South Goa is created by nature and ennobled by people especially for beach holidays. There is everything for a leisurely relaxation on the shores of the Arabian Sea-comfortable beaches, soft golden sand, excellent service and European-class hotels. If you want to turn a snowy winter into a sunny fairy tale, the best way is to relax on the coast of South Goa.
General information
South Goa is located south of the state capital of Goa, Panaji. The coastal area of the resort is almost completely occupied by beaches, among which there are tourist beaches with developed infrastructure, and there are deserted ones for lovers of silence and privacy.
Useful to know! The administrative center of South Goa is the city of Margao, there is a railway station, a bus station, shops, markets.
Travel companies, as a rule, offer hotels near the city of Colva, where most package tourists rest. However, there are many more beaches in South Goa and many of them can be explored on your own.
Features of South Goa
The main feature of South Goa in India is a calm, unhurried holiday. Tourists in the reviews note that in this part of India, the rest is moderately exotic, so European tourists will feel quite comfortable.
Important! In the south of the state, there are no night-time, noisy discos and incendiary parties, unlike in North Goa.
In the south of Goa, there are much fewer tourists, the main reason is the high prices compared to the northern part of the state. However, financial expenses are absolutely justified. The most noisy and crowded beaches are Palolem and Colva, but if you want to relax in more peaceful conditions and silence, just move a little away from the entrance.
Tourists note that the resorts of South Goa are much cleaner, more well-groomed and neater in comparison with the rest of the region. Almost everywhere, people are constantly on duty who monitor the cleanliness of the coast.
Attractions in South Goa are not as many as in the north of the state. The most popular and visited ones:
- Bondla Nature Reserve;
- spice plantation;
- Dudhsagar waterfall.
These attractions are conveniently located for tourists – you can get to each place by public transport or buy organized excursions.
In South Goa, unlike in the north of the state, where bikes are common, bicycles are more popular. Of course, you can also rent a motorbike.
If you want to save money on transport, pay attention to autorickshaws, they are easy to get around all the resorts. You can rent a taxi, its cost is several times more expensive than the price of an autorickshaw.
Useful to know! If you order a car on the street, feel free to bargain, it is most convenient to rent transport in a hotel.
In South Goa, there is a well — developed public transport network between settlements-bus routes. Tickets are inexpensive, as a rule, there are two halves in transport – men’s and women’s. Opening hours are from 6-00 to 22-00.
It is not recommended to rent a car in South Goa, as local drivers often do not follow the traffic rules and drive erratically.
As for mobile communication, it is better to use the services of local operators, since roaming is expensive. SIM cards are sold if you have a photocopy of your passport.
Free Wi-Fi is available in all 4-and 5-star hotels, expensive European restaurants. In cafes and sheki, there is Internet, but it is paid.
What to bring as a gift
If you want to go shopping, it is better to go to North Goa, as there are no shopping centers in the southern part of the state. There are only small souvenir shops, the assortment is approximately the same everywhere.
A popular souvenir is national clothing, today Indian culture and traditions are in fashion, so feel free to choose a sari or harem pants. Tourists also choose home textiles, pareos, beach covers, towels embroidered with traditional Indian ornaments, painted with natural dyes.
Traditionally, leather accessories, cosmetics made from natural herbs, henna, essential oils, incense sticks are brought from India — these products can be bought quite inexpensively in Goa. Original look jewelry made of silver, jewelry made in the national Indian style.
A tip! In India, they sell good rum-the drink will be a great gift, if you do not plan to buy alcohol, choose real Indian tea.
For more gift ideas and souvenirs from Goa, see this selection.
South Goa and North Goa — differences
North Goa is a mecca for creative people, young people, those who are hungry for adventure, want to immerse themselves in Indian culture, enjoy the aroma of spices and endless parties and discos. By the way, hotels and guesthouses in North Goa are the cheapest in the entire state.
South Goa is a beautiful tropical garden where you can find peace, quiet and relaxation from the hustle and bustle. Here you can hear the chirping of birds, the rustle of waves – ideal conditions for meditation, beach relaxation. The infrastructure of the hotels is organized in such a way that you can not leave them during the entire period of rest.
Who can and can’t enjoy a holiday in South Goa
The resort is perfect for:
- family holidays with children;
- romantic couples who want to spend time together;
- everyone who dreams of peace and privacy.
Do not enjoy your holiday in South Goa for the following reasons:
- for tourists who want to save money on a trip – there are few budget hotels here;
- young people who love parties and hangouts-it’s better to go to the north of the state for this.;
- shopping in South Goa is also not very diverse, as the best markets and shops are located in the north of the state.
However, if you get bored with the quiet relaxation in the south, you can go north at any time.
When to visit South Goa
The climate of the southern coast of the state is no different from the weather in the northern part. The tourist season is one of the longest – it starts in mid-autumn and lasts until the end of spring. The air warms up to +30 degrees, the water in the sea is also quite comfortable – +26 degrees. It is noteworthy that the water temperature is constant throughout the year.
It makes sense to cancel a trip to South Goa between the beginning of June and autumn, when the rainy season is raging at the resort. Frequent tropical downpours do not leave a chance to relax on the beach by the sea.
Important! The best time for beach relaxation is from November to February.
South Goa Resorts
Palolem
This is probably one of the few resorts in South Goa with discos and night bars. The best beaches in the state are located here, but the coastline is only 1.5 km long. The descent into the water is gentle, there are no rocks or underwater currents. In addition, there is the warmest water near the shore, the sand is clean, it is cleaned daily. The infrastructure is developed at a good level-sun beds, umbrellas, colorful bungalows right at the edge of the sea. Don’t want to lie on the beach? Contact a water ski rental service. There are also small markets right next to the sea where you can buy souvenirs, jewelry and much more.
There are no problems with choosing accommodation in the resort – there are many hotels here, you can choose a more budget-friendly place to stay, for example, guesthouses or bungalows.
Useful to know! Palolem Beach is one of the few beaches in Goa where you can spend the night.
For more information about the resort, see this article.
Varka
The resort is one of the cleanest and most well-groomed on the Arabian Sea coast in India. Since there are not so many tourists here in comparison with other resorts, prices for recreation, housing and food are higher than average. Nevertheless, tourists who have visited here once, dream of returning again.
The length of the coastline is about 10 km. There are no more than a dozen cafes and bars, but the” highlight ” of this place is beauty salons.
The sand is fine, golden in color, the descent to the sea is gentle, there are no large stones, showers and toilets are installed. If you are bored with a beach holiday, you can go fishing with local residents for a nominal fee.
Important! It is necessary to swim carefully, as underwater currents appear near the shore, which can carry a person into the open sea.
The resort of Vark is notable for the absence of obsessive sellers and beggars, beautiful sunsets, and the opportunity to see dolphins.
A whole tourist town has been built for tourists, where you can book accommodation in advance or pick up a room upon arrival in Varku. There are practically no cafes and sheks on the shore, and in those that work, feel free to order seafood.
Cavelossim
This small village, where local fishermen live, is located between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River. There are practically no luxury hotels here, so tourists come here, first of all, to feel the Indian flavor.
The coast is divided into two parts:
- tourist information system;
- wild.
The first one is ennobled and equipped for recreation – there are sun beds, gazebos, cafes, shops. The second part is more suitable for fans of privacy, tranquility. The sand is very fine and soft, but there are large stones. Garbage, though a little, but it is there, as on the shore you can often meet dogs and cows. The sea floor is flat, and seaweed is regularly removed.
For more information about Cavelossim, see this page.
Benaulim
Another small village in South Goa, where people come to meditate and relax in silence. The coastline here is wide, spacious, beach relaxation is harmoniously complemented by picturesque nature. Wealthy tourists and families with children prefer to come here.
Interesting fact! A distinctive feature of the resort is large, bright butterflies and snow-white sand.
On the shore, they practice yoga, meditate, and enjoy the sunsets. The resort is remote from other cities, but this does not make it any less comfortable – there are sun beds, restaurants,water sports equipment rental points, toilets, and a large selection of hotels. In the afternoon, waves appear on the sea. The disadvantage of the coastline is the lack of shade. The beaches of Benaulim are municipal.
Majorda
This is one of the best resorts in South Goa and a memorable, historic place in India, as coconut juice was discovered here and bread was baked.
The resort is crowded, but there is enough housing for everyone, there are comfortable hotels and budget guesthouses. There are many cafes, sheks, several night clubs. Sun beds and umbrellas are installed, but it is quite comfortable to lie on soft sand. The sea floor is flat and clean, there is shade, but it is not enough.
Interesting to know! In the resort, you can visit the coconut grove and see how the locals grow rice.
Agonda
The small resort is located 60 km from the Dabolim International Airport Terminal. A great place for meditation, relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city, everyday worries. There are a lot of Europeans in Agonda, so there are no problems with choosing accommodation and places to eat. Both luxury hotels and more budget ones — guest houses and bungalows-have been built near the sea. On the beach, you can comfortably sit on a chaise longue, choose a straw gazebo or just bask in the fine sand.
Like most resorts in South Goa, Agonda ensures that the sand and water are clean. The water is clear, the bottom is perfectly visible even at depth. See more details and photos of the resort here.
Mobor
This resort is included in the list of elite in South Goa. An economical and inexpensive holiday is not about Mobor, but for a high price, a tourist gets well-groomed white sand beaches, a beautiful resort with picturesque nature, and relative peace, since there are not many people.
Useful to know! The best place for swimming is north of the beach, in the southern part you can get into the underwater current.
In the south of the resort there are lagoons where rare varieties of lilies bloom, exotic birds live, and if you rent a boat and take binoculars, you will probably see dolphins.
The resort will definitely not appeal to fans of noisy parties, discos and night bars do not work here. You won’t be able to go shopping on Mobor either, because there are no shops or markets.
What to try in India from food-TOP national dishes
Utorda
This is the most peaceful and quiet resort, there is not even a hint of nightlife, there are only a few cafes. Only budget guesthouses are available to tourists, since there are no hotels on Utord.
The beach is well-groomed, ennobled, umbrellas and sun beds are installed. There are toilets and booths where you can change clothes. All amenities belong to local cafes, so they are only available if you buy a drink or light snack.
Swimming conditions are great for families with children — the descent into the water is smooth, there are no rocks or shells at the bottom.
Useful to know! The beach is wide and convenient, and you can easily walk to the neighboring beaches.
Kansaulim
A small and cozy resort in South Goa, the length of the coastline is only 800 m, and the width is no more than 20 m. This is a great choice for families with children — as a rule, there are no underwater currents, storms and strong winds. The sand is fine, soft, and clean, but seaweed is sometimes found in the water.
Lifeguards work on the beach. You can have a snack and a cocktail in several cafes. Sun beds, umbrellas, changing cabins are installed. At the beginning and end of the tourist season, the coast is deserted, as vacationers choose the neighboring Arossim.
The resort is small, but there are no problems with the choice of housing here, there are comfortable hotels and budget guesthouses. There are not many shops, so it is better to go somewhere else for shopping and souvenirs.
Attractions and entertainment
Of course, getting to know the state is best to start with Old Goa, where there is evidence of the presence of Portuguese in India. The most prominent religious buildings are the Cathedral of St. Catherine, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
A great spot for snorkeling in South Goa on the advice of seasoned people on the island of Bath, located next to Baina Beach.
Be sure to visit Dudsahar Waterfall. Tourists are offered jeep tours with a pleasant bonus – visiting spice plantations. Here you can buy spices as a souvenir, but prices will be higher than in shops and souvenir shops A wonderful place for nature lovers is the Kotigao Nature Reserve, where exotic species of animals, birds live, you can see monkeys, wild boars.
The exposition of the Naval Aviation Museum will tell about the heroic and tragic history of the state. Mahadeva Temple is the oldest religious building in Goa. It was carved out of granite in the 13th century.
Some other interesting places in South Goa are the Goan Village Park and the Cross Museum.
For a list of the main attractions of Goa in India and their description with photos, see this article.
Things to do in South Goa
- Visit as many beaches as possible. You will probably want to come back here again and you will know exactly which resort to choose.
- Hold a photo session against the backdrop of picturesque nature.
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving, depending on what you have the courage and adrenaline to do.
- Eat seafood-here they are exceptionally fresh and delicious.
- For shopping, it is best to go to the capital of Goa — the city of Panaji, where there are many shops, including boutiques, where products of well-known brands are presented, while prices are much lower than European ones. Be sure to bargain — local sellers perceive haggling as a certain game.
- Seashells collected on the shore can be taken out.
South Goa is a cheerful and carefree place. Even if you are going on a holiday alone, there will definitely be someone to meet you at the resort, as the people here are sociable and friendly. Enjoy a good mood, beautiful nature and wonderful beaches.
