Thursday, October 19: Discover the Historic Panaji
Start your trip by exploring the historic city of Panaji, the capital of Goa. In the morning, visit the beautifully preserved Latin Quarter, known as Fontainhas. Wander through the charming streets filled with colourful Portuguese-style houses. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets, such as the Municipal Market and the Mapusa Market, where you can find a variety of local products. As the evening sets in, head to Miramar Beach, a popular spot to enjoy the sunset.
For breakfast, visit Cafe Bhonsle, a charming cafe located in Fontainhas. They serve a delicious combination of Indian and continental breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Anand Bar and Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Goan cuisine. Try their seafood specialties like prawn curry and fish thali. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Ritz Classic, a famous restaurant in Panaji known for its mouthwatering Goan dishes. Don't miss their Goan fish curry and pork vindaloo. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, October 20: Explore the Old Goa
Spend your day immersing yourself in the rich history of Old Goa. Begin your morning with a visit to Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. In the afternoon, explore the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. Later, visit the Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery to learn about the region's past. As the evening approaches, take a relaxing stroll along the Mandovi River.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
Se Cathedral: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery: Estimated cost - INR 10, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
The Verandah Restaurant - Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Verandah, a charming restaurant located in the heart of Old Goa. Indulge in their traditional Goan dishes such as Goan Poi (bread) and Prawn Balchao. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Eduardo's - For a delightful lunch, head to Eduardo's, a cozy restaurant offering a wide range of Goan and Portuguese delicacies. Try their famous Goan fish curry served with steamed rice. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Ritz Classic - End your day with a satisfying dinner at Ritz Classic, known for its mouthwatering Goan seafood dishes. Relish their signature dish, the Goan Prawn Curry, accompanied by freshly baked Goan bread. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Enjoy Nature in Dudhsagar Falls
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Dudhsagar Falls. Start your day with an early morning drive to the falls, located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Spend the morning marveling at the majestic waterfall and taking a refreshing swim in its pools. In the afternoon, go for a hike in the surrounding trails, spotting wildlife and enjoying the lush greenery. As the evening arrives, head back to your accommodation in Goa.
For breakfast, head to Cafe Tato in Mollem village, Goa. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious Goan breakfast dishes, such as Pao Bhaji and Bebinca pancakes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Vinayak Family Restaurant in the nearby locality of Mollem. This restaurant serves authentic Goan cuisine, including mouthwatering seafood curries and fragrant rice dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, opt for Jungle Book in Mollem village for a unique dining experience amidst nature. This open-air restaurant offers a delectable selection of barbecue and grilled dishes, complemented by live music and a lively ambiance. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, October 22: Beach Day in Calangute
Spend a relaxing day at the popular Calangute Beach. Start your morning by soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach vibes. In the afternoon, indulge in thrilling water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides. Explore the vibrant shacks and local eateries along the beach for a delicious lunch. As the evening approaches, enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea. End the day with beachside dining and live music.
Calangute Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - Full day
Water Sports: Estimated cost - INR 500 onwards (depending on activities), Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Mambo, located near Calangute Beach. This trendy cafe offers a variety of breakfast items like pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit bowls. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Souza Lobo, a legendary Goan restaurant situated right on the beach. Indulge in traditional Goan dishes like fish curry, prawn balchao, and Goan sausage pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner, dine at Firefly Goan Bistro Bar, located near Calangute Beach. Savor a fusion of Goan and international cuisines in a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss their signature dishes like Goan seafood curry and tandoori chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Cultural Delights in Margao
Discover the cultural delights of Margao, a bustling town in South Goa. Begin your day with a visit to the historic Largo de Igreja, where you can admire the beautiful Our Lady of Grace Church. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets of Margao, including the famous Margao Municipal Market, known for its fresh produce and spices. Don't forget to try some authentic Goan cuisine at a local restaurant. As the evening sets in, witness a traditional Goan dance performance.
Largo de Igreja: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Margao Municipal Market: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Goan Cuisine: Estimated cost - INR 500 onwards (depending on the restaurant), Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Traditional Goan Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 300 onwards (depending on the performance), Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
An ideal spot for breakfast in Margao is Cafe Delicieux, known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Martin's Corner, a popular seafood restaurant offering a wide variety of Goan delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Savour a delectable dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, a waterfront restaurant famous for its fresh seafood and stunning views. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located on the western tip of the Chorao Island. Explore the mangrove forests and spot a variety of bird species. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Chapora Fort, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the nearby Vagator Beach. To experience local cuisine, head to the small village of Assagao, known for its quaint cafes and traditional Goan dishes. Don't miss the chance to try the famous Goan fish curry and bebinca, a delicious Goan dessert.