7-Day Volunteering Itinerary in Goa, October 2023

1. Day 1: Help at Animal Shelter
   20 minutes (7.5 miles) from Dabolim Airport

   In the morning, spend time feeding and grooming animals at the Animal Shelter. After lunch, take a stroll around the nearby spice plantation. End the day by watching the sunset at Velsao Beach.

2. Day 2: Teach at a Local School
   1 hour (23 miles) from Velsao Beach

   Spend the day teaching English and other subjects to underprivileged children at a local school. After school, explore the nearby Portuguese-style churches and enjoy some traditional Goan snacks. End the day with a sunset boat ride on the Mandovi River.

3. Day 3: Clean Up a Beach
   2 hours (50 miles) from Mandovi River

   Join a beach clean-up drive in the morning and help conserve the beautiful Goan coastline. After lunch, take a walk through the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and spot some exotic birds. End the day at the lively Anjuna Flea Market.

4. Day 4: Assist at a Healthcare Center
   1 hour 15 minutes (30 miles) from Anjuna Flea Market

   Spend the day assisting doctors and nurses at a healthcare center. After work, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and marvel at the exquisite Baroque architecture. End the day with a dinner of fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.

5. Day 5: Work with a Local NGO
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Basilica of Bom Jesus

   Volunteer with a local NGO in the morning and help with community development programs. After lunch, visit the Aguada Fort and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

6. Day 6: Help at a Children's Home
   1 hour (20 miles) from Ayurvedic massage center

   Spend the day playing and teaching children at a children's home. After work, visit the Chapora Fort made famous by the Bollywood movie "Dil Chahta Hai". End the day with a sunset cruise on the Zuari River.

7. Day 7: Volunteer at an Old Age Home
   1 hour 45 minutes (40 miles) from Zuari River

   Spend the day helping and interacting with senior citizens at an old age home. After work, relax at the serene Butterfly Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset. End the day with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Panaji.

Recommendations

Visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, which are a 2-hour drive from Panaji. You can also take a day trip to the scenic Divar Island. To make the most of your time, try renting a scooter or hiring a local guide.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Animal Shelter (4 hours, free)
• Spice Plantation (1 hour, INR 500)
• Velsao Beach (2 hours, free)
• Local School (6 hours, free)
• Portuguese-style Churches (1 hour, free)
• Mandovi River Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Beach Clean-up Drive (4 hours, free)
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 200)
• Anjuna Flea Market (2 hours, free)
• Healthcare Center (6 hours, free)
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (1 hour, free)
• Seafood Dinner (2 hours, INR 1000)
• NGO (4 hours, free)
• Aguada Fort (2 hours, free)
• Ayurvedic Massage (1 hour, INR 1500)
• Children's Home (6 hours, free)
• Chapora Fort (1 hour, free)
• Zuari River Cruise (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Old Age Home (6 hours, free)
• Butterfly Beach (2 hours, free)
• Farewell dinner (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4800

To check hotel and flight prices, click on this link.