7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Goa in December 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Panaji
   30 minutes (12 miles) from Goa International Airport

   In the morning, visit the colonial-era Panaji Church and the nearby Mahalaxmi Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Latin Quarter Fontainhas for picturesque streets lined with colourful Portuguese-style houses. In the evening, head to Miramar Beach to witness a beautiful sunset.

2. Day 2: Discover Old Goa
   30 minutes (11 miles) from Panaji

   Visit the Bom Jesus Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the morning, followed by the Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. In the afternoon, explore the archaeological museum and the ruins of St. Augustine's Tower. In the evening, relax at the nearby Divar Island.

3. Day 3: Beach Hopping at North Goa
   45 minutes (13 miles) from Old Goa

   Start at the secluded Ashwem Beach, followed by the lively Baga Beach and then Calangute Beach. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife at Anjuna Flea Market.

4. Day 4: Water Sports at Candolim Beach
   15 minutes (4 miles) from Calangute Beach

   Participate in water sports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides in the morning. After lunch, visit the Aguada Fort and the nearby Sinquerim Beach. In the evening, relax at Coco Beach.

5. Day 5: Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek
   2 hours (46 miles) from Candolim Beach

   Embark on a trek to the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls in the morning. After lunch, visit the nearby Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, a 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, return to the hotel for some rest.

6. Day 6: Wildlife Safari at Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
   2 hours (43 miles) from Dudhsagar Waterfalls

   Go on a wildlife safari in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary in the morning to spot animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants. After lunch, visit the nearby Arvalem Caves, a set of ancient rock-cut caves. In the evening, return to the hotel for some relaxation.

7. Day 7: Cruise at the Mandovi River
   20 minutes (6 miles) from Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary

   Take a morning cruise at the Mandovi River to get a panoramic view of Goa. After lunch, visit the Kala Academy, a cultural centre that holds exhibitions and performances. In the evening, go for a sunset walk at Dona Paula Jetty.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Saturday Night Market at Arpora, the Dudhsagar Spice Plantation Tour, and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Take a side trip to Gokarna, a coastal town known for its beaches and temples. To maximize your fun, try local street food like Bebinca and Goan Sausages, and shop for handicrafts at the Mapusa Market.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Panaji Church (1 hour, Free)
• Mahalaxmi Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Fontainhas (2 hours, Free)
• Miramar Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Bom Jesus Basilica (2 hours, Free)
• Se Cathedral (1 hour, Free)
• St. Francis of Assisi Church (1 hour, Free)
• Archaeological Museum (1 hour, INR 10)
• St. Augustine's Tower (1 hour, INR 10)
• Ashwem Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Baga Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Calangute Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Anjuna Flea Market (2 hours, Free)
• Candolim Beach Water Sports (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Aguada Fort (1 hour, Free)
• Sinquerim Beach (1 hour, Free)
• Coco Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek (6 hours, INR 1500)
• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
• Arvalem Caves (1 hour, INR 20)
• Mandovi River Cruise (2 hours, INR 500)
• Kala Academy (1 hour, Free)
• Dona Paula Jetty (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3050

Check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for flight and hotel bookings.