Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Goa

Friday, November 17: Arrival in Goa

Welcome to Goa! After arriving at the airport, check into your hotel and settle in. Spend the morning exploring the nearby beaches like Calangute and Baga, where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Anjuna Flea Market, known for its handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry. In the evening, head to the lively shacks of Candolim Beach for delicious seafood and live music performances.

• Calangute Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Anjuna Flea Market: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Candolim Beach: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Mambo which offers a wide range of tasty options like pancakes, omelettes, and fresh juices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• For lunch, try out Fisherman's Wharf which serves delicious Goan delicacies like prawn curry and fish thali. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
• For dinner, visit Martin's Corner which is known for its mouthwatering Goan dishes like pork vindaloo and Goan fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.

Saturday, November 18: Explore Old Goa

Start your day by visiting the historic Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. In the afternoon, explore the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia. Take a walk through the picturesque Fontainhas neighborhood, known for its Portuguese-style colorful houses. In the evening, enjoy a river cruise on Mandovi River and witness a mesmerizing sunset.

• Basilica of Bom Jesus: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Se Cathedral: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Fontainhas: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Mandovi River Cruise: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular choice for breakfast is Café Alchemia, located in the heart of Panaji city. They offer a range of delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Mum's Kitchen, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Goan cuisine. Try their mouthwatering fish curry rice or chicken cafreal. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
• For a delightful dinner experience, visit Vinayak Family Restaurant, a cozy spot near Miramar Beach. Indulge in their signature Goan seafood thali or savor their grilled tandoori dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, November 19: Water Adventure Day

Embark on an exciting day at Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Enjoy a jeep safari to the falls and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. Indulge in thrilling water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides at Calangute Beach. In the evening, relax at the beach shacks and savor some delectable Goan cuisine.

• Dudhsagar Falls: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 6 hours
• Calangute Beach (Water Sports): Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 3 hours

Monday, November 20: Goa Wildlife Adventure

Start your day by visiting the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot various animal species and enjoy nature trails. Then, head to the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda, home to a wide variety of colorful butterflies. In the afternoon, explore the Spice Plantations of Goa and learn about the region's rich spice history. In the evening, enjoy a sunset beach walk at Palolem Beach.

• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Butterfly Conservatory: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Spice Plantations: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Palolem Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, November 21: Explore the Goan Villages

Embark on a cultural journey by visiting the charming villages of Goa. Start with a visit to the peaceful Divar Island, known for its scenic beauty and picturesque churches. Then, head to the village of Chandor to explore the historic Chandreshwar Temple and the Braganza House, a grand mansion showcasing Portuguese architecture. In the evening, experience a traditional Goan dance performance and enjoy a Goan feast.

• Divar Island: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Chandor Village: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Traditional Goan Dance Performance: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, November 22: Family Fun at Water Parks

Spend the day enjoying thrilling water slides and rides at the popular Splashdown Waterpark in Anjuna. Challenge your family members to a friendly competition at the Wave Pool and relax in the lazy river. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Saturday Night Market in Arpora, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and try delicious street food stalls.

• Splashdown Waterpark: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 6 hours
• Saturday Night Market: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Thursday, November 23: Relax and Departure

On your last day in Goa, take some time to relax and unwind. Enjoy a leisurely morning at the peaceful Palolem Beach, lounging on the golden sand and taking a dip in the clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant local markets in Panjim, where you can shop for handicrafts, clothes, and spices. Bid farewell to Goa with beautiful memories before heading to the airport for your departure.

• Palolem Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Panjim Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda, where you can learn about organic farming, enjoy a guided tour, and have a traditional Goan meal. Explore the peaceful Divar Island by renting bicycles and cycling through its lush green landscapes. Don't miss the chance to visit the vibrant and colorful Mapusa Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, and traditional Goan handicrafts.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out kayak.com.