Getting There
There are different ways to get to South Goa, depending on your budget. The best way to go to Goa airport is to take a prepayment taxi from the arrivals hall. It will be up to one hour and one half (expecting to be paid a 2,000 taxi fare for this distance), depending on how far south you want to go (Patnem Beach is generally the limit to most guests). Madgaon (Margao) is the main railway station in South Goa. It is located on the Konkan Railway line and is usually accessible by train from Mumbai. The trip takes about 1,000 rupees by taxi to Margao, 40 minutes from Patnem. The Mumbai bus is another cheap, though the less convenient way to get to South Goa.
Where to Stay: Luxury Hotels
In South Goa, the majority of the luxury hotels Goa are located, especially near the beaches of Varca, Cavelossim, and Mordor. The beaches are clean and uncontaminated. The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Zuri White Sands, ITC Grand, The Leela, Alila Diwa, and The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort are among the most popular luxury properties near Patnem Sand.
A peaceful riverside boutique option is the Mayfair Hideaway Spa Resort in Betul. The ride on the Sal River to the beach of Mordor is ten minutes.
The Boutique luxury combines heritage and local culture with a visit to the Postcard Cuelim, inland from Cansaulim Beach. Founded by the former President of Oberoi Group, the property forms part of an innovative new hotel chain focusing on authenticity and flexibility. It has eight rooms and a 350-year-old chapel in a glorious, restored Portuguese manor house. Check-in and check-out are available whenever you like. All-day breakfast is also served. Heritage walks, cycling, are all activities.
Where to Stay: Secluded Beach Views
A few options are available if you are looking for an intimate, secluded getaway. Paradise found at the beach of Dwarka Eco Beach on Cola beach is the first thing to remember about 20 minutes north of Agonda. Paradise found is not mistaken on touristy Colva beach. The stylish cottages are one of the best in Goa. It is located in the heart of an extensive palm grove, bordering a lagoon and the sea. The property is reached through a private dirt road and sounds idyllic.
The Cape Goa is more luxurious than anything else. Nine beautiful seaside cottages are situated on the side of the cliff near the fort Cabo de Rama, about 20 minutes north of the beach of Cola. All cottages have a private whirlpool.
Where to Stay: Heritage Villas
Turiya Villa, located in the town of Chaudi in Canacona, is an incredibly renovated 100-year-old Goan villa near the beaches of Patnem and Palolem. There are 2 wings: the original villa with five rooms overlooking the terrace, and the new wing with three rooms overlooking the garden. The Villa is an ideal place for staying, as the whole property can be booked if you are with your family or with a group of friends.
In a charming village just a minute from the beach in Majorda, Vivenda dos Palhacos offers a great location. Nostalgic, intimate, and eclectic, it is ideal for distinguished guests wishing to experience Goa’s other side. Oh, and the pool is also there!
Where to Stay: Environmentally-Friendly Concepts
The Galgibag River in a chic tipi on La Mangrove, south of Patnem is one of the top spots to go shining in India. The property contains four tipis, and they are really convenient. The bathrooms attached have toilet facilities and open-air showers. The in-house chef produces delicious global cuisine.
Tribe Goa is a group of people who have gathered to build an off-grid forest village to meet and live in Nature. The large, abandoned, old cashew plantation has been transformed into a prosperous, self-sufficient jungle with a guest house, a vegetarian cafe and a music venue. The beach is situated inland near the Leopard Valley from Agonda Beach.
Khaama Kethna is also a jungle haven that has become a holistic retreat centre for the well-being, with Yoga, BIOF, curative treatments and workshops.
Best Beach for Chilling Out: Agonda
Agonda Beach is the place if you just want to relax and do anything! It’s still quite quiet and unsustainable. This long stretch of beach stretches over almost two miles, so everybody has plenty of room! Simple beach huts on the sand offer cheap accommodation. Read more about this travel guide to Agonda beach.
Most Happening Beach: Palolem
Although not expecting much action, because Southerly Goa is just not so much, it is about 10 minutes to the south of Agonda, Palolem is Southern Goa’s most picturesque and occurred beach! The dense palm trees which line this half-circle shaped beach are divided into colorful coco huts and shacks. Every Saturday night Silent Noise Parties take place at Neptune Point, on the beach’s south end. Read more in this tourist guide to Palolem beach.
Bit of Both: Patnem
Patnem offers a mixture of entertainment and relaxation five minutes south of Palolem. Nestled in between two cliffs, this small beach is a marvelous place to stay if you want to chill out but are not too far away from Palolem nightlife. Live music is sometimes played in Patnem’s beach shacks. There are also a couple of popular yoga centers. In this guide, you will read more on Patnem beach.