Lets discover the magic of beaches of South Goa this summer

The topic of the post is Exploring beaches of South Goa this summer. Goa, India’s smallest state located in the South Western region of India, is a jewel by itself, visited by many domestic and international tourists each year for its beaches, places of worship and architecture. On the personal front, I have visited Goa a couple of times in the past; being based in Mumbai, it was natural to head out to Goa for an extended weekend, but again, with no proper planning and information, I used to soak in the Goan experience of North Goa.

North Goa

North Goa has renowned beaches like Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute, Baga, Morjim, Candolim, and Miramar. The list is endless. Hundreds of tourists throng these beaches yearly, and the limit has been reached. The charm that these beaches used to infuse, which made them iconic, has been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who throng them. In contrast, beaches along India’s coastline have started luring travellers. One such upcoming destination is Visakhapatnam, the city of destiny. I recently explored its offbeat rustic beaches.

So now, what happens to those like me who are generally unaware of which beaches in Goa still belong to that category that makes one not wish to leave Goa and return when the holiday ends? I had heard about pristine beaches but somehow could never get around to finding them out because, let’s face it, there are hundreds of beaches out there, and the time is limited. The state administration does its best to inform travellers, but the reports are all confusing, as are influencer posts on Instagram, which are all paid in any case. Hence, this post about the beaches of South Goa this summer is handy.

The choice to explore the beaches of Goa

In time, during my repeated visits, I got a much clearer picture of what it meant to be on a pristine, empty beach with maybe a handful of individuals occupying the canvas that the eyes saw as one did an entire 180-degree visual check. So here are my recommendations on the laid-back beaches in South Goa; they still belong to the category of legendary beaches that helped Goa achieve the iconic status that it enjoys to date.

This summer’s list of beaches in South Goa begins at the southern tip of Goa, right at the Karnataka Border. Travelling on the Kochi Panvel Highway, which extends from Panvel in Maharastra to Kochi in Kerala, takes around two and a half hours from Dabolim airport.

Beaches of South Goa this summer

Pollem Beach

Pollen Beach: A totally secluded beach, only visited by local folks and the occasional tourist from across the border. This is the southernmost beach of Goa and my first in the list of beaches of South Goa this summer. Fishing and lazing on the beach are generally the most desirable activities. There are two avenues to stay for the night, and limited food options are available. However, on the highway, which is around 3 km away, there is a “Fishland “restaurant, a favourite of the locals residing in the area and always full of capacity. This place can be visited for a day while staying at one of the other places listed below.

 

Galgibaga Beach

Galgibaga Beach: A beach with a lagoon is what the visitor comes across when he wanders here. One of my personal favourites is the beach, which is also home to egg-laying turtles that are looked after by wildlife authorities. There are a series of shacks that serve as staying options. The only activity to be done here is to go for a swim in the sea or indulge in friendly banter with your loved ones immersed in the lagoon’s waters. One can definitely stay here for an extended weekend.

Talpona Beach

Talpona Beach. The next beach in line among the beaches of South Goa this summer, as we move upwards, is Talpona. Just has the sand and surf to offer; there are limited staying options, though an occasional pricey option catering to foreign nationals is available. However, there are numerous options in the back roads and lanes leading to the beach, and foreigners generally favour this beach. It is recommended to look for staying options here if one is looking for long-term ones as the prices are economical.

 

Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach. The current Rockstar amongst the beaches of South Goa this summer, the crescent-shaped beach has it all, from the soft sand to the inviting, warm waters to a curvaceous coastline studded with numerous shacks offering everything that one desires. There are also dolphin and island boat tours available. It is definitely a must-visit for all those who come to South Goa. It is recommended for those who wish to stay for an extended weekend or a week and are not much bothered by the price range.

 

Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach. My personal favourite is the go-to place as far as I am concerned. The wanderer is greeted by a mile-long stretch of paradise with the waters beckoning to come in. There is also a small lagoon where one can immerse oneself and wash away the anxiety of this rushed world. The shacks are also present, but they are not that obtrusive. The crowd is sparse and generally laid back.

This beach is the stuff of legends, and the sunset will blow away the frowns on your face and replace them with irreplaceable calmness. Considering the price range offered, it is recommended for those wishing to stay for a long duration. There are options to stay away from the beach as well, which are even more economical. There are options for moonlit parties that take place nearby.

 

Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach. This beach still refuses to be tamed and contained. It’s accessible by boat rides. It’s a virgin beach with no human touch, visited by those who want to immerse themselves in nature. No staying or eating options are available, and the jungle rises immediately as the beach ends.

( Apologies, the pics got washed away, but then I hope to be there soon 🙂 )

Cola Beach

Cola Beach. The recluse among the beaches is accessible by a trail through the jungles, and as one goes down the cliff, the hidden beach comes into view. This beach has its own private lagoon, too, which captures the imagination of everyone visiting it. Be prepared to soak in ultra-laid-back Goa if one decides to visit this place. There are two premium resorts that operate out here, and they arrange 4WD drive vehicles to pick up and drop guests from the airport. Generally occupied by foreigners during the tourist season.

 

Cabo De Rama Beach

Cabo De Rama Beach. Another spectacular and not-so-well-known beach that is perfect for that private dip into the ocean and having some quality private time. The coastline is dotted with rocks that submerge with the approaching tide and then reappear as the tide moves out, it is a spectacular piece of real estate. These beaches’ locations ensure that the normal tourist hordes do not bother to visit them, making them unique and appealing. I know only one place to stay (Mi Amor Restaurant), and it is pretty rustic, but that makes the experience appealing.

 

Nuem Beach

Nuem Beach The little brother of Cabo Rama, this beach is a favourite of the local folk, and they make it a point to spend their evenings out here. Visit this place if you want to soak in the local culture and ambience, with some great local beer to boot and a game of football with the local guys.

 

Cavelossium Beach

Cavelossium Beach. The final beach in the list is located more towards the centre of the state of Goa, along the coastline. The back alleys house some great places to stay and shop, but thankfully, the beach is still warm and inviting, with no heavy crowds and hawkers peddling their stuff.

 

So that’s it. This is for all those who wish to see something different from the usual. Only one more point to note: all these places need a personal form of transport(whether owned or hired ), preferably a four-wheeler, for it is easier to move around. However, a hired two-wheeler will also do. There is nothing wrong with it, but transport is a must.

What is my blog about?

My blog focuses on nature-based places and offbeat destinations. India has an abundance of these kinds of places. Read about the forest magic of Odisha out here, or read an in-depth story about the trek to Sandakphu to see the Kanchenjunga up close. A visit to Haflong, the only recognized hill station in Assam, is recommended. I did visit beaches in Bengal as well. If the word Bakkhali triggers your imagination, then read it here.