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South Goa Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary to Beaches, Waterfalls & Hidden Gems

South Goa Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary to Beaches, Waterfalls & Hidden Gems : There’s something about Goa that makes you want to slow down, breathe deeper, and just relax. We recently took a trip to South Goa, and it turned out to be one of those journeys that linger in your heart long after you’ve returned. From beautiful jungle roads and spice farms to sunsets that felt like poetry, here’s a glimpse into our little escape.

South Goa is more quieter and more soulful half of India’s state compared to the Northern half. Located along the Konkan coast, it’s bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and lush forests to the east, offering a blend of serene beaches, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Earlier, South Goa was part of the Portuguese colony established in the early 1500s. The current district’s capital, Margao, is a bustling town that balances tradition with modernity, while its nearby villages and coastal stretches—like Palolem, Agonda, and Colva etc — do invite you to slow down and soak in nature.

Ultimate South Goa Travel Guide – Planning

Planning our South Goa trip from Mumbai was a mix of excitement and calculations—because let’s be honest, every great tour plan starts with a little bit of logistics. We knew we wanted a scenic, peaceful and a comfortable journey that didn’t rush us through the experience, and that’s when Mandovi Express came into the picture.

We booked our tickets on the 10103 Mandovi Express, which departs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 7:10 AM and reaches Madgaon Junction by 9:55 PM. The route through the Konkan coast, offers breathtaking views of rivers, forests, and hills—and if you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the majestic Doodhsagar Falls from the train window.

We made sure to book early, as Mandovi Express tends to fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.

Packing snacks, downloading offline playlists, and grabbing window seats were all part of the planning step that we did. And honestly, the train ride itself felt like the first chapter of our South Goa story—slow, scenic, and full of anticipation.

We only had 4 days to explore Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday on an extended holiday weekend.

Ultimate South Goa Travel Guide – Day 1

We got down at Madgaon station, the gateway to South Goa. The air was warm, the vibe already relaxed. As it was already late night, we checked in to a local hotel and slept early after dinner.

Ultimate South Goa Travel Guide – Day 2

Leisure at Palolem: Nature’s Embrace

We woke up early in the morning to have a quick breakfast before setting our journey to Palolem, where we had booked for our 3 days stay.

We got into a cab and headed straight to Palolem Beach. The drive itself was scenic—lush greenery, winding roads, and glimpses of the coast teasing us along the way.

Palolem welcomed us like actually an old friend. We checked into a beachside hotel Crystal Goa Palolem and spent the day at leisure—and it was glorious. The beach here is a crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand. The water was calm, and the whole place had this laid-back charm that made us forget that time existed. We watched fishermen haul in their catch, kids building sandcastles, and the sun slowly melting into the horizon.

Ultimate South Goa Travel Guide – Day 3

Jungle Roads & Waterfalls: Scooty Diaries

The next morning, we rented a scooty and set off on a mini adventure. Costed us around Rs 500 per day.

First stop: Bamanbudo Waterfall. The ride itself was magical—roads flanked by dense jungle, birdsong echoing through the trees, and the occasional monkey crossing our path.

Tucked away in the lush village of Gaodongrem in South Goa, Bamanbudo Waterfall is one of those rare gems that feels like nature’s best-kept secret. Unlike most waterfalls that demand a trek or a climb, this one flows right beside the road—so close you can hear its gentle roar as you drive past. The water cascades down smooth rocks like a natural waterslide, surrounded by dense forest and chirping birds that make the whole scene feel like a postcard come to life.

From there we went to Netravali Bubbling Lake which is around a distance of 12 km from there. At a first glance, it looks like a peaceful pond surrounded by multiple steps and lush greenery. But suddenly we noticed something magical: bubbles rising mysteriously from the surface, dancing in ripples. We clapped our hands, and the bubbles seem to respond—speeding up as if the lake itself is alive and listening.

This bubbling occurrence has puzzled us and delighted locals for generations. Some say it’s the work of underground hot water springs, others believe it’s a sacred thing for the Gopinath Temple,which is located nearby.

From there, we went to Tanshikar Spice Farm, a lush plantation nestled in the heart of nature. This farm house is spread across 40 acres, and is run by a passionate local family who’ve been growing spices like nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, and vanilla for generations—without using any chemicals or pesticides.

Walking through lanes of cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, and other whole spices we learned about organic farming and even tasted some fresh spices. We took few organic spices as well and it was totally worth it. Definitely try their cloves and cardamom. It was earthy, aromatic, and surprisingly calming. The entry fee was Rs 600 per person which was for tour and non veg lunch.

Next up was St. Alex Church, a beautiful white structure with baroque architecture and a serene vibe. The interiors were peaceful, and the history of the church—dating back to the 18th century—added a layer of reverence to the visit. Inside, the atmosphere is beautiful—sunlight filters through stained glass, creating soft colors on the polished floors.

We wrapped up the day at Agonda Beach, just in time for sunset. And what a sunset it was. The sky turned into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple. It felt like nature was putting on a show just for us.

Unlike its cousin Palolem, Agonda is all about peace—long stretches of golden sand, swaying palms, and a beautiful shoreline that invites you to walk barefoot and breathe deeply.

Ultimate South Goa Travel Guide – Day 3

Forts, Cliffs & Kayaks: A Day of Contrasts

The next day after breakfast, we headed to Cabo de Rama Fort, located on a cliff overlooking the mammoth Arabian Sea. The fort has a rich history—legend says Lord Rama stayed here during his exile but we dont believe it to be true. Walking through it currently, you could almost hear whispers of the past from every corner of the fort. The views from the top were breathtaking—endless blue sea meeting the cliffs of the range. There’s a quiet church inside, still in use, and the whole place reminds of a kind of sacred stillness.

There’s a path down wards to the beach where you can click excellent photographs at the end of the fort.

Lunch was at The Cape Goa, a cliffside restaurant that felt like a dream. With panoramic views and delicious seafood, it was the perfect spot to unwind.

We planned to go to the Butterfly beach, in the afternoon, but the roads were horrendous and we will not advise anyone to visit this with two wheeler. Also you can only go halfway as you have to hire local vehicles to take you there from half way playing extra money. Felt overhyped !!

Thats why post-lunch, we made our way to Cola Beach for some kayaking. The beach was lively yet not overcrowded, and the kayaking experience was superb —gliding over small waves of the stream with the sun casting reflections on the water. Do definitely visit the beach. You have to do a steep climb downwards to and fro to get to the kayaking spot.

Our final stop for the day was Mallikarjun Temple, a sacred temple nestled in the hills. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Goa. The architecture was magnificent, and the spiritual & cultural energy was palpable.

It is said to be built in the 16th century by the ancestors of the Kshatriya community. The temple has a unique charm with its wooden carvings, silver decorations, and traditional authentic Goan architecture.

Ultimate South Goa Travel Guide – Day 4

The Grand Finale: Doodhsagar Falls by Train

The day finally came for us to return back to our home. As we boarded our train back to Mumbai, we were treated to one last spectacle which was none other than the Doodhsagar Falls. The train slowed down as it passed the waterfall, and for a few minutes, everyone was glued to the windows. The waterfall, tumbling down like milk, was nothing short of majestic. It was the perfect farewell from Goa. Sorry for the hazy photograph.

Final Thoughts

As our South Goa trip came to a close, we couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of fulfillment. We have been to North Goa as well, but we found South Goa to be more beautiful and peaceful. If you want to plan your north goa trip check this blog of ours. From gentle waterfalls and dense jungle roads to beautiful temples and serene beaches, every moment felt like an invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature. This trip reminded us that the best journeys aren’t always loud or fast—they’re the ones where the heart leads and the soul lingers. Do definitely check our other blogs of Maharashtra or Konkan region beaches here.

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