Exploring North and South Goa with Family - A 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Calangute Beach
    1 hour (42.7 km) from Goa International Airport

    Located in North Goa and one of the busiest beaches, Calangute Beach is a perfect spot to relax with your family. The beach is clean, and safe for swimming, and offers various adventure water sports like jet ski, banana ride, and parasailing. You can also enjoy some street-shopping, relish delicious seafood or just sunbathe.

  • Day 2: Dudhsagar Falls
    1 hour (55 km) from Calangute Beach

    Located in the middle of the lush forest, Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located along the Goa-Karnataka border. It’s a stunning sight that will mesmerize you with its beauty. Enjoy a scenic trek through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, take a dip in the refreshing water, witness the playful monkeys, or just click some amazing photographs.

  • Day 3: South Goa Beaches
    2 hours (80 km) from Dudhsagar Falls

    South Goa boasts of some of the most serene beaches that Goa has to offer. Colva Beach, Betalbatim Beach, and Palolem Beach are just some of the few options that you can explore. These beaches are less crowded and offer a peaceful atmosphere to unwind with your family. Take a stroll along the coastline, enjoy some delicious Goan food, or indulge in water sports.

  • Day 4: Basilica of Bom Jesus
    1 hour (36 km) from South Goa Beaches

    The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Goa. The architecture reflects Baroque style design and is a perfect example of Portuguese influence in Goa. You can witness the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, enjoy the beautiful paintings and artwork, and take a guided tour of the church.

  • Day 5: Anjuna Flea Market
    1 hour (20 km) from Basilica of Bom Jesus

    Located in North Goa, Anjuna Flea Market is an open-air market that is famous for its hippie culture and vibrant atmosphere. You can find everything here from handicrafts, clothes, accessories, to souvenirs. Enjoy some live music, try some authentic Goan food, and shop for some amazing trinkets.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Calangute Beach (half-day, free)
  • Dudhsagar Falls (full-day, INR 400 per person)
  • South Goa Beaches (full-day, free)
  • Basilica of Bom Jesus (2-3 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Anjuna Flea Market (half-day, free entry)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 450 per person

Transportation

During your trip to Goa, you can hire a taxi or car on a self-drive basis. Public transport is also available but not recommended if traveling with family. The costs for taxi services start from INR 1000 per day, and self-drive cars are available on rent starting from INR 800 per day. The travel time between locations varies from 1-2 hours approximately.

Useful Tips

If you have more than 5 days, you can explore the Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. If you have less time, you can skip Dudhsagar Falls or Anjuna Flea Market. It's best to avoid the monsoon season (June to September) as many places remain closed, and water sports are not advisable. Make sure you keep sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses handy during your trip.

Airports

Goa International Airport (GOI) is located in Dabolim, approximately 29 km from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. The airport is well-connected with most of the major cities in India and overseas. It will take around 1 hour to reach Calangute Beach from the airport.

0