Nature Lover's 5-Day Itinerary in Goa, October 2023

1. Day 1: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
   1 hour 20 minutes (41.6 miles) from Goa International Airport
   • Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River. Spend the morning hiking through the lush green forests to reach the waterfalls. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters and enjoy the serene surroundings. After lunch, go for a jeep safari ride to the spice plantations nearby. In the evening, enjoy a campfire and a barbeque dinner with the locals.
2. Day 2: Mollem National Park
   45 minutes (11.4 miles) from Dudhsagar Waterfalls
   • Visit the Mollem National Park and explore the rich flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. Take a guided trek to Tambdi Surla Waterfalls and visit the 13th-century Mahadev Temple. After lunch, take an open jeep safari to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. In the evening, return to your hotel in Mollem and relax.
3. Day 3: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (36.3 miles) from Mollem National Park
   • Start your day with a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located on the western tip of the island of Chorao. Take a boat ride through the mangrove swamps and spot exotic birds like the black capped kingfisher, osprey, and white-bellied sea eagle. After lunch, take a ferry to Divar Island and visit the 16th-century Our Lady of Candelaria Church. Return to your hotel in Panaji in the evening and enjoy the local nightlife.
4. Day 4: Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (43.8 miles) from Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
   • Visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the dense forests, canyons, and valleys. Take a guided trek to the tallest tree inside the sanctuary, the Gauri Shankar Tree. After lunch, visit the nearby Palolem Beach and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some delicious Goan cuisine.
5. Day 5: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour (18.6 miles) from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
   • Visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a leisurely walk through the park. Take a safari ride to spot animals like the sambar deer, Indian bison, and wild boars. After lunch, visit the nearby Ancestral Goa museum and learn about the history and culture of Goa. In the evening, return to your hotel in Panaji and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Salaulim Dam, and the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple. You can also take a side trip to the nearby city of Hampi and explore the ancient ruins and temples. To maximize your fun, try some adventure sports like parasailing, paragliding, and jet-skiing at the beaches. Don't forget to try the local cuisine and seafood, which is a must-try in Goa.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Dudhsagar Waterfalls (6 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Mollem National Park (8 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (6 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (8 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (6 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,000 per person