Welcome to Goa! After arriving at the airport, head to your hotel and settle in. Spend the morning exploring the nearby local markets, such as the Mapusa Market or Anjuna Flea Market, where you can find unique souvenirs and taste local delicacies. In the afternoon, relax and soak up the sun on Calangute Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Goa. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the famous Baga Beach and indulge in some delicious Goan seafood.
Mapusa Market or Anjuna Flea Market: Varied, depending on purchases | 2-3 hours
Calangute Beach: Free | 3-4 hours
Baga Beach: Varied, depending on food choices | 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Alchemia, a cozy café known for their delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a warm croissant with a cup of cappuccino. The average cost for a breakfast here is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, try Gunpowder, a popular South Indian restaurant that offers a flavorful menu inspired by regional flavors. Their signature dish, the Kerala Chicken Curry, is a must-try. The average cost for a lunch here is about 300 rupees per person.
Dine at Thalassa for dinner, a stunning Greek restaurant located overlooking the Vagator Beach. Indulge in their mouthwatering souvlaki platter and enjoy the beautiful sunset views. The average cost for dinner here is about 700 rupees per person.
Saturday, September 30: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Embark on an exciting day trip to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Start your morning with a scenic drive to the falls, which are located on the border of Goa and Karnataka. Witness the majestic sight of water cascading down amidst lush greenery. Spend the afternoon swimming in the natural pool formed by the falls and capturing beautiful pictures. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: INR 400 per person (approx.) | 6-8 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, you can head to Café Alchemia, a cozy café known for its delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
If you're looking for a spot for lunch, try Spice Goa Restaurant. They serve traditional Goan dishes in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, dine at Fisherman's Wharf, a popular seafood restaurant with a riverside view. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, October 1: Old Goa Heritage Walk
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Goa by taking a heritage walk in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Explore the Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Cajetan, marveling at their architectural beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Goa to learn more about the region's past. End the day with a peaceful sunset boat ride along the Mandovi River.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free entry | 1-2 hours
Se Cathedral and Church of St. Cajetan: Free entry | 1-2 hours
Archaeological Museum of Goa: INR 5 per person (approx.) | 1-2 hours
Sunset Boat Ride: INR 500 per person (approx.) | 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Old Goa is Cafe Alchemia, known for its delicious pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Vinayak Family Restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Goan cuisine such as fish curry and prawn balchao. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, dine at Waters Beach Lounge and Grill for a scenic dinner overlooking the Arabian Sea. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood and international dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, October 2: Spice Plantation Tour
Embark on a fascinating journey through the spice plantations of Goa. Start the day with a visit to a local spice farm, where you will be greeted with refreshing herbal tea. Take a guided tour to learn about various spices and their medicinal properties. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch amidst lush green surroundings. In the afternoon, relax and rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic massage. End the day with a peaceful walk through the plantation.
Spice Plantation Tour: INR 1,000 per person (approx.) | 4-6 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500 per person (approx.) | 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Alchemia, a cozy eatery known for its delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch option, try Vinayak Family Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Goan dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering fish curry! The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Fisherman's Wharf, a charming waterfront restaurant offering a wide selection of seafood delicacies. Enjoy the serene ambiance and try their famous Goan prawn curry. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Fontainhas and Panjim Exploration
Explore the charming Latin Quarter of Fontainhas in Panjim, the capital city of Goa. Start your day with a heritage walk through the narrow lanes, admiring the colorful Portuguese-style houses. Visit the famous St. Sebastian Chapel and the iconic Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant markets of Panjim, such as the Municipal Market and the 18th June Road, for some shopping and local treats.
Heritage Walk in Fontainhas: Free | 2-3 hours
St. Sebastian Chapel and Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: Free | 1-2 hours
Panjim Markets: Varied, depending on purchases | 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is Cafe Bhonsle, known for its delicious Goan poha and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Mum's Kitchen, a well-known restaurant serving authentic Goan cuisine. Try their mouth-watering fish curry or prawn balchao. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Viva Panjim, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Goan dishes like sorpotel and pork vindaloo. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹600 per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Palolem Beach and Butterfly Beach
Spend a day exploring the serene beaches of South Goa. Start your morning with a visit to Palolem Beach, known for its crescent-shaped shoreline and picturesque surroundings. Relax on the beach, go for a swim, or try some water sports. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to the secluded Butterfly Beach, hidden away amidst cliffs and dense vegetation. Enjoy the tranquility and spot colorful butterflies. Return to Palolem Beach for a breathtaking sunset.
Palolem Beach: Free | 3-4 hours
Boat Ride to Butterfly Beach: INR 1,200 per person (approx.) | 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Del Mar, located near Palolem Beach. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 rupees per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to Dropadi Restaurant, known for its authentic Goan cuisine. Try their seafood thali or chicken cafreal. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Artjuna Garden Café, situated near Palolem Beach. Indulge in their organic vegetarian dishes and relax in the serene garden setting. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
Thursday, October 5: Divar Island and Dinner Cruise
Embark on a day trip to Divar Island, located in the Mandovi River. Start your morning by taking a ferry to the island and explore its scenic beauty. Visit the famous Our Lady of Compassion Church and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. In the evening, experience a memorable dinner cruise along the Mandovi River, enjoying live music, Goan cuisine, and stunning views of the city's illuminated skyline.
Divar Island: Ferry charges - INR 10 per person (approx.) | 4-6 hours
Dinner Cruise: INR 1,500 per person (approx.) | 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Alchemia. Located in the heart of Goa, this cozy cafe offers a relaxing atmosphere and serves a variety of breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Vinayak Family Restaurant. This popular eatery offers a diverse menu of Goan specialties, including fish curry, prawn curry, and sizzlers. With its friendly service and affordable prices, the average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a fantastic dinner experience at Mum's Kitchen. Known for its authentic Goan cuisine, this restaurant offers a mix of delicious seafood dishes and traditional Goan favorites. With its warm ambiance and attentive staff, the average cost for a meal here is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions and places loved by the locals, don't miss the tranquil beaches of Agonda and Morjim. These beaches offer a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to the popular ones. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended, where you can spot diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, exploring the small villages of Goa, like Aldona and Loutolim, will give you a glimpse of the local way of life and traditional Goan architecture.