Hey, guys welcome back to my new blog and this is Ayan. If you are planning to visit Goa and searching for the best way to explore it in a limited time, then this article is made just for you. Here the details about famous churches, hidden waterfalls, water sports activities and trending cafes in the beach. 

In this article, we will share the perfect Goa itinerary which is derived from our experiences. The itinerary is optimized to save your time, energy and money. If you are looking for the complete Goa package with the exact itinerary, then check the link below. You can just click on the link to claim the deal. Or if you want to customize it as per your needs then click on the Ask me button and fill out the form. 

Coming back to the topic, before we jump into our itinerary, let's answer 4 basic questions -

One of the biggest confusion that people have while planning a trip to Goa is whether to visit North Goa or South Goa?

Well, it completely depends on what are your expectations from Goa. North Goa is a happening place, it has a lot of pubs, activities and attractions. On the other hand, south Goa is less crowded, it's very calm and peaceful. 

Choosing for anyone is in fact very difficult, but if you are visiting Goa for the first time or if you love parties and nightlife or if you are with your family, especially with kids then North Goa would be the perfect option for you. If you have visited Goa before, you like calm places away from the crowd and want to explore hidden gems of Goa then South Goa would be the best option for you.

The next question is How many days are required to explore Goa? 

You see Goa is a small state, but there are many attractions you can visit in Goa. If you want to explore Goa thoroughly then you need at least one week. You can spend 4 days in North Goa and another 3 days in South Goa. If you have limited time then visit only one part of Goa, and next time you can visit the other side. I've designed this itinerary such that, it will be helpful whether you plan to visit only North Goa or only South Goa or both. 

Let's answer the important question where to stay in Goa?

You can easily find a lot of accommodation options throughout Goa for all budget categories. Since we will be exploring both North Goa and South Goa, you can book for 3 nights in North Goa and another 3 nights in South Goa. In north Goa, you can stay in Anjuna, Calangute, Baga or Vagator. All the attractions are convenient to reach from these places. And in south Goa then you can either stay in Palolem or close to Palolem like Patnem or Agonda.

The last question before we jump into the itinerary is - How to travel in Goa?

The best way to travel inside Goa is by either renting a two-wheeler, renting a four-wheeler or hiring a cab. Having a two-wheeler is the best and the cheapest way to travel around, but if you cannot explore on two-wheelers for any reason, then you can rent a car or go for a cab. Now that we have answered the basic questions, Let's jump into the detailed itinerary you can follow -

Day 1: Reach Goa in the morning.

If you are planning to rent a vehicle then that is the first thing to do as soon as you reach Goa. Rentals are easily available near the railway station, bus stand or airport. By renting vehicle here, you will save a lot of money on the cab for travelling to your hotel. But if you have a lot of luggage or not planning to rent a vehicle then you can hire a cab or an auto to reach your hotel. Alternatively you can also take a bus to reach your stay. If you are taking public transport then you may have to change a couple of buses to finally reach your destination.

Panjim Church + Old Goa churches + St Augustine's tower + Diwar Island + Our Lady of Piety Church

• Once you reach the stay, check in to your hotel and freshen up. Today, we will be explore the churches and also visit a casino in the evening. Casinos have a dress code for men, shorts and slippers are not allowed. Make sure you are wearing full pants and shoes for today.
• After a good breakfast drive towards Panjim, and visit the famous Panjim church. It does look amazing in photos. You can spend around half an hour here and click some good photos.
• After visiting Panjim church drive towards old Goa churches. There are so many churches within a walkable distance in this area. You will need at least one to two hours to visit all the places here.
• After visiting these churches you can have lunch in a nearby restaurant.
• After lunch, head towards st Augustine's tower. If you are into history and love visiting ruins then this is a great place.
• After spending around 15 to 20 minutes drive towards Diwar Island. To reach Diwar island you will have to hop onto a ferry. Visit the famous church here called Our Lady of Piety Church. Make sure to start riding back by 5 pm and return to the mainland.

Now you have to decide whether you want to visit a casino or not.

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Day 2: Get up early and get ready by 8 am.

Eva cafe + Arambol Beach + Arambol sweet water lake + Garden of Dreams + Chapora fort + Purple Martini

Dress up accordingly because we are going to visit beaches today. Remember to carry a towel and extra clothes since we will be getting into the water as well.

• Head to one of the most trending places called Eva cafe for the breakfast. It has got stunning decor and breathtaking views, It's a perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Although the menu has delicious options, be mindful that it is a bit pricier.
• After finishing your breakfast, ride towards Arambol Beach. Once you reach the beach, start walking towards Arambol sweet water lake. It's a 1.5 km walk and should take 15 to 20 minutes. After reaching Arambol sweet water lake, you can take a refreshing swim in the lake and chill out for some time.
• Spend around one to two hours at this place and then start walking back to Arambol beach. There are hundreds of shacks on this beach, if you want to spend some more time here, then you can sit at any shack and have your lunch while enjoying the beach vibes.
• If not then head to a restaurant called Garden of Dreams for lunch. This place has vibes exactly like that of Bali.
• After a good lunch, you can either visit Chapora fort or Anjuna Beach. If you want to do shopping then visit Anjuna beach, otherwise, you can visit Chapora fort.
• After visiting either Chapora fort or Anjuna beach drive towards Ozran beach for the sunset.

OR

• You can also visit Vagator beach for sunset. Watch the mesmerizing sunset and head back to your stay.
• The day is not over yet. Freshen up and change to party wear because we are going to visit a nightclub tonight. Places like Anjuna, Baga and Calangute are filled with so many clubs. You can visit Titos Lane or Calangute beach or Baga Beach for partying. If you are staying in Anjuna then visit Purple Martini.

After the party, you can come back to your stay and sleep.

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Jet ski + Banana ride + Parasailing + Parra Road + Houses of Goa museum + Fontainhas + Charao Island

You may be having a hangover from the previous night but still, try to wake up early. No need to bathe as we are going for the water sports activities today. Wear something comfortable, and make sure not to carry any valuable items or bags. Otherwise, you will have to deposit them in lockers while doing water sports activities and they charge insane amount for lockers. Visit Anjuna cafe for the breakfast.

• After breakfast head towards Anjuna beach, Baga beach or Calangute beach for water sports activities. Go for the complete package that includes around 5 rides. Jet ski, Banana ride, Boat ride, Bumper ride and Parasailing.
• After enjoying the water sports, head back to your stay and freshen up. Because we are going to click a lot of photos today, wear something colorful and vibrant.
• The first photo spot for the day is going to be Parra Road. You can click some good photos here or shoot some reels for Instagram.
• After a small photoshoot, you can start riding towards the Houses of Goa museum. This museum is small yet very photogenic. You can click some good photos and learn a little about Goa's history and architecture.
• The last spot for the day is the Fontainhas. It is called the Latin quarter and is famous for its colourful houses built in Indo-Portugal architecture. You can park your vehicle and start walking to find the best spot to click the photos. If you are feeling hungry then don't miss this bakery called Confeteria 31 Janeiro. They serve some delicious bakery items.
• If you have time then visit Charao Island in the evening.

If you are not interested in photos then there is an alternate plan for you. You can visit Harvelam waterfalls, especially if you are visiting in monsoon and post-monsoon.

• After lunch, start driving towards Harvelam waterfalls, and explore the waterfalls and nearby caves.
• While coming back visit Namazgah and return to your hotel.

Optionally if you want to party then you can go to a club tonight as well.

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Day 4: Explore Aguada Fort and Reis Magos Fort

Aguada fort + Reis Magos fort + Spice Goa

• On day 4 we are going to explore Aguada Fort and Reis Magos Fort and later we will move to South Goa.

If you don't a have plan to visit South Goa then you catch the return bus, train or flight in the evening.

• Get ready and check out from the hotel by 10 O'Clock. If you have got the car then keep the luggage in the car, otherwise, you can keep the luggage in the hotel itself.
• The first stop for today is Aguada fort. This fort is fairly large and will take at least 2 hours to explore.
• After visiting Aguada fort drive towards Reis Magos fort. You can click some good photos here and learn a lot about the fort's history.
• After visiting Reis Magos, you can have food at a nearby restaurant called Spice Goa. The restaurant is famous for seafood and has a great ambience.

After lunch, you can start driving towards your stay in South Goa. It going to be close to 3 hour's drive to your stay in Palolem. Check into your stay and take a rest.

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Day 5: explore the beautiful beaches of South Goa

Cabo de Rama beach + Pebble beach + Cape Goa + Kakolem beach

• On day 5, we are going to explore the beautiful beaches of South Goa. So get up early and dress up with beach vibes. Have breakfast at the hotel and start riding by 9 O'Clock.
• Reach the first destination for the day Cabo de Rama beach. Cabo de Rama beach is less crowded and absolutely beautiful. You can chill by the beach or play in the water. The beach is clean and the water is super clear.
• After spending some quality time at the beach, start riding towards Cabo de Rama fort. There's nothing much to see inside Cabo de Rama fort except for the pebble beach. Pebble beach is incredible and I would say it is truly a hidden gem of Goa. You can't get into the water here but you can click so many good photos.
• Head to the Cape Goa for lunch. This place serves delicious food and has great ambience.
• After this, you can start riding towards Kakolem beach. This is again one of the quietest beaches in Goa. Super beautiful and worth the visit. Make sure to start riding towards Cola beach by 4 pm. Reaching Cola beach is a little difficult especially  if you are driving a four-wheeler. Two-wheelers can reach till the last point, but if you are coming in a car then you will have to walk for around 20 to 30 minutes. Try to reach cola beach before 5 pm. Cola beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. You can enjoy the beach vibes or play in the water. Do Kayaking and later watch the mesmerizing sunset.

After the sunset head back to your stay in Palolem. If you want to party then you can head to any club in Palolem or if you just want to chill by the beach then head to Palolem beach or Agonda beach and enjoy the food in any shack.

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Day 6: visit the waterfalls

Mainapi waterfalls and Savri waterfalls + bubbling lake + Galgibaga beach + Kayaking

On day 6 we are going to visit the waterfalls, so carry a towel and extra clothes. Get up early and get ready before 7 am. Have breakfast in your hotel or near your hotel as there are no restaurants on the way.

• After breakfast, start riding towards Netravali wildlife sanctuary. There are two waterfalls inside the forest, Mainapi waterfalls and Savri waterfalls. You can visit either of them or both. To reach Mainapi waterfalls, you will have to trek for around  4 km and this trek can take around one and half hour.
• On the other hand, to reach Savri waterfalls you will have to walk less than 1 km and it takes just 20 to 30 minutes to reach. Whichever waterfalls you visit, don't miss getting into the water and enjoy your time.
• After the waterfalls, visit the bubbling lake. This place is famous for the mysterious phenomenon of bubbles coming from the bottom of the pound.
• Start riding back by 1 O'clock and try to reach Galgibaga beach by 2 pm. Even though there are no shacks at Galgibaga beach, there are plenty of restaurants next to the beach. You can have food in one of the restaurants.
• After lunch, you can spend some time on the beach. This is also called the turtle beach and if you are visiting it in the month of March and April, you may see the turtle eggs as well
• After spending a good time at Galgibaga beach start riding towards Palolem beach. In Palolem beach, you can try Kayaking in the open ocean and watch the mesmerising sunset from this beach.
• After sunset, you can go for shopping. There are many good restaurants near the beach, You can have dinner at this place and head back to your stay.

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Read More - Top 5 Nature Escapes in Kathmandu: The Beautiful Landscapes

Day 7: The Last Moment (optional)

Butterfly beach + Palolem beach + Patnem beach

This is your last day in Goa, for one last time, get up early in the morning and get ready. You can have breakfast at Zest cafe.

• Today we will visit Butterfly beach. There are two ways you can reach butterfly beach, you can either take a boat ride or you can trek to this beach. If you are choosing the first option, then head to Palolem beach or Patnem beach and hop on to one of the boats.
• The boat tour will take around 1 and a half an hour and will show you monkey island, turtle rock, honeymoon beach and butterfly beach. If you are choosing second option which is hiking then you will have to hike anywhere between 30 minutes to 60 minutes depending on whether you are on a two-wheeler or four wheeler

After you are done with a good day at the butterfly beach, head back to your hotel and checkout.

If you have time then you can explore the famous temples of Goa like Mangesh temple, Mahalasa Narayani temple and Laxmi Narasimha temple. Or if you like to explore ruins then you can also visit the Facade of Old Sancoale Church.

In the evening, return your rented vehicle and head to the bus stand, railway station or airport however you are planning to travel back.

If you want to extend your trip by one more day, or didn't like the itinerary of any day then you can replace it by Dudhsagar waterfalls. You can start from your hotel as early as possible and reach a place called Kulem Park your vehicle here and buy the ticket for the jeep ride to Dudhsagar waterfalls.

You can enjoy an off-road jeep ride, do a little bit of walking and finally reach the waterfalls. The entire activity can take up to 4 hours. While returning from Dudhsagar, stop at Salaulim dam. This is a must-visit during monsoon time. If you are lucky you can get beautiful view.

I hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any questions about planning a trip to Goa, post them in the comment section below. I will made a detailed video of places to visit in North Goa, places to visit in South Goa and a detailed video of the complete guide to Goa.

I will post another article soon.

😊 Happy Journey 😊