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South Goa Attractions: 15 Places to Visit by Self Drive Car
South Goa is calmer and greener — long clean beaches, quiet coves, Portuguese mansions, temples and the Dudhsagar waterfall. Sights are far apart and buses are rare, which makes a self drive car the easiest way to explore.
- 15 places with distances
- Self drive from ₹1,100/day
- Pickup at Mopa & Dabolim
South Goa guide
Best places to visit in South Goa
Distances are approximate road kilometres from each airport.
-
Palolem Beach
A curved bay with calm water, coloured huts and kayaking — one of the most photographed beaches in Goa.
- Best for
- Swimming, kayaking
- From Mopa
- 108 km · ~205 min
- From Dabolim
- 60 km · ~115 min
Driving tip: Park on the main road and walk in; lanes near the beach are narrow.
Directions -
Agonda Beach
Long, quiet beach with a relaxed vibe. Turtles nest here in the season, so parts are protected.
- Best for
- Couples, quiet stays
- From Mopa
- 103 km · ~195 min
- From Dabolim
- 53 km · ~100 min
Driving tip: Fewer ATMs around — carry some cash.
Directions -
Butterfly Beach
A small hidden cove usually reached by boat from Palolem, known for dolphin sightings on the way.
- Best for
- Boat trip, dolphins
- From Mopa
- 107 km · ~200 min
- From Dabolim
- 58 km · ~110 min
Driving tip: Book the boat at Palolem; go in the morning when the sea is calm.
Directions -
Cola Beach
A secluded beach with a freshwater lagoon right next to the sea.
- Best for
- Secluded beach
- From Mopa
- 100 km · ~190 min
- From Dabolim
- 51 km · ~95 min
Driving tip: The last stretch of road is steep and rough — drive slowly.
Directions -
Colva Beach
South Goa's busiest beach, with water sports, shacks and a long sandy stretch.
- Best for
- Families, water sports
- From Mopa
- 68 km · ~130 min
- From Dabolim
- 19 km · ~35 min
Driving tip: About 20 km from Dabolim airport.
Directions -
Benaulim Beach
Next to Colva but quieter, with fishing boats and dolphin trips.
- Best for
- Relaxing, dolphin trips
- From Mopa
- 72 km · ~135 min
- From Dabolim
- 23 km · ~45 min
Driving tip: Good base for exploring South Goa by car.
Directions -
Majorda & Betalbatim
Clean, wide beaches close to Dabolim airport, popular for sunset walks.
- Best for
- Sunset, close to airport
- From Mopa
- 63 km · ~120 min
- From Dabolim
- 15 km · ~30 min
Driving tip: Ideal stop on your arrival or departure day.
Directions -
Cabo de Rama Fort
Cliff-top fort with a small chapel and some of the best sea views in Goa.
- Best for
- Views, photography
- From Mopa
- 95 km · ~180 min
- From Dabolim
- 44 km · ~85 min
Driving tip: Carry water; there are few shops near the fort.
Directions -
Dudhsagar Falls
One of India's tallest waterfalls on the Goa–Karnataka border, at its fullest after the monsoon.
- Best for
- Nature, day trip
- From Mopa
- 88 km · ~165 min
- From Dabolim
- 68 km · ~130 min
Driving tip: Drive to Collem (Kulem); the last stretch to the falls is by forest-department jeep only.
Directions -
Shri Mangueshi Temple
One of Goa's best-known temples, with a lamp tower and a large water tank.
- Best for
- Culture, architecture
- From Mopa
- 46 km · ~85 min
- From Dabolim
- 21 km · ~40 min
Driving tip: Combine with a spice plantation visit nearby.
Directions -
Spice Plantations, Ponda
Guided walks through spice farms with a traditional Goan lunch.
- Best for
- Families, food
- From Mopa
- 54 km · ~100 min
- From Dabolim
- 26 km · ~50 min
Driving tip: Go before noon to finish the tour before the heat.
Directions -
Braganza House, Chandor
A grand Portuguese-era mansion still lived in by the family, with original furniture and a ballroom.
- Best for
- History
- From Mopa
- 74 km · ~140 min
- From Dabolim
- 35 km · ~65 min
Driving tip: Open for visits during the day; a donation is expected.
Directions -
Galgibaga Beach
Remote beach lined with casuarina trees and a protected turtle nesting site.
- Best for
- Nature, solitude
- From Mopa
- 116 km · ~220 min
- From Dabolim
- 67 km · ~125 min
Driving tip: No shacks — carry everything you need.
Directions -
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Forest sanctuary with walking trails and watchtowers near Palolem.
- Best for
- Nature walks
- From Mopa
- 111 km · ~210 min
- From Dabolim
- 65 km · ~120 min
Driving tip: Best in the early morning.
Directions -
Margao Market
South Goa's main market for spices, cashews, bakery items and local snacks.
- Best for
- Shopping, local food
- From Mopa
- 69 km · ~130 min
- From Dabolim
- 24 km · ~45 min
Driving tip: Parking is tight — use the municipal parking near the market.
Directions
1-day self drive plan
Suggested route
- Cabo de Rama Fort (morning)
- Cola Beach lagoon
- Lunch at Agonda
- Palolem Beach
- Boat to Butterfly Beach
- Sunset at Palolem
Estimate the fuel for this route with the Goa fuel cost calculator.
Rental Car Goa Booking Helpline
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Car rental prices
Self drive cars to explore South Goa
| Car | Type | Price / day |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Ignis (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,100 |
| Maruti Swift New (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,180 |
| Baleno New Model (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,300 |
| Swift Dzire New (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | Sedan | ₹1,470 |
| Swift New Model (Automatic)Automatic · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,570 |
| Hyundai i20 New (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,600 |
| Maruti Baleno New (Automatic)Automatic · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,700 |
| Hyundai i20 New Model (Automatic)Automatic · 5 seats | Hatchback | ₹1,800 |
| Hyundai Venue New (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹2,200 |
| Maruti Ertiga New 7 Seater (Manual)Manual · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹2,300 |
| Hyundai Creta New (Manual)Manual · 5 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹2,500 |
| Kia Carens – ManualManual · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹2,700 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga New Model (Auto)Automatic · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹2,800 |
| Sonet/Venue Automatic SunroofAutomatic · 5 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹2,800 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta (Manual)Manual · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹3,000 |
| Maruti Jimny New Model AutomaticAutomatic · 4 seats | Thar / 4x4 | ₹3,000 |
| Creta New Automatic – Panoramic SunroofAutomatic · 5 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹3,500 |
| Innova Crysta (Automatic)Automatic · 5 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹3,500 |
| Mahindra Thar New Manual Hard TopManual · 4 seats | Thar / 4x4 | ₹3,500 |
| Mahindra Thar Convertible Manual New (Open Roof)Manual · 4 seats | Thar / 4x4 | ₹3,600 |
| Brand New Innova Hycross AutomaticAutomatic · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹3,800 |
| Mahindra Thar Automatic New Hard TopAutomatic · 4 seats | Thar / 4x4 | ₹3,800 |
| Mahindra Thar Convertible Automatic 4×4 (Soft Top)Automatic · 5 seats | Thar / 4x4 | ₹3,800 |
| Alcazar Automatic Panoramic SunroofAutomatic · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹3,800 |
| Mahindra Thar Roxx AutomaticAutomatic · 5 seats | Thar / 4x4 | ₹6,000 |
| Toyota Fortuner Automatic (Brand New)Automatic · 7 seats | SUV & MPV | ₹7,000 |
FAQ
South Goa Attractions – FAQs
How far is Palolem from Dabolim airport?
Palolem is about 60–70 km from Dabolim airport, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
Can I drive my rental car to Dudhsagar Falls?
You can drive to Collem (Kulem). From there, only forest-department jeeps go to the falls, so park your car at Collem.
Is South Goa better than North Goa?
South Goa is quieter with cleaner beaches and fewer crowds; North Goa has more nightlife, markets and water sports. Many visitors split their trip between both.
How many days do I need for South Goa?
Two days cover the main beaches and forts; add a third day for Dudhsagar Falls and the Ponda spice farms.
What is the cheapest way to explore South Goa?
A self drive car from ₹1,100 per day with unlimited km is usually cheaper than taxis for 2 or more people, and you can stop wherever you like.
