South Goa is located in the Goa district of western India. Known for its pristine beaches, cerulean waters, and swaying palm trees, South Goa is the serene counterpart to its sister region, North Goa, which is famous (or infamous) for its wild, partying ways. South Goa is an elegant product of laidback, island hospitality, melded with historical Portuguese influences dating back to the 15th century. The Arabian Sea flanks South Goa, making it an ideal location for an exotic vacation in the tropics. South Goa is also diverse in its attractions, as the region has coastal lands, plateaus, and mountainous terrains. Read on for Trip101’s list of top things to do in South Goa and get cracking on your plans for a holiday in incredible India!
1. Celebrate Mahashivratri in Sri Mahadeva Temple Tambdi Surla
This Shaivite temple is one of the oldest temples in Goa. Located in Tambdi Surla, this 12th-century temple is built from black basalt in classic Kadamba-style architecture. The shrine contains a linga which is the symbol of Lord Shiva along with a headless bull symbolising the Lord’s vehicle. There is also the legend going around for ages that a huge king cobra dwells inside the interiors of the temple.
Visitors and pilgrims gather here from all over the world on the pious occasion of Mahashivratri. The festival is celebrated in the temple with a lot of splendour by the residents of the nearby villages.
Sri Mahadeva Temple Tambdi Surla
Address: C7Q3+J27, Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406
Website: Sri Mahadeva Temple Tambdi Surla
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
Traveler's tips
This temple is exclusively built with one big black rock, making it cool and tranquil, perfect for a respite from the summer heat. The temple is surrounded by lush grass, ideal for family outings and picnics, while the small stream near the temple provides great hiking opportunities. The entry to the temple is without a charge and anyone can visit it. Since the temple is located in a remote place, your phone may not have good reception, so memorize the surroundings or travel with a local. Furthermore, during the holy month of Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a must-visit for anyone wanting a taste of Goa's religion and culture. Although, the rainy season is also a great time to visit here and take in the beauty of South Goa.
2. Enjoy turtle-watching in Galgibaga Beach
Located in the deep south of Goa, this beach is famous for being the nesting ground of the protected species, the Olive Ridley turtles. It is also known as Turtle Beach for this reason. Not too far away from Margao which is the cultural capital of Goa, this beach is nestled along the pristine banks of the Galgibag River.
Visitors flock to this beach the most during the months of winter when the seawater is not very rough. You wouldn’t find a beach shack in this less frequented Goan beach but there is a resort nearby where one can put up at for a tranquil stay away from the hubbub.
Galgibaga Beach
Address: Canacona, Goa, 403702
Website: Galgibaga Beach
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Price: Free
3. Take a bath under the Netravali Waterfalls
Situated inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in Sanguem Taluka, the Netravali Falls is found in the middle of a dense forest.
Commonly known as the Savari Falls, the cascading waters are a magnificent sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the greenish water of the lake where the waterfall empties itself into. A friendly guide will accompany you on the trek to reach the waterfall that can be sighted after a descent of 200 steps. The walk through lush forests makes the journey all the more worthwhile.
Netravali Waterfalls
Address: 366J+FQM, Neturlim, Goa 403704
Website: Netravali Waterfalls
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 100 INR (1.23 USD)
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4. Satiate your taste buds with Potuguese-Goan cuisine in a local chef's home (from USD 17.49)
What is a trip to Goa if you haven’t indulged your palate with sumptuous Goan cuisine? The state was a Portuguese colony for four centuries and its influence on Goa’s food scenes is quite evident.
On this three-hour food tour, you can satiate your taste buds with the best of Portuguese-Goan cuisines in the home of a local chef.
You will be welcomed with an appetising drink of ginger lemon cordial before you can have a taste of the delectable veggie canapes and fish pate on toast. Entrées will feature Portuguese prawn rissoles, prawn curry, fried fish, and the very famous chicken cafreal. You can enjoy the main course along with an accompaniment of Goan rice, bread, and a vegetable salad. For fans of dessert, the smooth caramel custard at the end of the main course is a real treat.
Goan Portuguese Meal In South Goa - Klook
5. Museums of South Goa (from USD 144.0)
South Goa is a place that is steeped in history and culture. In this personalised tour with a maximum of 15 visitors, Viator will bring you on an informative tour of the many museums of South Goa. Drop by the Chitra Goa Museum to explore South Goa’s people and traditions of years gone by. Peer through a miniature village with intricate details at the Bigfoot Cross Museum to experience rural Goan life.
Work your way through nearly 300 years of Indo-Portuguese art at the Christian Art Museum and pore over prehistoric and early to late medieval artifacts displayed proudly at the Museum of Archeological Survey of India. Your stomach will be taken care of, as well as your cultural aspirations, as a delicious traditional lunch is provided on this tour, as well.
Museums of South Goa with guide and lunch
Duration: 8 hours
6. Colva Beach
Colva Beach is arguably the most famous beach in South Goa. Located in the equally picturesque Salcete Village, the beach is popular from dawn to dusk. Visitors can partake in a number of water sports here, such as snorkelling, parasailing, and jet skiing, or simply lay out on the clean, white sand for a tan. The waters of Colva Beach are crystal clear, making them a joy to swim in. The beachfront is also lined with many food establishments during the day and bars that add to the vibrant nightlife scene.
Traveler's tips
Colva Beach is ideal for tourists who enjoy a livelier beach scene than Agonda. Here, you will find several shacks selling food and drinks that you can enjoy on sun loungers by the beach. The loungers might be chargeable if you do not order any refreshments from the shacks. Enjoy a laid-back breakfast on a lounger while gazing at the sea. Don't forget to try some fresh pineapple juice to beat the heat!
7. Ancestral Goa and Shantadurga Temple (from USD 148.0)
With Viator’s curated tours, you can be sure that the tour group is kept small with a maximum of nine people, letting you enjoy sightseeing in beautiful South Goa in peace. This tour of ancestral Goa will take you through the centuries of culture and traditions that shaped South Goa, from a museum visit in Loutolim Village to a lavish 250-year-old Portugese mansion called Casa Araujo and finally to a private tasting session of feni, which is a local liquor brewed from Goan produce, like cashew nuts and coconuts.
Along the way, you will be taken to two very impressive temples in South Goa, the Mangueshi Temple and Shantadurga Temple, both with stunning architecture that dates back to the 16th and 17th century respectively. Tuck into a sumptuous lunch at a quaint spice village before heading back to your hotel in the evening.
Traveler's tips
Aside from its beaches, Goa has a lot to offer for those looking for an enriching cultural experience. Apart from its stunning architecture, Mangueshi Temple is also the ancestral temple of the late famous Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar and her family. You will also find lots of vendors near the temple selling delicious star fruits with savory masalas and other souvenirs. Try the fruit plate if you are hungry and looking for a burst of flavors to energize you. The temple also has a modest dress code, and you will not be allowed in if you do not adhere to it. Furthermore, while there is parking here, it is about 15-20 minutes, so be prepared to walk.
Goa Private Cultural Tour with Shantadurga Temple and Lunch
Duration: 7 hours
8. Cabo de Rama
Cabo de Rama is a historic fort in South Goa that has been claimed by generations of Indian rulers and Portuguese occupiers. The ruins of this strategically placed fort perch atop a cliff on Cabo de Rama Beach, with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. To get to the fort, scale the hill from the beach and cross a bridge that has stood the ravages of time for over three centuries.
Traveler's tips
Cabo de Rama will attract both history buffs and nature lovers. You can explore the ruins and get to the viewpoint to admire sea views. Do note that you will have to climb rugged and steep stairs cut into rocks to reach the viewpoint. It is advisable to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a hat/carry an umbrella to protect yourself from the harsh sun rays.
9. Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum was started to trace the history of Indian naval aviation, from its modest roots as a 10-plane fleet to its present-day strength of over 400 warships and aircraft. The Naval Aviation Museum showcases a range of aircraft, from vintage seaplanes to the historic Super Constellation aircraft, which enabled the Indian Navy to step up its maritime patrol duties. Today, the museum has 15 different types of aircraft under its wing.
10. Casa Araujo Alvares
Casa Araujo Alvares belongs to the Alvares family and was opened to the public so that the golden years of Goan life can be preserved for generations to come. The 250-year-old mansion is done up in a mixture of architectural styles, which take influence from Portuguese and European design, as well as Goan elements. Each room in the mansion is equipped with a light and sound show, complete with commentary, which creates an immersive experience for visitors wishing to gain some insight into the lives of the Goan-Portuguese families of the past.
11. Three Kings Chapel
Unexpectedly, the Three Kings Chapel is a well-known destination in South Goa for thrill seekers and paranormal hunters! It earned its reputation as one of the top most haunted attractions in the region, due to the grisly story of its name. According to legend, a subterfuge concocted by a power-hungry king to eliminate his equally ambitious competitors, led to the death of all three. To this day, locals report strange sounds from the chapel after dark!
12. Abyss Marine Fish Aquarium
The Abyss Marine Fish Aquarium is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike who are drawn to the colourful marine animals housed within the building. Besides the main (and biggest) tank, which showcases a wide variety of fish and sea creatures from the Arabian Sea, the Abyss Marine Fish Aquarium also has a number of smaller tanks, where visitors can interact with selected marine life, such as starfish and sea cucumbers. The aquarium is also part museum, as it depicts the traditional fishing lifestyles of the fisher-folk of Goa.
13. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife nature reserve in Goa and home to nearly 1,000 species of flower and fauna, in addition to the various animals and insects native to the region. The sanctuary is home to endangered species, like tigers and snakes like the King Cobra. Besides looking out for these animals, visitors can also complete hiking trails that will take them to the famed Dudhsagar Waterfall, Tambdi Falls, Devil’s Canyon, and beautifully preserved Kadamba dynasty-era temples.
14. Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation (from USD 52.0)
Visit Dudhsagar Waterfall – one of the most famous sights in South Goa – with a small and intimate group tour led by Viator! The Dudhsagar Waterfall is hidden within Mollem National Park and falls from a height of more than 1,000 feet (304.8 meters). Standing at the foot of the falls, you will be buffeted by the strong, clean wind of the waterfall that it creates with its sheer power.
After a jungle safari tour, which your English-speaking guide will take you on, learn more about the hundreds of spices commonly used in South Goa with a trip to a spice plantation. You will get a taste of these spices through a traditional Goan meal, prepared and served on the spice plantation. Next, make a stop in Old Goa and marvel at the architecture of this traditional town.
Dudhsagar Waterfall Day Tour from Goa
Duration: 11 to 13 hours
Feed your mind, soul, and body in South Goa
As you can see, South Goa is not just a destination for sun, sand, and sea. The region has a deeply rooted history that makes it a melting pot of cultures that extend to its food, attractions, and traditions. With Trip101’s list of things to do in South Goa, make the most of your vacation in South Asia to learn about how life can be different, yet still amazing across the globe. May you come back from South Goa with a happy belly and wonderful memories of all that this beautiful region has to offer!
Visit The Figueiredo Mansion
Contributed by Content Creator, Shru & Kuku
Source: Shru & Kuku
Just 430 years young, this gem of a house nestled in a quiet corner of Loutolim exhibits grandeur in every inch of its construction.
The staff will warmly host you and very beautifully take you down the history during their museum tour. Each artifact on display in The Figueiredo Mansion has its own story associated with it.
And the food, personally supervised by the owners, beautifully blends the flavours of Portugal and Goa. You will feel totally content after savouring the delicacies while having heart-to-heart conversations with the hosts!
History
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