20 Best Places To Visit Near Margao

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. Explore these attractions near Margao given below that bring out the essence of Goa.

20 Best Places To Visit Near Margao

Looking for some fun things to do in Goa? Here are 20 great places to visit near Margao, whether you’re a beach lover, history enthusiast, or nature-lover.

1. Colva Beach

A picture of a scenic beach with pine trees and a vast view of the ocean

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

A picture of a beach with boats parked on the shore, one of the best places to visit near Margao

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: Dolphin tours from ₹300

3. Chandor Village

A picture of the insides of a fort in Goa with distinguished walls and long passages

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

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Margao

4. Rachol Seminary And Fort

A picture of a historical building in Goa with a garden in front of it. One of the best places to visit near Margao.

Photo: Arnautpinho / Wikimedia Commons

This village is located someway out of Margao and houses the historic seminary and ruins of Rachol Fort, one of the popular places to see near Margao. 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

A picture of a beautiful village in Goa with fields and pine trees visible all around

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

A picture of a museum in Goa with historical artefacts at display

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, making it one of the famous tourist attractions near Margao. 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

A picture of a fort's entrance in Goa with the fort walls spreading wide

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

Suggested Read: Mormugao Fort

8. Dudhsagar Waterfalls

A picture of the most famous waterfall in Goa near Margao, surrounded by greenery

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

An aerial picture of a dam in Goa with a water body below it

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

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Goa

10. Palolem Beach

A picture of people enjoying at a beach in Goa with pine trees in the background

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

A picture of vast greenery taken at the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places near Margao

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

Suggested Read: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

12. Agonda Beach

A picture of a beach taken during sunset, creating a cosy ambience

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

A picture of a cave system in Goa belonging to the Buddhist history

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

Suggested Read: Lamgao Buddhist Caves

14. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

A picture of a field with lush greenery spread across along with pine trees

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

A picture of the frontal view of a temple surrounded by trees and greenery

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

Suggested Read: Bodgeshwar Temple

16. Holy Spirit Church

Holy Spirit Church in Margao, Goa, is a stunning example of Portuguese colonial architecture

Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons

Holy Spirit Church is a beautiful example of Portuguese Baroque architecture dating back to the 17th century. Its pristine white façade and intricately designed interiors attract visitors looking for a glimpse into Goa’s colonial history. Surrounded by gardens and quiet lanes, it offers a serene escape from the city bustle. Travellers interested in heritage, architecture, or simply a peaceful setting, this church is one of the best places to visit in Margao Goa.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: Free

17. Zalor Beach

Picturesque view of Zalor beach calm and clear blue water - one of the best places to visit near Margao

Photo: Klaus Nahr / Wikimedia Commons

One of the beaches near Margao is Zalor Beach, located in Carmona, is a quiet and less crowded coastal spot perfect for a peaceful day out. The beach is clean and ideal for long walks, sunset viewing, or simply relaxing by the Arabian Sea. Lined with coconut palms and soft sands, it offers a natural and scenic environment. Local shacks nearby serve refreshments, adding to the experience without the heavy crowds of more commercial beaches. It’s a calm retreat for those looking for tranquillity.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Suggested Read: Top Beaches In North Goa

18. Monte Hill

Image of The chapel 'Our Lady of the Mount', built in the XVIth century, is on the eastern hill of Old Goa

Photo: Grentidez / Wikimedia Commons

Monte Hill in Margao offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, making it a popular viewpoint for both locals and tourists. Atop the hill sits a chapel that adds to the peaceful ambience, especially during early mornings or just before sunset. The walk or drive up is pleasant and often enjoyed by those looking for a quiet place to unwind. People who are interested in photography, or scenic views, Monte Hill is a worthwhile visit near Margao.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 1 – 2 hours

19. Pandava Caves

Image of a man sitting on a cave and enjoying the picturesque hills view around misty weather

Photo: M Venter / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Pandava Caves, located near Margao, are ancient rock-cut caves believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. These caves are linked to the legend of the Pandava brothers and are of historical and mythological importance. Surrounded by greenery, the area offers a peaceful setting for visitors who enjoy history and nature. Though not large in size, the caves are an interesting stop for those looking to explore hidden heritage sites near Margao.

Best Time To Visit: November to March
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: Free

20. Margao Market

Image of a fish market - salmon fish displayed for sale and local vegetables in a market

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Margao Market is a bustling hub of local life, offering a colourful mix of Goan spices, fresh produce, and household goods. Ideal for shoppers and culture enthusiasts, the market reflects the authentic vibe of the region. Walking through its lanes, you’ll find everything from seafood to traditional Goan sweets. It’s a great place to observe daily life, interact with locals, and pick up unique items. For anyone wanting to experience Goan culture firsthand, Margao Market is worth visiting.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Places to visit near Margao Goa 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

Top 20 Places To Visit Near Margao: Explore The Rich Culture And Scenic Beauty