BEACHES OF SOUTH GOA
1. Cola
Also known as “Khola” beach, this is perhaps one of Goa’s most beautiful beaches with coconut groves and Rajasthani-style tents. The freshwater lagoon here, makes a great swimming spot. Consult a life-guard for the best places to swim at the beach.
Scenic view of charming Cola Beach
2. Majorda
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North of Colva, Majorda has a wide beach dotted with luxury hotels. Relatively crowd-free, this beach can be reached by crossing makeshift wooden bridges. It is the only place in Goa where visitors can ride a horse on the beach.
3. Mobor
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With its backdrop of jungle-covered hills, Mobor’s golden white sands feature a number of luxury resorts including the famous Leela Goa. Visitors can go on river cruises as well as dolphin-spotting and birdwatching trips here.
4. Palolem
Enclosed by a rocky outcrop at one end, and Canacona Island, at the other, this crescent-shaped beach is the loveliest in South Goa. It offers tree houses for rent and campsites at Canacona. Among its attractions are the boat rides offered by fishermen, who take visitors out to sea for dolphin-watching trips and spectacular sunset views. From November to March, the beach attracts crowds.
Idyllic palm-fringed Palolem Beach
5. Betalbatim
Dotted with palm groves, serene Betalbatim is also called Sunset Beach. It is a good place to spend the day lounging on the beach and watching the sun set. Dolphins are easy to spot here.
6. Bogmalo
Surrounded by steep, wooded cliffs, little Bogmalo is a hidden gem. An ideal family beach, its calm waters are generally safe for swimming. It is a popular venue for windsurfing, and also has a diving school where visitors can opt for courses or guided dives to shipwrecks and coral reefs.
7. Benaulim
The roads of the quiet fishing village of Benaulim are lined with small guesthouses and beach shacks. The beach has Goa’s largest fleet of wooden outriggers. A range of exciting watersports is on offer here.
8. Varca
The pristine white sands of Varca are perfect for lazing under the sun. Those keen to go out to sea can hop on to the boats of the local fishermen or simply go for a cruise along the River Sal to spot dolphins.
9. Galgibaga
Fringed by towering casuarina trees, tranquil Galgibaga, is a favoured breeding ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. In November, the turtles lay their eggs, often on the same spot where they had hatched. The hatchling numbers though have decreased over the years.
Turtle hatchlings at Galgibaga Beach
10. Agonda
Picturesque Agonda is great for lazing under the sun. Visitors can choose to enjoy a swim or engage in watersports, particularly canoeing, which is quite popular here. The turtle centre here helps conserve the Olive Ridley turtle eggs.
