Palolem Beach is one of the most stunning and untouched beaches in South Goa, with crystal-clear waters, swaying palm trees, and white sands lining the coastline. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is lounging on the beach, watching the fishermen bring in their catch, and indulging in delicious seafood at the shacks nearby.
Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India, offers breathtaking views of its natural glory attracting tourists from all over the world. You can take a dip in the refreshing water, go for nature walks, and have some adventure sports like treks, hiking, and cycling around the falls. It provides an adventurous experience that breaks away from the beachside experience.
Take a day trip to one of the many spice plantations in South Goa, such as the Savoi Plantation. You'll be taken on a guided tour of the plantation, where you'll learn about the herbs and spices that grow in the region, followed by a traditional Goan lunch. You might even buy some products before leaving.
Fort Tiracol, located at the northernmost point, provides magnificent views and stories of the past through its historical exhibit. Visiting this fort means learning about the Portuguese occupation and the history behind it. The journey itself is also great with the furious Arabian sea waves running parallel to the road.
The Anjuna Flea Market, which occurs every Wednesday, is a comprehensive bazaar that sells anything and everything from trinkets, souvenirs, jewelry, food, and drinks. Travelers often enjoy sampling the street foods, listening to live music and watching fire dancers, especially as sunset approaches over the beach.
The Goa Chitra Museum showcases the diverse heritage of Goa through everyday objects and memorabilia. The collection is so diverse and large, it feels more like fully immersive exhibitions with themes ranging from farming, brewing, and rice cultivation, making the cultural experiences a delightful one.
Colva Beach is one of the most extensive, picturesque, and peaceful beaches. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy water sports, such as jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and enjoy healthy yet delicious mocktails on the beach. It is also a great walking spot with its lush surrounds and its never-ending coastline.
The Palacio do Deao is an 18th-century mansion built for a Portuguese nobleman. It's a perfect example of the Indo-Portuguese architectural style, surrounded by a lush garden, making it a good break from beaches. You can also indulge in a cultural meal here, made using age-old family recipes and authentic spices, in a beautiful setting.
Old Goa is an excellent place to get a sense of how Portuguese history and culture have blended into Indian heritage. Attractions worth seeing include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. And, you can also visit the nearby farmers market on this day for buying traditional souvenirs and snacks.
While Goa is well connected by buses and taxis, getting around in South Goa is best done by rental motorbikes, scooters or cars. Renting is cheap, easy, and flexible with around INR 300-700 per day. But, if you are not confident with driving on unknown roads, there are alternative modes of transport like auto-rickshaws or even the limited rail service to connect towns and nearby places for getting around.
For those with less time, skip the lesser-visited places and focus on the popular sights. Additional days can be spent on exploring alternative beaches along the coast, going on dolphin spotting trips, or indulging in water sports. Also, carry a beach towel, some sunscreen lotion, and a water bottle with you, keep yourself hydrated with coconut water along the way, and always be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Goa (GAO) is the primary airport in Goa, located in Dabolim, South Goa, and is about 30 km from Margao, South Goa’s major town center. Prepaid taxis and local buses are the most convenient ways to reach your destination from the airport.