4-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Goa in October 2023
Day 1: Explore Old Goa
30 minutes (10.5 km) from Dabolim Airport
Se Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
Basilica of Bom Jesus (1-2 hours, free)
Archaeological Museum of Goa (1-2 hours, INR 5)
Lunch at Vinayak Family Restaurant (1 hour, INR 150)
Fontainhas Heritage Walk (2-3 hours, free)
Dinner at Viva Panjim (1 hour, INR 300)
In the morning, visit the Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus, two of the most famous churches in Goa. Then, head to the Archaeological Museum of Goa to learn about the state’s history and culture. For lunch, try the delicious vegetarian thali at Vinayak Family Restaurant. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji. End your day with a tasty dinner at Viva Panjim, where you can enjoy traditional Goan cuisine.
Day 2: Beach-Hopping in South Goa
1 hour (32 km) from Panaji
Colva Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Benaulim Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Majorda Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Lunch at Pentagon Restaurant (1 hour, INR 200)
Agonda Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf (1 hour, INR 400)
Start your day with a visit to Colva Beach, the largest beach in South Goa. Then, head to Benaulim Beach, a more serene and less crowded option. Afterward, visit Majorda Beach, known for its white sand and clear waters. For lunch, try the seafood at Pentagon Restaurant. In the afternoon, go to Agonda Beach for a relaxing swim. In the evening, enjoy the sunset and a delicious dinner at Fisherman's Wharf.
Day 3: Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation
2.5 hours (70 km) from Panaji
Dudhsagar Falls (2-3 hours, INR 400)
Lunch at Ritz Classic (1 hour, INR 250)
Spice Plantation Tour (1-2 hours, INR 400)
Dinner at The Black Sheep Bistro (1 hour, INR 500)
Take a day trip to Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Enjoy the scenic train ride to the falls and spend some time swimming in the natural pool. Have lunch at Ritz Classic, a popular local eatery. Then, visit a spice plantation and learn about the different spices grown in Goa. End your day with a delicious dinner at The Black Sheep Bistro, a trendy restaurant in Panaji.
Day 4: Fort Aguada and Anjuna Flea Market
30 minutes (17 km) from Dabolim Airport
Fort Aguada (1-2 hours, free)
Lunch at Gunpowder (1 hour, INR 500)
Anjuna Flea Market (2-3 hours, free)
Dinner at Mum's Kitchen (1 hour, INR 400)
Start your day by visiting Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Then, have lunch at Gunpowder, a popular restaurant serving Indian and fusion cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the famous Anjuna Flea Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. End your day with a delicious dinner at Mum's Kitchen, a restaurant that offers a mix of Goan, Portuguese, and Indian dishes.
Recommendations
Make sure to try some of the local seafood, such as prawns, fish curry, and crab xec xec. Don't miss out on the nightlife in Goa, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby beaches of Gokarna or the historic city of Hampi. To save money, consider using public transportation or renting a scooter to get around.
Time and Costs Estimates
Se Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
Basilica of Bom Jesus (1-2 hours, free)
Archaeological Museum of Goa (1-2 hours, INR 5)
Vinayak Family Restaurant (1 hour, INR 150)
Fontainhas Heritage Walk (2-3 hours, free)
Viva Panjim (1 hour, INR 300)
Colva Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Benaulim Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Majorda Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Pentagon Restaurant (1 hour, INR 200)
Agonda Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Fisherman's Wharf (1 hour, INR 400)
Dudhsagar Falls (2-3 hours, INR 400)
Ritz Classic (1 hour, INR 250)
Spice Plantation Tour (1-2 hours, INR 400)
The Black Sheep Bistro (1 hour, INR 500)
Fort Aguada (1-2 hours, free)
Gunpowder (1 hour, INR 500)
Anjuna Flea Market (2-3 hours, free)
Mum's Kitchen (1 hour, INR 400)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,305-3,905 (excluding transportation and accommodation)