South Goa is one of two districts that comprises the state of Goa in West India, within the region known as the Konkan. It is bounded by the district of North Goa to the north, the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
| Area | 1,966 km² |
|---|---|
| Population | 6.4 lakhs |
| Winter Temperature | 4°C - 16°C |
| Summer Temperature | 12°C - 25°C |
| Best Time To Visit | October - Mid of June is the best time to visit. |
The nearest airport to Margao is Dabolim Airport which is 23 km away from it. Even Dabolim Airport or Goa Airport (IATA: GOI, ICAO: VOGO) is the sole international airport in Goa. It is located in Dabolim and operates as a civil enclave in a military airbase named INS Hansa. It is 4 km from the nearest city Vasco da Gama, 23 km from Margao, and about 30 km from the state capital Panjim
Madgaon railway station is Goa’s biggest and busiest as it is a railway junction positioned at the intersection of the Konkan Railway and the South Western Railway. All trains stop at Margao. Hence it is used more commonly as a transit stop rather than a tourist destination by many people who either head off down south to Palolem (38 km) or to Benaulim and Colva which are about six kilometers away and are popular tourist destinations.
Margao is connected by road to other cities like Mangalore, Udupi, Bhatkal, Kumta, Karwar, Ratnagiri, and Mumbai through the National Highway 66 (NH66). Also, there is road which connects Margão to Ponda and other towns of Goa state.
Situated not so far away from Dabolim Airport, Bogmalo is a decent stop for those with spare two to three hours before their flight. This small yet beautiful stretch of sand is ideal to spend time basking in the sun. Also, it is a wonderful place to experience the underwater scene, at Bogmalo you can find the best dive operators in entire Goa.
Named after the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama is a gem in the treasure trove called South Goa. This small town is situated on the western tip of the Mormugao Peninsula, at the mouth of Zuari River. Despite being infamous as the crime centre of Goa because of its suburban shanty town and a large red-light area, Vasco manages to create interest amongst the tourists as it adds a different aspect to the tourism of Goa. Other than this, Vasco is well-connected with the other parts of Goa, therefore to reach some beautiful South Goa beaches, one needs to travel to Vasco anyway.
To the south of Margaon is a beach town called Benaulim. The town is like the feather in the hat of South Goa’s coastline as it comprises of a beautiful beach fringed by swaying palms and coconut trees. Benaulim is also popular in all of South Goa for its soul-saving seafood. The beach is a decent place to relax, take sunbath and try scrumptious seafood. Like Colva, Dolphin sighting is also available in Benaulim.
Often addressed as the pride of Salcete, Colva at a distance of about 6kms from Margaon is amongst the best places to visit in South Goa. Giving Calangute head to head fight, Colva stands as a place with a huge fan following. Colva’s popularity can be blamed for it being crowded as in a solitude seeker may not like this place at all. However, if you travel a little far from Central Colva either towards north or south, your peace of mind can be resumed. On the other hand, if you are someone who loves to party, Colva can be the right place for you in Goa. At the beach, Full Moon Parties are held on or before full moon night. The energy is crazy and so is the crowd, this is probably one of the best parties that can be attended in Goa. Dolphin sighting early in the morning is also an option here.
To know the flavour of Goa, take a stroll through the famous Mapusa Market.Cashew Nuts. Goa, one of the best countries to buy “Cashew Nuts” is available in all flavours, spicy, salty, colored, coated with chick flour etc.The popular Calangute beach in Goa is lined with innumerable shacks and stalls making it one of the top markets of this shopping paradise. Buy sarongs and trinkets made of sea shells as souvenirs from a perfect beach holiday or treat yourself to fried prawns and beer at one of these stalls.
Restaurants And Cafes In South Goa Show A Variety Of Food And Cuisines, From Local Cuisines To International Foods. Air Conditions Restaurants Are Available. Most Restaurants Cater For Large Family. Restaurant In South Goa Range From Local Cheap Restaurants To Special Executive Restaurants. Some Of The Famous Restaurants Are : 1. The Fishermans Wharf, 2. Martin's Corner 3. Mandala Cafe 4. Magic Italy Authentic Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria 5. Cavatina Cuchina Grill And Bar.
