3-Day Goa Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

Thursday, September 21: Exploring North Goa

In the morning, start your Goa adventure by visiting the beautiful beaches in North Goa. Begin with a visit to Calangute Beach, known for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the beach. In the afternoon, head to Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant markets of Anjuna, known for their hippie culture and budget-friendly shopping.

• Calangute Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Fort Aguada: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Anjuna Market: Estimated cost - Variable (depends on shopping), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Infantaria, known for its wide variety of breakfast options including French toast, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• For lunch, head to Britto's, a famous beachside restaurant offering a mix of Goan and international cuisines. Try their seafood specialties like butter garlic prawns or fish curry rice. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
• In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Gunpowder, a cozy restaurant serving authentic South Indian dishes. Don't miss their signature dishes like appam with stew or Malabar fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.

Friday, September 22: Discovering Old Goa

In the morning, visit the charming neighborhood of Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Goa. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with colorful Portuguese-style houses and admire the unique architecture. In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Goa, home to numerous historic churches and cathedrals. Don't miss the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. As the evening approaches, head to Miramar Beach to witness a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.

• Fontainhas: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Old Goa: Estimated cost - Free (entry to churches may have a small fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Miramar Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, September 23: Enjoying South Goa

Start your day by visiting Palolem Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches in South Goa. Take a boat trip to see the iconic Monkey Island and enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters. In the afternoon, explore the peaceful and scenic Dudhsagar Falls, a four-tiered waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. As the evening sets in, head to the peaceful Agonda Beach to watch the sunset and unwind.

• Palolem Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dudhsagar Falls: Estimated cost - Variable (depends on transportation), Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Agonda Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the lesser-known Galgibaga Beach, famous for being a nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles. It offers a serene and unspoiled environment. Another local favorite is the Chapora Fishing Jetty, where you can witness traditional Goan fishing and interact with friendly fishermen. Don't forget to try some authentic Goan street food at the bustling night markets like Mackie's Night Bazaar or the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, where you can find a variety of delicious and affordable local delicacies.

For more information, check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.