7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Goa

Thursday, August 31: Arrival in Goa

Welcome to Goa! After arriving at the airport, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and settle in. In the evening, head to the famous Calangute Beach for a pleasant walk along the shore and enjoy the sunset. Indulge in delicious Goan cuisine at a beachside restaurant.

• Calangute Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Friday, September 1: North Goa Exploration

Start your day with a visit to Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of the capital city, Panjim, and visit the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the evening at the vibrant Anjuna Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy live music.

• Fort Aguada: Free, 2-3 hours
• Panjim and Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free, 2-3 hours
• Anjuna Market: Free, 2-3 hours

Saturday, September 2: Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Spice Plantation

Embark on a thrilling day trip to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Enjoy the scenic train ride through the lush Western Ghats before reaching the falls. After experiencing the natural beauty, visit a nearby spice plantation to learn about Goa's aromatic spices and indulge in a traditional Goan lunch.

• Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Approx. INR 400 per person (entrance fee and transportation), 8-10 hours
• Spice Plantation: Approx. INR 600 per person (entrance fee and lunch), 2-3 hours

Sunday, September 3: Old Goa Heritage Walk

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Goa with a heritage walk in Old Goa. Visit the stunning churches of St. Cathedral, St. Francis of Assisi, and Se Cathedral. Learn about the Portuguese influence on Goan architecture and explore the narrow lanes lined with beautiful colonial buildings. In the evening, relax at Miramar Beach and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Old Goa Churches: Free, 3-4 hours
• Miramar Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Monday, September 4: South Goa Excursion

Discover the serene beauty of South Goa by visiting the picturesque Palolem Beach. Relax on the golden sand, take a dip in the clear waters, and try some water sports. In the afternoon, visit the historic Cabo de Rama Fort, perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. Enjoy the breathtaking views before heading back to your hotel.

• Palolem Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
• Cabo de Rama Fort: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Del Mar, a cozy beachside café offering a variety of delicious breakfast options. Indulge in fluffy pancakes or hearty omelettes while enjoying the stunning views. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Fisherman's Wharf, a popular restaurant known for its Goan seafood specialties. Feast on mouthwatering dishes like Goan prawn curry and fish recheado. The average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Martin's Corner, a legendary Goan restaurant beloved for its delectable Goan cuisine. Savor the flavors of traditional Goan dishes like vindaloo and xacuti, served in a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Tuesday, September 5: Wildlife Safari and Bondla Zoo

Embark on an exciting wildlife safari at the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Spot animals like deer, monkeys, and maybe even a panther. After the safari, visit the nearby Bondla Zoo, a small but well-maintained zoo where you can see various species of animals and birds up close.

• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Approx. INR 300 per person (safari and transportation), 6-7 hours
• Bondla Zoo: Approx. INR 20 per person (entrance fee), 2-3 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Beach Hopping and Watersports

Spend your last day in Goa enjoying the beautiful beaches and thrilling watersports. Start at Baga Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and water activities. Move on to Candolim Beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun. End your day at Sinquerim Beach, where you can try watersports like jet skiing or parasailing.

• Baga Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
• Candolim Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Sinquerim Beach: Varies based on chosen watersports, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, visit the peaceful Divar Island, where you can explore traditional Goan villages and enjoy scenic views of the Mandovi River. Another hidden gem is the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, offering lush greenery, refreshing waterfalls, and a chance to spot unique wildlife. Locals also love visiting the colourful Fontainhas neighborhood in Panjim, known for its Portuguese-style houses and vibrant streets.