South Is Where The Heart Is!

Canacona, situated in the extreme southern beach belt of Goa, possesses a rather unique character – one that is in stark contrast with the buzzing and noisier northern part of Goa known for its neon-coloured parties that go on till the wee hours. The Agonda – Palolem –Patnem belt, though cut-off from the hustle and bustles of life, is a tranquil region frequented by people seeking to spend a quiet yet fulfilling time with themselves or with their loved ones. The area is home to a few distinctive properties that offer interesting places to stay, dine and play at, thereby providing an experience that is anything but ordinary. While a majority of the tourists are busy doing run-of-the-mill touristy stuff in Baga and Calangute, Planet Goa gives you insider access to the paradise that the South is and tells you exactly where to go for your next mini vacation or a mid-week getaway. You’re welcome!

- Kishore Amati

PALOLEM may be one of Goa’s smallest beaches, but it has a big personality. It was perhaps one of the early ones from the extreme southern part of the state to gain popularity internationally of being a surreal piece of paradise, decades before the domestic tourists got a whiff of it. Known for its crescent shape and swaying palm trees, this curved stretch of white sand dotted with fishing boats is barely a secret anymore but still has far fewer tourists scrambling for their share of sun and sand at the beach as compared to the beaches in North Goa. Thanks to the diverse experiences that it offers to the traveller, Palolem has cemented its position as one of the finest beaches in Goa. Agonda, situated barely about 10 kms away from Palolem, used to be (and to a large extent it still is) one of Goa’s best kept secrets. With its white sand and azure waters, in 2018, Agonda Beach topped the Asia list of the annual Travellers' Choice awards for beaches, and also featured at number 18 on the top 25 beaches in the world! We can go on and on in its praise but simply put, Agonda is one of the very few virgin beaches in the country that is ideal for spending a quiet time with friends, family, and most importantly, yourself! Patnem, the newest kid on the block to taste global fame, is situated in close proximity with Palolem. What was until a few years ago a quiet little beach stretch known only to the locals in the vicinity, is now a rather busy shore populated by bamboo huts and shacks, and frequented by families and backpackers alike. The beach is almost as big as Palolem but retains a unique character of its own.