Unexplored Places in South Goa

Fortunately, all the places that we mention in South Goa are very easily accessible. You will not have difficulty in finding these places also. The places we have mentioned here are some of the best you will find in South Goa. The beaches are, of course, very common places. However, you will also visit lesser-known sites, such as Portuguese-era churches, Buddhist caves, hidden waterfalls, and serene lakes. We have included these places in our Goa Travel Packages.

Where is South Goa?

South Goa is a district located south of North Goa. South Goa, on the other hand, is a quieter side of Goa, and even more scenic than North Goa. It is not certain where it starts, but South Goa starts roughly from Vasco Da Gama and extends up to the northern part of Karnataka state, mainly Karwar and Majali Beach.

What is South Goa ideal for?

South Goa is the ideal place for tourists who are looking for peace, a tranquil atmosphere, and less crowds. If you think about the natural beauty that is found in South Goa, then you will be amazed beyond doubt. There are national parks, temples, beaches, forts, and more peaceful vibes in South Goa. We can certainly say that South Goa is more untouched than North Goa.

Main attractions in South Goa

The major tourist attractions in South Goa include the following:

• Beaches: Betul Beach, Galgibaga Beach, Rajbagh Beach, Butterfly Beach, Bogmalo Beach
• Waterfalls: Kuskem Waterfalls, Tambdi Surla Waterfalls, Dudhsagar Falls
• National Parks: Mollem National Park, Palolem Island Reserve
• Churches: Our Lady of Merces Church, Our Lady of Assumption Church, St. Andrew's Church, Three Kings Chapel
• Lakes: Netravali Lake, Sarzora Lake, Curtorim Lake, Heart Shaped Lake
• Temples: Shanta Durga Temple, Mangeshi Temple, Mahadeva Temple
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Olive Ridley Turtle sites: Agonda Beach, Turtle (Galgibaga) Beach
• Heritage Portuguese-era Villages: Chandor, Rachol, Loutolim, Rivona
• Backwaters: Palolem Backwaters
• Spice Plantations: Tanshikar Spice Farm, Dudhsagar Plantation
• Ancient Rock Carvings: Near Tambdi Surla Village
• Buddhist site: Rivona Buddhist Caves

Beaches in South Goa

South Goa major places to visit are the fabulous beaches. We have given here some popular beaches that you can visit in South Goa. We recommend you include these beaches in our Goa Family Tour Packages.

Cola Beach

People of Goa also call this beach as Khola Beach. Cola Beach is one of the many pristine unpolluted beaches in South Goa district. The beach waters are spectacular and this beach is hidden from the tourist's view. You will find lagoons on this beach, which are made by the river meeting the sea on this beach. The thin strips of sand created by the low tides and river flow make the beach even more scenic.

Betul Beach

Another spectacular and untouched beach in South Goa is Betul Beach. This particular beach is located to the south of Mobor Beach and at the Sal River delta. You can include this beach in the Goa Tour Packages. The landscape of Betul Beach is dotted with palm trees and rolling ocean waves. The soft sandy stretch of Betul Beach makes perfect walking and sitting on beach.

Galgibaga Beach

This one is a more popular beach in South Goa. Galgibaga Beach is also one of the nesting sites of the Olive Ridley Turtles. They come to the nest and lay eggs on the Galgibaga Beach. Some parts of the beach are protected areas and tourists cannot visit these areas. There are enclosures made for Olive Ridley Turtles so that they can safely nest here. But the parts of the beach that are open to the public have beautiful sandy stretches lined with palm trees.

Bogmalo Beach

If you want to visit a clean and unpolluted beach in South Goa, then we suggest you visit Bogmalo Beach. This beach is one of the beaches you must include in the Goa Tour Package for Couples. You will not find any crowd of tourists on Bogmalo Beach. There are some food stalls though, which will offer some Goan food to you. You can go swimming and take dips in the waters of the beach, as the beach is shallow.

Rajbagh Beach

The beach is named after Rajbagh Residency, which is a luxury guest house near the beach. Rajbagh Beach is counted in the list of the cleanest beaches in Goa. There is no better way than to book Goa Tour Packages to visit this beach. There is a shoreline of around 1 km long, on which you can take beach walks. You will not find a better beach than Rajbagh Beach in the Canacona area in South Goa.

Mobor Beach

This beach in South Goa is nothing but an extension of Cavelossim Beach. But you can certainly visit this beach in the Goa Trip Package for Couples. This is an active tourist beach, which means that there are water sports activities on this beach. Mobor Beach is a type of party beach, where you will find nightclubs and party shacks. Tourists love coming to this beach as it offers them many activities together with relaxation and entertainment.

Cavelossim Beach

If we are to talk of solitude beaches in South Goa then one of them is called Cavelossim Beach. You may want to visit this beach in the Family Holiday Packages in Goa. To your surprise, you will find many rocks on Cavelossim Beach, apart from the usual sandy stretch of the beach itself. If you consider the nearby Mobor Beach or other nearby beaches, then you will find this a relatively calm beach.

Kakolem Beach

Perhaps you may not have heard about this beach. But Kakolem Beach is a hidden type of beach, and it is just located 7 km from the more famous Cabo De Rama Fort. You will want to include this beach in our Goa Tour Packages also. Kakolem Beach is what we call a secluded beach in South Goa. A small water spring flows down a hill and meets the sea on this beach. There is a beautiful mixture of green and blue colors on this beach.

Butterfly Beach

We are talking of yet another spectacular hidden beach and that is called Butterfly Beach. This beach is very unusual as it is hidden beneath thick vegetation and forested areas. You can reach this beach only via a small trek. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Agonda Beach and reach this particular beach. There are many butterflies in the nearby forest so this beach is named Butterfly Beach. You will find rocks nearby and spot marine life beneath the waves.

Cabo de Rama Beach

You will not notice this beach as it is hidden by rugged cliffs. But Cabo de Rama Beach is also one of the cleanest beaches that you can visit. There are many rocks on this beach and the waters are not safe for swimming. You should visit the Cabo De Rama Fort, which is quite near the beach.

Palolem Beach

Another beach that you should certainly include in Goa Tour Packages is Palolem Beach. You will love the laid-back vibes of this beach. Palolem Beach is one of the few beaches from where you can go for ‘dolphin-spotting tours’. Many beach shacks are lining the beach, so you can refresh yourself with snacks and drinks. Lucky tourists can find dolphins deep in the sea waters.

Canaguinim beach

Unlike other beaches, Canaguinim Beach is a small beach. The beach is located near the village called Canaguinim. The locals of this area know about this beach so you can see them. As the beach is very secluded you will not find pollution on this beach. You can include this beach in the Goa Tour Packages. You will not find water sports or beach shacks either, so the beach remains very clean for most times of the year.

Waterfalls in South Goa

Goa has dense forests, hills, and river streams flowing, so there are also numerous waterfalls. This is because there is a large region covered with forests and hills. The flowing rivers drop in the valleys, creating such wonderful waterfalls.

Netravali Waterfalls

The waterfall known as Netravali Waterfall is hidden. You will have to undertake a 3 km trek to reach this waterfall. Netravali Waterfall is located deep inside the forests of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall looks very scenic when it is in full flow during the monsoon months. The waterfall drops down into a lake, which is the perfect place for a swim. Some also call this waterfall by the name of Safari Falls.

Tambdi Surla Waterfalls

When you visit Surla Temple, you can also go on a small trek to this waterfall. Tambdi Surla Waterfall is located quite close to the temple. You will have to do a little trek on foot to reach the waterfall. Water falls from a height of 50 meters. The waterfall drops down into a natural pool where you can swim, bathe, and have a little relaxation.

Kuskem Waterfall

This particular waterfall is also a type of hidden gem in Goa. You can view the flowing waters of Kuskem Waterfall in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. For this, you can include this waterfall in the Goa Tour Packages. Kuskem Waterfall is located in the dense jungle region of Canacona in South Goa. The flow of water is gentle, but during the rainy season, there is much force of water.

Religious Places in South Goa

You will find many churches and cathedrals in South Goa. But there are also temples which you will find here. These religious places of worship have existed for hundreds of years.

Three Kings Church

This particular church known as Three Kings Church is also officially called Our Lady of Remedios Chapel. The church is built on top of a hill called Cuelim Hill. Three Kings Church is also one of the haunted sites in Goa. Fr Gonzalo Carvalho S.J. built this church in 1599. You can reach this church after walking through lush green fields and ghats. Tourists can include this church in their Goa Travel Packages.

Saptakoteshwar Temple

The Saptakoteshwar Temple is a Shiva temple located in South Goa. The temple has beautiful architecture and is considered to be a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple deity is the family god of Kadamba dynasty rulers. The courtyards and idols have delicate carvings.

Shri Chandranath Temple

Another temple in South Goa you can visit is Shri Chandranath Temple. Shiv Bhagwan, one of the cosmic trinity of gods is also the main god of this temple. It is said that on Full Moon nights, the moon's rays illuminate the shiv linga. The deity of this temple is the main god of the kings who ruled this place in ancient times.

Lakes in South Goa Heart-shaped Lake

Speaking of hidden places in South Goa, you may have never heard of this particular lake. It is said to fill only during the monsoons. The shape is that of the heart and is very beautiful to look at. The lake is near Bogmalo Beach.

Sarzora Lake

This lake called Sarzora Lake is hidden from the main tourist circuit in South Goa. You will find this lake in a small village near Chinchinim. The lake is very beautiful and is located in picturesque setting of low-lying hills and rice fields. You can visit the lake in the evening time and sit by the lake and relax for some time.

Heritage Sites in South Goa

The heritage sites in South Goa are its least visited sites. Yet they have a huge historical importance and are worth visiting. These sites range from caves and mansions to Portuguese-era sites.

Rivona Buddhist Caves

These are Buddhist caves called after the village Rivona. You will be amazed to know that in early 7th century, Buddhists used to live here in this area. You will have to reach Rivona and then trek a little to reach these ancient caves. The caves were carved out of a hill. There is a pitha or seat where the Buddhist teacher preached sermons to the disciples.

Palácio do Deão

This is a very old Portuguese-era architectural house and estate in South Goa. It dates back to 1787 and is at least 213 years old. It has Hindu and Portuguese cultural history. You will find sculpted balconies and verandahs in this mansion. There are lush green gardens and ponds which surround this mansion. You will find accommodation in this mansion, which is a heritage property. They serve authentic Goan meals to their guests.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

You will find rare animals here like Giant Malabar Flying Squirrels. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is like a hidden gem that most do not know. But the jungles are teeming with wild animals like Indian Bison. You can go on a wildlife safari in this sanctuary and spot the various types of flora and fauna.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Like the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is also a very hidden type. But you should visit this in Goa Tour Packages. The various types of animals you will find in this sanctuary are Slender Loris, Malabar Flying Squirrel, Gaur, and others. Bird watching is another exciting activity you can do here.

Chandor

This Portuguese-times village is renowned for its marvellous houses and incredible vintage architecture. Just taking a walk in the village roads will make you realize the superb houses that were built here hundreds of years ago. The simple village artisans here create wonderful works of art like pottery, metalwork, weaving garments, etc. You should visit Braganza House, which is a 17th-century structure.

Loliem

Come to South Goa to visit another traditional village called Loliem Village. The main thing which is famous about this village is the festivals and cooking. If you come here at the right time, you can participate in the festivals and learn how to cook food using traditional methods. Loliem is a heritage village of South Goa where you will have a glimpse into the lifestyle of the residents.

FAQ

What is the Goa Tour Package Price?

You can talk to our customer service executives and know more about them.

What time is best to visit Goa?

From November till March is the best period to visit Goa.

Is South Goa less crowded than North Goa?

Yes, South Goa is less crowded than North Goa.

Conclusion

When you make a plan to visit South Goa, you can include some of these places mentioned. Our Goa Tour Packages are made for you to visit South Goa. You will feel a more relaxed vibe and feeling in South Goa. Many heritage places belong to Portuguese rule. Of course, the beaches are its main tourist places. The best advantage you will get with us is that you can visit these places at your own pace and time.