Things to Do in South Goa

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.