South Goa Travel Guide: Serene Beaches, Luxury Stays & Cultural Charms

South Goa Travel Guide

South Goa is the quieter, more scenic, and luxurious side of Goa, perfect for those seeking pristine beaches, relaxed vibes, heritage churches, and stunning nature spots. Unlike the bustling North, South Goa is less crowded, more peaceful, and ideal for couples, families, and nature lovers.

In this guide, you’ll find how to reach South Goa, best places to stay, must-visit beaches, cultural attractions, adventure activities, shopping areas, best restaurants, and travel tips to plan your perfect trip.

✈️ How to Reach South Goa?

By Air

✈️ Goa’s Dabolim Airport (GOI) – South Goa’s Nearest Airport (~23 km from Colva, ~28 km from Palolem)

• Flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and international destinations.

• Airport to South Goa Transfers:

• Taxi: ₹1,200-₹2,500 (prepaid or GoaMiles app).

• Private Cabs: Available via travel agencies.

• Buses: Budget-friendly but less frequent.

By Train

🚆 Madgaon (MAO) Railway Station – The main station in South Goa (~10 km from Colva Beach).

🚆 Vasco da Gama (VSG) Railway Station – Closer to Dabolim Airport (~20 km from Colva).

🚖 Train Station Transfers:

• Prepaid taxis (₹500-₹1,500) & local buses available.

By Road

🚗 From Mumbai/Pune: Drive via NH 66 (~10-12 hours).

🚌 Buses: AC & sleeper buses available from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad (~₹1,000-₹2,500).

🏖️ Best Beaches in South Goa

🌊 Peaceful & Pristine Beaches

✔️ Colva Beach – The most famous beach in South Goa with white sand & shacks.

✔️ Benaulim Beach – Great for swimming, seafood & dolphin watching.

✔️ Cavelossim Beach – Clean, less crowded, perfect for romantic walks.

✔️ Betalbatim Beach – Known as “Sunset Beach” for its amazing sunsets.

✔️ Varca Beach – A quiet, luxurious beach with 5-star resorts.

✔️ Agonda Beach – One of the best beaches in Asia, ideal for sunbathing.

✔️ Palolem Beach – The most beautiful crescent-shaped beach, famous for Silent Disco Parties.

🏛️ Must-Visit Attractions in South Goa

⛪ Churches & Portuguese Heritage

• Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa) – UNESCO-listed church with the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

• Se Cathedral (Old Goa) – Largest church in Asia, with beautiful Portuguese architecture.

• Our Lady of Remedios Church (Cavelossim) – A peaceful 17th-century church.

🏰 Forts & Historic Sites

• Cabo de Rama Fort – Stunning fort ruins overlooking the Arabian Sea.

• Rachol Fort & Seminary – A hidden gem with lush surroundings & historical significance.

🌿 Nature & Waterfalls

• Dudhsagar Waterfalls – 4-tiered waterfalls, best visited via jeep safari or train (~₹2,000 per person).

• Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary – Great for hiking & spotting wildlife.

• Salaulim Dam & Botanical Garden – A peaceful getaway for nature lovers.

🎢 Best Adventure Activities in South Goa

✔️ Water Sports (Colva, Palolem & Benaulim)

• Jet Skiing & Parasailing (₹1,000-₹2,500)

• Kayaking in the backwaters (₹800-₹1,500)

• Dolphin Watching at Benaulim (₹500 per person)

• Scuba Diving at Grande Island (₹3,500-₹5,000)

✔️ Backwater & River Cruises

• Sunset Cruise on the Sal River (~₹1,500 per person)

• Houseboat Cruise in South Goa (~₹5,000 for 2-3 hours)

✔️ Trekking & Wildlife Exploration

• Dudhsagar Falls Jeep Safari (~₹2,000 per person)

• Trekking in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (~₹500 entry)

🛍️ Best Shopping Areas in South Goa

🛍️ Margao Market – Best for spices, cashews & traditional Goan handicrafts.

🛍️ Colva Beach Market – Great for beachwear, souvenirs & jewelry.

🛍️ Palolem Beach Market – Best for bohemian clothes & accessories.

🍽️ Best Food & Restaurants in South Goa

✔️ Famous Goan Dishes to Try:

• Goan Prawn Curry – Coconut-based curry served with rice.

• Fish Recheado – Grilled fish stuffed with spicy Goan masala.

• Chicken Xacuti – Spicy curry made with roasted coconut.

• Bebinca & Serradura – Traditional Goan desserts.

📍 Best Restaurants in South Goa:

• Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim) – Best for Goan seafood.

• The Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim) – Great ambiance & seafood.

• Zeebop by the Sea (Utorda Beach) – Beachfront dining.

• Café Inn (Palolem) – Best for breakfast & coffee.

🏨 Where to Stay in South Goa?

Luxury Resorts (₹10,000 & above per night)

💎 The Leela Goa (Mobor Beach)

💎 Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Benaulim)

💎 Alila Diwa Goa (Majorda)

Mid-Range Hotels (₹4,000-₹10,000 per night)

🏨 Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort (Cavelossim)

🏨 Radisson Blu Resort (Cavelossim)

🏨 Planet Hollywood Beach Resort (Utorda)

Budget Stays & Hostels (₹1,500-₹4,000 per night)

🏡 The Lost Hostel (Palolem)

🏡 Zostel Goa (Colva)

🏡 OYO & Treebo Hotels (Margao, Colva)

🚗 Getting Around South Goa

✔️ Rent a Bike (₹300-₹600 per day) – Best for beach hopping.

✔️ Rent a Car (₹1,000-₹2,500 per day) – Ideal for families.

✔️ Local Taxis (₹15-₹25 per km) – No Uber/Ola, use prepaid cabs.

✔️ Goa Miles App – The only app-based taxi service.

❓ FAQs About South Goa Travel

📢 For customized South Goa packages, call or WhatsApp:

📲 9958630101 / 9555222022

🌍 Visit: https://letstravelworld.com