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Day-wise 5N/6D Goa family itinerary (22 Mar–27 Mar) for 2 adults + 2 children (12 yrs)
Day 1 — 22 Mar: Arrival & North Goa intro
- Arrival at Goa (Dabolim) / entry by road. Transfer to North Goa hotel (Calangute/Baga/Anjuna area). Check-in and rest.
- Evening: Visit Calangute/Baga Beach for stroll, local snacks (feni, seafood) and sunset.
- Dinner at a family-friendly beach shack.
Day 2 — 23 Mar: North Goa highlights & water sports
- Morning: Water sports at Calangute/Baga (banana boat, parasailing, jet-ski) — book age-appropriate activities for kids.
- Late morning: Head to Fort Aguada and the lighthouse (photo ops, views).
- Lunch: Fort-area or Sinquerim beach shack.
- Afternoon: Explore Candolim Beach (relax) then visit the Saturday Night Market (if it’s weekend) or explore Anjuna Flea Market (timing dependent).
- Evening: Optional dolphin-spotting boat trip (short cruise) from Sinquerim/Baga.
Day 3 — 24 Mar: Old Goa & Panjim culture
- Morning: Check out and drive to Old Goa (UNESCO-era churches).
- Basilica of Bom Jesus (St. Francis Xavier relics)
- Se Cathedral
- Church of St. Cajetan
- Lunch in Panjim (try Goan fish curry/vegetarian options).
- Afternoon: Panjim city walk, Fontainhas (Latin quarter) for colorful Portuguese houses and cafes; photo walk.
- Evening: Mandovi River cruise with live music/dinner (book in advance). Overnight in Panjim or South Goa transfer depending on preference.
Day 4 — 25 Mar: South Goa beaches & relaxation
- Morning: Drive to South Goa (Colva, Benaulim, Palolem depending on choice).
- Visit Colva or Benaulim Beach for quieter family time; build sandcastles, swim under supervision.
- Lunch at a beachside restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit Cabo De Rama Fort (scenic, short walk) or Palolem for a relaxed bay and kayaks.
- Evening: Beachside dinner; enjoy calm nightlife or early night for kids.
Day 5 — 26 Mar: Adventure & Wildlife or Spice Plantation
Option A — Dudhsagar & Spice Plantation (full day):
- Early morning drive to Dudhsagar Waterfalls (jeep safari from Mollem or train view) — spectacular waterfall; consider family fitness and safety for kids.
- Post-Dudhsagar: Visit a spice plantation for lunch and a guided tour (coconut, spices, medicinal plants).
- Return to hotel; relax evening.
Option B — South Goa leisure day (if you prefer no long drives):
- Boat/kayak at Palolem, butterfly island trip, or visit Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (guided short trails).
Day 6 — 27 Mar: Departure (wrap-up)
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast, last-minute shopping in Panjim/Calangute for souvenirs (cashews, spices, linens).
- Check-out and transfer to Dabolim Airport or railway station for departure.
Practical details & tips
- Accommodation: Choose family rooms or adjoining rooms in Calangute/Baga for North or Colva/Palolem for South. Book early for March.
- Transport: Private car with driver for full itinerary (recommended for comfort and family convenience); approximately 6–8 hours total day drives on some days.
- Food: Goan cuisine can be spicy; ask for kid-friendly options. Drink bottled water only.
- Health & safety: Sunscreen, hats, flip-flops, mosquito repellent, basic first-aid. Supervise kids during water activities.
- Bookings: Pre-book dolphin trips, Dudhsagar jeep safaris, Mandovi cruise, and water sports to avoid last-minute disappointment in March high season.
- Weather: March is warm and mostly dry; daytime 28–33°C, evenings pleasant.
Suggested packing list
- Light cotton clothes, swimsuits, swimwear cover-ups
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats
- Comfortable walking shoes and water shoes
- Copies of IDs, travel insurance, kid medications
Contact & bookings
- Ask your travel agent or hotel concierge to pre-book activities and arrange child-safety life jackets for water sports. If you want, I can build a customizable package with hotel and cost estimates for this family—tell me preferred hotel standard (budget / mid / luxury) and arrival method (flight / drive).