3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Goa in September 2023

1. Day 1: Explore the Historic Sites of Old Goa
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Panaji City

   In the Morning, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier. Explore the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia and the Church of St Francis of Assisi, a 17th-century Baroque-style church. Try local Goan cuisine for lunch at Vinayak Family Restaurant. In the Afternoon, take a guided tour of the Museum of Christian Art. In the Evening, visit the Fontainhas, the Latin Quarters of Panaji which is known for its colorful houses and Portuguese-style architecture.

2. Day 2: Beach Day at Candolim and Baga
   30 minutes (8 miles) from Panaji City

   In the Morning, head to Candolim Beach, a less crowded beach than others in the area. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the Afternoon, head to Baga Beach, famous for its nightlife, water sports, and shacks serving local food and drinks. You can try Jet Skiing, Parasailing and Banana Boat Rides. In the Evening, go shopping at the flea market at Anjuna Beach.

3. Day 3: Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Spice Plantation Tour
   60 minutes (35 miles) from Panaji City

   In the Morning, visit the famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls, the 4 tiered waterfall on Mandovi River. You can take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy the scenic beauty. In the Afternoon, visit the Sahakari Spice Farm, a vast plantation of aromatic spices, tropical fruits, and medicinal herbs. Take a guided tour and learn about the cultivation of herbs, spices, and fruits. You can also enjoy a traditional Goan meal here. In the Evening, return to Panaji City and watch the sunset over the Mandovi River from the Miramar Beach.

Recommendations

You can consider visiting the Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, and Reis Magos Fort. You can also take a dolphin spotting trip at Sinquerim Beach. Visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary for nature lovers. Don't forget to take a sunset cruise along the Mandovi River. For side trips, you can visit the neighboring state of Maharashtra to see the Ajanta and Ellora caves, or the Hampi ruins in Karnataka. To maximize your fun, try the water sports such as Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking or take a hot air balloon ride over Goa.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Basilica of Bom Jesus (2 hours, Free)
• Se Cathedral (1 hour, Free)
• Church of St Francis of Assisi (1 hour, Free)
• Vinayak Family Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500 per person)
• Museum of Christian Art (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Fontainhas (1 hour, Free)
• Candolim Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Baga Beach (2 hours, INR 1000 per person for water sports)
• Anjuna Flea Market (2 hours, Free entry)
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls (4 hours, INR 400 per person for entry)
• Sahakari Spice Farm Tour (2 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Miramar Beach (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2450 per person

Prices are subject to change.

Check the hotel and flight prices here: https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo