5-Day Luxury Itinerary for South Goa in July 2023

1. Day 1: Explore the Beaches of South Goa
   30 minutes (12.5 miles) from Goa International Airport

   Start your luxurious vacation by exploring the beautiful beaches South Goa has to offer. Visit Colva Beach, known for its white sand, crystal clear water, and beach shacks serving delicious seafood. Next, head to Benaulim Beach for a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy the spectacular sunset views, and indulge in some cocktails at the beachside bars. End your day at Palolem Beach, where you can take a boat ride to spot some dolphins and enjoy a candlelight dinner by the beach.

2. Day 2: Historical Sites and Spice Plantation
   1 hour and 20 minutes (39 miles) from Palolem Beach

   Start your day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The church is known for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Next, head to the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, and admire the Portuguese architecture. After that, visit the Sahakari Spice Plantation for a guided tour, where you can learn about the various herbs and spices used in Indian cuisine. End your day with a traditional Goan meal at Martin's Corner.

3. Day 3: Waterfalls and Wildlife
   1 hour and 45 minutes (50 miles) from Sahakari Spice Plantation

   Start your day by visiting the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Take a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool and enjoy the lush green surroundings. After that, head to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and take a guided tour to spot some of the rarest animals like the Bengal tiger and Indian black bear. End your day by visiting the Tambdi Surla Temple, a 12th-century Shiva temple.

4. Day 4: Watersports and Casinos
   1 hour and 30 minutes (36 miles) from Tambdi Surla Temple

   Start your day by indulging in some watersports at Baga Beach. Try parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, or relax on a beach bed. After that, head to Panaji, the capital of Goa, and try your luck at one of the many casinos like Deltin Royale or Casino Pride. End your day with a sunset river cruise on the Mandovi River and enjoy some Goan live music and dance performances.

5. Day 5: Local Markets and Fort Aguada
   30 minutes (12 miles) from Mandovi River

   Start your day by visiting the Mapusa Friday Market, where you can shop for local souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. After that, head to Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort situated on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. End your day by relaxing on Candolim Beach and sipping some coconut water.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on visiting the Cabo de Rama Fort, one of the oldest forts in Goa, and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of the rarest bird species. You can also take a day trip to the Dudhsagar Plantation and enjoy a spice tour with an elephant ride, followed by a traditional Goan lunch. To maximize your fun, try to attend a Goan cultural event like the Sao Joao Festival or Bonderam Festival.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Basilica of Bom Jesus (1 hour, free)
• Se Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• Sahakari Spice Plantation (2 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Martin's Corner (2 hours, INR 1500 for two)
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls (4 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Tambdi Surla Temple (1 hour, free)
• Baga Beach (3 hours, INR 2500 per person for watersports)
• Deltin Royale (3 hours, INR 3500 per person)
• Mandovi River Cruise (2 hours, INR 1500 per person)
• Mapusa Friday Market (2 hours, free)
• Fort Aguada (2 hours, free)
• Candolim Beach (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,250 for two people

Check out hotel and flight prices here.