Monday October 23: Explore the Historic Streets of Old Goa
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 known for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Afternoon can be spent at the Museum of Christian Art, where you can admire exquisite religious artifacts. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the streets of Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panjim, known for its colorful Portuguese-style houses and quaint cafes.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Museum of Christian Art: Entrance fee is INR 10 per person, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Fontainhas: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Alchemia, located in the heart of Old Goa. This charming café offers a variety of breakfast options, including freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty omelettes. Expect to spend around 200 INR per person on breakfast.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Venite Restaurant in Fontainhas. This family-friendly eatery specializes in Goan and Portuguese cuisine, serving dishes like Goan fish curry, pork vindaloo, and Bebinca, a traditional Goan dessert. The average cost for a meal at Venite Restaurant is approximately 400 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Mum's Kitchen. This restaurant is known for its authentic Goan dishes prepared with traditional recipes and fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy dishes like Goan prawn curry, chicken cafreal, and sannas (Goan-style steamed rice cakes). Dinner at Mum's Kitchen costs around 800 INR per person.
Tuesday October 24: Fun-filled Day at Calangute Beach
Head to Calangute Beach, one of Goa's most popular and family-friendly beaches. In the morning, enjoy beach activities like swimming and building sandcastles. Afternoon can be spent experiencing water sports such as parasailing or banana boat rides. As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the shoreline and indulge in some local street food at the beach shacks.
Calangute Beach: Free to visit, estimated time spent: Full day
Water sports activities: Prices vary, estimated cost: INR 500-1000 per activity
Wednesday October 25: Wildlife Encounter at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Embark on a nature-filled adventure at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. In the morning, explore the sanctuary's walking trails, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife including deer, snakes, and birds. Afternoon can be spent picnicking amidst nature, and kids will love the mini zoo that houses various animal species. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Botanical Gardens and enjoy the serenity.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fee is INR 5 per person, estimated time spent: Half day
Botanical Gardens: Entrance fee is INR 20 per person, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
A tasty breakfast option nearby is The Breakfast Club, a charming café known for their hearty omelettes and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to The Fisherman's Wharf, a seaside restaurant specializing in seafood delights such as grilled prawns and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at Vinayak Family Restaurant, where you can savor traditional Goan cuisine like chicken cafreal and pork vindaloo. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Thursday October 26: Cultural Delights in Margao
Discover the cultural richness of Margao, Goa's commercial capital. In the morning, visit the beautiful Loutolim village and explore the ancestral home, Casa Araujo Alvares, known for its grand Indo-Portuguese architecture. Afternoon can be spent at the bustling Margao Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce. In the evening, witness a traditional Goan cultural performance at Ravindra Bhavan.
Casa Araujo Alvares: Entrance fee is INR 200 per person, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Margao Market: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Ravindra Bhavan: Ticket prices vary, estimated cost: INR 100-200 per person, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Friday October 27: Water Adventure at Dudhsagar Falls
Embark on an exciting day trip to Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls. In the morning, take a jeep ride through the scenic Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, and indulge in a thrilling trek to the falls. Afternoon can be spent swimming and relaxing in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. On the way back, stop at a spice plantation and learn about the aromatic spices of Goa.
Dudhsagar Falls: Entrance fee is INR 400 per person, estimated time spent: Full day
Jeep ride and trekking: Prices vary, estimated cost: INR 1500-2000 per person
Spice plantation visit: Prices vary, estimated cost: INR 500-800 per person, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, head to the peaceful Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda. Here, you can witness a wide variety of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat. Another local favorite is the vibrant Anjuna Flea Market, held every Wednesday. Browse through an array of clothing, accessories, and handicrafts while enjoying live music and delicious street food.