If anyone asks, ‘How many times have you been to Goa’, I would say ‘Exactly 12 times’ since 2012. The natural assumption would be my in-depth knowledge of Goa inside out and all the beaches it has to offer. The answer would be a firm ‘NO’. In fact, it’s recently that I have started peeling the layers of Goa, one visit at a time. Among the things that I have been able to unfold are its beaches. While North Goa seems to be the choice for revelers, South Goa caters to the likes of the serene, soul-searching lot who prefer the less crowded sandy affairs. Between the two, my take would be the offbeat beaches in South Goa, located in the extreme end that present just the right dose of solitude and also some marvel of the sea.

 

1. Bogmalo Beach

As you exit Dabolim Airport, just 4 kms away lies the beach side village of Bogmalo that also happens to be one of the cleanest beaches of Goa. A 30-min drive from Bogmalo Beach through the Coast Guard premises of Chikolna will take you to the Heart-shaped Lake of Goa which you can reach after a short hike through the  wilderness. The best time to visit this lagoon is post monsoon.

Best Time to Visit: 

December to February

How to reach:

8 kms from Vasco da Gama and 24 kms from Madgaon Railway Stations, Bogmalo Beach is hardly a half hour drive. You can either hire a cab or board a regular bus from Vasco da Gama.

 

2. Hollant Beach

A few kilometers south of Bogmalo Beach, situated in a fisherman’s cove is Hollant Beach. Park your ride at Devasthali and indulge in a short walk through a coconut grove flanked with paddy fields and sloped hills to reach this secluded beach.

Best Time to Visit: 

October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for beach activities and sunrise-watching.

How to reach: 

You can drive to Hollant Beach Goa by taking the NH 66 highway, which passes through Vasco da Gama, Verna, and Cortalim

3. Betalbatim Beach

If you have been to this unique beach after sunset, then you know what brings scores of travellers to this beach. Drive along NH566 and arrive at the beach best known as ‘the beach that glows’ because of the bioluminescent algae and phytoplanktons. Visit this beach at night and camp to see the glittering edge of the waves as it comes crashing on the shore, illuminating your soul and leaving you in awe of the natural world.

Best Time to Visit:

November to February is the best time to experience bioluminescence.

How to reach: 

The best way to reach Betalbatim Beach from Panjim is via cab that costs around INR 1,000 or INR 1,200 or you can drive down.

 

4. Betul Beach

If you drive along Dabolim-Cavelossim Rd and MDR43 keeping the Sal River to your right, you will reach the shrubland, beyond which this island beach will introduce you to the meeting point of the Sal River estuary with the sea. As the greys and the blues from different water-bodies overlap, you will surely take a moment to acknowledge the uniqueness of Goa.

Remember to take the right ahead of The St. Regis Goa Resort to reach Betul.

Best Time to Visit:

September-March.

How to reach: 

Betul can be reached by bus from Margao but the frequency of buses is low. Best way is to drive or ride as the frequency of buses to the beach is quite low and private cabs take charge pretty steep..

 

5. Pebbles Beach

More likely to convey a partial feeling of the renowned Diamond Beach of Bali, sans the crystal-clear waters, reaching Pebbles Beach is nothing short of a tenacious hike. While Cabo De Rama fort stands tall atop the cliff, it drops softly with rock-cut uneven steps to the shoreline forming the Pebbles Beach. A short hike and there you are sitting on the pebbles with crabs, snails and barnacles gliding past you.

Best Time to Visit:

October to February

How to reach: 

From it is a 40-min drive to reach the fort and a 10-min (or lesser) hike from the fort to the beach.

 

6. Kakolem Beach

One of the few beaches in South Goa that gives an international coastal vibe! Laced with coconut trees, this beach resembles the Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, Sri Lanka but remains distinguished by one feature – presence of two waterfalls by the beach. You can even chill inside a tidepool tub created by the rocky beach.

Best Time to Visit:

Anytime is a good time

How to reach: 

It is around 7 km to the South of the Cabo de Rama resort and the best way is to reach by private transport or drive.

 

7. Cola Beach

From Kakolem Beach, drive south along Cola Beach Road for 15-minutes, turn right from Village Panchayat Cola, and you will reach the rural rustic backdrop exuding the ‘susegado’ vibe of Goa. A lagoon created by the inland flow of water, flanked on either side by coconut groves makes up for the perfect tropical vacay. 

Best Time to Visit:

Ideal time to visit is between November and February

How to reach: 

The easiest way to reach is by private transportation. Since the beach is a good 1.5 to 2 kms from the main road hence be prepared for a walk.

 

8. Butterfly Beach

Shaped like the wings of a butterfly, the Butterfly Beach is a smaller stretch of sand that still enjoys the privilege of being offbeat and away from the crowd of Goa. You can either hike to Butterfly Beach or drive. The last leg of the journey should be traversed on foot to avoid the hazard of slipping when on a two-wheeler.

Best Time to Visit:

November to March

How to reach: 

Best way is to get on a boat from either Palolem or Agonda Beach and reach Butterfly beach.

9. Rajbagh Beach

As you drive further down south along the Manohar Parrikar Canacona Bypass (or NH 66) you will find this completely hidden beach where Talpona River stealthily meets the sea forming a stretch of a sandbank at its wake. A perfect place for a quiet getaway.

Best Time to Visit:

October – March

How to reach: 

Closer to Canacona but far from Madgaon the best way to reach is by a private vehicle.

 

10. Galgibag Beach

A little ahead of Rajbag Beach lies Galgibag, known for Olive Ridley nesting and also visibility of bioluminescence during May. With only locals and a few foreign tourists taking their daily rounds on the beach, this is one of the top South Goa beaches that gives you a taste of is a slow life and appreciate the finer things around you. If you wish to see tiny Olive Ridleys making their way to join their tribe, walk up to the Coast Guard watchtower and look around, you will find the nesting site that remains well-guarded.

Best Time to Visit:

November to February

How to reach: 

Similar to Rajbag, Galgibag can be reached by private vehicle instead of public transport.

 

11. Tolivia Beach

Drive along Pavel-Kochi-Kanyakumari Highway for a good 5.1 kms, follow the instructions on Google Map and take the suggested right. Drive through the paved road till you reach a clearing. After parking traverse the wilderness to reach the precipice of the cliff. Hike down and explore the longest sea cave along the West Coast of India! 

Best Time to Visit:

Throughout the year.

How to reach: 

Either avail a private vehicle or get ready to take the Ocean Trek that will take you over boulders along the sea, climb a hill and cross a plateau – sounds way more fun than a dull drive!

 

For years Goa has always thrived as a party hub especially with the promotion of beach parties and frequently cropping shacks. But they leave behind unacceptable traces of non-biodegradable waste that creates long-term impact on the environment and subsequently on our lives. The only possible way to over come this to be be responsible as a traveller, be conscious of our actions and leave the place better than before. India boasts of a good number of Blue Flag beaches and I won’t be surprised if the top beaches of South Goa are also added to the list – provided we as travellers and tourists make a conscious effort to be responsible during our travels.

Also when travelling to Goa for a quick getaway, this offbeat 4-day itinerary of South Goa is just the trip to consider! And if you are travelling to Goa in April or May then don’t miss the submerged village of South Goa that resurfaces during this time.