Welcome to Goa, India's beach paradise! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and take some time to relax and settle in. In the morning, head to Calangute Beach, the largest and most popular beach in Goa. Spend the afternoon enjoying water sports like parasailing and jet skiing or simply bask in the sun. As the evening approaches, explore the vibrant markets of Anjuna, known for their handicrafts, clothing, and delicious street food.
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe located near Calangute Beach. Indulge in their delicious pancakes and egg dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Rasa: For lunch, head to Rasa, a popular restaurant serving authentic Goan cuisine. Try their fish curry and prawns cooked in traditional spices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Mum's Kitchen: Treat yourself to a delectable dinner at Mum's Kitchen, known for its unique blend of Goan and Portuguese flavors. Don't miss their mouthwatering seafood platter. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, October 9: Cultural Exploration
Immerse yourself in Goa's rich history and culture. Start your day with a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, known for its colorful Portuguese-style houses. As the evening sets in, head to a traditional Goan restaurant to savor delicious local cuisine like Goan fish curry and bebinca, a traditional Goan dessert.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Fontainhas: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
Traditional Goan Restaurant: Estimated cost - $20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café Alchemia, known for their mouthwatering Goan sausages and fluffy omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Savor authentic Goan flavors for lunch at Vinayak Family Restaurant, where their fish thali is a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at Mum's Kitchen, known for their innovative Goan fusion dishes like prawn balchão risotto. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Spice Plantation and Wildlife
Embark on an adventure to explore Goa's lush greenery and wildlife. Start your day with a visit to a spice plantation, where you can learn about various spices and their medicinal properties. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch at the plantation. In the afternoon, head to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls. End your day with a Jeep safari through the park.
Spice Plantation: Estimated cost - $10 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park: Estimated cost - $5 per person, Time spent - 6 hours
Restaurants
The Spice Plantation Restaurant offers a delightful breakfast experience with a wide selection of fresh fruits, local pastries, and aromatic coffees. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Indulge in the flavors of Goan cuisine at the Spice Plantation Restaurant for lunch, where you can enjoy traditional dishes like Goan fish curry and prawn balchão. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at the Nature's View Restaurant, located within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. Savor mouthwatering seafood specialties while enjoying stunning views of the sanctuary. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Old Goa and Churches
Discover the historical charm of Old Goa and its magnificent churches. Begin your day by visiting the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. Explore the nearby Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Chapel of St. Catherine. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the beautiful UNESCO-listed area of Old Goa, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting the Archaeological Museum. As the evening approaches, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Mandovi River.
Se Cathedral: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Church of St. Francis of Assisi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Chapel of St. Catherine: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Archaeological Museum: Estimated cost - $2 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Sunset Cruise: Estimated cost - $20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Café Alchemia, located in the heart of Old Goa. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of breakfast options, from freshly baked pastries to hearty omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Vinayak Family Restaurant, known for its authentic Goan cuisine. Indulge in dishes like fish curry rice and pork vindaloo. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf, an iconic restaurant overlooking the Mandovi River. Enjoy delectable seafood dishes while enjoying the serene waterfront setting. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Thursday, October 12: Beach Hopping
Explore the diverse beaches of Goa and soak up the sun and surf. Start your day with a visit to Palolem Beach, known for its scenic beauty and laid-back atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Baga Beach, famous for its vibrant nightlife and water sports activities. As the evening sets in, experience the lively atmosphere of Tito's Lane, filled with clubs and bars offering a mix of music and entertainment.
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Café Alchemia, a charming coffee shop located near Palolem Beach. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular restaurant known for its seafood and Goan cuisine. Indulge in their mouthwatering fish curry and enjoy the rustic ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Gunpowder, a hidden gem offering delectable South Indian and Goan dishes. Experience their unique flavors such as the spicy mutton fry and coconut-based curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, October 13: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Embark on an exciting day trip to the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Start your day early and take a scenic train ride to Castle Rock station. From there, hop on a jeep safari to the waterfalls. Spend the day marveling at the cascading waters and enjoying a refreshing swim. Return to Goa in the evening, where you can relax and reminisce about your incredible journey.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Estimated cost - $30 per person (including train ride and jeep safari), Time spent - 10 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Goa, don't miss the chance to visit the lesser-known gem of Divar Island. Take a ferry from Old Goa and explore this tranquil island, known for its scenic beauty, old Portuguese houses, and a picturesque church. Another local favorite is the spice market in the town of Ponda, where you can buy an array of spices and indulge in flavorful Goan cuisine. Lastly, visit the peaceful Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda, where you can witness a variety of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat.
Now that you have your itinerary planned, click here to check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Goa.