Wonderful Goa: Golden Sun, White Sands And Local Cuisines

Day 1 (Arrive Goa)

Welcome to India! On arrival at Goa Airport, you will be greeted by our tour representative in the arrival hall, who will escort you to your hotel and assist you in check-in. Kick off your holiday unwinding on the golden sand beaches of Goa. Laze around at Calangute Beach and Candolim Beach and enjoy the delightful Goan cuisine. Goa is famous for its seafood, including deliciously cooked crabs, prawns, squids, lobsters and oysters. The influence of Portuguese on Indian cuisine can best be explored here. As an ex-colony, Goa still retains Portuguese influences even today. Soak up the sunset panorama at Baga Beach - a crowded beach that comes to life at twilight. Spend a few hours by candle light and enjoy drinks and dinner with the sound of gushing waves in the background. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 2 (Goa)

After breakfast, embark on a tour to Old Goa famous for its churches and cathedrals, and witness the influence of Portuguese rule in India. Explore the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. Discover the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the first minor basilica of the country, home to the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. Walk around the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. Dating back to Portuguese rule, the narrow and winding streets are similar to those found in many old European cities comprising old villas and buildings with red-tiled roofs and colourful balconies. Spend the rest of the day at Dona Paula bay, where Mandovi and Zuari rivers meet the Arabian Sea. Enjoy water sports like yachting, swimming, para-sailing and wind surfing. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 3 (Goa)

Spend the morning at the beach. Later, explore Fort Aguada and Lighthouse. Dating back to 1612, the fort complex sprawls over 88 acres of land overlooking the Arabian Sea and covers the entire peninsula at the tip of Bardez. Strategically located at the mouth of Mandovi River, the fort defended the Portuguese against the invasions of both the Dutch and the Marathas. Spend the rest of the day at Morjim Beach, popularly called the -Little Russia-. It is the nestling site for turtles and it also offers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of a wide variety of birds. Aside from its beaches, Goa is slowly also gaining a reputation for its Avian fauna. Tonight, discover the vibrant nightlife of the city at one of the many famous Goa clubs. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 4 (Goa)

Today you move to South Goa to explore its white sand beaches. Very different from the buzzing and vibrant North Goa, South Goa inspires with its peace, greenery, serene atmosphere and luxury resorts. Start the day at Mobor beach. Walk on the soft white sand and discover ponds with blooming lilies and coconut palms on the cove. It is also a great place to satiate the adrenaline rushes of adventure junkies. Adventure activities at Mobor beach include cruising to sight dolphins, underwater fishing, banana boat ride, parasailing and water skiing. Also, visit Majorda beach to practice jet skiing. End the day at Varca beach, a perfect place to unwind and from where you can embark on a boat ride to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 5 (Goa)

Spend the morning exploring the beauty and calm of Cavelossim Beach. The pristine beauty of black rocks and white sands creates a mystic charm and makes the beach an oasis of peace. Later, drive to Dudhsagar Falls located on the border of Goa and Karnataka. Dudhsagar literally means sea of milk and the waterfall is so named because of the crystal clear white water. Nestling amidst the deciduous forests in the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Dudhsagar is one of the tallest waterfalls here. Also discover Devils Canyon, Tambdi Surla Temple and Tambdi falls. Soak up the scenic view of the Mollem National Park from the Sunset Point at dusk. Return to Goa and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 6 (Goa)

Your morning is at leisure. Later, explore Loutolim and trace the architectural remnants of Goa's grand Portuguese heritage. Loutolim is a very small and peaceful town in South Goa where the mixed community of Hindus and Christians live in harmony. Another place of interest is the Ancestral Goa park with a wide range of sculptures representing Goan lifestyle. Situated opposite Ancestral Goa is Casa Araujo Alvares one of the many beautiful Portuguese mansions, which is almost 250 years old. You can admire the interior of the mansion, its furnishings and also enjoy a short sound and light show illuminating the decorations inside. Spend the evening relaxing at the beach. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 7 (Goa)

As your Goa holiday comes to a close spend the day soaking in the sun and relaxing on the beach. Indulge yourself with an Ayurveda massage or try out some last minute water sports. Later in the day, if you are looking for some activity, why not explore the bustling and colourful markets of Goa? From beachwear to batik prints or classic tie-and-dye design t-shirts to fancy accessories, regardless of your budget, there is something for everyone and rest assured the Goan markets won't disappoint. This evening stay in and enjoy a quiet dinner, or go out to party, the choice is yours. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Day 8 (Goa)

Today your trip to Goa comes to an end. We arrange your drop to Goa Airport, from where you will board your flight back home. If required, our representative will be at hand to assist you with a smooth check-out from the hotel and escort you to the airport. We advise you to arrive at the airport at least 3 hrs prior to departure and keep your passport and printout of airline ticket handy to avoid last minute hassles. This itinerary is only a slice of the wonderful diversity and beauty that India has to offer and we hope that you will return soon to discover more. Namaste!