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Day-wise 5-night / 6-day Goa itinerary for 2 adults + 2 children (12 years) — travel dates 22 Mar to 27 Mar.
Day 1 — 22 Mar: Arrival & North Goa intro
- Arrive Goa (Dabolim Airport / Madgaon / railway). Transfer to North Goa hotel (Baga/Calangute/Ashwem options). Check-in & relax.
- Afternoon: Calangute Beach (swimming, sand play). Evening: Baga Beach for sunset and street stalls.
- Dinner at a family-friendly beach shack (seafood + kids menu).
- Tip: Carry sunscreen, hats, bottled water.
Day 2 — 23 Mar: North Goa highlights & water sports
- Morning: Aguada Fort & Lighthouse (views, photo ops).
- Mid-morning: Sinquerim / Candolim Beach — book water sports (banana boat, parasailing, jet-ski) suitable for kids.
- Lunch at Candolim/Caferesort.
- Afternoon: Fort Aguada prison museum or relax at hotel pool.
- Evening: Saturday Night Market (if Saturday) or Tito’s Lane (family sections) for dining.
- Tip: Pre-book water sports; supervise kids closely.
Day 3 — 24 Mar: Panaji & Old Goa cultural day
- Morning: Drive to Panaji. Walk the Latin Quarter (Fontainhas) — colorful houses and cafes.
- Boat cruise on Mandovi River (1–1.5 hrs) — dolphins sometimes sighted; choose family cruise with live music.
- Lunch in Panaji (local Goan cuisine and kids’ options).
- Afternoon: Old Goa churches — Basilica of Bom Jesus & Se Cathedral (short visits, low walking effort).
- Evening: Return to hotel; light beach stroll.
- Tip: Churches have dress codes (shoulders/knees covered).
Day 4 — 25 Mar: South Goa beaches & relaxation
- Check out and transfer to South Goa (Colva/Palolem/Agonda area) after breakfast.
- Midday: Colva or Benaulim Beach for calm waters and shallow swimming suited for children.
- Lunch at a beach café.
- Afternoon: Relax at hotel or opt for a short dolphin-spotting cruise from Palolem (if staying farther south).
- Evening: Quiet beach sunset; bonfire/dinner at a beach shack (seasonal).
- Tip: South Goa is more relaxed — good for families wanting quieter nights.
Day 5 — 26 Mar: Adventure & sightseeing (South Goa)
- Morning: Cabo De Rama Fort (views, easy short treks) or a nature walk in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (if family enjoys light nature trails).
- Midday: Palolem Beach — kayaking, paddle-boarding or simply beach time.
- Lunch at Palolem.
- Afternoon: Visit Butterfly Beach (boat trip) or relax.
- Evening: Final special family dinner at a recommended seaside restaurant.
- Tip: Boat trips depend on sea conditions; confirm weather.
Day 6 — 27 Mar: Departure day
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast and last-minute shopping (local handicrafts, spices, cashews).
- Check-out and transfer to airport/railway for departure.
- Tip: Allow 3 hours for airport transfer and security for flights.
Practical details & travel tips
- Accommodation: Split stay — 3 nights North Goa + 2 nights South Goa minimizes daily travel and shows both vibes.
- Transport: Rent a private car with driver for full trip or self-drive (cars/scooters). For family comfort, car with A/C recommended.
- Bookings: Reserve hotels, water-sport slots, river cruise, and any internal transfers in advance for March (peak season).
- Packing: Sunscreen, hats, swimwear, light cotton clothes, quick-dry towels, basic first-aid, motion-sickness meds for boat rides.
- Safety: Supervise children during water activities, follow lifeguard instructions, avoid strong currents.
- Budgeting: Include accommodations, inter-city transfers, activities (water-sports, cruises), meals, and small shopping budget.
Suggested sample hotel areas
- North Goa: Calangute/Baga/Candolim (family-friendly, activities nearby).
- Panaji: Good for one-night central stay if preferred.
- South Goa: Colva/Palolem/Agonda (quiet, family-oriented).
Optional additions (if time/interest)
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls jeep + train combo (full day, requires early booking and can be strenuous).
- Spice plantation visit with traditional Goan lunch.
If you want, I can: provide hotel recommendations, estimate costs, pre-built activity bookings, or customize for mobility needs or budget constraints.