5-Day Itinerary for Goa in July 2023

1. Day 1: Old Goa
   20 minutes (6.8 miles) from Dabolim Airport

   Start your day at the Se Cathedral, a massive church dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Next, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the remains of Saint Francis Xavier. For lunch, head to Martin’s Corner, a popular local restaurant serving traditional Goan cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, a beautiful hilltop church with stunning views of Panaji. End your day with a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.

2. Day 2: Anjuna Beach
   35 minutes (11.2 miles) from Old Goa

   Start your day with a morning yoga session at Purple Valley Yoga Retreat. After breakfast, head to Anjuna Beach, known for its vibrant flea market and hippie culture. Rent a bike and explore the surrounding areas, including Chapora Fort and Vagator Beach. For lunch, try the seafood at Curlie’s Beach Shack. In the evening, catch a live music performance at Shiva Valley or UV Bar.

3. Day 3: Dudhsagar Falls
   2 hours (45 miles) from Anjuna Beach

   Take an early morning drive to Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Western Ghats to reach the falls. Spend the day swimming, hiking, and taking in the breathtaking views of the falls. For lunch, try the local street food or pack a picnic. Return to your hotel in the evening for a well-deserved rest.

4. Day 4: Fontainhas
   30 minutes (10.5 miles) from Dudhsagar Falls

   Visit Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji, known for its colourful Portuguese-style houses and narrow streets. Start your day with a traditional Goan breakfast at Café Venite. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the history and architecture of the area. For lunch, try the fusion cuisine at Viva Panjim. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Christian Art and the Gallery Gitanjali. End your day with a sunset at Miramar Beach.

5. Day 5: Spice Plantations
   1 hour 20 minutes (32.9 miles) from Fontainhas

   Take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the various spices used in Goan cuisine. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch at the plantation. In the afternoon, visit the Mangueshi Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple in Ponda. End your day with a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a lush mangrove forest home to a variety of bird species.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the beaches of Palolem or Morjim. You can also try water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving at Candolim Beach. For a unique local experience, take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Goan dishes. Make sure to try the local feni, a spirit made from cashew or coconut.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Se Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (1 hour, free)
• Martin's Corner (1.5 hours, INR 1000)
• Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (1.5 hours, free)
• Sunset Cruise on Mandovi River (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Purple Valley Yoga Retreat (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Anjuna Beach (4 hours, free)
• Curlie's Beach Shack (1.5 hours, INR 800)
• Chapora Fort (1 hour, free)
• Vagator Beach (1 hour, free)
• Shiva Valley or UV Bar (2 hours, INR 500)
• Dudhsagar Falls (8 hours, INR 1500)
• Fontainhas Walking Tour (2 hours, INR 500)
• Café Venite (1 hour, INR 500)
• Viva Panjim (1.5 hours, INR 1000)
• Museum of Christian Art (1 hour, INR 100)
• Gallery Gitanjali (1 hour, free)
• Miramar Beach (1 hour, free)
• Spice Plantation Tour (4 hours, INR 1500)
• Traditional Goan Lunch (1.5 hours, INR 500)
• Mangueshi Temple (1 hour, free)
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 11,100

Check out the hotels and flights available for your travel dates.