Places to Visit in South Goa

This enticing waterfall magnetizes tourists from different verticals of the world as it has a breathtaking charm which in turn makes it one of the most visited tourist places in South Goa. The literal meaning “ Sea of Milk”, this waterfall is a treat to the eyes. It lies in the proximity of Panaji city which is about 60 km. The waterfall is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary and has a height of 1,000 feet.

One of the most striking churches in India is the “Se Cathedral” located in the Southern part of Goa. This magnificent church exhibits excellent artistry of the Portuguese-Manueline style with beautifully arched interior and an impressive courtyard. Previously, the cathedral had two towers but one of them collapsed in late 17th Century and was never rebuilt.

This cathedral is dedicated to St.Catherine, who belonged to Alexandria and there are six panels where her life scenes are beautifully carved. The most prominent feature of this cathedral is the huge “golden bell” which is one of the best bells in the world. This 250 feet high cathedral is a frequented spot and is visited by the tourists as well as locals. The tranquility and serene aura of the cathedral makes it a must visit spot in the list of places to visit in South Goa.

Location: Velha, Goa 403402

Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free 

Palolem Beach is probably one of the most gorgeous beaches of South Goa and generally famous among foreign tourists who flock here often. The tranquil surroundings makes an ecstatic setting for indulging in an occasional stroll or just appreciate this amazing landscape. The beach remains packed with shacks, hawkers, restaurants, and eating outlets occupying the one mile long shore in crescent shape.

This place gives a new dimension to the dining style, which is a combination of beach, exotic cuisine, and serene aura. This deadly combination can be experienced at the Johnny Cool Beach Bar which lies on the Dover Beach, famed as one of the most alluring beaches of Goa.

Here, one can savor mind-blowing Caribbean delicacies with excellent ambiance accompanied by soft jazz music to make every part of your body move on the soothing beats. It is one of the most visited tourist places in South Goa with an unbelievable quality of service.

Apart from these, one can even enjoy varieties of cocktails, beer and other liquors along the beachside bar. It is undoubtedly the best place to explore in southern Goa and enjoy meals in the relaxing environment coupled with striking sandy beaches.

Location: Dover Beach, Below Dover Playing Field, Dover, Barbados.

It is one of the most popular beaches in South Goa and attracts a lot of Indian visitors. The beach is an ideal destination to enjoy a range of activities from sunbathing, water sports to other leisure activities. Adventure freaks particularly flock here to get the adrenaline rush with adventure sports. You can find many shacks here selling street food and drinks to satiate your hunger and and its one of the best places to visit in South Goa in 1 day.

Agonda Beach in Goa is ideal for individuals searching for an energizing time in the water. The cool wind and warm summer sun help you alleviate the anxieties brought by the everyday routine. This shoreline is long and desolate, bordered with palms and casuarinas and overwhelmed by an expansive slope toward the south. In the event that you are searching for some tranquil minutes, Agonda Beach is the place to be.

This decrypted structure with towers and rustic cannons was claimed by the Portuguese monarchs. It was a well-equipped fort with 21 guns and several military barracks and a chapel but, when the Portuguese left India, the place was abandoned and, later used as the government prison. Now, the fort is housed only by the ruins but is a popular tourist place in South Goa.

Benaulim Beach is one of the evergreen beaches of Goa and a popular tourist spot. It has everything ideal from captivating shorelines, extravagant gleaming sands, superb convenience, to nightlife and late night vibrant parties. Far from the clamor and busyness of the city, the shoreline is an ideal place for beach lovers to unwind and recover their spirits.

Mobor Beach is vibrant with tourists and always bustling with parties and activities that go one here perpetually. The beach is beautified with natural creations with blooming lilies in ponds, sandy dunes and coconut palms which adore the landscape. This place is ideal for the individuals who need to make their vacation a more offbeat experience or just feel the light of common life in Goa.

Varca Beach is fundamentally acclaimed for its incredible environment of quietness and placidness. The Varca Beach in Goa is known to its delicate white sands and its cleanliness. It is one of the cleanest shorelines in Goa that enables the travelers to invest some energy in solitude. Moreover, the beach has various beach shacks where vacationers can appreciate the wide assortment of treats, including sea food in traditional cuisines.

This wildlife century came into existence in the year 1999 under the Wildlife Act. The Sanctuary lies on the Western Ghats in the northern part of the Panjim city. Sprawling over an area of 240 sq km, it has rich flora and fauna which attracts the tourists. One can witness bewitching scenic views at this splendid Sanctuary which is the largest protected wildlife. 

Here at this sanctuary, you can come across numerous variant of animals like Pythons, Cobras, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Elephants, avian Birds, and many more rare species. One can even hire a jeep to explore every nook and corner of the diverse sanctuary.

Location: NH 4A, Caranzol, Goa, 403410, India

Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person for Adults
                  Rs. 10 per person for Children
                  Rs 30 per Still Camera
                  Rs 150 per Camcorder

This is one of the most frequented sightseeing places in Goa famed as the prominent landmark for the Catholics. This extrusive church holds the incorrupt body of Saint Francis Xavier and, was built in the year 1605. After a few years of being built in 1622, the body of Saint Xavier was brought here and laid in a glass mausoleum. It is one of the most charming places to visit in South Goa which has showcased modern art in the gallery and, the structure exhibits a jaw-dropping baroque style of architecture.

The best time to visit Bom Jesus Basilica is December, as in this month you can experience the traditions, cultures and a lot more at Christmas time.

Location: Off National Highway 4, Velha Goa, Goa 403110

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

“Pious Aura” this is what you will witness at this magnificent temple situated at the foot of Kavlem village in Ponda Taluka. This temple is devoted to goddess “Shantadurga” who is worshiped as the “Goddess of Peace” and, it is one of the most prominent and, large temples in entire Goa.

The divine shrine was initially situated at, Cavelossim but during the demolition period of the Portuguese in the mid 15th century, the celestial being was relocated to Kavlem. The vibrant combination of the maroon, white and peach give the temple an enchanting old-charm look.

Apart from these, Nayan Manohar Deepstambh is another point of attraction which is beautifully lit during the festivals and at that time, the beauty has no boundaries.

Location: Kapileswari - Kavlem Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401

Timings: 5:00 AM - 10:00  PM

Entry Fee: Free

Get awestruck by the amazing collection of The Naval Aviation Museum where you can witness the true essence of Military. This amazing museum is a must visit tourist place in Goa and lies in the vicinity of Vasco da Gama.

Here, one can see real Helicopters, Aircraft, Fighter Jets and learn about their history. The museum is a combination of two parts, one is the outdoor regions which exhibits the evolution of the Indian Naval Air Arms and, another is the double-storey indoor gallery. The Naval Aviation Museum is the only of its kind in Asia. The outer region is a large park which has 13 aircraft in total namely, Sea Harrier, HAL Chetak, Westland Sea King and many more such decommissioned aircraft.

Location: Bogmalo Road, Dabolim AP Vasco da Gama, Mormugao, Goa 403806

Timings: Tuesday - Sunday(9:30 AM - 5 PM)
               Monday(Remains Closed)

Entry Fee: Rs. 20

One of the most notable temples in Goa, which was built in the 12th century, is a Shaivite temple of Lord Shiva. The place is frequently visited by Hindu devotees and has Jain style of construction. It is considered the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architectural style in basalt stone preserved and is one of the most spiritual places to visit in South Goa. 

The temple has a Shiv Ling which is mounted on a pedestal and, has four withstanding pillars embellished with excellent carvings of elephants. Also, there are finely carved sacred lotus flowers and, intricate carvings designed by skilled craftsmen which add up to the charm of the stone ceiling and, the building. The beauty of the temple is at its peak on Mahashivratri.

Location: Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406

Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Commonly called the Bat Island, is located just a kilometer away from the Baina Beach in Vasco da Gama. This is a serene Island with several picturesque views, entailed with rocks and sand.

It is truly a traveler’s paradise, who is seeking solitude and, unexploited sites with scenic splendors. The crystal clear water with amusing marine life attracts the masses. One can delve in enthralling water sports and experience the waters like never before.

It is a perfect place where one can go deep inside the pure aura and, witness tranquility. You can also enjoy a campfire and soft soothing songs on the beach.

Seated in the Southern part of Goa, Netravali wildlife sanctuary is a tributary of the Zuari river. Nestled with dense forests which remain evergreen throughout the year, this sanctuary is renowned for varieties of animals like Gaur, Ratufa indica, Tetracerus quadricornis, and leopard. Its famous birds are Malayan night heron, Nilgiri wood pigeon, pied hornbill, grey-headed bulbul, white-bellied treepie and a rufous babbler. 

The best time to visit this place is from October to March and at this time one can easily spot the rare species of flora and fauna like Black Panther, four horned antelope, and colorful butterflies.

Location: Verlem, Goa 403704

Timings: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

The sacred water reservoir, Netravati Bubbling lake is a part of the Gopinath Temple. The astonishing fact about the lake is that it has clean water which keeps on bubbling at different points and bubbles even more if someone starts clapping. The priest who resides there believes that it will create the same bubbling effect if you start enchanting “Om” however, these are just mythological stories and the real fact is it bubbles due to the presence of limestone, carbon dioxide or methane in water. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most interesting places to visit in South Goa.

It is a great source of bewilderment and has serene environs where one can rediscover oneself. The massive temple has a huge pedestal in the center of the lake and is frequented by the devotees of Shiva. It exhibits an intrinsic style of pillars carved by the Kadamba-Shilahara craftsmen.

Location: Netravali, Vichundrem, Goa 403704

Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

This relatively unexploited beach is becoming a buzzing North Goa places to visit. The place occupies a tiny semicircular bay on the high northern end of Palolem beach and the most astounding feature is that you can spot millions of butterflies flying over the hilltop blossoms. The golden sands against the warm blue water create postcard perfect location with palm trees and scores of butterflies.

Untouched and unexploited are the words which perfectly describe the Bamanbudo Waterfall. One of the most pristine waterfalls lying in the vicinity of Old Goa. This waterfall flows in the backdrop of serene Amba Ghat.

The waterfall is undoubtedly the picture-perfect spot, with water falling down through the lush green hillock. The sound of the water, freshness in the air and, everything beautiful contributes to the significance of the place. This waterfall is located on the main road and one cannot trek to this splendid destination.

Location: MDR34, Gordongram, Goa 403702

Timings: 24 Hrs

Entry Fee: Free

Off the bustling Polem beach in South Goa, lies one of the major nature reserves in the state- the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary that not many tourists come to explore. Since its establishment in 1968, the sanctuary has played a key role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the stretch of moist-deciduous forests in Goa. These woods are home to a number of vulnerable species including flying squirrels, Indian pangolin, hump-nosed pit viper, mouse deer, flying lizards, panthers, hyenas, the Malabar tree toad, sloth bears, gazelles, four-horned antelopes, and avifauna. 

The wilderness of the Cotigao Sanctuary has the characteristics of a layered forest. Sky-kissing tall trees grow upto 30 meters forming a thick canopy in this forest, not allowing sunlight to reach the understory and forest floor. There are eight amazing nature trails going into the depths of the forests here in Cotigao that are open to visitors during most months, ranging from 500 meters to 5 kilometers in distance.

Beside taking safaris and trying your luck at spotting some of the unique creatures living here, there is a small nature interpretation center to visit to learn in detail about the typical flora and fauna of this forest, the specified nature trails to go hiking, interact with the aboriginal peoples- the ancient Kunbil and Velip tribes, and simply spend an enjoyable time picnicking on the banks of the sweetly rippling streams of Talpona and Galgibaga in the green shade.

There is a bunch of treetop watchtowers standing blended against the forest landscape near the watering holes in Cotigao. If wildlife sighting is the main draw for your visit here, do not miss staying on vigil from the towers during the specific hours when animals come to drink water. Early morning and late afternoon just before dusk are the best times to visit Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Schedule a trip accordingly!

Flora and Fauna at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary 

Cotigao is noted for the wide range of flora and fauna these forests are home to. It was once the natural habitat of predatory big cats like leopards and tigers, the numbers of which have now decreased due to poaching and natural causes. There still remains a population of panthers and hyenas, but spotting is not common. 

Animal life in Cotigao includes Flying Squirrel, Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris, Flying Lizard, Golden-backed Gliding Snake, Sloth-bear, Hump-nosed Pit Viper, and Four-horned Antelope. Variants of interesting birdlife found in this area are the white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar Trogon, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, the Heart-spotted Woodpecker, the Malabar Crested Eagle, and speckled Piculet.

Beside jeep safaris conducted for visitors from the forest department, there is provision for tourists to enter the jungle in their private vehicles as per convenience. In such a case, a forest guard will be accompanying you and guiding the tour in beneficial directions, like towards the tree-top perches from where the chances of sighting wildlife is more.

The dense jungles here consist mostly of moist-deciduous vegetation and partly, a forest cover of semi-evergreen trees. The trees are toweringly high, rising to 30 meters and higher with canopies that block the sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Botanical enthusiasts will be thrilled to find a range of old and ancient trees in these forests. 

Popularly known as the Sunset Beach of Goa, this place is your destination for witnessing the most enchanting sunset you will ever see. The clean sands and beautiful surroundings make an immaculate landscape worth visiting. Contrasting with most beaches in Goa surrounded by palm trees, Betalbatim Beach is has a number of pine trees along the shoreline. Due to a number of lovebirds flocking here. it is also known as Lover's Beach.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Sanguem district of Goa, about 70 km away from the main city. It covers a total area of 240 square kilometers, out of which 170 square kilometers is dedicated to the Mollem National Park built at the core of the sanctuary. Located in the Western Ghats, this green zone constitutes of moist deciduous and tropical evergreen forests that create a nurturing habitat for various endangered species of flora and fauna. In fact, the tallest waterfalls called the Dudhsagar waterfall, elevated at a height of 107 feet lie within the sanctuary and attract many avian fauna that sustain off water.

This isn’t only a haven for endangered plant and animal species but also butterflies, reptiles and plants .The sanctuary shares its eastern borders with Karnataka and inhabits various varieties of flora and fauna, including carnivores like tigers, black panthers, and leopards. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Panjim Belgaum Road, and so it is not uncommon for travelers to encounter animals en route Panjim. They may come across elephants, gaurs, deer, or leopards. It is advisable to drive at a minimum speed on this road.

Within the sanctuary, there aren’t only safaris that help you wander, but also in-built trekking and hiking trails with guides having an in-depth knowledge of the terrain, animals, and plants residing in each area.

History of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary resides in South Goa and was built to protect the enriched wildlife around the Western Ghats. Earlier, it was referred to as the Mollem Game Sanctuary but got its title of being a wildlife sanctuary by the authorities in Goa in the year 1969. It was renamed to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in the same year.

The sanctuary covers a sprawling area of 240 square kilometers. However, the core of the sanctuary where a rich diversity of flora and fauna was declared a national park in the year 1978. The area comprises a total of 107 square kilometers of the entire sanctuary and is popularly known as the Mollem National Park. Now, it attracts several tourists due to its safari expeditions.

Flora and Fauna at Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The biodiversity of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers a massive land with exotic and authentic flora and fauna residing in it. Here is a detailed description of the species that you can encounter during your safari sojourn:

Flora

The forests here are surrounded by the pristine vegetative trees of West Coast tropical evergreen forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests, and deciduous forests. The primary species of flora found here are Dalbergia (timber trees), Terminalia Xylia and Lagerstroemia (crepe myrtle). There are over 128 plant species and 722 flower species blooming within the periphery of the sanctuary.

Fauna

One can easily spot various animals like sambar, deer, hog, spotted deer, barking deer, and mouse deer. The carnivores inhabiting these forests include tigers, panthers, leopard cats, jungle cats, and toddy cats.

Head to the Hollant Beach in Goa to witness a sunrise which you will remember for a lifetime. This beach is particularly known for its serenity and landscape and not to be missed when travelling to Goa. Hollant Beach offers wonderful perspectives including the popular southern shorelines of Goa, alongside the foothills of the Western Ghats.

The shoreline looks much all the more enchanting amid the high tide, when the ocean water ascends to converge into the crisp waters of an adjacent stream. Hollant Beach is additionally an incredible place to go swimming, as it remains relatively calm without any dangerous currents. For romantic souls, the beach is an idyllic setting enchanting everyone.

• Water Sports: Kayaking

• Nightlife: There not many popular night clubs here but you can enjoy at the famous beach resorts located at the Hollant Beach.

• Location : Hollant Beach, South Goa

• Distance from Panaji: Hollant Beach is located at a distance of 27 kilometers from Panaji.

• How to reach from Panaji: The beach is connected via road and one can travel here with their own vehicle as no buses ply to there.

Galgibaga is perfectly defined as an ideally serene shoreline, still perfect bordered by casuarinas that influence carefully in the lilting ocean breeze. The beach is known for being one of the serene nesting places of the famous olive ridley turtle. With silvery sands, clear water and rows after rows of coconut and pine trees, the turtles love this beach and so will you. This shoreline has a town group that are mostly peace-adoring fisherfolk and an interaction with them help you appreciate more of village life in Goa.