7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Goa in December 2023

1. Day 1: Basilica of Bom Jesus
   1-hour drive (18.1 miles) from Goa International Airport

   Start your trip with the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. Afternoon, enjoy the scenic beauty of Dona Paula Beach and in the evening, visit the Panaji Market for some shopping.

2. Day 2: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
   2-hour drive (47.5 miles) from Panaji Market

   Experience the beauty of nature at the mesmerizing Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Have a fun-filled day with your family by taking a dip in the natural pool and indulging in some local food. Return to your hotel by evening.

3. Day 3: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
   1-hour drive (21.5 miles) from Dudhsagar Waterfalls

   Get ready for an exciting day at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot Indian bison, wild boar, deer and a wide variety of birds. Afternoon, visit the Rivona Caves, an ancient site that dates back to the 6th century. In the evening, relax at Colva Beach with some refreshing drinks.

4. Day 4: Old Goa
   1-hour drive (17.9 miles) from Colva Beach

   Explore the cultural side of Goa with a visit to Old Goa. Check out the impressive Se Cathedral and the St. Augustine Tower. Afternoon, visit the Ancestral Goa Museum and learn about Goan art and culture. In the evening, head to the Baga Beach and enjoy some water sports.

5. Day 5: Fort Aguada
   40-minute drive (10.9 miles) from Baga Beach

   Visit the Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort, known for its panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Afternoon, take a boat ride at the Chapora River and see the mesmerizing sunset. In the evening, head to the Tito's Lane for some great food and drinks.

6. Day 6: Sahakari Spice Farm
   1-hour drive (21.4 miles) from Tito's Lane

   Experience the unique taste of Indian spices at the Sahakari Spice Farm. Take a guided tour of the farm and try some of the local delicacies. Afternoon, visit the Shri Manguesh Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, relax at Varca Beach with some refreshing cocktails.

7. Day 7: Saturday Night Market
   30-minute drive (7.2 miles) from Varca Beach

   End your trip with a visit to the Saturday Night Market, which is a weekly market held in Arpora. Shop for some local souvenirs and enjoy some delicious street food. Afternoon, visit the Museum of Goa to see some great contemporary art. In the evening, head to the Britto's for some live music and drinks.

Recommendations

If you're looking for a side trip, visit the beautiful beaches of Gokarna, which is a 3-hour drive from Goa. If you're travelling with kids, visit the Splashdown Waterpark or the Snowpark in Goa. To maximize your fun, try the various adventure sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. Do not forget to try the local Goan cuisine which is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours.