15 Places to visit in South Goa other than beaches

by admin
September 5, 2022
blog
0

As much as North Goa is celebrated for its sick parties and happening beaches, Bollywood features and frequent mentions on influencers social media, also is South Goa known for its serenity, calming vibes and an indubitable romantic aura. The southern part of the beautiful state is dotted with wonderful gems, and especially an unadulterated greenery. Popular amongst backpackers, romantic getaways and family fun, check out these mentions which are unmissable.

Table of Contents

1. Dudhsagar Falls

This picturesque location is like a scene taken out from an epic movie. The majestic white waters which resemble milk cascade down the hills in a rush to meet the flowing waters, a passing rail track is a like a cherry on the top making the journey so much more memorable. And impressive 310m (1017ft) in height and about 100ft in width it’s also known as Tambdi Surla to some locals. There’s a legendary folklore associated with this place, where a beautiful queen to escape from the handsome prince’s gaze hid behind a curtain of milk and hence this place got its name. Situated in South Goa, origins from the Mandovi River this place is on the bucket list of every explorer.

What you can look forward to:

A small Trek of 1 km
Bird Watching
Animal Spotting
Scenic Views
Photographic Moments
Lush Jungles

Best Time to Visit:

Best months to visit are September-May. The best view of these falls can be witnessed in monsoons as the water are gushing and all nooks are overflowing, but it also requires a challenging trek of 14kms, making it an all-day affair. There are also jeeps which can drop visitors off. But in high monsoon swell its advised to trek to the top.

Attractions Nearby:

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary – 4.7 Km
Mandovi River – 2 hrs Drive

2.) Se Cathedral Church

The Se Cathedral is Goa’s largest church and is known for its spectacular architecture. It was constructed as a monument to St. Catherine as a celebration of Portugal’s victory over India. The church’s architectural design is Portuguese-Manueline, with Tuscan and Corinthian interiors. This location, which is home to the Great Golden Bell and has received the Pope’s blessing in the shape of the Golden Rose, exudes a very strong spiritual aura. Additionally, it is surrounded by some of South Goa’s top retail areas.

What you can look forward to:

One of the Largest Church in the world
Portuguese Architecture
Tuscan-Corinthian Interiors
Historic- Golden Bell
Chapel- Cross of Miracles
Old Paintings

Best Time to Visit:

Attractions Nearby:

Viceroys Arch – 350 m
Basilica of Bom Jesus – 550 m
Old Goa – 550 m
The Archaeological Museum

3.) Johnny Cool’s

This location adds a fresh dimension to the eating scene, which combines a tranquil atmosphere, foreign cuisine, and the beach. The Johnny Cool Beach Bar, located on the renowned Dover Beach, one of South Goa’s most appealing beaches, offers this lethal concoction.

What you can look forward to:

Varieties of Cocktails
Beer
Liquors
Beachside Bar
Caribbean Delicacies
Jazz Music

Best Time to Visit:

All days of the week, open from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. Mid-November- Mid February is the ideal time to go during the tourist season in Goa.

Attractions Nearby:

Boomerang Beach – 700 m
Colva Beach – 550 m
Vespucci Beach – 750 m

4.) Cabo De Rama Fort

An undiscovered treasure of Goa and the ideal eccentric entryway for nomadic travellers, Cabo de Rama is tucked in between two well-known South Goan locations, Agonda and Cavelossim. Due to its extensive historical past, Cabo de Rama Fort is the area’s main attraction; nonetheless, the cliff-top panorama view of the Arabian Sea and the majesty of the perpetually tranquil Cabo de Rama beach are some of the very special features that will leave you with lifelong memories.

What you can look forward to:

Panoramic View of Arabian Sea
View from the Cliff Top
Seaside Viewpoint
Monkeys and Bird Watching
Water Cave
Beautiful Sunset Point

Best Time to Visit:

You can visit the fort throughout the year but the best time to go is avoiding the monsoon months from June–September. November – March is the ideal weather to visit the place and you should plan a trip around evening time to not miss out in the gorgeous sunset view.

Attractions Nearby:

Cavelossim Beach – 20 km ( 30 min drive)
Cola Beach – 14 km
Kakolem Beach – 7.6 km
Shiva Waterfall – 650 m

5.) Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the foothills of the Western Ghats and spanning a staggering 240 square kilometres, is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the state of Goa. A wide variety of plant, bird, and animal life can be found in this sanctuary. The hiking routes that wind through this vast area of land are popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a significant quantity of biodiversity in addition to the well-known Dudhsagar waterfall, Devil’s Canyon, Tambdi Surla temple, Tambdi falls, and a number of other historic and religious locations. One of South Goa’s major attractions.

What you can look forward to:

Bird Watching
Wild Animals
Hiking Trails
Historical Places
Religious Sites
Waterfalls

Best Time to Visit:

You can visit the fort throughout the year but the best time to go is from October-March. When the monsoon is in full swing and the nature is at its Zenith. Th sanctuary is open all week from 08:00 am – 05:30 pm

Attractions Nearby:

Dudhsagar Waterfall – 4.7 km
The Devil’s Canyon – 2.5 km ( near Dudhsagar Waterfalls)
Tambdi Falls – 23 km (40 min drive)
Mollem National Park – 500 m

6.) Shantadurga Temple

The goddess Shantadurga, who acts as a middleman between Vishnu and Shiva, is the subject of the temple. The deity is also known by the slang name “Santeri.” Local folklore describes a conflict between Shiva and Vishnu. Because of how intense the conflict was, the god Brahma pleaded to Goddess Parvati for help. Parvati answered in the shape of Shantadurga. Shiva and Vishnu were placed on Shantadurga’s left and right hands, respectively, to end the conflict.

Shantadurga is depicted clutching two serpents—one for Shiva and the other for Vishnu—in each hand. A well revered place by the devotees this is one of a kind jewel in South Goa’s crown.

Built by : King Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara

Built in : 1713 AD to 1738 AD

What you can look forward to:

Ancient Architecture
Hiking Trails
Historical Places
Religious Sites
Waterfalls

Best Time to Visit:

Anytime of the year is optimum to visit this historically and religiously significant site. The timings are 06:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Attractions Nearby:

Arossim Beach – 25 km
Majorda Beach – 22 km
Colva Beach – 22 km
Benaulim Beach – 24 km

7.) Naval Aviation Museum

One of only two military museums in India, this museum opened its doors in 1998. Actually, it’s the only naval aviation museum in Asia. A variety of aircraft operated by the Indian Navy during the course of its history are on display at the museum. These are shown in the outdoor exhibition of the museum. The museum’s interior was created to resemble the interior of a naval aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat, and it features a number of intriguing galleries that showcase naval equipment, famous battles, a simulation room, and a substantial granite plaque honouring the brave men and women who gave their lives in defence of their country. If you’re visiting South Goa this place is a must on your list of things to do in Goa.

What you can look forward to:

Impressive Display of 13 Aircrafts
Helicopters
Viraat Gallery
Vikrant Gallery
Collection of Arms and Armaments
Multimedia Room
Gift Shop

Best Time to Visit:

From Tuesday through Sunday, from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, the museum is free to the public. On National Holidays, however, the museum is nonetheless closed. Any time of the year, a day trip to the museum is enjoyable.

Attractions Nearby:

Bogmalo Beach – 1.4 km
Bogmalo Fishing Spot – 1.2 km
Bimbell Beach – 2.1 km
Hollant Beach – 3.8 km

8.) Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

Considered to be the only example of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone that has been preserved and is accessible in South Goa, the modest, exquisitely carved, and perfectly proportioned black basalt temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mahadev Temple, which can be seen in Tambi Surla in Mollem, is the oldest temple in all of Goa. In the twelfth century, the temple was constructed in the Jain style. A flight of stone steps leads to the neighbouring river Surla, which flows through the area.

What you can look forward to:

Jain Style Construction
Shaivite Temple
Ancient Architecture
Kadamba-Yadava Architectural Style
Mahashivratri Grand Celebrations

Best Time to Visit:

All days from 07:00 am to 5.30 pm, the temple’s entry is free to the public. On Mahashivratri this temple is a site to behold as it is beautifully decorated in thousands of lights and devotees throng the site in large numbers.

Attractions Nearby:

Tambdi Surla Waterfalls ( 40 min drive)
Bhagawan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary ( An hour drive)

9.) Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

A tributary of the Zuari river, Netravali wildlife sanctuary is located in South Goa. This sanctuary is well-known for a variety of species including Gaur, Ratufa indica, Tetracerus quadricornis, and leopard. It is nestled with deep trees that remain evergreen throughout the year. The Malayan night heron, Nilgiri wood pigeon, pied hornbill, grey-headed bulbul, white-bellied treepie, and a rufous babbler are some of its most recognisable birds.

What you can look forward to:

Diverse Flora and Fauna
Tall Mountains
Waterfalls
Beautiful Ghats and
Bubbling Lakes
Lush Valleys
Temples
Religious Sites
Trekking

Best Time to Visit:

The post-monsoon season, which lasts from October to March, is the best time to explore the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. It is most logically fit to travel through the forest grounds from the early start of winter to the beginning of summer because there will be no rain. The vegetation is in full bloom in the morning hours when the weather is good.

Attractions Nearby:

Dongor – 14 km

10. Netravali Bubbling Lake

There are other names for the Netravali Lake, including Budbud, Budbudyachi Tali, and Bubble Lake. The lake, which is well-known for its bubbles, is situated in the beautiful and tranquil village of Netravali. Strangely enough, they also seem to react to specific noises and will rise more quickly if you clap! Even though it has granite steps leading up to it, the lake is actually more of a pond than a lake. The lake’s centre also features a sizable granite pedestal. The lake or pond holds religious significance for the locals, not just because of the lake itself but also because of the surrounding Gopinath Temple. This mysterious phenomenon is a site to behold and a place amazement in South Goa.

What you can look forward to:

Tranquil Environment
Religious Sites
Waterfalls
Bird Watching
Archaeological Marvels

Best Time to Visit:

Every day of the week, from 8 am to 8 pm, the lake is open. To fully enjoy the vegetation and picturesque surroundings, it is advisable to visit during the cooler months (October to March) or during the monsoon season.

Attractions Nearby:

Usgalimal Stone Age Rock Carvings – 14 km
Savari ( Neturlem) Waterfall – 4.5 km
Mainapi Waterfall – 4.6 km

11.) Bambanbudo Waterfall

The adjectives “untouched” and “unexploited” properly characterise the Bamanbudo Waterfall. One of the most unspoiled waterfalls is located close to Old South Goa. This waterfall cascades against the lovely Amba Ghat backdrop. With water cascading down the lush green hills, the waterfall is without a doubt the picture-perfect location. Everything is wonderful, including the sound of the river and the crispness of the air.

What you can look forward to:

Swimming
Photograph worthy locations
Wildlife Experience
Bird Watching
Historical Monuments
Archaeological Marvels
Butterflies
Silent Atmosphere

Best Time to Visit:

You’ll adore it if you take this vacation between July and August. The rain is soaking off the forest’s leaves, making the weather absolutely fantastic. You will enjoy the scent a great deal, and during the monsoon season, the waterfall’s volume also increases. The Bamanbudo Waterfall is accessible year-round, not just during the rainy season. Around 25 degrees during the rainy season is the ideal temperature. It’s a fantastic idea to combine some heating water with a light gust of wind.

Attractions Nearby:

Dojos Waterfall – 8.5 km
Mountain Top Ambe Forest – 2.3 km
Shri Paikdeb Prasann Temple Deep forest – 2.6 km
Mallikarjun Temple – 16 km ( 30 min drive)
Badsarem hills – 5.3 km

12.) Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Animal, bird, and nature lovers all adore visiting these natural havens. The Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, which is located in South Goa, on the boundary between Goa and Karnataka, is the second largest and most accessible (through all seasons) among these. Although tourists might not encounter many of the larger kinds of animals, this is a well-liked destination for the more daring traveller because of the lovely trees and colourful birds.

What you can look forward to:

Animals
Bird Watching
Waterfalls
Exotic Birds
Different Tree Species

Best Time to Visit:

The sanctuary is open from 7.00am till 5.30pm every day. The price of admission is Rs.5 per person, plus an additional Rs. 25 for cameras. There is much to be said about going during the monsoon season when vegetation abounds and the entire site has been washed clean by the plentiful rains, even though most people choose to visit this natural habitat during the tourism season, which is from October to March.

Attractions Nearby:

Palolem Beach – 23 km ( 40 min drive)
Kuske Waterfall – 2.9 km

13.) Our Lady of Remedios Church

Our Lady of Remedios Capital, often referred to as the Betalbatim Church, was established by the Jesuits in the 17th century. The Church is renowned for its exquisite architecture, immaculate lawns, and tranquil atmosphere. The church’s masses are a particular pleasure that regularly draw many people looking for tranquilly. When travelling to South Goa don’t forget to make an appearance in this beautiful church.

What you can look forward to:

Exquisite Architecture
Immaculate Lawns
Peaceful Atmosphere
Tranquillity
Sunday Masses

Best Time to Visit:

Mass Timings : Weekdays – 7:00 AM (Konkani)
Saturdays – 7:00 AM (Konkani), 6:00 PM (Konkani – Anticipated Mass)
Sundays – 6:00 AM (Konkani), 8:45 AM (Konkani), 9:15 PM (Konkani)

Timings : 07:00 AM – 09:30 PM

Attractions Nearby:

Sunset Beach – 1.7 km
Bebaltim Beach – 1.9 km
St. Anthony’s Chapel – 2.2 km

14.) The Big Foot Museum

The Big Foot Museum is a museum and theme park located in the Salcete sub-district (or taluka) in Loutolim, South Goa, India. It is a museum devoted to country life in Goa. Maendra Alvares, an artist, founded it. Margao is close to Loutolim. This privately managed business builds a miniature replica of a Goan village to show how rural life there used to be more than a century ago. An outdoor location serves as the museum’s setting.

What you can look forward to:

Statue of Lord Parshuram
Statue of Portuguese Soldier
Statues of Fishermen
Statue of Villagers and Farmers
Peaceful Atmosphere
Art Gallery
Handicraft Centre
Goan Crafts on Sale
Restaurant
Rubber Plantations
Spice Yard

Best Time to Visit:

The museum is ideal to visit anytime of the year, and is open on all days of the week except Mondays, operational timings are 09:00 am – 06:00 pm

Attractions Nearby:

Garca Branca Botanical Gardens – 1.9 km
Zuari River – 10 km
St. Josephs Chapel – 13 km

15.) Three Kings Church

The Three Kings Church, famed for its eerie surroundings, is thought to be among Goa’s most haunted locations. The church, which is situated on the Cuelim hull, was constructed in 1599 by Fr. Gonzalo Carvalho S.J. Many visitors come to this Chapel in South Goa to escape the monotony of Goa’s beach and party scene because of its picturesque location.

The church lies near Cansaulim, and you may get there by taking a leisurely ride through South Goa’s verdant Ghats. The area around the church provides a panoramic view of the stunning landscapes all around. This location is worth visiting because of the unobstructed greenery, pleasant breeze, and 360-degree view of the sea. The church is renowned for hosting the annual Feast of Three Kings Chapel, which honours the day of the three kings’ epiphany, on January 6.