Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history of Old Goa. In the morning, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Afterward, head to the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia, known for its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Christian Art, showcasing exquisite artifacts. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the Mandovi River, enjoying the scenic beauty.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: INR 20, 1-2 hours
Se Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
Museum of Christian Art: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Evening stroll along the Mandovi River: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Café Alchemia: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Alchemia. This cozy café offers a wide range of delicious breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Viva Panjim: For a scrumptious lunch, head to Viva Panjim. This charming restaurant specializes in Goan cuisine, serving mouthwatering dishes like Goan fish curry and Prawn Balchao. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Black Sheep Bistro: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Black Sheep Bistro. Known for its fusion cuisine, this trendy restaurant offers a unique dining experience with dishes like Butter Chicken Risotto and Pork Vindaloo Pizza. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, September 3: Beach Day in Calangute
Spend a relaxing day at Calangute Beach, known as the "Queen of Beaches." In the morning, soak up the sun and indulge in water sports like parasailing and banana boat rides. Enjoy a beachside lunch at one of the shacks. In the afternoon, take a dip in the Arabian Sea and unwind on the sandy shores. As the evening approaches, explore the local markets for souvenirs and taste some authentic Goan cuisine.
Calangute Beach: Free, Full day
Water sports: INR 500-1000, 2-3 hours
Shopping at local markets: Varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Lazydays is a charming breakfast spot near Calangute Beach that offers a wide range of delicious options, including pancakes, omelettes, and local Goan dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Martin's Corner is a popular lunch spot known for its authentic Goan cuisine. From seafood curries to traditional Goan thali, this restaurant has something for everyone. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Gunpowder is a must-visit for dinner, located a short distance from Calangute Beach. This restaurant serves flavorsome South Indian dishes like dosas, appams, and spicy curries. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Spice Plantation Tour
Embark on a unique experience by visiting a spice plantation. In the morning, explore the aromatic plantations, learn about various spices, and savor a traditional Goan lunch. Afterward, take a guided tour to understand the cultivation and processing of spices. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing herbal massage. As the evening sets in, witness a traditional cultural performance showcasing Goan folk dances.
Spice Plantation Tour: INR 500-1000, 4-5 hours
Herbal massage: INR 500-1000, 1-2 hours
Traditional cultural performance: INR 200-500, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Mango Tree is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious Goan delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Ritz Classic is the perfect place to enjoy a satisfying lunch with a wide range of Goan and seafood options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Gunpowder is a cozy dinner spot offering a unique blend of Goan and south Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Embark on an exciting excursion to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. In the morning, take a scenic train ride to the falls, passing through lush greenery. Spend time marveling at the majestic waterfall and bathing in its refreshing waters. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding forests and keep an eye out for wildlife. As the evening approaches, return to your accommodation and relax.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Entry fee: INR 30, Train ticket: INR 200-300, Full day
Packed lunch: INR 200-300
Restaurants
The Yellow Chilli: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Yellow Chilli, a trendy restaurant known for its fusion of Indian and international flavors. Indulge in their signature breakfast platter which includes a variety of dishes like poha, paratha, and omelette. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Fisherman's Wharf: For lunch, head to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular restaurant overlooking the waterfront. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes like Goan fish curry, prawn balchao, and squid masala. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Gunpowder: End your day with a delightful dinner at Gunpowder, a quaint restaurant known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Try their mouthwatering dishes like appam with chicken curry, mutton roast, and Malabar fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Fontainhas Heritage Walk
Discover the charming Latin Quarter of Fontainhas in Panjim. In the morning, take a guided heritage walk, exploring the vibrant, colorful houses and narrow streets. Visit the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Fontainhas Art Gallery. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch at a local restaurant. As the evening sets in, visit the Maruti Temple and the vibrant market of Panjim.
Fontainhas Heritage Walk: INR 500-1000, 2-3 hours
Visit Chapel of St. Sebastian: Free, 30 minutes
Fontainhas Art Gallery: Free, 1-2 hours
Traditional Goan lunch: INR 300-500
Maruti Temple: Free, 30 minutes
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in the area is Café Bodega, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Viva Panjim, a Goan restaurant that offers a wide variety of authentic Goan dishes. Their fish curry and rice is a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a flavorful dinner at Ritz Classic, a local favorite known for its mouth-watering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, September 7: Palolem Beach and Butterfly Beach
Experience the serene beauty of Palolem Beach in South Goa. In the morning, relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Arabian Sea. Afterward, take a boat ride to Butterfly Beach, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. Explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling. In the afternoon, indulge in delicious seafood at one of the beachside shacks. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset and enjoy a beachside bonfire.
Palolem Beach: Free, Full day
Boat ride to Butterfly Beach: INR 1000-1500, 3-4 hours
Snorkeling: INR 500-1000, 1-2 hours
Seafood lunch: INR 500-800
Beachside bonfire: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, September 8: Fort Aguada and Candolim Beach
Explore the historical Fort Aguada and relax at Candolim Beach. In the morning, visit Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Afterward, head to Candolim Beach, known for its clean shores and water sports activities. In the afternoon, indulge in water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. As the evening sets in, enjoy a beachside dinner at a seafood restaurant.
Fort Aguada: INR 25, 1-2 hours
Candolim Beach: Free, Full day
Water sports: INR 500-1000, 2-3 hours
Beachside dinner: INR 800-1500
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Goa, make sure to visit the peaceful and secluded Butterfly Beach, accessible only by boat. For a taste of Goan culture, attend a traditional music and dance performance at the Kala Academy in Panjim. Don't miss the delicious Goan street food, like "Pork Vindaloo" and "Bebinca," available at local eateries. Visit the Saturday Night Market in Arpora for a vibrant shopping experience and live music performances.