If you have fewer days to spend in Goa or need help to plan your Goa trip, look no further. Here’s a perfect holiday plan for the southern region of the island state to make the most of your time. Let us cover destinations, food recommendations, accommodation, and activities in this Goa South itinerary for you.
Party Hub or A Relaxed Holiday?
For the uninitiated, Goa is divided into North and South regions for an ideal and more convenient experience. For those who love to party and don’t mind crowded, happening places, North Goa would appeal to them. On the other hand, South Goa is quite, calmer and has more tranquil trails to explore. Having said that, historical places and architectural marvels are present in both North and South Goa which you can easily include in your Goa holiday.
Flights for Goa
The flight rates may vary, depending on the season you are traveling to Goa. Air India has several flights flying to and from Goa. We booked Air India Express from Delhi which was destined for South Goa Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport.
But if you want to explore North Goa first, book flights that land in the newly made North Goa airport named Manohar International Airport or MOPA. However, do make sure you book flights in advance to avoid surged airfare. December and January being the peak season are most likely to see fully booked flights. Hence plan your Goa visit well in advance.
South Goa Itinerary
Get Beach Bummed
A part of South Goa comprises stretches of white sand beaches and sea-facing resorts. If you happen to stay in a beach resort, consider these beaches which are a short distance from each other.
- Palolem Beach is the most serene beach in South Goa. Also known as Paradise Beach, the 1.5km stretch is scenic and relaxed. The surrounding local market and homestays give an insight into the Goan culture and lifestyle.
- Further north of Palolem are Honeymoon, Agonda, Cola, Kakolem, Cabo Re Rama, Betul, Varca, Benaulim, Colva, Betalbatim, Majorda, and Utorda beaches. All these beaches are known for their majestic views, clean surroundings, and fewer crowds. Tourists who love sunbathing, relaxing at the beach, playing volleyball, or watersports, include these beaches in their South Goa itinerary.
- Galgibaga and Devbagh are other remote, less explored beaches where you can unwind in nature’s bliss, indulge in cruise rides, or fishing. KA-GO beach is another unspoiled beach on the Karnataka-Goa border that offers tranquil vibes like no other place.
You cannot possibly explore all the beaches of the region in a few days. Hence choose selective beaches in your plan during your stay in South Goa and club these following places/activities.
Trek to Cabo De Rama Fort
You cannot miss this heritage fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. 16km north of Agonda Beach, it is named after Lord Ram who sought refuge in this fort with Sita during his 14-year exile. An amalgam of Hindu, British, and Portuguese influences, Cabo De Rama features a massive defensive wall, gatehouse, large water tank, canons, and a small chapel. Visit the fort in the evening for the most mesmerizing Goan sunset.
The offbeat muddy track leads to the entrance of the fort. Therefore please avoid visiting in monsoon when the path is flooded and slippery. Also, a short distance from the fort, Cabo De Rama beach is visible, against the backdrop of the gorgeous blue ocean.
Entry to Cabo De Rama fort is free.
Adventure Activities
Often, South Goa is associated with serene beaches and spiritual establishments. It also offers a range of thrilling adventure activities. One among them is rafting in Zuari River. With Class 3 and 4 rapids, the experience is a pure adrenaline rush!
Few beaches offer Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Goa’s backwaters. Hence, adventure-seeking travelers can explore the wide network of canals and waterways, paddling through the gorgeous mangroves and bird watching. On beaches like Colva, Majorda, and Varca, speedboats, cruise rides, and banana rides are common water sports to experience.
Explore Magical Museums
If history and antiques excite you, plan a half-day tour to three of the most famous museums and theme parks in South Goa. San Thome Museum, Goa Chitra Museum, and the Big Foot are dedicated to the rich history, colonial past, and traditions of Goa. These museums preserve the forgotten cultural inheritance and are not celebrated enough.
All these museums have a separate entry fee. Please check before paying a visit.
Go on a Temple Trail
For those who don’t know, Goa was under the rule of the Portuguese for several years. The rulers had demolished a large number of Hindu temples to establish churches. Consequently, to protect the deities and the religious faith of Goans, the locals shifted the base of the Hindu temples to remote locations. Hence many temples were built from scratch in deep interiors, keeping them safe from invaders. As a result, many ancient Hindu Temples remain hidden and lesser known to travelers. We visited Shree Shantidurga Temple in Fatorpa (17 km from Madgaon) and Sree Kamakshi Temple in Shiroda (17 km from Madgaon), both in opposite directions. The 15th-century Shantadurga temple is reachable via good motorable roads. But for Kamakshi Temple, you would board a ferry to cross the Zuari River for Shiroda village.
Additionally, here are other historical temples that you can include in your South Goa itinerary- Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (in Tambdi Surla), Shri Kamleshwar Temple (Dhavali, Ponda), Shri Damodar Temple (in Zambaulim), Mallikarjuna Temple (in Canacona).
Gastronomical Experience
Goan cuisine features a variety of flavours, inspired by a mix of Portuguese, Hindu, British and Muslim cultures. The locally grown spices add depth and character to every dish. Furthermore, coconut and seafood play a central role in the cuisines here. From Prawn Balchao to Goan Fish curry, there is everything for everyone. Treat your taste buds to Spicy Vindaloo curry (pork or chicken curry with wine and garlic) or Chicken Cafreal (grilled chicken with green curry). Also, vegetarians can indulge in Vegetable Xacuti (a mix of veggies in aromatic curry) or Sanna (steamed rice cake eaten with sugar). Should I even mention Feni, a local brew made of coconut or cashew. You can plan a romantic dinner at a beachside shack. However, please be informed, that the food price is astronomically high.
Where to Stay in South Goa
South Goa has many boutique hotels and guesthouses that offer a personalized and authentic experience than the bigger, hyped resorts. Mid-sized, family-owned accommodations help you gain insights into the local Goan culture while supporting local tourism. You can also look for Govt. authorized hotels that are safer and more economical. Thereupon, we stayed in Madgaon Residency in Madgaon as it was centrally located and was mid-budget.
You can choose beach-facing cottages on Varca Beach or charming resorts near Colva Beach. South Goa has no dearth of hotels. Pick the one that suits your budget, requirements, and facilities. Generally, travelers ask for bicycles or scooters on rent, parking spots, breakfast, and nightlife.
What’s more to South Goa Itinerary
Overall, even ten days are less for Paradise Island Goa. With so many activities and experiences to indulge in, you can never get enough of Goa. If you plan to go for a more relaxed holiday while packing in adventures, we highly recommend South. For history buffs, photographers, families, and nature lovers, South Goa never disappoints! We hope this South Goa Itinerary helps you plan a perfect holiday. We will soon cover North Goa. Stay tuned.