7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Goa

Wednesday, December 27: Explore the Beaches of North Goa

Start your trip by exploring the beautiful beaches of North Goa. In the morning, head to Calangute Beach, a popular tourist spot with golden sands and clear blue waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. In the afternoon, visit Baga Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and shacks offering delicious seafood. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along the lively Anjuna Beach, famous for its Wednesday Flea Market.

Morning: Calangute Beach
Afternoon: Baga Beach
Evening: Anjuna Beach

• Calangute Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Baga Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Anjuna Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 28: Discover Old Goa's Rich History

In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, which served as the capital of Portuguese India. Explore the Basilica of Bom Jesus, home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Afterward, discover the beautiful Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Christian Art and learn about Goa's Christian heritage. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji, known for its colorful Portuguese-style houses.

Morning: Old Goa
Afternoon: Museum of Christian Art
Evening: Fontainhas

• Old Goa: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Museum of Christian Art: Estimated cost - Entrance fee of INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Fontainhas: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, December 29: Adventure at Dudhsagar Falls

Embark on an exciting adventure to Dudhsagar Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Start your morning with a scenic train ride through the lush Western Ghats to Collem. From there, take a jeep safari to reach the base of the falls. Enjoy the breathtaking sight of the milky white cascades and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. In the afternoon, indulge in a picnic surrounded by nature. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Morning: Train ride to Collem
Afternoon: Dudhsagar Falls
Evening: Return to hotel

• Train ride to Collem: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Dudhsagar Falls: Estimated cost - Jeep safari fee of INR 400 per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Return to hotel: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 30: Explore the Nature Reserves of South Goa

Start your day by visiting the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area with diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy bird watching, hiking, and exploring the mini zoo. In the afternoon, visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its dense forests and tranquil atmosphere. Spot wildlife and take a nature trail. In the evening, relax at Palolem Beach, a scenic stretch of sand with calm waters.

Morning: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Afternoon: Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Evening: Palolem Beach

• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - Entrance fee of INR 5 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - Entrance fee of INR 20 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Palolem Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, December 31: Celebrate New Year's Eve in Goa

On New Year's Eve, immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of Goa. Begin your day by visiting the famous Saturday Night Market in Arpora, offering a variety of shopping, live music, and entertainment options. In the evening, head to one of the beachside parties along the coastline, such as the Tito's Lane in Baga or Club Cubana in Calangute. Enjoy fireworks, music, and a memorable countdown to usher in the new year.

Morning: Saturday Night Market
Evening: Beachside New Year's Eve party

• Saturday Night Market: Estimated cost - Free entry, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Beachside New Year's Eve party: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - Until the countdown

Monday, January 1: Relaxation and Watersports at Colva Beach

Start the new year by relaxing at Colva Beach, one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in South Goa. In the morning, unwind by the beach, sunbathe, and take a leisurely stroll along the shore. In the afternoon, try various water sports activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Enjoy beachside dining options for lunch. Spend the evening enjoying the lively atmosphere at the beach shacks and cafes.

Morning: Relaxation at Colva Beach
Afternoon: Watersports activities
Evening: Beach shacks and cafes

• Relaxation at Colva Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Watersports activities: Estimated cost - Varies depending on the chosen activities, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Beach shacks and cafes: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, January 2: Explore the Spice Plantations of Ponda

On your last day, visit the spice plantations of Ponda and get a glimpse into Goa's agricultural heritage. Take a guided tour and learn about various spices and their cultivation. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch served on a banana leaf. In the afternoon, visit the Sahakari Spice Farm and enjoy elephant rides, bird watching, and a refreshing herbal tea tasting session. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Morning: Spice plantations tour in Ponda
Afternoon: Sahakari Spice Farm
Evening: Return to hotel

• Spice plantations tour in Ponda: Estimated cost - INR 400-500 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Sahakari Spice Farm: Estimated cost - Entrance fee of INR 400 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Return to hotel: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Goa, don't miss out on visiting the tranquil Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda, where you can witness various species of butterflies in their natural habitat. For some family-friendly adventure, head to the Splashdown Waterpark in Anjuna, offering slides, pools, and fun-filled water activities. Another offbeat attraction is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao, a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. These hidden gems and local favorites will add unique experiences to your trip.

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