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Located right in the heart of South Goa, Margao is surrounded by a host of places of great attraction in this region. As much as the town itself is a cultural and commercial hub, the countryside around Margao comes with an abundance of natural beauty, historic sites, and serene beaches. Be it for a serene retreat, adventure in the wild, or a deep dive into Goa’s history, places to visit near Margao have something in store for every kind of traveller. We explore the 15 must-visit destinations below that bring out the essence of Goa.
Places To Visit Near Margao
Looking for some fun things to do in Goa? Here are 15 great places to visit near Margao, whether you’re a beach lover, history enthusiast, or nature-lover.
1. Colva Beach
Photo: Portugal Editor Exploration / Wikimedia Commons
The stretches of Colva Beach, one of the most famous beaches in South Goa, reach almost up to 2.4 km along the Arabian Sea. It is marked with soft white sands, a vibrant nightlife, and various water sports activities. This is an excellent spot for a relaxing day at the beach, swimming, or indulging in some parasailing and jet skiing. Encompassed by several beach shacks offering scrumptious Goan seafood and drinks, it offers a quintessential Goan beach experience that lures tourists from all over the world.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost: Free, water sports start from ₹500
2. Benaulim Beach
Photo: Ray Swi-hymn / Wikimedia Commons
Situated south of Colva, Benaulim Beach offers a much more sedate alternative to all that hustle and bustle. This beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and pristine shores, making it just right for sunbathing, swimming, or simple relaxation by the ocean. It’s also famous for excursions related to fishing and dolphin-sighting. Comparatively fewer tourists go to Benaulim than to Colva, but it offers a quiet retreat with beautiful sunsets and several small, pleasant beachside restaurants.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost: Free, dolphin tours from ₹300
3. Chandor Village
Photo: Thomas Bresson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandor Village is steeped in history and was the ancient capital of Goa. In this village lies Braganza House, which is part of a 17th-century Portuguese mansion furnished with antique furniture, artefacts, and a tinge of old-worldliness. Chandor speaks of its rich past, carrying vestiges of Hindu and Portuguese architecture and culture in its identity. A visit here is indeed a journey through time and thus is not something to be left out on any kind of history enthusiast’s or cultural explorer’s itinerary.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: ₹100 entry fee for Braganza House
4. Rachol Seminary And Fort
Photo: Arnautpinho / Wikimedia Commons
This village is located someway out of Margao and houses the historic seminary and ruins of Rachol Fort. The Rachol Seminary, dating back to the 16th century, is one of the oldest seminaries in Asia, set in beautiful surroundings that make for a peaceful visit. Connected with the seminary is the Rachol Fort, which has enormous beauty with views of the countryside around and the Sal River. Although mostly in ruins, this would indeed be a peaceful spot to sit and meditate beside nature.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: Free
5. Loutolim Village
Photo: Fredericknoronha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Loutolim is typical of Goan villages, blessed with well-maintained Portuguese-era mansions and greenery. A 250-year-old mansion, Casa Araujo Alvares, is a peep into the colonial past way of life in Goa. The village itself is such a peaceful retreat, with beautiful landscapes and a slow pace of life. Local bazaars with folk arts and spices are also a speciality here.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: ₹ 150 entry fee for Casa Araujo Alvares
6. Goa Chitra Museum
Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
The Goa Chitra Museum at Benaulim is actually an ethnographic museum, reflecting the traditional agrarian way of life in Goa. Victor Hugo Gomes founded it to provide a window into Goan history and culture. It contains over 4,000 artefacts, ranging from somewhat archaic types of farming implements to potteries and other tools. This is an interesting centre from which to get acquainted with the history and culture of Goa. The methods of agriculture and the ways of life are reflected by each exhibit here in this region. The museum is supplemented with an organic farm and a botanical garden.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: ₹100 entrance fee
7. Cabo De Rama Fort
Photo: Trinidade / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, Cabo De Rama Fort provides a view of the coastline landscape. Derived from the name of Lord Rama of the Hindu epic Ramayana, the fort has a long history of battles and occupations by various rulers, the last being the Portuguese. The now-ruined Cabo De Rama Fort is nonetheless one of the popular tourist spots that offer scenic views, the serenity of the environment, and a small chapel inside the fort.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost: Free
8. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Photo: Ankit Darsi / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the Karnataka-Goa border, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in India. It gets the name “Sea of Milk” from the milky white waters that flow down in a tumble from more than 300 meters in height. Lush forests surround the waterfalls, which can be accessed via a scenic trek or a jeep ride. Therefore, this destination is highly recommended to nature lovers and adventure seekers who will undoubtedly like refreshing themselves amid nature.
Best Time To Visit: June to September full flow
Duration: Full day
Cost: Jeep ride starts at ₹400 per person
9. Salaulim Dam
Photo: Nvvchar / Wikimedia Commons
Salaulim Dam, located on the Saloulim River, happens to be a major water reservoir supplying water to most parts of South Goa. The arched design of the dam and the surroundings with lush greenery offer the best picnic and strolling spot. There is a botanical garden with different types of plants and flowers, which is a quiet retreat to the nature lover, right near the dam. Fine views of the Western Ghats are visible from this spot, and it’s an excellent resting place.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost: Free
10. Palolem Beach
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
Equipped with a crescent-shaped shoreline and palm trees lining the shore, Palolem Beach is one of the loveliest and most famous beaches in Goa. From swimming and sunbathing to indulging in several water sports, this beach offers relaxation and adventure in a single package. Equally famous is Palolem for its vigorous and laid-back vibe, with umpteen shacks and bars playing live music and serving delectable seafood. This is one great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature that Goa holds back for its visitors.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Duration: Full day
Cost: Free
11. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Vikram2784 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in South Goa, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With an area of 86 square kilometres, this sanctuary comprises a rich variety of flora and fauna including deer, monkeys, snakes, and a range of birds. The Sanctuary has visitors’ trails of its own and a treetop watchtower that surveys the canopy of the forest. Cotigao is a tranquil getaway that offers you a view of nature’s bounty and wild animals in their natural setting.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Cost: ₹20 for an entry fee
12. Agonda Beach
Photo: Mahabalaindia / Wikimedia Commons
Agonda Beach lies a bit south of Margao, serving as the quiet and scenic beach of this tiny state. Its pristine sands and clear waters contribute to becoming the apt place for people who want to spend their day peacefully by the sea, away from crowds. The Olive Ridley turtles also nest on this beach, hence enhancing its natural beauty. Few shacks selling local food and drinks complement Agonda as a perfect place to be alone and relax.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Duration: Full day
Cost: Free
13. Rivona Caves
Photo: Azmanova Natalia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Rivona Caves are ancient rock-cut caves located a bit off Margao and historically are believed to have been used by Buddhist monks in the 6th or 7th century. The caves contain a small stone sculpture of Buddha and are an important archaeological site. The surroundings are placid and green, so much so that this would be an ideal spot for making a quiet exploration of Goa’s lesser-known historical sites. The caves are somewhat small but shall ideally offer an interesting peek into the spiritual and historical past of Goa.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: Free
14. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Rohanguj2 / Wikimedia Commons
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Goa, is an emerald hub of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary provides habitat to leopards, deer, snakes, and other forms of animals. This animal sanctuary is visited by many varieties of birds and some endangered species as well. The main interest draws of the place include the Gopinath Temple with its bubbling pond, as bubbles can be seen rising naturally from the waters. Netravali offers the visitor serene walks amidst nature, bird-viewing, and the chance to feel the rich biodiversity of Goa.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: ₹50 for the entry fee only.
15. Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple
Photo: Bijay chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated on top of a hill near Quepem, Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple is one dedicated to Lord Shiva, commanding a panoramic view of the countryside. This temple is an important pilgrimage centre, known for its ancient lingam enshrined in this temple, which is said to glow during a full moon. Therefore, it is among the best places for spiritual persons and nature lovers because of the serene environment and surroundings.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Free
The places around Margao are packed with surprises, all of them breathtaking. From beaches that exude serenity and wildlife sanctuaries that are lush green to forts that evoke history and temples that depict ancient times, there is something that will make everybody like the place. Looking for a heady mix of adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into the history of Goa? These 15 places are just perfect to get away from the day-to-day hassles of life. Book a trip with TripXL and get going to explore the beautiful landscapes around Margao the real magic of Goa.
Cover Photo: Trinidade / Wikimedia Commons
