The best itineraries for any number of days in Goa
We all know it: You've taken a sick leave to have a weekend off in Goa. You really needed that time off. However, you could not get more than 2 days time for leisure. You are all anxious to make it a memorable trip but haven't got any plans/itinerary in place. You try to look it up on google and come across this post. Well, look no further because you're at the right place. What makes this travel plan special? The answer would be that I was born in Goa and know of every nook and corner, every ecstatic place the paradise has to offer and every famous and underrated places. Without further ado, let's get down to it:
I would prefer you to stay in the North side. The north side has loads of forts, famous beaches and much more exciting events.
A 2-day Itinerary
If you're the kind of person who's coming with his/her family and prefer more of the tranquillity than simply carousing, then this one's for you.I would prefer you to stay in the North side. The north side has loads of forts, famous beaches and much more exciting events.
Day one:
Depending on your arrival time, if you arrive by night, you got the whole night to relax yourself. Any which ways, let's say you wake up at 9. You either start your day with breakfast at your resort or at a fancy cafe nearby. You have bay leaf cafe that gives good burgers in Miramar or Kamat vegetarian restaurants for samosas and dosas.
Once you're all set to start your travelling, head to Fort Aguada. This heritage site offers a picturesque view of the ocean horizon as it rests on a hilltop. There is always a large crowd of admirers at this famous fort in Candolim.
The usual time for visiting is around 2 hours, considering there's plenty to see on this hill. You will be constantly clicking photos every now and then for posting on your social media.
It'll probably be mid-day by the time you check out the whole place. I suggest you to head to Calangute beach for having your lunch. Calangute has one of the best restaurants. You will be spoilt for choices. Once you're done with your meals, you can take a sunbath on either Calangute, Candolim, Baga or Anjuna beach.
If you don't want to spend much time on the sea shores, then you can head to . Finally, call it a day with either of the pubs in the Tito's lane, if you're interested. All of them are equally good and jam packed.
If you're in Goa on the Saturday, head to Mickey's night market in Arpora, Baga. (P.s it is only put on the Saturdays, no other day of the week and starts off in the evening) It has music, crafts, food, dance and so much more. Or have a candle-lit dinner on the beach. The cool wind will take away all the tiredness of the day.
Day 2:
Let's go down South, shall we? We have only a day and so many places to cover up. Now that you had a good night's rest, or probably regretting the hangover, try to start off this day early simply because you have a lot of distance to cover up. Depending on your choice of restaurants again, put on your GPS for Old Goa.
Why Old Goa? Because it has the rich history of Goa. It was the capital of Goa during the Portuguese colonisation period. With about more than 40 chapels and churches that have withstood for centuries, you will be surprised with its amazing history of world heritage sites. You will find the relics of patron Saint of Goa, St.Francis Xavier in Bom Jesus Basilica Church. If you come to this church during Mid November, you will be shocked to see the number of pilgrims from all over the world, tourists and Indians alike. There is also a huge fair erected outside the church premise offering regreshments, sweets, sausages, toys and games.
It will take you probably 3-4 hours to check out the whole place. There is Bom Jesus containing the undegraded body of St. Francis Xavier, then you got one of Asia's biggest churches, Se Cathedral, sitting right besides the Basilica. It has somewhere around 13 altars, if I'm not mistaken, each beautifully crafted. And just like Bom Jesus Basilica, this church too holds a powerful tool for miracles, The Miraculous Cross. It is said that this cross keeps growing. If you're curious to know more, you could read it here. Also Old Goa has the famous St.Augustine tower where many film shoots take place. You also have the oldest church of Goa, where Albuquerque took his vows. Read the article from Wikipedia to know more.
Once you're done admiring the architectural beauty of Old Goa, you can make a stop in Margao for lunch, which you'll reach around 2 p.m. There you got some of the best restaurants offering Fish Thali, biryani and much more. I suggest you to try the rooftop restaurant which is right in the center of Margao, near the Margao circle. Otherwise, you could drive a few more miles towards Betalbatim and munch on the food from Sachin Tendulkar's favorite restaurant, Martin's corner. There are so many to name. Or you could travel a little more down south to the famous restaurant among the locals, Starlight or Joe's River Cove in Assolna. Both these restaurants rest on the river bed and have an amazing view.
Once you've got your lunch covered which will take about an hour, make it more down south towards Canaguinim. These stretch ghat region is the best for a long drive with lot of breathtaking views of the ocean. You can make a stop at Canaguinim plateau, after Betul for a relaxing evening or move further South to Agonda or Palolem. It's about a 3 hour drive from Margao to Palolem. You'll probably be at one of these places to witness the sunset, which is beautiful, considering the height and the surroundings.
If you still got time, even after that, which I'm sure you won't, call it a day or head to your station keeping a 2 hour travel time in mind from these places. Going back all the way to the North is not an option because of the traffic and travel distance, so make one day stay in North (Panjim) and one day in South( if you're not leaving the same night)
Trust me! This is the best 2 day schedule you could possibly have, especially when it comes from a Goans perspective! It contains the jist of adventure, travel, food and other essential ingredients of a perfect holiday.
Depending on your arrival time, if you arrive by night, you got the whole night to relax yourself. Any which ways, let's say you wake up at 9. You either start your day with breakfast at your resort or at a fancy cafe nearby. You have bay leaf cafe that gives good burgers in Miramar or Kamat vegetarian restaurants for samosas and dosas.
Once you're all set to start your travelling, head to Fort Aguada. This heritage site offers a picturesque view of the ocean horizon as it rests on a hilltop. There is always a large crowd of admirers at this famous fort in Candolim.
The usual time for visiting is around 2 hours, considering there's plenty to see on this hill. You will be constantly clicking photos every now and then for posting on your social media.
It'll probably be mid-day by the time you check out the whole place. I suggest you to head to Calangute beach for having your lunch. Calangute has one of the best restaurants. You will be spoilt for choices. Once you're done with your meals, you can take a sunbath on either Calangute, Candolim, Baga or Anjuna beach.
If you don't want to spend much time on the sea shores, then you can head to . Finally, call it a day with either of the pubs in the Tito's lane, if you're interested. All of them are equally good and jam packed.
If you're in Goa on the Saturday, head to Mickey's night market in Arpora, Baga. (P.s it is only put on the Saturdays, no other day of the week and starts off in the evening) It has music, crafts, food, dance and so much more. Or have a candle-lit dinner on the beach. The cool wind will take away all the tiredness of the day.
Day 2:
Let's go down South, shall we? We have only a day and so many places to cover up. Now that you had a good night's rest, or probably regretting the hangover, try to start off this day early simply because you have a lot of distance to cover up. Depending on your choice of restaurants again, put on your GPS for Old Goa.
 |
| Bom Jesus Basilica: the church that preserves the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier |
It will take you probably 3-4 hours to check out the whole place. There is Bom Jesus containing the undegraded body of St. Francis Xavier, then you got one of Asia's biggest churches, Se Cathedral, sitting right besides the Basilica. It has somewhere around 13 altars, if I'm not mistaken, each beautifully crafted. And just like Bom Jesus Basilica, this church too holds a powerful tool for miracles, The Miraculous Cross. It is said that this cross keeps growing. If you're curious to know more, you could read it here. Also Old Goa has the famous St.Augustine tower where many film shoots take place. You also have the oldest church of Goa, where Albuquerque took his vows. Read the article from Wikipedia to know more.
Once you're done admiring the architectural beauty of Old Goa, you can make a stop in Margao for lunch, which you'll reach around 2 p.m. There you got some of the best restaurants offering Fish Thali, biryani and much more. I suggest you to try the rooftop restaurant which is right in the center of Margao, near the Margao circle. Otherwise, you could drive a few more miles towards Betalbatim and munch on the food from Sachin Tendulkar's favorite restaurant, Martin's corner. There are so many to name. Or you could travel a little more down south to the famous restaurant among the locals, Starlight or Joe's River Cove in Assolna. Both these restaurants rest on the river bed and have an amazing view.
Once you've got your lunch covered which will take about an hour, make it more down south towards Canaguinim. These stretch ghat region is the best for a long drive with lot of breathtaking views of the ocean. You can make a stop at Canaguinim plateau, after Betul for a relaxing evening or move further South to Agonda or Palolem. It's about a 3 hour drive from Margao to Palolem. You'll probably be at one of these places to witness the sunset, which is beautiful, considering the height and the surroundings.
If you still got time, even after that, which I'm sure you won't, call it a day or head to your station keeping a 2 hour travel time in mind from these places. Going back all the way to the North is not an option because of the traffic and travel distance, so make one day stay in North (Panjim) and one day in South( if you're not leaving the same night)
Trust me! This is the best 2 day schedule you could possibly have, especially when it comes from a Goans perspective! It contains the jist of adventure, travel, food and other essential ingredients of a perfect holiday.
3-day itinerary
Now, moving with the 3 day Goa plan, you could either do the same 2 day plan or improvise, since you have more time to enjoy.
If you liked my two day plan, once you have enjoyed the sunset view from Palolem, stay for the night in the coco huts on the beach. Those huts look really tempting, I know. On your last day, you can either try out the water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and paragliding or set out to see the gigantic Dudhsagar waterfalls.
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| Dudhsagar falls in all its glory |
It is eastward and you will have to board a train from Margao, or if you prefer driving, hit the road as early as possible. It will probably take you around 2 n half hours, either way. They make a special stop at the Dudhsagar station if there are any passengers on board.
The most important part I would say, before making the schedule/plan is to put down your reason for visit. Let me give you an example, like I have heard you get very erotic, yet professional massages in Bangkok, but if I'm going there with my family, that's not what I would think to put in my itinerary right? You could think of doing it subtly, but it would just waste a lot of time. I hope you got my point.
If it's all rave and insomniac carousel, then opt for the North Goa. If it's the family time you want to enjoy, then mostly you'll prefer to stay in the south - travel convenience, more popular beaches and activity places.
If you liked this article so far, check out the best places for shopping in Goa now
You have a lot of options to choose from, when it comes to making it a big last day:
Well, this one, I gotta explain. So basically there is one island close to the Dabolim Airport, which the locals go to for enjoying white water fishing. It is said that the water there is so crystal clear, you can see the fish swimming in its deep waters. Also, you get a fantastic catch of fish (the humongous ones) due to its location in the deep waters. If you want to check out this remote land, you better hurry up because there are talks that the Air Force plans to acquire it due to security reasons.
If you want for a week, check out: best plan for one week vacation in Goa
If you have any questions or want recommendations or have your views to share, please post them down in the comments section.
The most important part I would say, before making the schedule/plan is to put down your reason for visit. Let me give you an example, like I have heard you get very erotic, yet professional massages in Bangkok, but if I'm going there with my family, that's not what I would think to put in my itinerary right? You could think of doing it subtly, but it would just waste a lot of time. I hope you got my point.
If it's all rave and insomniac carousel, then opt for the North Goa. If it's the family time you want to enjoy, then mostly you'll prefer to stay in the south - travel convenience, more popular beaches and activity places.
If you liked this article so far, check out the best places for shopping in Goa now
4-day itinerary
Now that you're relaxed and enjoying the sunny weather, I suggest you to take your travel experience a notch higher and travel to the least explored places. If you thought coming to Goa was enough to get away from the hassle, wait till you reach out to these places and find out that you got the whole area for yourself. Nothing is better than some lonely time.You have a lot of options to choose from, when it comes to making it a big last day:
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Butterfly beach:
This beach is between the famous Agonda and Palolem beach. It's a little hard to get there ( even with GPS - trust me, I've tried it) because there are higher chances of either feeling lost or ending up back in Agonda. The beach is magnificent. There are large rocks on the beach and surrounded by mountains on both sides, forming a beautiful closed private beach.
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Waterfalls:
Needless to explain, I have a whole page dedicated to waterfalls, springs and adrenaline sports. Click here (you will be redirected in an open window).
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Bat island:
Well, this one, I gotta explain. So basically there is one island close to the Dabolim Airport, which the locals go to for enjoying white water fishing. It is said that the water there is so crystal clear, you can see the fish swimming in its deep waters. Also, you get a fantastic catch of fish (the humongous ones) due to its location in the deep waters. If you want to check out this remote land, you better hurry up because there are talks that the Air Force plans to acquire it due to security reasons.If you want for a week, check out: best plan for one week vacation in Goa
If you have any questions or want recommendations or have your views to share, please post them down in the comments section.
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