Seven days of adventure in Goa, October 2023

1. Day 1: Dudhsagar Falls
   1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Dabolim Airport

   In the morning, hike through the lush jungle to reach the stunning Dudhsagar Falls. After lunch, go on a guided jeep safari to explore the nearby wildlife sanctuary. In the evening, relax at the Dudhsagar Spa and Resort.

2. Day 2: Divar Island
   1 hour (14 miles) from Dudhsagar Falls

   Take a morning ferry to Divar Island to experience the traditional Goan way of life. Visit the local temples and churches, explore the quaint villages, and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch. In the evening, return to the mainland for a sunset kayaking tour of the Mandovi River.

3. Day 3: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
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   1 hour 15 minutes (33 miles) from Divar Island

   Take a morning nature walk to spot some of the 200+ species of birds at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. After lunch, go on a thrilling zipline tour of the sanctuary, and then visit the onsite museum to learn about the local flora and fauna. In the evening, relax with a drink at the sanctuary's cafe.

4. Day 4: Grande Island
   1 hour 10 minutes (19 miles) from Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

   In the morning, take a boat ride to Grande Island and go scuba diving to explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks. After lunch, visit the secluded Monkey Beach and go snorkeling. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner at the beach and watch the sunset.

5. Day 5: Spice Plantations
   1 hour 15 minutes (31 miles) from Grande Island

   Take a guided tour of the spice plantations to see how spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla are grown and harvested. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch and then take a dip in the nearby waterfall. In the evening, attend a cooking class to learn how to make some Goan dishes.

6. Day 6: South Goa Beaches
   1 hour 10 minutes (18 miles) from Spice Plantations

   Visit the picturesque beaches of South Goa, starting with a morning walk on the Colva Beach. After lunch, visit the butterfly beach and go dolphin spotting. In the evening, enjoy a sunset picnic dinner on the Palolem Beach.

7. Day 7: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
   1 hour 20 minutes (28 miles) from South Goa Beaches

   Start the day with a bird-watching tour at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can see some of the rare and endangered species of birds. After lunch, visit the nearby Chorao Island and take a stroll through the mangrove forests. In the evening, return to Panaji for some souvenir shopping.

Recommendations

For a side trip, consider visiting the nearby Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary for some white-water rafting or the historic Aguada Fort. You can maximize your fun by renting a scooter or a bike to explore the local areas. Don't forget to try some of the famous Goan seafood and feni.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dudhsagar Falls (6 hours, 2000 INR)
• Divar Island (8 hours, 1500 INR)
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (8 hours, 2500 INR)
• Grande Island (10 hours, 5000 INR)
• Spice Plantations (8 hours, 2000 INR)
• South Goa Beaches (10 hours, 3000 INR)
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (8 hours, 1500 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 18,500 INR