5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Goa

  1. Day 1: Explore Historic Old Goa
    30-minute (10 miles) drive from the airport

    Begin your trip with a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Continue exploring Old Goa with stops at the beautiful Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Cajetan. End the day with a relaxing stroll along the tranquil Miramar Beach.

  2. Day 2: Panjim and Dona Paula
    20-minute (4 miles) drive from Old Goa

    Start the day with a visit to the Immaculate Conception Church in the charming Latin Quarter of Panjim, then head to the Dona Paula Jetty for beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. Take a short walk to the Caranzalem Beach for some sun and sea. End the day with a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

  3. Day 3: Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Spice Plantation
    2-hour (43 miles) drive from Panjim

    A full-day excursion to witness the spectacular Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a must. After visiting the falls, take an afternoon tour of the nearby Spice Plantations, where you will find spices like cloves, pepper, and cardamom grown.

  4. Day 4: Relax at Palolem Beach
    2-hour (44 miles) drive from the Spice Plantation

    Experience the postcard-perfect Palolem Beach with its white sand and azure waters. The beach has many activities like Goan handicraft shopping, sunbathing, dolphin sightseeing boat trips, and parasailing.

  5. Day 5: Aguada Fort and Candolim Beach
    1-hour (20 miles) drive from Palolem Beach

    Start the day with an early visit to the iconic Aguada Fort, which offers a birds-eye view of the Arabian Sea. Head then to the pristine Candolim Beach for a relaxing afternoon. End the trip with a visit to the popular Baga Market for some souvenir shopping.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Basilica of Bom Jesus (1 hour, Free)
  • Se Cathedral (1 hour, Free)
  • Church of St. Cajetan (1 hour, Free)
  • Miramar Beach (1 hour, Free)
  • Immaculate Conception Church (1 hour, Free)
  • Dona Paula Jetty (1 hour, Free)
  • Caranzalem Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 20)
  • Dudhsagar Waterfalls (Full day, INR 400)
  • Spice Plantations Tour (2 hours, INR 400)
  • Palolem Beach (Full day, Free)
  • Aguada Fort (1 hour, Free)
  • Candolim Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Baga Market (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 920 ($12.50)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the colorful neighborhoods of Fontainhas and visit the Chapora Fort for a memorable sunset. For adventure lovers, try hot air ballooning or scuba diving on Palolem Beach. If you have less time, consider skipping the Spice Plantation tour and Baga Market or shorten your stay at Palolem Beach.

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