Experience India’s Best Beaches ⛱️ Goa’s Beach Hopping Trail
One of our favourite activities on visits to Asia is beach hopping. Just pack a lightweight bag with a picnic, grab a hat and plenty of water, and head out to discover whatever is beyond the distant headland.
We spent some really enjoyable trips doing this in Sri Lanka and Borneo. Now it was time to see what India has to offer.
Discover 3 of the Best Beaches in South Goa
Who doesn’t love a good beach vacation? The sun, the sand, the sea – all the elements of a perfect holiday. And when it comes to beach destinations, Goa is right up there with the best of them. With its palm-fringed shores, crystal clear waters, and vibrant party scene, Goa is the ultimate beach bumming destination.
In this article, We’re going to take you on a tour of three of the best beaches in Goa – Colomb, Patnem, and Rajbag. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s hit the road!
Colomb Beach
Let’s start with Colomb Beach, one of the most picturesque and secluded beaches in Goa. Located in the south of Goa, near Palolem Beach, Colomb is a perfect place for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
This is a very small bay – blink and you’ll miss it – with golden sand and turquoise waters. There are a few shacks on the beach where you can grab a cold beer or some delicious seafood.
Colomb Beach, Goa
But the real beauty of Colomb is its stunning cliffs that surround the beach. The cliffs are covered in lush greenery and provide a cool backdrop for the beach. You can take a stroll along the cliffs and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a boat trip to Butterfly Island, which is located just off the coast of Colomb. The island is named after the hundreds of butterflies that call it home, and it’s a great place for snorkeling and swimming.
Cows on the beach? Makes a change from Ponies
Starting from the southern end of Palolem beach, you need to cross over to the far side of an elevated rocky headland to reach Colomb beach.
Colomb beach is much more of a secluded, intimate beach than the larger beaches adjoining it. There are just a few guesthouses and restaurants here, and a rocky sheltered bay harbouring a variety of colourful fishing boats.
Patnem Beach
At the southern end of Colomb beach, and across a few more rocks, we reached the upper end of Patnem beach.
Patnem Beach is a long stretch of soft sand and calm waters, popular with yoga enthusiasts and backpackers. The beach is lined with yoga studios and wellness centers, where you can take a class or indulge in a relaxing massage.
But Patnem is not just for the health-conscious. The beach has a vibrant party scene, with live music and DJ nights. You can grab a drink at one of the many beach bars and dance the night away under the stars.
And if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can take a boat ride to the nearby Monkey Island. As the name suggests, the island is home to a large population of monkeys. You can take pictures, or just enjoy the company of these playful creatures.
He’s reached the top of the greasy pole…
Patnem is a much wider and longer beach, stretching southwards for almost 2 kms. Here we found fewer tourists than either Agonda or Palolem beaches, and the further we walked, the more secluded it became.
We noticed a guesthouse here called LalaLand offering rooms, family cottages and a/c or non a/c chalets. However, the prices were not particularly cheap.
Patnem is a very relaxing – if hot – stretch of beach, with few opportunities to find shade (apart from purchasing guesthouse facilities). There is also the usual quota of fishing boats parked high up on the beach.
Mad Dog the Englishman…
Depending on the time of day, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to help the fishermen haul their boats in or out of the water. They do this by pulling the boat transversely across oiled beams of wood. It’s a good way of burning off some of those calories from last night’s paneer masala.
If you don’t put a hat and shirt on, you’ll end up burning off some skin as well.
Rajbag Beach
Last but not least is Rajbag Beach, a hidden gem in the south of Goa. The beach is relatively unknown to tourists, which means it’s always peaceful and quiet. The sand is soft and white, and the waters are calm and clear.
We negotiated a few rocky outcrops as we walked along Patnem beach, until we reached an impasse at Rajbag beach. Here the beach ends abruptly, interrupted by a clear and wide river. One of the local fishermen offered to boat us across for 50 rupees.
Instead, we decided to have a break for lunch, and check out the costs for accommodation in the area.
Rajbag Beach
There are numerous resorts in Patnem and Rajbag with beach cabins to rent. However, prices are a bit steep: One place we looked at was charging 3,500 rupees per night (€50), and the owner wasn’t prepared to negotiate. Definitely not a place for backpackers.
The area is very quiet, and there’s actually little to see or do on the beach apart from sunbathing.
If you have the cash, one of the highlights of Rajbag is the Turtle Beach Resort, which is located right on the beach. The resort has luxurious cottages and villas, where you can indulge in some pampering and relaxation. The resort also has a seafood restaurant that serves some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in Goa.
But the real attraction of Rajbag is its breathtaking sunset views. The sunsets here are some of the most beautiful in Goa, with the sky turning shades of pink, purple, and orange. Just sit on the beach with a cold drink and watch the sun go down over the horizon.
Goa Beach Hopping
As we mentioned in a previous article, of all these South Goan beaches Palolem beach ticked most of our boxes, providing the best price-to-value ratio. We ended up staying in Palolem for 11 nights, which was long enough to relax without over-doing it.
Getting to Palolem, or any other of these beaches from Vasco de Gama (Goa) airport, currently costs around 1,400 rupees for a non-airco taxi and 1,600 for an airco taxi.
With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant party scene, and rich cultural heritage, Goa has something for everyone. So pack your bags, head to the beach, and experience the magic of Goa for yourself!
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