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5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Goa in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Palolem Beach
    1 hour 15 minutes (30 miles) from Goa International Airport

    Start your day off with a sunrise swim at Palolem Beach, a 1.5km crescent-shaped beach with calm shallow waters. Walk along the beach to watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day. For lunch head to the nearby shacks and try some fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming followed by a relaxing sunset yoga session. In the evening, head to the beachside bars for some live music and drinks.

  2. Day 2: Old Goa
    1 hour 30 minutes (32 miles) from Palolem Beach

    Today visit Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, built in the 16th century. Next, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the remains of St. Francis Xavier. For lunch head to the nearby eateries and try some Goan cuisine. Spend the afternoon exploring the ruins of St. Augustine’s Tower and the archaeological museum. In the evening, head to Panaji for a delightful walk near the Mandovi river followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.

  3. Day 3: Dudhsagar Falls
    2 hours 15 minutes (47 miles) from Old Goa

    Wake up early and drive to the Dudhsagar Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Trek through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the falls, where you can swim and take a refreshing shower. For lunch visit the local food stalls in the vicinity. Return via a jeep safari and stop for a visit to the Tambdi Surla Temple. In the evening, head back to your hotel and relax.

  4. Day 4: Fort Aguada and Anjuna Flea Market
    1 hour 30 minutes (15 miles) from Dudhsagar Falls

    Today visit the Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort. Take a tour of the fort, lighthouse, and enjoy the panoramic view of the sea. For lunch visit the nearby shacks. In the afternoon, head to Anjuna Flea Market, a Wednesday flea market. Shop for clothes, souvenirs, and accessories. Enjoy some live music and street food. In the evening, head to Baga Beach for a sunset walk or some drinks at the beachside bars.

  5. Day 5: Morjim Beach and Chapora Fort
    1 hour 15 minutes (15 miles) from Fort Aguada

    On your last day in Goa, head to Morjim Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, where you can spot many species of turtles. Have lunch at the beachside shacks. In the afternoon, head to Chapora Fort, a 500-year-old Portuguese fort. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the nearby Vagator Beach. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Recommendations

Visit the Arambol Beach for yoga and meditation sessions and the Quinta de Valadares vineyard for some wine tasting. Take day trips to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the spice plantations. To maximize your fun, try the water sports activities at Calangute Beach or go scuba diving to see the marine life.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Palolem Beach (full day, free entry)
  • Old Goa (full day, free entry)
  • Dudhsagar Falls (full day, INR 1500 per person)
  • Fort Aguada (half day, INR 300 per person)
  • Anjuna Flea Market (half day, free entry)
  • Morjim Beach (half day, free entry)
  • Chapora Fort (half day, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1800 per person

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

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