Goa trip itinerary for the first timers

I was born and brought up in Goa. Whenever I say this to anyone, first thing they ask me is an itinerary for a Goa trip. It’s really difficult to make one since Goa has so much to offer. It’s hard to choose from beaches to temples to churches to waterfall to nightlife…

Here is my effort to list few things that you might want to consider for Goa visit:
– spending a day lazying out at Palolem Beach
– enjoy water sports at Colva beach
– sunset at Chapora Fort ( famously known as “Dil Chahta Hai” beach )
– Wednesday Flea market at Anjuna
– visit Old Goa for World Heritage Churches
– see majestic Shantadurga Temple and Mangeshi Temple, Ponda
– wander around Panaji, visit Church.. shopping..
– have a fishy meal at Ritz Classic in Panaji
– visit Miramar beach and dinner at Dona Paula jetty
– take a boat cruise on Mandovi river
– visit Dudhsagar Falls and stay at Collem

Based on your budget here are few eating options:
Mum’s Kitchen: a very authentic Goan food
Brittos and Martin Corner: if you love fish ( like me )
Ritz Classic ( a must in my opinion )
Mr. Baker (everything is good here, especially Bebinca)
Pastry Cottage (Chicken Cafreal Puff)

If you love to hit the dance floor:
Club Cubana, Club Titos, Cafe Mambo ( there are lot more options )

If you haven’t been to a Casino, it might be an interesting experience to spend a night on one of the floating Casino’s if you get a good deal.

Few tips:
– don’t try to cover too many things on your first trip, there is always next time
– if you are staying in North Goa try to cover beaches around your stay. Even though Goa is small, it could be tiring to ride back after spending a day at the beach
– I know alcohol is cheap in Goa, but do go easy 🙂 Don’t drink and drive
– read the signs and follow instructions from lifeguards at the beach
– Goans are usually very friendly people, so do not hesitate to ask for help if lost 🙂
– best way to commute is to hire bikes. But if you are a big group hiring four wheeler is recommended
– there are lot of accommodation options. Based on your budget check makemytrip.com / airbnb.co.in
– it’s always good time to visit Goa 🙂 Christmas, New Year’s Eve and long holiday weekends are madness in Goa, so choose wisely 🙂

I would recommend you to select from above and plan your trip according to the preference and no of days you plan to stay in Goa.

I hope this helps, have a wonderful trip