North Goa remains the most visited destination for beach holidays. And no doubt that North Goa drives the tourism economy, but trust me when I say this, that beaches and other places in South Goa won’t disappoint you. Infact, not only do they match the beaches in North Goa in scenic splendor but also some of them are perfect postcard beaches. Add to this, that they aren’t very heavily crowded. What more will one wish for?
Separated by the Zuari river, the southern part of the state is completely different. Escape the holiday crowds on north goa, lets roll the wheels in south goa now.
- Velsao & Majorda: This stretch of vast beaches of Velsao and Majorda are not only quiet and laid back but also hardly commercialized. They are not even popular with the tourists. The result yes another peaceful beach with just a couple of beach shacks and that odd hotel. Also if you are around this place, don’t miss out MARTIN’S CORNER. A must-do. Enormously popular due to its vast but great menu, an amazing atmosphere and really friendly staff. And to go along with all this. CHEAP FOOD. Don’t miss it.
These shacks are waiting for you. Are you up for it? - Colva Beach: Colva is often described as a sleepy fishing village. But now the main tourist destination of South Goa. People crowd here like crazy. Especially south indians, and I have no clue why. Here you get bicycles on rent on the beach. It feels great to ride on the shore n the firm sand during sunset. Ask for Williams Beach Resort. Head here to relax by their pool and drinking a beer at their swim-up bar.
- Cavelossim to Agonda: To the south of Cavelossim-Mabor/Mobor Beach is the mouth of the Sal River. To continue down the coast you either need to backtrack and head inland via Chinchinim for the National Highway NH-17 or take the small road leading east from Cavelossim, cross by ferry to Assolna and then continue down the coast road. This coast road is the most interesting way to explore southern Goa, and for the complete experience, rent a motorcycle. This coastal road is hilly and winding but definitely quiet, scenic and an awesome motorcycle ride. Twelve kilometers south off the turn-off to Cabo da Rama the coast road passes the village of Agonda. Take a break and chill for sometime at the Agonda beach, a completely untouched white sand beach spreading across a couple of kms.
- Butterfly Beach: The road between Agonda and Palolem, lookout for a sign pointing towards the Butterfly Beach. A narrow path leads over a headland to this tiny secluded beach. The best part, you can access this beach only through this path or by boat. Its a stiff on hour walk up a hill and then you have to descend to the beach. Only other way is to take a boat trip from Palolem. This is Goa-Untravelled.
- Palolem Beach: The mecca of beaches in India. The most perfect post card beach in India. I read about it first in a Lonely Planet guide which described it as a perfect crescent of white sand fringed by a shady rim of coconut palms and coco-huts. And its exactly like that. Spend a day here, get a beer and game of volleyball with the backpackers there and enjoy the evening with some techno music. The sea is excellent for swimming too. And this is one of he few places where you can rent surfboards and boggie baords.
The Picture Perfect Sunset at Palolem. - Cycling Tour: Rent a bicyle on the beach and head out. Riding out of Palolem village (towards the highway), take the right turn at the small general store and head south, roughly parallel with the coast. The first right turn along here leads down to Colomb Bay. Another 2km and you come to Patnem beach, a small peaceful beach. Back on the coast road, continue riding through paddy fields and the village of Kindlebag before reaching Rajbaug and the Talpona river at the road’s end.
South Goa doesn’t disappoint. And experiencing South Goa is a must to live like a Goan. 🙂
Where to Stay: South Goa properties are homely, cozy but at times pricey. But then we have GTDC to the rescue. They have properties at Miramar and Colva Beach which are superbly located for the beach lover.Again cheap, clean and awesome. For booking GTDC rooms click here: Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. However GTDC doesnt have a property at Palolem. Some options to stay at Palolem would be the Laughing Buddha Cottages (50 yards from the beach) and Round Cube Hotel, also known as Paradise Hotel.
The Bombay Nomad 
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