5 Days in Goa: The Perfect Itinerary

Goa is one of India's most distinctive and picturesque destinations. If you intend on coming, there are plenty of things to do, but traveling around is not straightforward (unless you have your vehicle). As a result, deciding what to prioritize and what to skip when it is time to spend your five days in Goa might be tricky - but don't worry! We have planned an itinerary that will allow you to make the most of your time and get the most bangs for your buck without compromising pleasure or leisure.

How to get to Goa?

Road- The instructions will differ depending on where you are traveling from in India. The AH47 road from Mumbai to North Goa is quite scenic and takes around 10 hours and 32 minutes (578.8 kilometers).

Bus- Several commercial transport routes run daily to and from major centers such as Margao, Panaji, or both.

Train- The Konkan Railway is the primary railroad line that runs across the state. There are around 41 trains from Mumbai.

Air- Flying to Goa is a simple process. Goa has only one airport, located at Dabolim, which is about in the center of the state. You can take a regular cab or book a cab with Goa Miles from Dabolim Airport. 

Day 1 – Old Goa/Panjim

Begin your first day by touring Old Goa, one of India's most popular tourist destinations. Old Goa is a popular tourist site recognized for its Portuguese history and architecture. You may visit the numerous churches and temples or take a riverboat cruise. You can even go on a safari if you're feeling daring! After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Old Goa's many eateries or cafés.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

• This is one of Goa's largest and most visited churches. It is, in reality, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its unplastered façade is distinctively appealing.
• It houses St. Francis Xaviers' human remnants.
• The church is free to enter. However, the site is quite packed on weekends and during peak tourist season. Expect large lineups and a 20-30 minute waiting for admittance.

Se Cathedral

• This Church is located just across from the Basilica. This Gothic structure is beautiful.
• The Church is well-known for its Miracle Cross.

Church of St Francis of Assisi

• This church is direct across the street from the Se Cathedral. It was constructed to commemorate Afonso de Albuquerque's success over the Muslim forces.
• In truth, the road going to the Church is also incredibly attractive, and it is one of the ideal sites to take a photo of all of the churches and cathedrals.
• There is also an archaeological gallery that is open every day of the week. (9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.)
• On Sunday, the church is closed to visitors.
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Mangueshi temple

• After seeing the Christian side of Goa, it's time to see the Mangueshi temple.
• For many years, the Mangueshi temple has been an important center of devotion in Goa. The Gaud Saraswats (the congregation that worships Goddess Mangueshi) relocated the temple to its current site in the 16th century to preserve this from the Portuguese invasion.
• The temple has been refurbished several times and not just looks nice, yet also emanates a peaceful aura.

Miramar/Dona Paula

Make your way to Miramar Beach from Dona Paula. One of the richest residents in Goa lives in Miramar and Dona Paula, and you will see the differences in the larger alleys and tree-canopied roadways. Enjoy the sounds and sights before heading to Ritz Traditional for a substantial meal. You must try their genuine and drool-worthy seafood thali. Just thinking about it makes me desire it!

Day 2 - Visit North Goa

North Goa offers a vibrant nightlife, fantastic flea markets, and significant architectural sites in addition to its beautiful beaches. Because Calangute and Baga beaches are usually busy, Mandrem, Aswem, and Morjim are far superior possibilities. Visit the beaches of Sinquerim and Candolim if you enjoy water sports. The two most notable architectural sites are Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort, both of which are near Candolim and Vagator beaches. If you arrive on a Wednesday, make your way to Anjuna Beach's famed Wednesday market. At night, you may either go to one of North Goa's numerous wonderful bars or try your luck at Casino Palms in Calangute.

Breakfast/brunch at a charming café

• Cafés with attractive décor and a delicious breakfast menu abound in touristic North Goa. My favorite cafés include:
• Jaws Bakery: A low-cost bakery that serves freshly baked bread, pastries, and other pastries.
• Café Chocolate has plenty of outdoor space, wonderful frothy coffee, and a terrific English Breakfast.
• Café Arjuna: Artistic atmosphere, delicious cuisine

Go to Fort Aguada.

In the heart of North Goa sits the largest fort in Goa and Asia's largest freshwater reserve. This is a must-see on a 5-day vacation to Goa. It is near to Candolim and has beautiful views. But, well, it's generally packed and not attractive. Nonetheless, it is an excellent starting place for your Goa journey.

Take a boat trip on the Nerul River.

Goa is well-known for its beaches, but it also features several rivers that flow close to the shore. A boat trip down the Nerul River is a terrific way to see dolphins, swim about in the cool river water, and take photos of Goa's coastal splendor.

Visit a seafood restaurant.

Seafood, especially Konkani seafood, is to die for! (Although I am a vegetarian, I saw my husband Akshay grow enthusiastic about seafood in Goa months before our vacation!) Some restaurants that provide fresh, tasty, and flavorful fish include:

Vinayak: The seafood thali completely satisfies your cravings, especially when you're starving and want everything delicious on your platter.

The Lazy Goose: Located directly beneath the Nerul Bridge, this restaurant provides fascinating views of the river as well as the opportunity to indulge in the greatest seafood.

Visit the well-known Siolim Church.

St. Anthony's Church is beautiful in Siolim near the Chapora River. It is not a popular tourist destination, yet it is worth seeing for its architectural splendor.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

The greatest sites to see the sunset in North Goa's tourism area are:

• Morgan's Place Café/Café Purple Martini: If you'd like to drink your favorite beverage while viewing the changing colors of the sky, hanging out at any of these cafés will satisfy your dream better than anything else in Goa. Purple Martini is always very packed, and the balcony views are not cheap. If you want spectacular views without hosting, Morgan's Place is the place to go.
• Chapora fort: For the greatest sunset views, head to this fort, popularly known as the Dil Chahta Hai fort. To acquire a decent spot on the wall, climb to the top at least 30 minutes before sunset. In addition, viewing the Chapora fort requires some climbing. So make your plans appropriately.

A nightclub is a great place to have a good time.

The top clubs in North Goa are Hammerzz, Titos, SinQ, and others. If you enjoy partying, come here!

Day 3- Discover Goa's unique side.

Choose an outdoor activity that allows you to experience more of what Goa has to offer besides its beautiful beaches on the third day of your holiday. At the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, you may go on an open vehicle safari and see elephants, Indian gaurs, and a variety of bird animals. Another excellent choice is to go kayaking and experience the peace and tranquillity of Goa's rivers, which are bordered by beautiful green woods. You may also go on a crocodile excursion in the Cumbharjua Canals' marshy mangroves or a dolphin viewing cruise.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary: 

The green forest and diverse nature make this Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary a wildlife lover's heaven. This wildlife sanctuary is a nature reserve in Goa and is located in the North Goa district. If you enjoy birds, you should pay a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa's sole bird sanctuary.

Kayaking and Cruising: 

Go kayaking in Goa to discover the less-touristy Goan backwaters.

Spice Plantations: 

Get in touch with nature while inhaling the scent of fresh spices! While there are other plantation farms, our favorite is Sahakari Spice Farms, one of the most popular attractions and a one-of-a-kind location where tourists may bathe with elephants!

Crocodile viewing tour: 

Jump on a boat and go crocodile watching at Camburjua, one of the most unusual things to do in Goa. The Camburjua canal joins Goa's two major rivers, the Mandovi and the Zuari.

Divar Island: 

Separated from the main island and encircled by the Mandovi River, this location is accessible via ferry from Old Goa. With its marshy seas, tiny pathways, and lack of tourists, this island is a good option for anyone searching for peace in Goa. Whilst we understand that there is not much to do here, we suggest it if you want to experience the feel of rural Goa, see birds you've probably never experienced before, and stay in traditional Portuguese villas!

Day 4: South Goa Attractions

Begin your day in the south by seeing some of the most popular tourist destinations in South Goa.

Museum of Naval Aviation

Remember, this is Asia's only naval museum! This is also one of India's only two military museums. If you like planes, you're in luck because the naval museum has 13 of them. Plus, the museum is built to resemble the inside of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, which is quite interesting.

Ancestral Goa/Big Foot

• The Big Foot and the Ancestral Portuguese House are immediately next doors to one other.
• The first is a replica of a traditional Goan village. There are life-sized sculptures of fishermen, rice farmers, and other people. There is also a statue of Mirabai (record-holder for being carved from a single stone).
• I believe the location is ideal for educating youngsters and international visitors about Goa's history and traditional country life.
• The Ancestral Portuguese House - Casa Araujo Alvares - sits just adjacent to the Big Foot. It is the 250-year-old home of a well-known lawyer.
• A 20-minute guided tour takes you through the house's numerous rooms. A fantastic method to relive life as it was two centuries ago!
• The mansion has also been featured in the Bollywood film Singham.

Benaulim Beach/Colva Beach

End your South Goa sightseeing tour with a visit to Colva Beach or Benaulim Beach.

Benaulim beach

• Some of the greatest coastal shacks in South Goa may be found on Benaulim Beach. Roger's and Rafael's are particularly well-known. After sunset, you may even have a peaceful, romantic candlelight meal here.
• Before dusk, you may enjoy various watersports activities here.
• Even though both Indians and tourists enjoy this beach, it is generally less busy than Colva.

Colva beach

• It is more congested and draws a large number of Indian tourists.
• There are several ice cream booths outdoors.
• Its white sand is ideal for family outings or just people-watching.

Day 5: South Goa beaches

South Goa's beaches are more picturesque and less busy than those in North Goa. They're a terrific way to get away from the tourist traps of the north. Visit a handful of the beaches on the list below today:

Majorda Beach Goa

This beach is 11 kilometers north of Margao and is a popular tourist destination. Martin's Corner is near the beach, so you know where to go when you've been tanned. The presence of numerous bakeries here allows folks to experience some bread baking as well. Mae De Deus Temple is well worth a visit.

Varca Beach Goa

This serene beach in South Goa is known for its golden sand and clear blue sea. This is the spot to go if you're looking for some great resorts amid peace. This is one of South Goa's greatest beaches for spending quality time with your loved one. In addition, the Goan cuisine offered here is out of this world!

Agonda Beach Goa

This beach is located in Goa's southernmost region. Many of its seaside shacks were devastated by Cyclone Nisarga in 2020. However, without an army of seaside houses and eateries, the beach seems even more beautiful today. The palm palms that line the coast add to its allure. It's peaceful, and desolate, and captures the essence of raw Goa - Goa without visitors.