India’s Most Popular and Eclectic Coastal Destination
South Goa
- Location
Palolem, South Goa
- Nearest Airports
Goa International Airport (GOI), Dabolim
- Nearest Railway Stations
Madgaon (MAO)
- Highlight
A coastal journey through quiet beaches, laidback villages, and riverside activities in South Goa.
- Duration
4D/3N
This four-day tour through South Goa focuses on the quieter side of the State. Away from the crowds of the North, this route is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed rhythm to Goan life. From river kayaking and beach walks to heritage homes and spice gardens, the tour blends nature, history, and everyday Goan culture.
In South Goa, you’ll find some of the region’s cleanest and most peaceful beaches, including Palolem, Patnem, Galgibaga, and Cola, many of which are perfect for swimming, long walks, and watching dolphins in the early mornings. Inland villages like Chandor and Loutolim are home to 17th & 18th century Portuguese mansions still maintained by Goan families. The Sal River estuary supports mangroves and birdlife and is suitable for beginner-friendly kayaking trips.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Kayak along the Sal River and explore its mangrove ecosystem
- Spend slow mornings at quiet beaches like Cola and Patnem
- Walk through Portuguese-influenced villages and heritage houses
- Take a guided tour through a working spice plantation
- Visit a traditional local market and taste home-style Goan food
A Four-Day Itinerary Through South Goa
Day 1: Arrival in Palolem
Distance: 67 km from Goa International Airport
Transportation: Taxi or shared jeep
Palolem is known for its curved beach, laid-back local cafes, and a relatively slow-paced life. After checking in, spend the rest of the day walking on the beach or taking a short auto-rickshaw ride to Patnem Beach. In Palolem, one of the best ways to start your morning is by taking a short walk to the southern end of the beach and climb up to the small rocky outcrop near Monkey Island, best reached during low tide.
Explore a traditional Goan cooking class. Many places offer hands-on cooking sessions where you learn how to prepare dishes like prawn balchão or fish recheado using local spices.
In the evening, head to Art Resort’s open-air cinema nights or stop by popular cafes for strong Israeli coffee and fresh hummus platters.
Day 2: Kayaking and Cola Beach
In the morning, go for a kayaking tour along the Sal River in nearby villages of Nuvem or Cavelossim. This activity usually lasts 2 to 3 hours and passes through mangrove ecosystems and fishing villages. Most operators provide safety gear and basic instructions, and the activity is beginner friendly.
After lunch, head to Cola Beach, a secluded beach accessible via a short hike or taxi ride. At Cola Beach, visitors can swim in both the sea and a hidden freshwater lagoon that runs parallel to the shore. The beach is also known for its eco-resorts and luxury tents perched on the sand. There are a handful of beachside shacks where you can try local Goan fish curry or sip fresh coconut water while watching dolphins occasionally appearing offshore.
Day 3: Heritage Village Walk and Spice Plantation Tour
Drive to Chandor village, located about 45 minutes away from Palolem, to explore one of South Goa’s old Portuguese-influenced settlements. You can visit 500-year-old houses like the Braganza House or Fernandes House. These mansions offer guided tours through rooms filled with preserved furniture, family chapels, antique chandeliers, Belgian glassware, and carved rosewood interiors. The Braganza House also has an old ballroom and a private library that once held over 5,000 books. The experience gives you a close look at Goa’s colonial history, family traditions, and how these aristocratic homes have been maintained through generations.
On your way back to Palolem, explore a spice plantation near Ponda or Savoi-Verem. You can opt for guided tours explaining the cultivation of spices like cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, and black pepper. Some include traditional Goan buffet lunches in open-air thatched areas.
Day 4: Farmer’s Market and Galgibaga Beach
Visit the farmer’s market at Canacona, popularly known as the Chaudi market, if you are there in Palolem on a Saturday or a Monday. It is a great place to observe everyday Goan life – fruit vendors, spice sellers, and stalls selling dried fish and jaggery sweets. You can also buy simple souvenirs like coconut crafts or homemade pickles.
Afterwards head to Galgibaga Beach, located about 20 minutes away from Palolem. It is one of the three beaches in Goa that is officially designated for turtle nesting, usually between November and February. While there could be restrictions applied for accessing designated areas of the beach during the nesting season, you can still walk along the shore, birdwatch at the river mouth, or enjoy a quiet time by the sea.
How Ruhani Guides Your Trip
We at Ruhani provide self-guided packages, where you have the freedom to customize your tour according to your needs. Reach out to our team via the contact form below for more details.
Contact a Ruhani Travel Advisor Right Away
In case of any emergency, medical or otherwise, you can contact the Ruhani support team at any point in your travels. We are here to assist you throughout.
- (+1) 301-250-6943
- contact@ruhaniindia.com
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