In the morning, begin your trip in Panaji, the capital city of Goa. Start with a visit to the historic Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Afterward, explore the vibrant Latin Quarter known as Fontainhas, filled with colorful Portuguese-style houses. In the afternoon, head to the bustling market of Mapusa, where you can browse through local handicrafts and taste delicious Goan street food. End the day by relaxing on Miramar Beach, watching a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: Free, 1-2 hours
Fontainhas: Free, 2-3 hours
Mapusa Market: Free, 2-3 hours
Miramar Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Tato in Panaji is a popular local spot known for their delicious Goan breakfast dishes such as poha and bhaji pav. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Vinayak Family Restaurant in Mapusa is a must-visit for their authentic Goan thali, which includes a variety of traditional Goan dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Dinner: Horse Shoe in Panaji is a cozy restaurant known for their mouthwatering seafood dishes, including prawn curry and fish thali. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 3: Discover Old Goa
Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa. Start with a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined. Next, explore the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Christian Art to admire its collection of religious artifacts. Wrap up the day with a walk along the Mandovi River and enjoy the views from the Viceroy's Arch.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free, 1-2 hours
Se Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
Museum of Christian Art: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Viceroy's Arch: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Old Goa is Café Alchemia, known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Vinayak Family Restaurant, offering a variety of Goan and Indian dishes. Enjoy their flavorful seafood curries or vegetarian thalis. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Martin's Corner, a well-known restaurant known for its authentic Goan cuisine. Try their prawn curry or pork vindaloo for a true Goan culinary experience. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, September 4: Beach Hopping in North Goa
Start your day by heading to the famous Calangute Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and water sports activities. Afterward, visit the nearby Baga Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores and indulge in some beachside shopping. In the afternoon, make your way to Anjuna Beach, famous for its weekly flea market. Enjoy the sunset at Vagator Beach while savoring some local street food.
Calangute Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Baga Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Anjuna Flea Market: Free, 2-3 hours
Vagator Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Cafe Alchemia located near Calangute Beach. This cozy cafe offers a delicious menu of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Britto's located on Baga Beach. This iconic beachfront restaurant serves a variety of Goan and international dishes, including seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, try Gunpowder located near Anjuna Beach. This rustic-style restaurant offers authentic South Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Thursday, September 5: Explore South Goa's Cultural Heritage
Begin the day by visiting the Shri Mangeshi Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Next, head to the historic Rachol Fort, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, explore the peaceful and scenic Palolem Beach, known for its calm waters and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters of the Galgibaga River, and if you're lucky, you might spot some dolphins.
Shri Mangeshi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Rachol Fort: Free, 1-2 hours
Palolem Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Galgibaga River Boat Ride: INR 300, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious traditional Goan breakfast at Café Chorizo. Indulge in their mouthwatering poee bread sandwiches filled with spicy Goan sausages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Lunch: For a satisfying lunch, head to Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy their delectable seafood dishes like Goan fish curry and butter garlic prawns. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Dinner: End your day with a delightful dinner at Zeebop by the Sea. Relish their fresh seafood platters while enjoying the stunning beachside view. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Friday, September 6: Wildlife and Nature Exploration
Start the day with a visit to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of birds, deer, and monkeys. Take a nature walk and enjoy the scenic beauty of the sanctuary. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool below the falls. On your way back, stop by the spice plantations of Ponda and learn about the various spices grown in Goa.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 20, 2-3 hours
Dudhsagar Falls: Free, 3-4 hours
Ponda Spice Plantations: INR 400, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Mambo, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, try out Fisherman's Wharf, a waterfront restaurant offering a wide range of Goan seafood dishes like fish curry, prawn balchao, and crab masala. Enjoy the scenic views of the river while indulging in these tasty treats. The average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
For dinner, visit Mum's Kitchen, a restaurant that specializes in authentic Goan cuisine. Try their mouthwatering fish recheado, chicken cafreal, and bebinca for dessert. The average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Saturday, September 7: Explore the Islands
Take a day trip to the beautiful islands of Goa. Start by visiting the picturesque Divar Island, known for its scenic landscapes and old-world charm. Explore the traditional Goan village of Loutolim and visit the ancestral home, Casa Araujo Alvares. In the afternoon, take a ferry to the famous and serene Chorao Island, home to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Observe various species of birds in their natural habitat and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature.
Divar Island: Free, 3-4 hours
Loutolim: Free, 1-2 hours
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
error
Sunday, September 8: Relax in Goa's Beach Paradise
Spend your last day in Goa by relaxing on the pristine beaches of Morjim and Ashwem. Soak up the sun, enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters, and savor delicious seafood from the beach shacks. Indulge in some beachside yoga or pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. End your day by watching a mesmerizing sunset at Arambol Beach, known for its bohemian vibes and breathtaking scenery.
Morjim Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Ashwem Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Arambol Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Alchemia, a cozy café known for its delicious breakfast options and great coffee. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try out Vinayak Family Restaurant, a local favorite serving authentic Goan dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering fish curry rice. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, visit Sublime, a rooftop restaurant offering a stunning view of the ocean and delectable fusion cuisine. Their seafood dishes are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those seeking off the beaten path experiences, head to the peaceful village of Chorla Ghats, located in the Western Ghats. Explore its lush forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails, offering a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots. Another local favorite is the serene Butterfly Beach, accessible only by boat or a short hike. This secluded beach is a paradise for nature lovers and offers a chance to spot dolphins and colorful butterflies fluttering around.
For more details on hotel and flight prices in Goa, you can check here.