Having been annexed by India on 19 December 196, along with its two former Portuguese enclaves, namely Daman & Diu were organized into a single district in 1965. While Goa gained its statehood on the 30th May 1987, Daman & Diu, together, was declared as a Union territory.
South Goa is one of the constituent districts of the state of Goa within the Konkan region. To the north, it is bound by the Northern Goa district, and on the eastern and the southern peripheries, it is bound by the Uttar Kannada and the state of Karnataka respectively while the Arabian Sea forms the western coast of this district.
Also famous, the world over, as the beach state of India, Goa is known for its magnificent gold and silver sandy beaches, mesmerizing landscapes, festivals, temples, churches, and its most popular nightlife. Over and above these Goa also boasts of its rich history and heritage sites which are an added attraction to the tourists who swarm this pristine state, year-round, from all over the globe.
# Cola Beach, Canacona, South GoaA typical off-beat location, the Cola or the ‘Khola’ beach, as it is known locally, is split into two distinct zones the North Cola and South Cola by a small hill separating the two. Located in the Canacona area the two parts of this beach are joined by a river that forms an Emerald Lagoon whose calm waters are ideal for swimming.
Despite its golden sand, dotted with volcanic rocks and boulders, this beach does not have many visitors, the reason for such a low number of visitors, is essentially the presence of a stretch of hills that needs to be crossed to reach this pristine paradise, which, incidentally, also makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely sunbath.
# Galgibaga BeachOne among the three beaches in Goa famous as the nesting ground for the Olive Ridley turtles the Galgibaga beach, located along the banks of the Galibaga river in the Canacona area, is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing beaches of India.
Despite the existence of a thick vegetation cover all along the stretch, this serene beach is not frequented by visitors. Owing to this lack of visitors you do not find any beach shacks here which makes it one of the cleanest beaches of India.
# Hollant Beach Roughly 7 km from the famous Vasco Da Gama city lies this most frequented and mesmerizing Hollant Beach and the only beach in all of Goa where you can witness some amazing views of the sunrise.
Another attraction on this beach is the general view of the landscape that includes views of the foothills of the Western Ghats and some of the south Goa beaches as well. It is just 2 km from the Bomgalo beach and the Dabolim Airport.
A very famous festival known as the Feast of Three Kings is held on the grounds of a nearby chapel, every year on the 6th of January or the 12th night after Christmas which attracts a number of visitors, both national and international.
# Mobor BeachGenerally being mistaken for a private beach owing to the presence of a chain of some luxurious hotel chain, the Mobor Beach sees only a select crowd who visit here. The most unique feature of this beach is that it is surrounded by water on three sides and serves as an extension of the Cavelossim Beach.
Located on the southern end of the confluence of the amazing Sal River with the Arabian Sea, this beach is most popular for the cruise along the Sal River, Dolphin spotting cruise, bird spotting, and various water sports. An added attraction on this beach is the opportunity you get to enjoy some unique underwater activities like underwater oyster catching and fishing.
# Bogmalo BeachAnother less-frequented beach, the Bogamalo Beach, near the Vasco Da Gama city is among the cleanest and the most serene of the beaches. With small-time eateries dotting the length of this beach it is an ideal location for a family picnic and some leisure activities.
Although the greenish-blue shallow water lures swimmers and is an attraction for other water sports, it is advised to remain within the marked areas along the beach. Lifeguards too are stationed along the beach to prevent any untoward happening.
# Rajbagh BeachTaking its name from the nearby Rajbagh Residency the Rajbagh beach with its kilometer-long shoreline is the pride of south Goa being the cleanest and the best of all the Goan beaches.
Despite being 3.5 kms to the south of the famous Palolem beach, in the Canacona area and about 45 Kms from Margoa the cultural capital of the state, the shoreline of this mesmerizing beach is relatively untouched.
# Cavelossim BeachIn contrast to the famed party beaches of Goa, this clean calm, and far from the madding crowd type, Covelossim Beach is the perfect spot for those on the lookout for a secluded, peaceful and tranquil place to spend some leisurely time.
This amazing beach with its white sandy shore dotted with some magnificent black volcanic rocks with its clear blue waters is perfect for swimming and water activities like banana boat rides, sunbathing, dolphin spotting, jet skiing, windsurfing, and the like. The sun lounges present at the various beach shacks that dot this beach make them the perfect places to relax at.
# Cabo de Rama Fort & BeachAn ancient and a legendry fort, where, it is said, that Lord Rama along with Sita had spent time after his exile from Ayodhaya, the Cobo de Rama, has a rich and violent past. Other than the Portuguese this temple has over time been switched between Hindus and Mughal monarchs and witnessed a number of battles.
Having hosed commandant quarters and military barracks during Portugal's rule, this fort now lies in ruins and forms one of the major attractions in Goa, for tourists from India and abroad. Once atop this fort, you are treated to some mesmerizing view of the Goan coastline and its surroundings.
# Three Kings ChurchLocated in Cansaulim atop the Cuelim hill, built-in 1599 by Fr Gonzalo Carvalho SJ, the Three Kings Church is, other than being famous as the most haunted site in Goa, known for its mysterious surroundings, is also famous for the Three Kings Feast festival held here on the 6th January every year, and is a major attraction for the tourists wanting to get away from the loud and monotonous party beaches of Goa.
Moreover, the sweeping mesmerizing view of the sea, surrounding areas, cool breeze, and the vast expanse of lush greenery that you get to see and experience, once you reach here, is in itself a reward for those who drive up to this place through the lush green Ghats of South Goa.
# Betul LighthouseMajestically standing guard at a distance of about 20 kms from Madgaon, another off-beat place in south Goa, the Betul lighthouse in Quito, painted in red and white stripes is a coastal landmark visible from a distance to the seafarers.
This awesome lighthouse is located near the Betul fort and is surrounded by tall golden grass pastures on one side and the coast on the other. A must-visit place when on a Goa Holiday tour package, for the views that you get atop this lighthouse is nothing short of mind-blowing.