Best Things To Do in South Goa

South Goa, with its pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls, and tranquil villages, is a haven for travelers. Yet, while many are drawn to its beauty and tranquility, there's a common conundrum faced by both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts alike: How does one sift through the abundance of attractions to pinpoint the absolute best? With an overwhelming array of options and myriad recommendations coming from friends, travel websites, and guidebooks, the task can seem daunting. Where do you start? What if you miss out on that one hidden gem? These challenges can make planning the perfect South Goa itinerary feel more like a complex puzzle than a leisurely vacation plan. Fret not, dear traveler! This blog is your compass, guiding you directly to the 16 unmissable experiences in South Goa. By the end of this read, you'll have a clear, curated roadmap, ensuring you capture the essence of this serene paradise.  

Butterfly Beach, a short trek to the south of Palolem, is one of South Goa’s hidden secrets. Visiting Butterfly Beach is one of the best things to do in South Goa; as the name says, the beach is usually teeming with butterflies and provides a breathtaking spectacle.   

The small, narrow beach has a pristine stretch of golden sand and is ideal for sunbathing or swimming. The Butterfly Beach is also renowned for its beautiful sunset views, which might be included in things to do for couples in South Goa.     

Imagine sleeping to the sound of waves and star gazing by the ocean at night, bonfires, and wine with your close-knit group at a beach is one of the top things to do in South Goa. And guess what? It doesn’t even require a permit. Anyone can camp at the Canona and Cola beaches in South Goa and wake up directly at sunrise.  

The amazing hot air balloon ride in Goa allows you to experience the ambiance of Goa’s coastal cliffs, soar over the lush green islands, and flow with the wind in the serenity of the atmosphere. Try a hot air balloon trip in Goa for a unique and lovely experience of exploring the abundance of stunning Goa while soaring far over the picturesque coastline. This magical ride lasts for about an hour, at 9k-13k per person, and can be an amazing thing to do for couples in South Goa.  

One of the finest ways to explore South Goa’s natural beauty is to go jungle hiking. In South Goa, numerous notable wildlife reserves offer a variety of opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty.   

Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary is one of South Goa’s most popular, with many tourists flocking there throughout the year to try their hand at jungle trekking. The wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of wild animals and exotic species of birds that attract tourists.   

Big Foot is an off-the-beaten-path museum in South Goa that stands out of the lot. For starters, it was established and is operated privately by Ma h endra Alvares, an artist. This is also an open-air museum that recreates a tiny Goan village from the past. Miniature houses portraying traditional Goan life and culture, a handicraft center selling Goan ancient artifacts, a bird habitat, a cafeteria, rubber plantations, a spice yard, and much more are among the museum’s highlights. Another highlight of the museum is the 14-meter-high Sant Mirabai sculpture, which is said to be the country’s largest laterite sculpture; there is no doubt that visiting this museum is one of the most popular things to do in South Goa for tourists.   

The Cathedrals in Goa have rich cultural importance and are historically significant. When in Goa, visiting these cathedrals is a must thing to do in South Goa. You can visit the Three Kings Church, Saviour of the World Church in South Goa, Our Lady of Remedios Church, St. Alex Church and light candles while you are there.  

Cabo de Rama, one of Goa’s oldest castles, has a fascinating history , and many legends surround it. Lord Rama and his wife Sita, according to mythology, stayed at this fort during their exile from Ayodhya. The fort was reported to be named after Lord Rama. Today, the fort is home to the Church of Santo Antonio, from where you may enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area.  

Location : Canacona   

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day   

Goa is home to some of India’s most beautiful heritage sites, owing to the stunning architecture on show as well as the diverse local culture that appeals to a broad spectrum of people. A Goa Heritage Tour is a wonderful experience to study about the numerous historically significant sites that the place has to offer.   

Walking to some of these locations is the ideal way to do a heritage tour in South Goa. There are typically guides who really are knowledgeable about the locations. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Wax World Museum, and Shri Manguesh Temple are just a few of the heritage sites that are included in the tour and are considered to be some of the most attractive tourist attractions in South Goa.   

South Goa is a perfect location for anyone eager to try out rock climbing. This activity is suitable for amateurs and can present them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. South Goa boasts a plethora of great rock faces that are commonly used for rock climbing.   

You can choose from a variety of complete programs that will guide you through the basics to the final activity of rock climbing. This is one of the numerous exciting activities that draw visitors and tourists to this location.   

Go on a romantic getaway with your partner in the backwaters of Goa.  These boats are typically well-acquainted with modern amenities and luxuries. The view will keep you enthralled throughout the journey — one of the must-do activities in South Goa. Cruises in Goa are very popular among tourists.   

These boat house packages may be seen near the Palolem and Cola beaches. Take in some heritage monuments and old churches in Goa while on your all-night journey. Individuals on board the ship are also awestruck by the diversity of flora and fauna on display. These cruises offer parties and fun activities throughout the night, so you are sure to have a gala time.   

Canyoning is set against an aesthetic backdrop of small crevasses with many drops, sculpted rocks, and crystal-clear waters. There are six large waterfalls to plunge through in the Upper Sauri Canyon!   

True natural aqua-land, these small valleys in the core of the mountains are full of pools where you may either jump or slide. There is a canyon for everyone, from the aquatic canyon where you can enjoy playing, jumping, and sliding in the water to the more strenuous vertical canyons where you can abseil down large waterfalls. This activity is a fun thing to do with friends in Goa.   

Price : 3000 onwards   

Location : Palolem    

Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM      

Be it Jet ski riding, Parasailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, and Banana Boat Rides; Goa has it all. And the best part is that these affordable adventures are available at most beaches in Goa. So, you do not need to rush to a whole other location to enjoy this. For non-adventure seekers, you can enjoy Kayaking in the ocean and soak in the beauty of the state.  

The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Mandir is one of Goa’s most revered temples, dating back to the 12th century. The Tambdi Surla Mandir is the only monument in Goa that reflects the classic Kadamba-Yadava architectural forms, taking a trip to this Shaivite dwelling is one of the top things to do in South Goa.   

In reality, the temple’s immaculate black basalt stone face gives it a towering presence. The temple is located fairly distant from the town and is normally calm and pleasant. The Surla River flows alongside the temple, lending the area a serene environment.   

Goa is known for its wide variety of flora and fauna; the beaches here offer unusual sights like turtle nesting around October. Moreover, you can see Dolphins swim into the ocean and perform tricks at Goan Beaches. This has now become a popular family activity in South Goa.  

This is one of the main reasons why people enjoy traveling to new areas. However, shopping in South Goa is unlike buying anywhere else. The well-known covered market in Margao provides a large marketplace for people to buy a diverse range of Goa’s fish and seafood products.   

All of these things are available fresh and at a reasonable price. Early morning is the ideal time to visit this market because you can get all the fresh products in a range of varieties.   

The cost is dependent on the amount of shopping done. However, it is one of the most cost-effective markets in South Goa.   

The Dudhsagar Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, naturally, it becomes one of the most visited treks in Goa. Located in the middle of luscious green hills, the view is to die for!   

Price : INR 20 per person, 300 for a camera, and 5000 for a professional camera  

I hope you understand now why South Goa is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From serene beaches to thrilling adventures, historical landmarks, and cultural immersion, South Goa offers something for everyone. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or someone seeking relaxation, this curated list of 16 activities ensures you won't miss out on the best that this paradise has to offer. If you have any doubts or want to learn more about it, feel free to get in touch, we would be happy to help you plan your perfect getaway.