5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Goa in July 2023

1. Day 1: Basilica of Bom Jesus
   30 minutes (11.1 km) from Goa International Airport

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in 1605. In the morning, explore this ancient church and marvel at its baroque architecture. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Shri Manguesh Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, take a stroll at Miramar Beach and enjoy the sunset.

2. Day 2: Dudhsagar Falls
   2 hours (75.5 km) from Basilica of Bom Jesus

   Spend a day at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar Falls. Start your day early and enjoy a scenic drive to the falls. Take a dip in the refreshing pools at the base of the falls or take a trek to the top of the falls. Enjoy a family picnic amidst the lush greenery and return to your hotel by evening.

3. Day 3: Fort Aguada
   1 hour (22 km) from Dudhsagar Falls

   Start your day at Fort Aguada, a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort. Explore the fort and take in the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Sinquerim Beach, a calm and serene beach perfect for swimming and water sports. In the evening, head to the Saturday Night Market in Arpora for some local shopping and street food.

4. Day 4: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (47.2 km) from Fort Aguada

   Visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for exotic birds, animals and reptiles. Enjoy a morning nature walk, spot some wildlife, and take a jungle safari. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, a famous twelfth-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the Ritz Classic Restaurant, a popular local eatery serving authentic Goan cuisine.

5. Day 5: Anjuna Beach
   1 hour (20 km) from Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

   Spend your last day at Anjuna Beach, a famous hippie beach known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. In the morning, take a dip in the sea, enjoy some water sports, and relax on the beach. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Chapora Fort, a seventeenth-century fort famous for its stunning views of the Arabian Sea. In the evening, enjoy a beach party and dance the night away.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on visiting the famous Calangute Beach and Baga Beach, known for their scenic beauty and water sports. You can also take a side trip to the beautiful Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or the magnificent Mangueshi Temple. To maximize your fun, hire a scooter or a bike to explore the city. Don't forget to try some delicious Goan cuisine like fish curry, prawn vindaloo, and bebinca.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Basilica of Bom Jesus (2 hours, free)
• Shri Manguesh Temple (1 hour, free)
• Miramar Beach (1 hour, free)
• Dudhsagar Falls (8-10 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Fort Aguada (2 hours, INR 25 per person)
• Sinquerim Beach (2 hours, free)
• Saturday Night Market (3-4 hours, free entry)
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (5-6 hours, INR 5 per person)
• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (1 hour, free)
• Ritz Classic Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Anjuna Beach (6-8 hours, free)
• Chapora Fort (1 hour, free)
• Beach Party (2-3 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,410 per person