5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Goa in October 2023

1. Day 1: Anjuna Beach
   1-hour drive (16.1 miles) from Dabolim Airport

   Start your trip to Goa by visiting one of the most popular beaches in the state. Anjuna Beach is known for its stunning views and lively atmosphere. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach and trying out water sports. In the afternoon, explore the nearby flea market and shop for souvenirs. End your day with a beachside dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

2. Day 2: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
   2-hour drive (42.7 miles) from Anjuna Beach

   Take a day trip to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in India. The four-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for swimming. In the morning, hike to the waterfall and take a dip in the refreshing waters. In the afternoon, explore the nearby spice plantations and learn about the local flora and fauna.

3. Day 3: Fort Aguada
   30-minute drive (9.6 miles) from Dudhsagar Waterfalls

   Learn about the rich history of Goa by visiting Fort Aguada. The 17th-century fort was built by the Portuguese to defend against invading armies. In the morning, explore the fort and take in the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Sinquerim Beach and indulge in some water sports. End your day with a seafood dinner at one of the local shacks.

4. Day 4: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
   1-hour drive (25.7 miles) from Fort Aguada

   If you're a nature lover, visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds and is a popular spot for birdwatching. In the morning, take a guided tour of the sanctuary and spot some of the rarest birds in the world. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Reis Magos Fort and learn about the history of the Portuguese in Goa. End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

5. Day 5: Basilica of Bom Jesus
   45-minute drive (10.7 miles) from Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

   Explore the state's religious heritage by visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier. In the morning, take a tour of the church and marvel at the stunning architecture. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Museum of Christian Art and learn about the history of Christianity in Goa. End your day with a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Recommendations

Goa is a treasure trove of local attractions, events, and experiences. We recommend taking a tour of the beautiful churches in Old Goa, visiting the spice plantations in Ponda, and taking a sunset boat cruise on the Mandovi River. You can also take a side trip to the nearby state of Karnataka and visit the historic city of Hampi. To maximize your fun, we recommend planning your itinerary in advance, booking activities and tours in advance, and sampling the local cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Anjuna Beach (6 hours, free)
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls (8 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Fort Aguada (5 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (6 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (4 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 850 per person