One word to describe South Goa would be “laid back”. Apart from the partying scenes, there is another side to Goa as well. South Goa is filled with exotic beaches where travelers get the country life. It is also a reliable source of Portuguese architecture that has been left behind.
Further, there are surreal places in South Goa to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It is perfect to go for a romantic escape with your loved ones. Walk along the countryside and learn about Goan culture from the people. South Goa is so quiet and is mostly for history buffs. It has an intoxicating air enlivening everyone’s souls who come to this place. South Goa is the right destination that you can’t simply forget.
Here is a list of the 12 Best Places to Visit in South Goa:-
- Chandor
- Majorda
- Benaulim
- Colva
- Colomb
- Rivona
- Varca
- Loutolim
- Arossim
- Church Of Our Lady Of the Mount
- Betul
- Patnem
1. Chandor
Chandor is a sleepy town in South Goa. This stop has become a significant one for witnessing Portuguese architecture. So many people come here just to get a vibe of where the Portuguese people lived. From the 6th to 11th century, the city was called Chandrapur reckoning the famous city on the Konkan Coast.
Chandor is a very small and quaint village depicting all the relics of the Portuguese era. It consists of a Hindu temple with the headless Nandi Bull built in the 11th century. The Chandor mansion is great for hosting parties and weddings. You can take a cab from Margao to reach Chandor.
2. Majorda
Majorda is one place in South Goa filled with lots of beach shacks. There is a stream forming a narrow passage right from the beach. Besides, the beach is quite gorgeous attracting a lot of young crowds. People here can enjoy decent meals while lying on the beach.
Majorda is the first place where the baking of European loaves of bread first took place. You can enjoy some fine cookies and cakes on the shacks. Mae De Deus is an ancient church built in 1588 AD. The church has its own charm that you can’t miss at all. The time near sunset is so pure that you can’t leave before. Margao is just 11km from Majorda and you can take a bus from here.
3. Benaulim
There is a beach town named Benaulim in Margaon known particularly for its swaying palms and coconut trees. Secondly, this beach is known for its delicious seafood varieties. The beach is such a decent place to relax and take sunbathe. Dolphin sighting is prevalent in the Benaulim rivers.
Benaulim is just 5km from Margaon and you can reach it easily by bus or bike. There are trains available from Margaon to reach the major cities.
4. Colva
Colva is yet another best places to visit in South Goa. This place is not for solitude seekers since it is full of excitement and party. Further, if you are someone who loves partying, Colva is the right place for you. Full Moon parties and beach parties are held at Colva.
The energy is so crazy here, and so is the crowd. If you wake up early in the morning, a dolphin sighting is also possible. Rent bikes at affordable prices to reach Colva. Margaon trains are available to different cities.
5. Colomb
The bay of Colomb is great to rejuvenate the minds and souls easily. Colomb is so peaceful and serene at the same time. It is a romantic gateway in South Goa. You can come here to check out some excellent eating joints. Likewise, Swiss, Kashmiri, and Italian cuisines are preferred in Colomb.
Colomb is separated from Palolem Beach by Neptune’s Point which is a large rock. Neptune’s Point is the exact place where Silent Noise headphone parties are held. There are also affordable resorts available here. The beach shacks and Silent Noise Party are some things people come looking for. It is very close to Palolem beach so, you can take a cab to reach Colomb.
6. Rivona
Rivona is a mysterious town with famous history and architecture. If you want to experience something surreal, come to Rivona. Furthermore, the city is less crowded because of its offbeat paths. Rivona is popularly known for its mysterious caves dating back to the 6th century BC.
Also known as the Pandava caves, it is believed that Pandavas lived here during their exile. You can find a stepwell at the bottom of the caves which dates to the 16th century. There is a sculpture of the Hanuman God giving holy blessings. There are beautiful paddy fields and hillsides at Rivona.
7. Varca
Varca is yet another widely known destination in South Goa. It also knows as Varca beach with its unparalleled beauty attracts so many visitors. With the golden sands and array of Palm trees, Varca is an astonishing place to be in.
The beach is hawker free so there is no one to disturb you while you are enjoying the beach. Varca Beach holds a casino that so many travelers are interested in going to. Varca has located about 10km from Margaon. The best way to reach is by bus or cab.
8. Loutolim
Loutolim is such an apt place to bring the charm of Portuguese architecture to life. It is an unhurried village and is a treasured place for all history lovers. Likewise, most of the edifices are still closed to visitors. There is an ancestral museum that is famous among all the people.
Big Foot is another attractive place here where you can touch the Big Foot Mark and make a wish. Loutolim has the power to take you back to the glorious past and you will stand in awe checking this out. It is a small village yet a majestic one with so much Portuguese architecture in the small town. Loutolim is very close to Margaon and you can rent bikes to reach the place.
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9. Arossim
Arossim is for all the solitude seekers coming to South Goa. It is the perfect place to spend time amidst the tranquility. If you like anything vintage, Arossim has so many stores selling vintage Goan furniture.
There are high-end beaches as well where you can enjoy Abhyanga which is a four-hand massage. The up markets in Arossim offer various Goan dishes like Vindaloo, Casa Sarita, etc. The resorts are pricey out here but are worth staying in. The beach is very quiet and clean.
10. Church Of Our Lady Of the Mount
It is such a pretty and beautiful religious shrine located in a very secluded place. Being in a secluded region, it attracts very few crowds. The church has very simple interiors but these are lavishly done. It has significant historical importance.
The walls are plain whitewashed and sitting at the front of the church gives you spellbinding views. Their environment is so serene that you will fall in love with the place. And since it is away from the crowd, you can spend quality time at the church. Many people come here just to enjoy the sunsets. Read Also: 12 Most Popular Churches to See in Goa
11. Betul
It is a surreal and peaceful coastal town in South Goa. Betul has been available on Google Maps just recently. Just located an hour from Margao, Betul is a mesmerizing town to have a laid-back holiday. The beauty of Betul is simply breathtaking. The coconut trees dance to the rhyme of the sea breeze.
See the dolphins playing in the turquoise waters under the blue sky. The scenes of the Sal River merging with the Arabian Sea will make your hearts blow. Also, indulge in having great seafood in the region. Taking the local bus is the right way to reach Betul from Margao.
12. Patnem
It is a small beach yet a pretty one too. Patnem is a great place to indulge in spending some quality time in South Goa. Moreover, the beach has lots of beach shacks with swimming and surfing options open to visitors.
The stylish line of stalls is famous for selling beautiful Kashmiri trinkets. The tourists come to Patnem to feel the serenity and enjoy the peaceful weather. You should not miss the place where you are in South Goa.
Conclusion
Ready to take a trip to South Goa? With the lazy beaches and party scenes, you won’t be able to say No. South Goa is the ultimate destination if you are looking to relax your mind and rejuvenate your soul. Pack your bags soon and head off on your journey!
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