5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Goa, August 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Calangute Beach
   40 minutes (16.7 miles) from Goa International Airport

   Start your Goa adventure by visiting Calangute Beach in the morning. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Tibetan Market for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, indulge in delicious seafood at a beachside restaurant.

   • Water Sports: INR 500 per person, 1-2 hours
   • Shopping at Tibetan Market: Prices vary, 1-2 hours
   • Dinner at Beachside Restaurant: INR 800 per person, 1-2 hours
2. Day 2: Visit Dudhsagar Falls
   2 hours 30 minutes (55.6 miles) from Calangute Beach

   Embark on an exciting day trip to Dudhsagar Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Witness the majestic cascade surrounded by lush greenery. In the morning, take a Jeep safari through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool formed by the waterfall. Don't forget to capture the mesmerizing beauty of Dudhsagar Falls.

   • Jeep Safari and Wildlife Sanctuary Entry: INR 1,500 per person, 4-5 hours
   • Swimming and Photography at Dudhsagar Falls: Free, 2-3 hours
3. Day 3: Discover Old Goa
   30 minutes (10.7 miles) from Dudhsagar Falls

   Step back in time as you explore the historical charm of Old Goa. In the morning, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Afterward, explore the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia. In the afternoon, wander through the ancient ruins of the Church of St. Augustine. End your day with a relaxing boat ride on the Mandovi River.

   • Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Se Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Church of St. Augustine: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Boat Ride on Mandovi River: INR 300 per person, 1-2 hours
4. Day 4: Explore Spice Plantations
   1 hour (26.3 miles) from Old Goa

   Immerse yourself in the aromatic world of spices by visiting one of the famous spice plantations in Goa. In the morning, take a guided tour of the plantation and learn about various spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch amidst the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, try your hand at elephant rides or spice shopping. Experience the flavors that make Goan cuisine so special.

   • Guided Tour of Spice Plantation: INR 600 per person, 2-3 hours
   • Traditional Goan Lunch: INR 400 per person, 1-2 hours
   • Elephant Ride or Spice Shopping: Prices vary, 1-2 hours
5. Day 5: Relax at Palolem Beach
   1 hour 40 minutes (43.9 miles) from Spice Plantations

   End your Goa trip with a day of relaxation at Palolem Beach. In the morning, unwind on the pristine beach, sunbathe, and take a dip in the turquoise waters. Indulge in a beachside massage for ultimate rejuvenation. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Butterfly Beach or visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. As the evening approaches, savor a beachfront dinner while enjoying a mesmerizing sunset.

   • Beachside Massage: INR 800 per person, 1-2 hours
   • Exploring Butterfly Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 100 per person, 1-2 hours
   • Beachfront Dinner: INR 1,000 per person, 1-2 hours

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the vibrant Saturday Night Market in Arpora, taking a scenic cruise along the Mandovi River, or exploring the vibrant Latin Quarter of Fontainhas in Panjim. For day trips, you can plan a visit to the beautiful beaches of South Goa, like Agonda or Colva. To maximize your fun, make sure to try Goan delicacies like fish curry and prawn balchão and participate in water sports activities at the beaches.