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A road trip across Goa is on everyone’s bucket list. We dream about it all the time and once taken, it’s like a drug, that keeps calling your name again and again! It’s enchanting, tranquil & one of the best destinations in India that one could drive through.
So, here’s how you can road trip across South Goa in 11 days & explore the region to your heart’s content.
HOW WILL YOUR EXPENSES LOOK LIKE:
Travel Costs
- If you are renting a bike, around INR 600 per day
- If you are renting a car, around INR 1200 per day
- If you have your own car/bike: Cost of Diesel or pertrol
Accommodation Costs: Approximately around 2000 per day for 2.
Food & Drinks Costs:INR 3000-5000 per day for 2. (Exploring some of the best places to eat & drink)
Misc. Costs: INR 5000-10000 for 11 Days.
So, the entire road trip can be done under INR 70K for 2.
Let’s get into the details.
Day 1-2 [Panjim & Dona Paula]
We began our road trip by exploring Panjim and Dona Paola, two bustling places in Goa, vibrant and cheerful all the day. You can find anything you need here. Shopping, Local markets, casinos, beaches, nightlife etc.
There are multiple options for you to stay and eat here. So spend the first 2 days exploring and just driving along the roads of Panjim & Dona Paola.
Must Visit/Do
Do not miss out on Old Goa while you are here. Drive along the Portuguese town and soak in the beauty of the colonial times architecture and visit some of the most famous and oldest churches in Goa here.
I will not bore you with the history of these places but here are some of them that you must explore and learn about their histories yourself.
Basilica of Bom Jesus , built in 1500’s by the Portuguese, this church is an architectural marvel, with its sacred walls witnessing centuries of faith and adorned with intricate artistry, It also holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, incorruptible even after 500 years.
Other Places to Explore on the Drive
- Dona Paula Beach
- Bambolim Beach, here you get to drive down the hill & while doing so, you can gaze upon the might Arabian Sea from an altitude point that makes you stare it for minutes. So look out on the horizon for such views while driving down here & make memories.
- Miramar Beach
- Bogmalo Beach, a laid back beach in Vasco De Gama, an hour away from Dona Paula
- St Augustine Tower
- Chapel of St Catherine Alexandria
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Places to Stay & Eat
There are plenty of options here for you to choose from, but here are a few that we recommend that you must try.
Prainha Resort by the Sea
At Prainha, you'll discover a sanctuary where luxury and nature harmoniously blend, offering an idyllic retreat and Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey like no other, as they serve lip-smacking delicacies that will leave you craving for more. From local Goan specialties bursting with flavors to international cuisines prepared with finesse, each dish is a masterpiece crafted to tantalize your senses. Savour every bite while relishing the ocean breeze and the soothing ambiance, creating an unforgettable dining experience.O Pescador an Indy Resort
Indulge yourself in breathtaking sea views from the comfort of your cozy villa. Relish delectable cuisine that tantalizes your taste buds, perfectly complementing the serene coastal ambiance.
Day 3-5 [Loutolim, Colva & Tambi Surla]
Check out early on Day 3 and head to Loutolim, a small town nestled in the heart of Goa, where time takes a leisurely stroll and relaxation is the name of the game. As you wander through its narrow streets, you'll be captivated by the delightful Portuguese-style houses, their vibrant colors complemented by cascading bougainvillea. The town exudes a serene ambiance, inviting you to slow down and embrace its tranquility. Loutolim is a haven for unwinding, relishing local flavors, and creating cherished memories against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
Must Visit/Do
Visit the Haunted D’Mello House. One of the most infamous haunted house in Goa. You can enter in and explore the place. No restrictions here. Though we didn’t encounter any paranormal activity here, but the villa is a beaut! Portuguese style architecture and ruins all over.
See the Broken Bridge of Borim. Another haunted place known to be wandered by the spirit of a woman. A cool place to explore and see the old bridge broken across the river.
Take a drive up the hill to visit The Three Kings Chapel. This place is a rare and hidden gem in Goa. The movie Finding Fanny was shot here! Tucked away in the peaceful corners of Goa, the Three Kings Chapel carries an air of mystery and whispers of haunting legends. This age-old, Portuguese era church, is said to be haunted by the spirits of three ancient kings who built it. As you explore its weathered walls, you can't help but feel a tingling sense of curiosity, wondering about the stories and secrets that linger within, waiting to be discovered.
Explore Casa Aravujo Alvares Villa & Big Foot Goa. A 250-year old Portuguese villa owned by a Goan lawyer and founding member of Loutolim town. This villa is a place that gives you audio tours to explore each chamber and see how life in Goa was 200 years ago.
Movies like Singam, Tadka, Murder 2 were shot at this villa.
Big Foot Goa, is an ancestral Goa museum, a treasure trove of Goan history and culture. Immerse yourself in the past as you explore the fascinating artefacts and discover the traditions and customs that have shaped Goan heritage.
Note: Both these places close at 6 30 PM
Eclairs & Cookies at Jila Bakers, Loutolim. This is a home made bakery shop that has been serving delicious apple pies, Eclairs and cookies for over 50 years now. Grab a few eclairs and cookies that you can snack up on the road. They are delicious!
Take a long drive into Chorla Ghats Reserve Forests to visit Tambdi Surla Temple. First, it is the drive. It takes about an hour from Colva to reach here. But the drive is worth it. You will be driving into Bhagwan Mahavir National Park close to the state border. This 800-year old stone temple is a hidden and rarely known place among tourists. Well-maintained, clean and surrounded by greenery, this temple takes you back in time.
Note: Temple closes at 5PM and it is very humid and hot in the afternoons.
Trek Down to Tambi Surla Waterfalls. Located exactly on the border of Goa-Karnataka, this is a hidden waterfall not known to many. To reach this, one has to trek 8km up and down (which takes almost about 6 hours of trek and 2 hours at the waterfalls). If you love waterfalls and nature, this place should be on your list for sure.
You can hire guides and also tag along with other groups at the parking spot. Usually treks start early morning, so plan accordingly & keep a day side for this.
Note:If you visiting during monsoons, ensure you have proper gear and carry what you need as you will not find anything here. Entry Fee: 200 per head to be paid at the entrance.
Other Places to Explore on the Drive
- Our Lady of Candeleria
- Saviour of the World Church
- Sernabatim Beach
- Benaulim Beach
- Sunset Beach. This is a lovely beach to watch sunsets. It’s plain, with golden sands and no tourists as there is no rad as such that connects to the entry of the beach
Loutolim might take up a whole day. At the end, head down to Colva Beach and relax at Colva Beach Shacks before we move on to the next destination.
Places to Stay & Eat
A few places that we recommend personally,
Heaven Goa, Colva, an economical cozy home stay with spacious rooms, swimming pool.
The Beach House, Sernabatim Beach, a beautiful sea facing resort with amazing views. (Golmaal 2 was shot here in the living space)
Tikibab Shack, a cozy shack on Colva Beach away from the crowd towards the corner with good food, drinks and unobstructed views of Arabian Sea.
Day 6-9 [Agonda & Netravali]
Oh Agonda! A paradise for beach lovers. Secluded yet connected. But with minimal tourists. Checkout of Colva and reach Agonda, an hour away from Colva toward the South.
Golden sands, crystal clear waters and water sports with minimal crowd. Abundant shacks & beach resorts to provide you with luxurious comforts to well-maintained home stays for economical stays. Agonda has got it all.
Must Visit/Do
Sunset @Agonda Beach. No matter where you are, you cannot miss the sunset at Agonda Beach. This clean, tranquil beach welcomes you to take a swim in warm crystal clear waters and then sit by the shore and watch the sun sink into the waters at the horizon.
Drive Down to Kakolem Beach, a crescent-shaped beach rarely known to many but only the locals. get of the main road and drive down 500 mts to reach the parking space of this beach. The view is just amazing! Hills to the right, sea to your left and air so humid that you can barely make the horizon. This is the view with which you are greeted upon as soon as you stand on the gorge. There are steps to the the right that you can take to get to the bottom to take a plunge in the sea, which shouldn’t be missed at all!
Take a Drive into Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (Keep a Day/Two aside for this)
- Saulolim Dam, a dam with a semi circular outlet. This has been recently reopened for tourists since COVID. You an take the stairs and climb to the top of the dam and get mesmerised by the hills and the forest area in front of you. If you visit in monsoon, you can even witness the water outflow from the semi-circular outlet, standing right about it over the iron rail built.
- Bubbling Netravati Lake, a lake that bubbles when you clap! There is is a scientific explanation to this though. It is not the power of clapping. Surrounded by chilli farms, this lake has abundance of sulphur stored beneath it, which then escapes the lake, looks exactly like bubbles.
- Mainapi Waterfall, a hidden waterfall in South Goa with crystal clear waters no tourists at all. It takes an hour to reach here from Agonda and 2 hours again to trek to the waterfall, but this place should be on your list if you love venturing into untouched forests & chasing waterfalls.
Note: Entry Fee: 100 per person and 100 per 4 wheeler to drive into the park
Have Lunch at Cape Goa, a hill side resort with a restaurant that is right on the cliff overlooking the ocean without any obstructions. This place serves amazing food & drinks and the view cannot be matched by any other in South Goa.
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French Cuisine & Goan Cuisine at Tawa Roof Top. As the name suggests, this restaurant us built like it sits on a tree top, hidden in plain sight, offering partial views of the Arabian Sea. Grab a drink, relax and gaze upon the beauty of Cola Beach.
Note: Do not forget to order, Aglio e olio Pasta. It is literally amazing!
Other Places to Explore on the Drive
- Cabo De Rama Fort
- Cola Beach
- St Anne’s Church
- Padi Waterfalls
Places to Stay & Eat
ABC (Agonda Beach Chalets) This is a new resort right on the beach with 2 beach view huts and a shack. Decent and clean rooms with good food.
Joy Boutique Guest House, a homestay with multiple rooms that are well-maintained, clean and just 20 feet from the beach. Economical and spacious at the same time. If you are looking for rooms that do not burn a hole in your pocket then, this is the place for you.
This is our personal favorite after looking at all the resorts in Agonda Beach. Available on AirBnB.
Agonda Corner, a very small, cozy place with great Tibetan, Persian and Continental Food. Must haves: Israeli Breakfast, Chicken Steak, Thukpa.
Note: We in fact had breakfast & dinner here everyday. As they make to order, the service will be slow. About 30mins to get what you order.
Day 10-11 [Palolem - Canacona]
Entering Palolem in Goa, is like stepping into a postcard with its pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. The beach vibes are absolutely mesmerizing, perfect for lazy sunbathing, refreshing dips, and unforgettable sunset moments. It's a slice of paradise where you can unwind, soak up the sun, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Must Visit/Do
Galibaga Beach. This beach is known to be a nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles. And by far one of the most cleanest beaches in South Goa. It is flat and a places where the river meets the sea. As this beach is flat, the sunset from here is absolutely incredible.
PS: Do not pollute or disturbe the surroundings as this beach is one of the nesting grounds for the turtles.
Pollem Beach. The last beach of Goa or the first for those entering from Karnataka. This is one of the most secluded and underrated beaches in South Goa. Steep, deep and the waves are harsh. But it has no crowd whatsoever and is one of the nest beaches to sit back and relax. Feels like a private beach as there is no one around here. Just sit back, relax on your last day here and you can even sleep under the stars on the beach!
You will not find any other perfect way to end the 11-day road trip across South Goa.
Other Places to Explore on the Drive
- Palolem Beach
- Canacona Local Markets
- Columb Beach. Secluded and only known to locals. No Commercialisation.
- Patnem Beach
Places to Stay & Eat
Palm Forest, Palolem
Clean and spacious huts. Right on the beach with private parking. If you are looking for a comfortable stay on palolem beach, then this is it. Great food and also has a massage Center. Friendly staff and incredible breakfast throughout our stay.
Our personal favorite on Palolem Beach
Casa Jaali
Located on Patnem Beach, this is a cozy small report along the beach with no direct access though. Lovely rooms, friendly staff and incredible and amazing breakfast.
Note: Do not miss their croissants. They are the best in all Goa
Ciarans Shack
On Palolem Beach with good ambiance, food and drinks.
In a nutshell, embarking on an 11-day road trip through the enchanting landscapes of South Goa is an adventure you simply can't miss. From the lush forests that transport you to a realm of tranquility to the cascading waterfalls that leave you in awe, and the pristine beaches that beckon with their turquoise waters, South Goa is a treasure trove of natural beauty. This road trip is a dream come true for road trip enthusiasts, offering the perfect blend of scenic drives, thrilling exploration, and unforgettable experiences. So grab your keys, pack your bags, and let's hit the road for an incredible journey through the mesmerizing beauty of South Goa!
