Affordable Adventure in Goa: A Shoestring Budget Rail Trip with Local Flavours

Day 1: Explore Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama, Goa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Alchemia

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Alchemia, known for its budget-friendly and delicious Goan prawn curry and rice.
Walk to the café, which is located just 15 minutes from the railway station.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mormugao Fort

After breakfast, head to Mormugao Fort which offers breathtaking views of the sea and Vasco Bay, a perfect spot for some photo opportunities.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the café to the fort, a short ride of about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Bogmalo Beach

Spend some time unwinding at Bogmalo Beach, a tranquil beach away from the crowd, ideal for soaking up the sun.
Grab an auto-rickshaw for a 20-minute ride to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fish Thali

Savour a local fish thali at Fish Thali, a popular budget eatery where you can delight in Goan flavours.
Take a local bus back to Vasco for lunch, around 30 minutes.
INR200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Train to Panaji

Hop on a train to Panaji for an afternoon of exploration, as the scenic ride will enhance your travel experience.
Board the train at Vasco da Gama railway station.
INR50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Panjim’s Latin Quarter

Wander the charming streets of Fontainhas in Panjim, known for its vibrant Portuguese-style houses and art galleries.
Walk around the Latin Quarter after disembarking in Panaji.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Dona Paula

Catch a stunning sunset at Dona Paula Beach, a romantic spot perfect for reflection after your day filled with exploration.
Take a local bus to Dona Paula, which takes about 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner and Cheap Drinks at Venite

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Venite, where you can try Goan dishes and enjoy their affordable cocktails and local brews to get the true taste of Goa.
Return to the Panaji area via bus, about 30 minutes.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Delve into Margao

Margao, Goa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Tato

Start your day with a filling breakfast of poha and masala chai at the popular Café Tato, loved by locals.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
INR100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Margao Market

Visit the bustling Margao Market, where you can find an array of local produce, spices, and souvenirs.
Take a local bus to the market, about 15 minutes.
Free for browsing, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Church of Holy Spirit

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Church of Holy Spirit, an iconic example of Goa's colonial past.
Walk from the market to the church, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Aunty Maria's

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch of traditional Goan sarapatel at Aunty Maria’s, renowned for its flavourful home-cooked meals.
Take a local bus from the church to the restaurant, around 20 minutes.
INR150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Time at Colva Beach

Make your way to Colva Beach to relax on the white sands and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Catch a local bus to Colva Beach, 30 minutes away.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Margao

Head back to Margao to explore the town some more before your departure.
Take a local bus back to Margao.
INR30, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Explore Municipal Garden

Take a leisurely stroll through the Municipal Garden, featuring beautiful greenery and tranquil ponds.
Walk to the garden from the bus stop, about 10 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner and Drinks at Hotel Guruprasad

Savour a budget-friendly dinner of Goan fish fry with rice at Hotel Guruprasad, and enjoy a toast with their cheap local beers to cap off your day.
Walk to the hotel for dinner, just a 10-minute walk.
INR250, 1 hour
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