Exploring North Goa: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary
Tuesday, November 21: Arrival in North Goa
Welcome to North Goa! Start your trip by checking into one of the family-friendly hotels in the area. Take some time to relax and settle in after your journey. In the afternoon, head to Calangute Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Goa, known for its golden sand and clear blue waters. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore and take in the breathtaking views. In the evening, explore the nearby Calangute Market, famous for its handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Calangute Beach: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Calangute Market: Budget Range: ₹500-₹1000, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Mambo's, a popular beachside café known for its delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try out Chef Soumyen's Kitchen, a cozy restaurant known for its tasty Goan and Continental dishes. Don't miss their signature seafood platter! The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, visit Fisherman's Wharf, a Goan restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and delectable seafood dishes. Try their mouthwatering Goan prawn curry and seafood tandoor platter. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Historic Panaji
Start your day by visiting the historical Fontainhas neighborhood in Panaji, the capital of Goa. Explore the narrow streets lined with colorful Portuguese-style houses and traditional bakeries. In the afternoon, visit the Immaculate Conception Church and the nearby vibrant 18th June Road, known for its shops and cafes. In the evening, take a relaxing sunset cruise along the Mandovi River and admire the scenic beauty of Goa from the water.
Fontainhas: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Immaculate Conception Church: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Sunset Cruise: Budget Range: ₹1000-₹1500, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Anantha's Goan Breakfast Café: Start your day with a delicious and authentic Goan breakfast at Anantha's Goan Breakfast Café. Indulge in traditional Goan dishes such as poi with choriz, pao bhaji, and peixe recheado. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Ritz Classic: For a satisfying lunch, head to Ritz Classic, a popular restaurant known for its Goan and Portuguese delicacies. Try their mouthwatering Goan fish curry with rice or their famous Portuguese-style chicken cafreal. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Pousada By The Beach: Enjoy a memorable dinner experience at Pousada By The Beach, a cozy beachside restaurant with a charming ambiance. Feast on delicious seafood platters, grilled meats, and traditional Goan dishes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Dudhsagar Falls Excursion
Embark on an exciting excursion to Dudhsagar Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in India. Start your day early and take a scenic train ride from Kulem to the falls. Marvel at the cascading water as it flows down amidst lush greenery. Spend some time swimming and relaxing in the natural pool formed by the falls. Afterward, return to North Goa and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the beachside shacks.
Seafood Dinner: Budget Range: ₹800-₹1500, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, November 24: Adventure at Anjuna Beach
Start your day with an adrenaline-filled adventure at Anjuna Beach. Sign up for a thrilling parasailing or jet ski ride and soak up the sun on the sandy shores. In the afternoon, visit the famous Anjuna Flea Market, where you can find unique souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. Enjoy a delicious Goan lunch at one of the beachside shacks and relax by the sea. In the evening, head to Curlies, a popular beach shack known for its live music and vibrant ambiance.
Parasailing/Jet Ski: Budget Range: ₹1000-₹2000, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Anjuna Flea Market: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Lunch at a Beach Shack: Budget Range: ₹800-₹1500, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Relaxation at Curlies: Budget Range: ₹500-₹1000, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Lilliput, a cozy beachfront café known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to La Plage, a charming beachside restaurant that offers a mix of Mediterranean and Goan cuisine. Try their seafood platter and enjoy the stunning ocean views. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
End your day with dinner at Gunpowder, a rustic restaurant specializing in South Indian cuisine. Don't miss their flavorful dosas and spicy curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, November 25: Cultural Exploration in Old Goa
Spend your day diving into the rich history and culture of Goa by exploring Old Goa. Start at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Visit the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia, and admire its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Christian Art and the nearby St. Augustine Tower ruins. End your day with a river cruise on the Mandovi River, enjoying traditional Goan music and dance performances.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Se Cathedral: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Museum of Christian Art: Budget Range: ₹100-₹200, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
River Cruise: Budget Range: ₹500-₹1000, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Sunday, November 26: Beach Day at Baga
Spend a relaxing day at Baga Beach, known for its happening atmosphere and water sports activities. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the sea and try your hand at various beach activities like banana boat rides, kayaking, or beach volleyball. Enjoy a delicious beachside lunch at one of the shacks and spend the afternoon sunbathing and building sandcastles. In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife in Baga and indulge in some Goan delicacies.
Beach Activities: Budget Range: ₹500-₹1500, Time Spent: 2-4 hours
Lunch at a Beach Shack: Budget Range: ₹800-₹1500, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Relaxation at the Beach: Free, Time Spent: 2-4 hours
Evening Entertainment: Budget Range: ₹500-₹1000, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Infantaria, a popular breakfast spot in Baga serving a variety of cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head over to Britto's, a beachfront restaurant known for its Goan seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Spice Goa, a cozy restaurant offering a wide range of authentic Goan cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Monday, November 27: Spice Plantation Tour
Discover the flavors of Goa with a visit to a spice plantation. Take a guided tour and learn about various spices and their importance in Goan cuisine. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch prepared with fresh spices and ingredients. Afterward, visit the Sahakari Spice Farm, where you can enjoy an elephant ride and witness traditional dance performances. In the afternoon, head back to North Goa and spend some time exploring the vibrant markets or relaxing by the pool.
Spice Plantation Tour: Budget Range: ₹1000-₹2000, Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Market Exploration/Pool Relaxation: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the peaceful and secluded Vagator Beach. This beach is known for its stunning cliffs and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day with the family. Another hidden gem is the Chorao Island, located in the Mandovi River. Explore the island's mangrove forests and spot unique bird species at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. These hidden gems offer a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories for the whole family.
For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.