What do you expect from the best places to visit in South Goa apart from its pristine beaches? Maybe lush greenery, wildlife encounters, or the silvery waterfalls’ hike.
If that is so, you would be spoiled with choices because South Goa and its nearby vicinity around 80 kilometers (approx.) are dotted with spice and cardamom plantations.
The Western Ghats traverse through South Goa to Karnataka and Maharashtra and thus, lush greenery is an added bonus when you explore the best tourist attractions in South Goa.
Places to Visit in South Goa
South Goa is famous because it is cleaner, softer, and more idyllic than its cousin district. Beaches in South Goa are made up of finely grained white sands.
Even churches in South Goa are newly made and still depict Portuguese grandeur. If you are a water baby, you will be spoiled with watersports at South Goa Beaches
Party people will have the chance to groove on the silent noise parties at Palolem Beach. Shutterbugs would have ample moments to capture butterflies at Butterfly Beach.
Bookmark the 10 Best Places to Visit in South Goa
| Beaches in South Goa | Other Places to Visit in South Goa |
| Palolem Beach | Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Agonda Beach | Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple |
| Benaulim Beach | Netravali Lake |
| Colva Beach | Dudhsagar Waterfalls |
| Butterfly Beach | |
| Bogmalo Beach |
1. Palolem Beach
- Where to Party at Palolem Beach: Silent Noise Disco, Leopard Valley, Neptune, Sundowner
- Water Sports at Palolem Beach: Scuba diving, Windsurfing, Banana Ride, Dolphin Sighting Trip, Water scooter, Paragliding, Dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddling
- Where to Eat at Palolem Beach: Draupadi, Crystal Goa, Havana Cuba
Visit this fantabulous beach on the South Goa trip if you are looking to bask under the palm-shaded trees amidst the white sands. Palolem Beach is one of the best places to visit in South Goa for couples.
It is in a crescent shape with colorful beach huts and sunbeds for relaxing. It is also one of the famous beaches in Goa for silent disco parties held at the beach after dusk. Watersports, accommodations, places to eat, and shopping add icing to the cake when you are at Palolem Beach.
Whether you are here with friends or spouse, or family, swim in the protected zone under the lifeguards’ supervision on the beach. Also, the beach shacks at Palolem Beach are quite luxurious and are made keeping the taste of the international travelers in mind.
Begin Your Love-filled Journey with Goa Honeymoon Package for 4 Days
2. Agonda Beach
- Where to Party Near Agonda Beach: Silent Noise Disco, Leopard Valley, Snoopy Bar, and Restaurant
- Watersports at Agonda Beach: parasailing, jet skiing ride, banana boat ride, kayaking, surfing
- Where to Eat at Agonda Beach: Simrose, Fatima’s Corner, Madu’s Beach Hut
This beach in South Goa is one of the four turtle nesting sites in the state and is considered among the South goa places to visit in 3 days. There are beach huts, and plenty of bars dotted around the shoreline of Agonda Beach.
Agonda Beach is sandwiched between Cola Beach and Palolem Beach and remains less crowded even in peak months. You will find beachfront accommodation at Agonda Beach and even affordable beach huts to unwind without going broke.
The best thing about Agonda Beach is that hawkers are not allowed, which gives tourists the feeling of lazing around at some postcard-worthy beach. Because of this, it has become one of the top places to visit in Goa for couples. Lush green coconut and palm trees are peppered around Agonda Beach.
Couples, family tourists, and transformative trip lovers will love doing yoga and meditation on the beach. Due to the undertow and currents, Agonda Beach is the least preferred beach for swimming, so dodge this idea.
Plan your Trip to North and South Goa
3. Benaulim Beach
- Where to Party at Benaulim Beach: Club Eutopia, Club Margarita, Zoya, Pedro’s Benaulim
- Watersports at Benaulim Beach: Boat ride, parasailing, banana ride, jet skiing, kayaking, dolphin spotting
- Where to Eat at Benaulim Beach: Esco’s Sun and Moon, Cavatina Cuchina, Joecons Beach Shack
Several kilometers of white sands constitute the beauty of Benaulim Beach. This beach is one of the safest places to visit in South Goa for swimming because lifeguards remain alert on the shoreline.
The silverfish sands and huge varieties of watersports at Benaulim Beach make it a local’s favorite beach for an evening stroll. There are beachfront restaurants flanked across Benaulim Beach where you can enjoy food with the views of sweeping views of the Arabian Sea.
Benaulim Beach is your answer to the best beaches in Goa for the family because here, you will come across a glimpse of the typical handicrafts of this area. If you’re coming to Goa with friends, Benaulim Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa for nightlife.
It is located next to Palolem Beach in the South district of Goa. Cottage theme hotels, beach resorts, and luxury accommodations options could be availed near Benaulim Beach.
Also read: Top Places to Visit in Goa in 5 Days for Complete Rejuvenation
4. Colva Beach
- Where to Party at Colva Beach: Boomerang Beach Bar, The Gatsby Pub, Ziggy’s Club
- Water Sports at Colva Beach: Parasailing, kayaking, banana ride, speedboat, windsurfing, jet ski
- Where to Eat at Colva Beach: The Garden, Sandpat Beach Shack, Barbeque Bay
Colva Beach has the enigma of outranking the nightlife of North Goa. This beach and its vicinity are dotted with luxurious amenities, including air-conditioned resorts and affordable tourist cottages.
One of the best places to visit in south Goa at night, Colva Beach has discos that invite hip crowds where parties go till the wee hours.
The virgin white sands and the coconut groves serve as a perfect Instagram backdrop to amp up your social media game in the sunshine state of India.
Watersports, eating opinions, and shopping ideas at Colva Beach are no different than the other beaches of Goa.
Also Read:
- Best Party Places in Goa
- Best Beaches in South Goa for Families
- Best Cottages in North & South Goa for a Pleasant Stay
5. Butterfly Beach
- Where to Party Near Butterfly Beach: Kopi Desa Agonda, Leopard Valley, Silent Noise Club
- Things to Do at Butterfly Beach: Dolphin spotting, photography, sunset viewing
- Where to Eat Near Butterfly Beach: The Zest, Olive Room, Kanvas
Butterfly Beach is one of the best honeymoon places in South Goa for couples, where colorful butterflies are seen along with goldfishes and redfishes.
The beach is nestled in the valley and has a striking resemblance to the butterfly shape, and thus, it got its name. Dense tree vegetation adds to the beauty of this beach.
Tourists can visit Butterfly Beach on a ferry or a boat from the Palolem or Agonda Beach. It is the easiest way to reach the beach. Else, be prepared for a tremendous 3-4 kilometers (approx.) hike through the forest.
Dolphin sightseeing in the morning and witnessing stunning sunset changes its hues is one of the romantic things to do in South Goa for couples.
Well, you won’t find any sort of places to eat or any sort of tourist activity at Butterfly Beach because it looks more like a tiny beach cove. But fret not as you can carry snacks and mineral water on a boat to Butterfly Beach.
The boats arrive from Palolem Beach and Agonda Beach from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except monsoon (July to September).
Also Read: Water sports activities in Goa you can enjoy with family & friends
6. Bogmalo Beach
- Where to Party Near Bogmalo Beach: Lobby Label, Sunset Bar, Ruby Bar
- Watersports at Bogmalo Beach: Parasailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing
- Where to Eat at Bogmalo Beach: Dom’s Sea Restaurant, Joet’s Bar And Restaurant, Tony’s Beach Club
Situated in the small fishing village, Bogmalo, the golden sand of this beach is flanked by coconut and palm trees on both sides. There is one diving institute in Bogmalo Beach where you can learn diving courses.
Bogmalo Beach is one of the closest beaches in Goa to the airport but is still unexplored by mass tourism. So if you are looking to enjoy swimming, and sunbathing, visit Bogmalo Beach for a day well spent.
You won’t find any dull moments because Bogmalo Beach is bordered by excellent nightclubs, restaurants, and accommodations for all types.
Couples or family travelers can become shopping sprees and purchase shell jewelers, fashionable clothes, and beachwear items from the stalls. Did we mention that the nightlife in and around Bogmalo Beach can challenge the legs grooving nightlife of North Goa?
Also Read: 10 Famous Beaches in South Goa
4 Unique Places to Visit in South Goa That Are Not Beaches
Crunched between two Western Ghats states, South Goa is bordered by Karnataka and Maharashtra. Thus, greenery is in abundance in this district of Goa. Hard to believe? Check at these 4 unique places to visit in South Goa other than are not beaches.
1. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Entry Timings: 7 AM to 5:30 PM, every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 (approx.)
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 hours (approx.)
How about a wildlife refuge in South Goa? If that sounds like something that you wish to visit, bookmark Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of those few places to visit in South Goa during monsoon, where greenery is a sight to behold.
Multi-storied forests, tall trees, and deciduous, and semi-evergreen vegetation is the highlight of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Take your binoculars with you and traverse across any of its 8 trails varying from 500 m to 5 km.
Private vehicle entry is allowed by the forest department, but still, people traverse by hiking. Earlier, there used to be leopards and tigers, but now the chances of spotting them are rare.
You can spot the rarest of rare species of birds and animals like mouse deer, Malabar trogon, Indian pangolin, white-bellied woodpecker, and four-horned antelope.
Note: Additional charges for the camera and the private vehicle would be applicable.
Plan Your Goa Luxury Honeymoon Packages
2. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple
- Entry Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM (approx.)
- Travel Tip: Wear Indian style attire that covers your whole body
Elevate your spiritual wellness at one of the ancient temples of South Goa. Touted to be one of the six great sites of temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple and its magnificent craftsmanship will take your breath away!
Gokulashtami Festival is a very famous festival held here annually every August, which invites spiritual tourists. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple’s history dates back to 950 years from Kadamba Dynasty.
3. Netravali Lake
- Entry Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Travel Tip: Don’t pollute the freshwater lake by throwing anything. Be a responsible tourist.
Either call it Budbudyanchi Tali, Bubble Lake, or Netravali Lake, it is the same thing. Netravali Lake is located in the middle of the spice farm in Netravali Village, Sanguem, which is a freshwater lake that dates back to 300-400 years. It is a water reservoir and a part of Gopinath Temple.
Watch the bubbles in the lake creating concentric circles due to the aquatic plants emitting methane gas as their base.
Also Check Goa trip plan for 4 days
The bubbles at this freshwater lake look phenomenal because when this stepwell was constructed, the layer of sand was stuffed below the surface when the lake’s construction work was being carried out.
The lake has an outlet at one end where the water comes out and is used for irrigation purposes by farmers. Allow the Tiger Fish to nibble the dead skin off your feet. Enjoy the tickling by keeping your feet stationary.
Also Read: Hidden Places in Goa that Tourists Don’t Even Know Exist
4. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The milky, foamy cascades of this 4-tiered waterfall cascade from the height of 1,020 ft (approx.) make it one of the tallest waterfalls in India. It has a lush green deciduous forest setting.
The beauty of Dudhsagar Waterfalls increases multiple folds in monsoon when you traverse through Mollem National Park and Mahaveer Sanctuary as the falls could be accessed from here. You will find a small pond at the base area where you can swim.
Trekking option in monsoon is suggested from the Kulem Railway Station (12 km) and Castlerock Railway Station (14 km). However, jeep safaris are best for family tourists during early summer and winter. Get ready to soak up the sun in Goa.
Unlock the adventure with our 3-day Goa package!
Also Read:
- Best Places to Visit in South Goa With Friends
- Beach view hotels and resorts in Goa
- Mumbai to Goa Cruise Voyage By Angriya Cruise
If you want to explore the places to visit in South Goa other than its secluded beaches, make your way to offshore casinos in South Goa. Book South Goa tour packages for a hassle-free experience, equipped with meals, accommodation, transfers, and sightseeing tours.
What is the Best Time to Visit South Goa Beaches?
The best time to visit beaches in south Goa is from October till March. During these months, Goa’s temperature hovers around 20°C to 33°C (approx.). The arrival of October constitutes wintery months that last till February. Afterward, till May, the temperature is bearable for beach adventures, and the sun does not trouble you! Dodge beaches of Goa in monsoon from (July till September) because of the high tides.