GO GOA!
The world comes and stays in Goa. Experience this lively, amazing, fun-filled coastal state of India. There is no specific itinerary for this state - You can make a 3 day plan and also a 30 day plan! The fun will be the same.
I have been to Goa multiple times. It is an annual get together destination for me and my friends! Yes, our plan for Goa never get cancelled ;) Since working professionals do not have much holidays, here is a quick guide to Goa!
How to Reach?
Airport: Panjim
Buses: Overnight buses from Mumbai, Indore, Pune and others
Recommended: Road Trip from Mumbai
Accomodation & Transport
Oyo, AirBnB are decent options
Booking.com for good deals
Location - Calangute/Baga
Transport - Rent a Scooter
Day 1
Calangute
You come to Goa for relaxation and probably some beer! Start your day with the bustling Calangute beach, located in North Goa. Grab yourself a bench and the beach shack would help you with chilled beer, omlettes, french toast and what not! A perfect start.
Once you are done with that, you can opt for some cool water sports!
This was the start of the day with friends!
Basilica of Bom Jesus
After a good time with the water sports, freshen up, grab your scooter and drive through the trees filled roads and breeze to the Old Goa town where you find the Basilica of Bom Jesus - where mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is kept.
Se Cathedral
Since you are in Old Goa right now, you cannot miss another Cathedral - Se Cathedral. It is for the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
SE Cathedral
Pic Credits: Google
After a hectic day, it is now time to chill at some local bar in the night. You may choose beach shacks with just the sound of sea, but I am saving that for you for the next day!
Day 2
Aguada Fort
Take out your scooter and start your day with some Portuguese history. Check out the Aguada Fort built in the 17th century and with a lighthouse. You can have some Instagram snaps and then head on to your next destination.
Chapora Fort
Yes, this is the Dil Chahta Hai fort where the iconic picture of the 3 friends was shot. Chapora has a lot of history as it changed many hands. In summers, it becomes difficult as there are too many stairs. Fort is always crowded, hence don't expect a similar pic to be shot! However, a must visit to catch a glimpse of these fort remains and an amazing view of the sea.
After a hectic Fort viewing, it is time to take some time off and get back to the sea. This time, a little less crowded beach.
Chapora Beach
Enjoy the white sand and serene atmosphere of the Chapora Beach, closer to the Chapora fort. Lie down under the sun and feel the cool waves running over you. Nothing is as relaxing as having a beer while the waves wash your feet!
Pic Credits: Google
Anjuna Beach
Its been quite a day and time to grab some good lunch at an amazing shack. Start your scooters and ride to the Anjuna Beach and reserve a table at the Curlies. Eat, Chill and relax.
It is also worthy to check out the Anjuna Flea Market where you can get T shirts, home decor, beach stuffs and much more cooler stuffs.
Recommended to see the beautiful sun set and then the amazing ambience at the Curlies.
Afterall, Goa is more about chilling with friends!
Pic Credits: MMT
Pic Credits: LBB
Day 3
2 days of beaches and not much of Scooter rides? Well, reserve this day for that.
Get up early, hop on your scooter and drive all the way from Calangute to Menzes Braganca House. About 1.5 hours of drive and along a scenic route, check out this historical Portuguese and well maintained place of the Braganca family.
Pic Credits: Goa Govt
Vasco Da Gama
After the beautiful house visit, get back to your scooter and head on to Vasco Da Gama. The city featured in many Bollywood movies, a Portuguese style reminder, is a great experience!
Visit the St. Andrew's Church and ride through this old city streets
Pic Credits: Trip Advisor
Pic Credits: Facebook
Night at the Baga Beach and Tito's Lane
It has been a long drive and you deserve a chill out break! Get back to Calangute, freshen up at your hotel and head to Tito's lane.
Tito's lane is a lane full of amazing bars which represent the nightlife of Goa. Have a drink, dance to some groovy hits and trance music and then move to the Baga beach.
You will find beach shacks decked up and lined together at the Baga. The whole atmosphere looks just wow! Spend the best of your time with friends and immerse yourself in the late night sound of the waves.
Pic Credits: Holidify
Pic Credits: Trip Advisor
Day 4
It's time for South Goa
Okay! So now you have already seen the bustling beaches of North Goa, Tito's lane and the nightlife, churches and forts. How about some peaceful, calm, beautiful and serene beaches? Yes, it is time for South Goa!
Start from your hotel (I would suggest to checkout and take a different hotel in South Goa) on a long drive that will take about 2 hours to reach to South Goa beaches. But you need not travel at a stretch.
Immaculate Conception Church
If you remember the Bollywood movie Josh, a very famous song "Mere Khayalo ki Malika", was shot at this beautiful and iconic church. It was built in 1541 overlooking the city of Panaji. Check out and click some amazing photographs.
Fontainhas
Visiting a Portuguese city and not getting the feel of Portugal? Let us take that worry away! Visit the narrow picturesque streets of Fontainhas. It is the mini Latin Quarter of Goa that has the influence of Portuguese style architecture. You cannot miss it!
Pic Credits: TravelandLeisure India
Pic Credits: Gnawmadic
Casino
The seaside waterfront of Panaji boasts of Casinos. If you want to have an experience or want to try out your luck in gambling, Casinos are the right choice for you.
You can also shop local items at the Panaji market.
Time to get back to your scooters and ride to the most amazing beaches.
Colva Beach
Colva is kind of the start of South Goa and you will be able to see the number of people going less as and when you move towards the southern part of the state. Colva offers you 2 things
Lunch at the famous "Mickey's" shack - Quite a famous beach shack in Goa, try some local delicious sea food cuisines. You can also find a good variety of vegetarian dishes.
White Sand- Just behind Mickey's, you can find a quite beach with white sand. Grab a beer from Mickey's and venture out in the sea. Click some good photos!
Cabo De Rama beach and fort
Ride through this scenic route from Colva to Cabo de Rama beach.
The scenic ride will make you take pauses in the trip just to click the best possible picture. Enjoy that moment and also check out the ruins of the Cabo de Rama fort.
Pic Credits: KnockSense
Cola Beach Lagoon
Not very far from Cabo de Rama, you have to visit this Lagoon. I think picture speaks louder than words, so here it is!
Palolem Beach
Probably the most famous beach in South Goa, Palolem is mostly occupied by foreigners who just want to have a relaxing time reading a book or playing a guitar under the sun! There are some cool beach shacks with amazing snack items.
You can spend the rest of the day here and have a gala time!
Day 5
Dabolim and then airport
Last day at Goa and you have your flight/train/bus today. Have a sumptuous breakfast at Palolem and get ride all the way to Dabolim. Ofcourse, you may have to adjust this with your scooter provider if you could drop it at Panaji itself.
Spend the rest of your day at Dabolim market, buy some local Goan things like Bebinca (Sweet) and Goan Feni. Remember that you can only carry upto 2 liquor bottles from Goa to any other state. If you are going by transport other than flight, then I would suggest not to take any.
Once done, head on to the airport and go back home with fully refreshed and rejuvenated.