5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Goa in July 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Panaji
   35 minutes (12.3 km) from Goa International Airport

   In the morning, visit the historic Fontainhas neighborhood, known for its Portuguese-style houses and vibrant street art. In the afternoon, head to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a lush forest reserve home to over 400 bird species. End the day with a scenic cruise on the Mandovi River, taking in the city skyline as the sun sets.

2. Day 2: Beach Day in Calangute and Baga
   30 minutes (16.2 km) from Panaji

   Spend the day soaking up the sun at two of Goa's most popular beaches. Calangute Beach offers a lively atmosphere with water sports and beach shacks, while Baga Beach has a more relaxed vibe with plenty of beachfront cafes. End the day with a stroll along the Baga River, watching the fishermen bring in their catch.

3. Day 3: Spice Plantation and Waterfalls
   1 hour 10 minutes (47.7 km) from Calangute

   Visit a spice plantation to learn about the region's famous spices and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch. Then, take a refreshing dip in the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. End the day with a visit to the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, a 12th century temple located in the nearby forest.

4. Day 4: Old Goa and Mangueshi Temple
   45 minutes (22.5 km) from Dudhsagar Waterfalls

   Explore the historic city of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial-era churches and museums. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Mangueshi Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

5. Day 5: Fort Aguada and Anjuna Flea Market
   25 minutes (9.5 km) from Old Goa

   Start the day with a visit to Fort Aguada, a 17th century Portuguese fortress with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Then, head to the Anjuna Flea Market, a colorful market selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing. End the day with a sunset dinner at Thalassa, a popular Greek restaurant overlooking the beach.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Ponda to explore its temples and spice plantations. For adventure-seekers, try a kayaking tour of the backwaters or a scuba diving excursion to see the underwater world of Goa. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary around any local festivals or events happening during your visit, such as the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in December or the Goa Carnival in February.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (2-3 hours, ₹100 per person)
• Beach Shacks in Calangute and Baga (full day, ₹500 per person)
• Spice Plantation Tour (3-4 hours, ₹400 per person)
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls (4-5 hours, ₹400 per person)
• Thalassa Restaurant (2-3 hours, ₹1,200 for two people)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹2,700 per person

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