Goa is one of the most popular tourist destination in India. Goa has something to offer to all age groups. People love coming here even from outside India. Even though north goa is more popular among the young crowds, but its south goa where you will find the most beautiful and cleaner beaches . South goa also offers many beach resorts. These are beautiful properties which have private access to the beaches. We stayed in Holiday In Beach resort in Bambolim goa. The rooms very were just lovely and the staff was very courteous . The inhouse restaurants also had a lot to offer. One of their restaurants is on the beach side offering beautiful view of the beach along with some scrumptious food. We celebrated my daughters birthday there and they did a lovely decor and dinner arrangement by the beach.
Goa is place to relax and enjoy your holiday . Lay by the beach , go for a swim in the pool , enjoy a spa session , head out for an authentic Goan meal at a nearby beach shack.
Places to visit in South Goa
1. Beaches
South Goa has some most beautiful, peaceful and clean beaches
- Benaulim Beach – This beach is famous for fishing. Early morning sight of the fishermen pulling their large nets from sea and sorting their day’s catch is a great experience. This beach is surrounded by coconut palms and rice paddies.
- Arossim Beach – The quiet and undeveloped resort of Arossim will prove a hub of rest and relaxation for those on their Goa holidays.
- Palolem Beach – It is one of the most picturesque beaches of south goa. Palm-fringed sand and safe swimming water make Palolem unmissable
- Agonda Beach – This beach is one of the cleanest beaches of South Goa. The overall vibe of this beach is very friendly and chill.
- Colva Beach – The busiest resort in the south but still maintaining a colourful and laid-back vibe, colonial heritage and a vibrant beach define the resort of Colva.
- Cavelossim Beach – This beach hosts Radisson, Novotel, Holiday Inn & St Regis hotels, amongst others, is a quiet beach which offers nice views and possesses sand which is smooth & devoid of pebbles.
- Mobor Beach – Mobor beach is almost like a private beach for the HI and the adjacent St.Regis.Mike’s shack by the beach serves very good Goan food – fish, chicken, pork, beef; with beer to wash it down.Beach side cabanas to lie down and read a book.
Water activites available right off the shore – jetski, banana boat, para sailing. All quite reasonably priced. - Butterfly Beach – Very small beach. Cute, absolutely no crowd. No dhabas, etc just the you and the nature. Good to spend an hour or so. Peaceful. If you are a bird lover like me you would be lucky to capture a few of them. You would also be lucky to capture few Dolphins on way to this beach.
2. Top Six Restaurants in South Goa
There are some greats restaurants and shacks in south goa to explore. We visited some of them and it was a delight
- Martin’s Corner – Nice place to hang out with Family & Friends. Nice ambience, live music, parking space, clean washrooms, good service. This is a highly regarded restaurant in south Goa
- The Fisherman’s Wharf – The first restaurant of this famous chain now was opened on the banks of the River Sal in the village of Cavelossim. This atmospheric restaurant with low key live music, serves excellent food. Book in advance if you would like a riverside table.
- Silver Spoon beach shack –
- Riverside – The Leela – It is situated at east end of the hotel overlooking Sal River, Mobor, Cavelossim. From the freshly made pasta or the pizza straight from the oven to the delicious risottos, the food here is superb and complemented with a great selection of wines and beers.
- Lobster Village – This is located in Taj Exotica, Benaulim. This is a perfect romantic place where you can enjoy lovely sunset view and scrumptious sea food .
- The Garden – it is in Colva Beach Road, Colva. Service is very quick and staff is friendly. This is a budget friendly restaurant. It offers multiple cuisines like Indian, Asian, Chinese, Seafood
3. Top Six Food to Eat in South Goa
- Goan Fish Curry – It’s a coconut based dish flavoured with red chillies and fresh fish or prawns usually served with fluffy rice. Delicious!
- Xacuti – A popular dish that is commonly made with chicken, prawns or vegetables, cooked with coconut, red chillies, poppy seeds and spices.
- Prawns Orly – Battered Prawns with coriander
- Vada Fritters – These traditional South Indian breakfast fritters make a delicious start to the day.
- Goan Sausages – A chorizo pork sausage with Goan spices
- Bebinca – traditional rich, layered cake made from coconut milk, sugar and egg yolks.
Places to visit nearby
Take a step away from the beach and immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and history of the state. This is best achieved with a visit to Old Goa and Panjim. The former was once the most affluent city in Asia and today still boasts numerous splendid buildings and landmarks from the Portuguese colonial era. Panjim’s Fontainas neighbourhood is another area rife with signs of the colonial era in Goa, home to some beautiful Portuguese houses.
How to reach South Goa
By Air
The closest airport to south Goa is Dabolim Airport which is around 25km away from the heart of South Goa. You can easily get taxi from there. There are flights from all major cities in India to this airport everyday.
By Train
The nearest railway station to south goa is Margao Railway Station (MAO) and Vasco da Gama Railway Station (VSG). Most of the trains have halts at these stations.
By Road
South Goa has good road connectivity with several national and state highways. You can drive down through scenic routes or avail bus services run by both government and private operators.
Where to stay in South Goa
There are many options available in south goa from a budget friendly resort to 5 star properties. You can live in some of the best and unique places in South Goa, such as a huge bungalow as part of a homestay, or a hostel, a hotel or a resort. Live in South Goa like a guest and be pampered if you choose to stay in a resort or hotel, stay in a homestay and experience South Goa as if it’s your own place.
Conclusion
South Goa offers Portuguese days style of living and you experience how people used to live back in those days. The colonial-style buildings and cottages have a story to tell which you can know by talking to the locals there. Come to South Goa to experience the Goan lifestyle the right way. There are hundreds of options to choose from the kind of place you want to spend your vacation in. The coconut and palm tree lined beaches, the clean waters and calmness is an experience of a lifetime and should not be missed.
Go ahead and enjoy South Goa one day at a time!