in the world, is one of the museum’s most impressive artifacts.
- Location: Loutolim
- Distance from Margao: 9 km (approx.)
18. Mollem National Park, South Goa
A central part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem National Park is home to many wildlife, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. You can easily see wild boars, barking deer, Bonnet Macaque, and big cats like leopards and eyes as you roam the park.
If you are a bird lover, you will enjoy visiting this area as it has more than 120 species of birds. The most fascinating feature of this park is the jungle safaris adventure where you can watch your wild friends from nearby.
- Location: Sonaulim
- Distance from Margao: 45 km (approx.)
19. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, South Goa
Away from the sunny beaches and slums of South Goa, the Cortigao Wildlife Sanctuary lures you into a world of exotic plants and animals. Proud of a variety of wildlife species, including the slender Loris, deer, Indian pangolin, Malabar trogon, Malayan bittern, Golden-back gliding snake, and many more.
One of the main attractions of the sanctuary is the tower overlooking the tree overlooking the irrigation ditch. If you go up a hill in the morning or at dusk, you can see many animals visiting the irrigation canal to quench their thirst. And now, that is a view you will not want to miss for the rest of your life.
- Location: Canacona Taluka
- Distance from Margao: 58 km (approx.)
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20. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, South Goa
Located in the southeastern part of Goa, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is another place you should visit to add to your itinerary.
A popular destination for nature lovers, wildlife lovers, and birdwatchers, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including Giant Squirrel, Great Pied Hornbills, Gray Headed Bulbul, Slender Loris, and a delightful array of mammals, butterflies, and birds.
For those who want a tryst with nature and its many wonders, this is the place to be.
- Location: Sanguem Taluk
- Distance from Margao: 46 km (approx.)
21. Margao Municipality Market, South Goa
Margao Municipal Market, one of the most popular markets in South Goa, where you will find everything from cashews, spices, and alcohol to souvenirs, clothing, and crafts.
You can spend hours here without feeling tired or lonely. By the way, do not forget to buy a packet of salted mangoes, a signature item you find in all Goa markets.
- Timings are vary from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm every day
22. Waterfalls of Dudhsagar, South Goa
Located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, these spectacular waterfalls form a border between Goa and Karnataka.
The entire region is surrounded by lush tropical forest, and the cascades drop down from a height of more than 1,600 feet [310 m], providing spectacular views. The name Dudhsagar literally means ‘sea of milk’ and is exactly what this waterfall is – milky, foam, and very beautiful.
23. Pinacolada Beach Shack, South Goa
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It is considered a crime to leave Goa without drinking or two of its marine shacks. And if you are in the southern part, you have a few options, each known for its food, beverage, music, and sound. Here is our list of the best shacks to visit in South Goa:
Pinacolada Beach Shack
- Location: Colva
Cafe Del Mar
- Location: Palolem Beach
Johnncy’s
- Location: Benaulim Beach
24. Restaurants, South Goa
There are actually many restaurants that offer a taste of the best Goan and other types of food. Here are our suggestions on the best restaurants in South Goa:
Space Goa
- Location: Canacona, Palolem
Martin’s Corner
- Location: Ranvaddo, Salcete, Betalbatim
Fisherman’s Wharf
- Location: Mobor, Cavelossim
25. Bars and pubs, South Goa
South Goa may have a more peaceful reputation than North Goa, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the nightlife here. In fact, there are a few places to visit south of Goa at night and relax. Some of the best nightlife destinations in the south are:
Farmhouse Bar and Bristo
- Location: Benaulim
Red Ginger
- Location: Colva
Edge
- Location: Majorda
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How do you get to South Goa?
The main gateways to South Goa and the entire region are Dabolim Airport and Vasco Da Gama Railway Station. You can easily get elevators or rent a car to get to your South Goa hotels from the airport or train station. Those who are traveling from bus can get off at Canacona, Vasco da Gama or Margao.
keen to know more about South Goa, please visit Places to Visit in South Goa District.
Last Updated on by Sathi
