5-Day Goa Itinerary for Shoestring Budget Travelers

  • Day 1: South Goa Beaches
    Estimated time from previous location – 1 hour (30 km)

    Start your trip by exploring the beautiful beaches of South Goa such as Palolem, Agonda, and Cola Beach. These beaches are less crowded and offer a tranquil atmosphere for you to relax and soak up the sun.

  • Day 2: Old Goa & Fontainhas
    Estimated time from previous location – 40 minutes (20 km)

    Visit Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its famous churches and cathedrals like Basilica Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. After that, head to the Fontainhas area in Panjim to see the beautiful Portuguese-style houses and colorful alleys.

  • Day 3: Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Spice Plantations
    Estimated time from previous location – 2 hours (65 km)

    Experience the beauty of nature by visiting the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. After that, explore the spice plantations where you can learn about various local spices and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch.

  • Day 4: North Goa Beaches
    Estimated time from previous location – 1 hour (30 km)

    Visit the famous beaches of North Goa such as Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna. These beaches are popular for water sports, nightlife, and shacks serving delicious seafood. You can also explore the nearby Fort Aguada.

  • Day 5: Divar Island and Goa Chitra Museum
    Estimated time from previous location – 40 minutes (20 km)

    Take a ferry to the peaceful Divar Island and explore its beautiful churches and paddy fields. After that, visit the Goa Chitra Museum to learn about the traditional Goan way of life, folk art, and handicrafts.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Palolem Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Basilica Bom Jesus (1 hour, free)
  • Dudhsagar Waterfalls (4-5 hours, INR 400 per person)
  • Baga Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Divar Island (3-4 hours, INR 50 per person for ferry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 450 (excluding meals and accommodation)

Transportation

Travelers can easily move around Goa by renting a scooter or a bike for INR 200-500 per day. Local buses are also available at INR 10-20 per trip. Taxis are expensive and should be avoided for budget trips.

Useful Tips

Add an extra day to your itinerary to visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary or the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. You can also extend your trip to neighboring states like Maharashtra or Karnataka for a more comprehensive experience. If you have less time, prioritize Old Goa, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and the North Goa beaches for a quick trip.

Airports

Dabolim Airport (GOI) is the primary airport serving Goa. It is located in Dabolim, around 29 km from Panaji, and is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad.

0