5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Goa in September 2024

1. Day 1: Fort Aguada
   1 hour (10.5 miles) from Goa International Airport

   Start your morning by visiting Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Take a guided tour to learn about its history before heading to the nearby Sinquerim Beach for some sun, sand, and sea. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Candolim Market for some souvenirs and handicrafts. End your day with a seafood dinner at one of the beachside shacks.

2. Day 2: Basilica of Bom Jesus
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Fort Aguada

   Head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Basilica of Bom Jesus in the morning to marvel at its Baroque architecture and see the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. Afterward, explore the nearby Old Goa and its beautiful churches and museums. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Mandovi River and enjoy the views.

3. Day 3: Dudhsagar Falls
   2 hours 30 minutes (50 miles) from Basilica of Bom Jesus

   Take a day trip to the majestic Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls. You can trek to the falls, bathe in its pools, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful setting. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes and swimwear. Head back to Goa in the late afternoon and stop by the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple on the way.

4. Day 4: Anjuna Beach
   1 hour (17 miles) from Dudhsagar Falls

   Relax and unwind at the picturesque Anjuna Beach, famous for its flea market and lively nightlife. Spend your morning swimming, sunbathing, and trying out water sports. In the afternoon, explore the market and shop for souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry. At night, enjoy some live music and dance at one of the beachside bars.

5. Day 5: Spice Plantations and Goa State Museum
   1 hour 10 minutes (20 miles) from Anjuna Beach

   Visit one of Goa's spice plantations in the morning to learn about the region's exotic spices and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch. In the afternoon, head to the Goa State Museum to see its impressive collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from the state's history. End your day with a dinner at a local restaurant, trying out some Goan delicacies.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, taking a sunset river cruise, or trying out some water sports at Baga Beach. For day trips, you can go to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Divar Island. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary based on your interests and pace yourself as Goa can be overwhelming.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Fort Aguada (2 hours, $10)
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (2 hours, $5)
• Dudhsagar Falls (8 hours, $30)
• Anjuna Beach (6 hours, $20)
• Spice Plantations (4 hours, $15)
• Goa State Museum (2 hours, $3)
• Total Estimated Costs: $83

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