Beaches And Haunted Houses: Best Places To Visit In South Goa

The word that comes to mind when describing South Goa is ” laid-back.” Though the beaches are the best places to visit in South Goa, there are many other sights to view.

South Goa is soulful and serene, with a heady mix of exotic and sandy beaches, historic churches and temples, insights into Portuguese culture, mouth-watering seafood, undeniably romantic vibes, and unadulterated lush nature.

History buffs, archaeology students, foodies, yoga practitioners, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts go to South Goa. It offers some of the most beautiful beaches and historic communities to visit.

That’s not all! Are you into ghosts and the supernatural? It’s going to get eerie at the haunted places of South Goa.

Top 8 Places To Visit In South Goa

Goa is officially the party capital of India. And every year, thousands of foreign tourists from all over the world come to this place. CEIC, a macroeconomic data collector, stated that Goa will earn an all-time high in traveling revenue in 2024. The revenue earned this year is 169 crore.

South Goa, especially, is getting an increased number of domestic visitors, adding to the tourism boost in the state. With the tourism landscape of South Goa looking promising, here are the best places you can visit this season.

1. Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach is a gleaming jewel buried away in the heart of the deep tropical jungles in Goa. This semi-circular bay is an undiscovered sanctuary where you can see millions of butterflies soaring over the hilltop.

It is, however, rather remote and not as well-known as the other beaches in South Goa. You can also get nearby hotels to this beach and watch the natural beauty from your balcony.

The water on this beach is turquoise, and many crabs and goldfish are swimming around.

You’ll need to take a boat ride to get to this beach because the land path requires a strenuous trip through the forest. We believe Butterfly Beach tops the list of best places to visit in South Goa.

2. Benaulim Beach

Benaulim, a seaside village south of Margao, is well-known throughout South Goa for its soul-saving fish. This beach is not overrun with sunbathers or families and is relatively calm. The beach stretches for miles, with white beaches and pine trees around the coastlines.

Benaulim boasts a romantic charm thanks to its fascinating coast and beautiful white sand. You can do everything here, from rolling around on the white sand and strolling along the coastline to participating in various water sports.

3. Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is a spectacularly gorgeous and stunningly gorgeous sea beach near Canacona, Goa.

One of the best South Goa beaches, it radiates a chilled-out party attitude, with golden beaches and captivating picturesque views sprinkled with bright beach shacks and swaying palm trees. Those seeking a more secluded vacation will appreciate the virgin beach’s pristine beauty. You can go dolphin watching, shopping at flea markets, enjoying the fresh morning breeze, taking long beach walks, or attending a yoga session while you’re here. Staying in beach huts along the beach’s beaches is a great way to unwind and watch the sunset. You can also visit this place for a bachelor party with your friends.

4. Colva Beach

Colva, which is around 6 kilometers from Margao and the pride of Salcete, is one of the great spots to visit in South Goa.

It stretches for about 20 kilometers and is South Goa’s longest beach. For families and couples, Colva is among the best places to visit in South Goa for a relaxing vacation, and it is usually packed.

November through March are ideal months for visiting this location. Adventurers will have a blast participating in various water-based sports, and those seeking sunbathing and relaxation will not be disappointed.

Parasailing, windsurfing, speedboat trips, and other sports are available to visitors.

5. Agonda Beach

Agonda is a lesser-known and less-frequented beach in Goa’s southern area, epitomizing natural beauty.

The beach is magnificent, with immaculate sand and stunning sunset views. This beach is well-known for nesting and hatching ground for Olive Ridley Turtles.

This beach has a pristine beachfront with charming homes and shacks. Casuarinas and palms add to the natural beauty of the area.

Due to the lack of large waves, you may miss out on the excitement of swimming on this beach, but you can still enjoy beach games, leisurely walks on the golden sands, sunbathing, eating at the beach shacks, horseback riding, or simply watching the sunset.

6. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

When you visit Cotigao Sanctuary, you will understand that Goa is not just about its beaches. This sanctuary is Goa’s second-largest, with lush tropical woods around it.

The sanctuary contains tall evergreen trees with a high canopy that prevents even sunlight from infiltrating. Various animals and birds call it home. Climbing on tree limbs to observe wildlife, hiking routes, interacting with tribals, and serious photography are just a few available activities.

7. Rivona

Rivona, in the Sanguem taluka, is a cultural, historical, and architectural hotspot. It’s a great place to visit and soak up some history.

Rivona is known for its enigmatic Caves, which originated in the 6th century BC. It’s also known as the ‘Pandava caverns’ because it’s thought that the Pandavas resided here during their exile.

A stepwell dating from the 16th century can be found near the cave’s bottom rock. A statue of God Hanuman stands nearby to bestow heavenly blessings upon the visitors.

Rivona is also home to water springs, lush forests, rolling slopes, and picturesque paddy fields. This is one of the best places to visit in South Goa if you have adequate time.

8. Three Kings Chapel Church

Another old church in South Goa is the Three Kings Church, built in 1599 and perched on a hilltop in the little settlement of Cansaulim. This location provides the best panoramic views of the Arabian coastline’s lush green landscape.

The church is said to be haunted and thus is a huge draw. The chapel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of three monarchs who were murdered for avarice, according to the locals.

Off-Beat Things To Do In South Goa: Exploring The Haunted Houses

Very few think about exploring the infamous haunted houses when it comes to the South Goa places to visit. However, South Goa has haunted places where you will feel a chill down your spine.

D’Mello House

The residents of this property, the D’Mello brothers, used to have conflicts over their share. One day, a fight broke out between the brothers, and one killed the other. Surprisingly, the other brother also died within a few days.

Today, people can hear screams and eerie noises near the house.

Three Kings Church

Surprisingly, a church features on the list of haunted places in South Goa. The spirits of three kings buried here are considered behind the ghostly activities.

Stories have it that these kings were brothers, and one of the brothers killed the other two for power. However, people got to know about his notorious deeds, and he committed suicide in fear of public outrage.

Rachol Seminary Arch

On the Zuari River bank, the Rachol Seminary Arch is a haunted place. The spirit of a Portuguese soldier roams here in his full uniform.

People say that the spirit does not want to leave the arch and does not allow someone he finds unworthy to cross it.

Go, Goa, Gone…

South Goa can be a haven for those seeking tranquility and honeymooners. We hope this list of the best places to visit in South Goa could help you.

The exquisite beaches, magnificent temples, historical churches, breathtaking waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and enormous forts are just a few of the Goa tourist places. Further, if you want to try something off-beat like me, the haunted places await you!