Budget-Friendly 5-Day Goa Itinerary: Beaches, Culture & Adventure

Nidhi Kadere

Day 1- Morning

Explore the nearby beaches, markets, or restaurants. Some of the popular beaches in North Goa are Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, and Vagator. Or visit Fort Aguada, a fort that offers a sweeping view of the Arabian Sea.

Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort in North Goa | Shutterstock

Day 1- Evening

In the evening, you can take a cruise on the Mandovi river, where you can enjoy the scenic views and cultural performances. you can return to your hotel or explore more of the local cuisine and culture.

View of the Atal Setu bridge and cruise in the Mandovi River | Shutterstock

Day 2- Morning

Head to the Old Goa area, where you can visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, that houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, or see the Se Cathedral, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, which has a museum of religious art.

Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site | Shutterstock

Day 2- Evening

In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife of Goa, with its many pubs, clubs, and casinos. Some of the famous ones are Tito’s, Curlies, and Casino Royale.

A pointer to the club Curlies on North Goa | Shutterstock

Day 3- Morning

Take a jeep safari or a trek to reach the Dudhsagar falls, and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife. You can also visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various animals and birds.

Dudhsagar waterfalls, Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park, Goa | Shutterstock

Day 3 - Evening

Visit the Spice Plantations, where you can learn about the cultivation and processing of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can also sample some of the local dishes made with these spices.

Tropical spice plantation, Goa, India | Shutterstock

Day 4- Morning

Head to South Goa, known for its quieter and cleaner beaches. You can check into your hotel and relax for a while. Then, you can visit some of the beaches, such as Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim, and Palolem.

Visit some of the beaches, such as Colva and Benaulim | Shutterstock

Day 4- Evening

In the evening, you can also indulge in some water sports, such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking. End your day with the sunset bonfire at the beach.

Palolem beach in Goa | Shutterstock

Day 5- Morning

Visit some of the attractions in South Goa, such as the Cabo de Rama Fort, a 16th century fort that overlooks the sea. See the Shri Shantadurga Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of peace.

Remains of one of the turrets of Cabo de Rama Fort in Goa | Shutterstock

Day 5- Evening

After lunch, visit the Goa Chitra Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Goa through its collection of artifacts, tools, and vehicles. Head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Goa Chitra Museum displays the tools, modes of transport and other artifacts that showcase Goan life across the ages | Shutterstock

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Sri Lankan Kottu rice, hoppers cake, chicken spicy tikka | Shutterstock