A Week of Family Fun in Goa

Saturday, January 20: Arrival in Goa

Welcome to Goa! Start your family-friendly adventure in this tropical paradise by checking into your hotel and getting settled. Spend the morning relaxing by the pool or exploring the resort's amenities. In the afternoon, head to Calangute Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Let the kids build sandcastles, take a dip in the ocean and enjoy water sports activities. As the evening approaches, visit the vibrant Baga Beach for a beachfront dinner and live music.

• Calangute Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
• Baga Beach: Varies depending on activities chosen, 3-4 hours

Sunday, January 21: Old Goa and Spice Plantation

Embark on a cultural journey today by visiting Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your morning by exploring the beautiful churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. In the afternoon, head to a nearby spice plantation for an educational tour. Discover the various spices grown in Goa, take a walk through lush greenery, and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax.

• Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free, 1-2 hours
• Se Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
• Spice Plantation: INR 500 per person, 3-4 hours

Monday, January 22: Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Get ready for an exciting day of adventure! Start early and embark on a guided tour to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Marvel at the cascading waters and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. In the afternoon, visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the sanctuary's trails, spot various animals and birds, and visit the mini zoo. Return to your hotel in the evening and unwind.

• Dudhsagar Waterfalls: INR 400 per person (includes transportation), 6-7 hours
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 20 per person, 3-4 hours

Tuesday, January 23: Anjuna Flea Market and Water Sports

Start your day by visiting the famous Anjuna Flea Market, a shopper's paradise. Browse through a wide variety of goods including clothes, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs. After shopping, head to Calangute Beach for an afternoon of thrilling water sports. Enjoy activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. In the evening, have a relaxing beachside dinner and watch the sunset.

• Anjuna Flea Market: Free (costs depend on purchases), 3-4 hours
• Water Sports at Calangute Beach: Varies depending on activities chosen, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bean Me Up, a vegetarian restaurant located near Anjuna Flea Market. Enjoy healthy and organic dishes like smoothie bowls and vegan pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Souza Lobo, a beachfront restaurant known for its seafood dishes. Try their famous Goan fish curry or shrimp vindaloo. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
• End your day with a memorable dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, a riverside restaurant that offers a variety of Goan and international cuisines. Indulge in fresh seafood platters or Goan-style pork dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.

Wednesday, January 24: Fontainhas Heritage Walk and Dolphin Spotting

Immerse yourself in the charm of Goa's Portuguese heritage with a morning heritage walk in Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji. Admire the colorful Portuguese-style houses, visit art galleries, and enjoy the quaint streets. In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip for dolphin spotting. Cruise along the coastline and spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat. End the day with a delicious Goan dinner at a local restaurant.

• Fontainhas Heritage Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
• Dolphin Spotting Boat Trip: INR 200-500 per person, 2-3 hours

Thursday, January 25: Dudhsagar Spice Plantation and Sunset Cruise

On your last day, revisit the Dudhsagar area for a different experience. Explore another spice plantation and indulge in a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, hop on a sunset cruise along the Mandovi River. Enjoy the scenic views, live music, and dance performances while witnessing a breathtaking sunset. End your trip with a memorable Goan dinner and reminisce about the wonderful time spent in Goa.

• Spice Plantation: INR 500 per person, 3-4 hours
• Sunset Cruise: INR 500-1000 per person, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While Goa offers many popular attractions, there are also some hidden gems and local favorites to explore. Take a day trip to the peaceful Divar Island, known for its scenic beauty and old-world charm. Visit the Goa Chitra Museum, which showcases Goa's rural heritage through exhibits and artifacts. Another off-the-beaten-path destination is the Chorao Island Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird lovers. Spend a few hours observing a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

For a unique experience, consider attending a traditional Goan music and dance performance in a local village. This cultural extravaganza will introduce you to Goa's rich artistic traditions. Finally, don't miss the chance to try authentic Goan cuisine at local restaurants and beachside shacks. From spicy vindaloo to fresh seafood, Goan food is a treat for your taste buds.

Check out the hotel and flight prices for your trip to Goa.