Goa – Sun, Sand and (awesome) Sea food

We will meet at the hotel in the Calangute Beach around 11 a.m. in the morning. Around 11:30 a.m. we will go for lunch at the Pasauda by the Beach restaurant. It is a great place to have quality lunch with family and friends. There are quite a number of special Goanese foods that one can enjoy, like the spicy Goan delicacy of Chicken Xacuti. This dish is made from a variety of Indian spices with the addition of poppy seeds, coconut, and dried red chilies. Next is the Goan fish curry, which is also known as the Xitt Codi in Goa. This is one of the most famous dishes of Goa and a staple diet for the Goan people. Last but not the least is the Pork Vindaloo.

After Lunch we will have a day tour to Old Goa, also known as Velha Goa (Velha means old in Portuguese). This was the original capital of the state of Goa established, in 1510, by the Portuguese in India. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, we will visit the Mangueshi Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the state of Goa. It was completed in 1560 and was originally a very plain building. Over the centuries it has been renovated and expanded. Admire the current lavish temple as your guide points out key elements like the Mangesh Linga. Then we will move onto the Shanta Durga Temple, a large temple complex near the village of Kavalem. Then we can stop by to have some snacks, Croquettes, chops and Samosas are some popular street foods.

Around 4 p.m. we will set out for the sunset river cruise and dinner along the river Mandovi. This is a popular catamaran style cruise with western or Indian DJ. This ship will cruise gently down the river to the Dona Paula Bay, past the Adil Shah Palace which was the first building of Panjim that was built by the Sultan as his summer palace, today, used to house the Goa Secretariat.

After completing the cruise, we will travel by road and see the Immaculate Conception Church with a panoramic view of Panaji City from Altinho Hill. Also visit the Maruti Temple followed by a mouth-watering dinner at a popular local restaurant.

We will meet in hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. and will head south to Coco Beach or for the Panjim Jetty from our hotel. You’ll board a boat and head out on the Arabian Sea, south to Monkey Island, where you’ll see plenty of tropical fish, birds, and maybe even a playful dolphin jumping.

Arrive at Palolem Beach—known by locals as Monkey Island—and prepare for a day of snorkelling and family fun. This beautiful Goan destination was featured in The Bourne Supremacy and has fans across the globe thanks to its picturesque ocean views. Wander through towering trees and quiet beach shacks on your way to the island, where your guide will provide a safety overview and briefing on the day.

Once you’re up to speed, head below the water’s surface on an underwater snorkelling adventure. Spend 3-4 hours dipping into the coral wonderland where colourful fish swim freely. Break on the beach to relax in the sun as often as you’d like and enjoy the incredible scenery while you munch on your pre-packed snacks.

We will enjoy an afternoon lunch on the beach of a traditional Goan barbecue with either roasted meat or fish, sip chilled beer near the shore before heading back to the mainland for the trip to the Dudhsagar Falls.

Upon arriving at the falls, we will hop into the clear waters for a swim or just relax and dip your feet. For an added adventure, take a hike through the wilderness to catch the view of the Dudhsagar Falls from above. Though it’s a tough climb, it’s completely worth the views from the top.

Afterward, head to a spice village to learn about Goa’s traditional farming methods and discover a vast variety of spices, medicinal herbs and tropical fruits. Join up with a local biologist for an informative walk around the plantation and hear about biogas production, cashew feni distillation and sustainable agricultural practices along the way.

From there we will travel to the Baga Beach to enjoy the Sunset as well as the night life. We will have dinner at the Go with The Flow restaurant. They have a special Candlelit Dinner menu that blends well the pleasant weather outside. It starts with welcome snacks followed by starters including the most popular Goan crispy salt and pepper squid. For the main course among other dishes the Goa special Chermoula grilled fish fillet will be present. Finally, there will be a special chocolate mousse cake. We will return to our hotel around 10 p.m.

Around 8:30 a.m. in the morning after a light breakfast we will set out for a Panaji City walking tour. The Tobacco square one of the historic squares in the city will be our starting point. We then walk through the Latin quarter, which is a conservation area with heritage buildings.

As we climb the steps of the temple, we get the magnificent view of the Mandovi river. The hillock houses are among several important buildings. We then take a traditional pathway to reach to the church square. The tour ends with a local snack.

From there we will travel to the Panjim jetty and hop on to the boats for the Dolphin tour. As the boat glides from the river to meet the Arabian Sea, we should look out for some colourful kingfisher birds as we move along we will be able to see the traditional Goan fishermen entice fish into their nets while in the sky above, sea eagles’ wheel and swoop. As you round the coast, pass Goa’s own ‘Alcatraz’ – Aguada Prison; look in envy at the palatial mansion belonging to a millionaire, which is set high on the rocks; and, marvel at the historic ramparts of the Portuguese Fort Aguada. The boat will stop to allow you to watch as dolphins perform exciting acrobatics.

After docking, the final thing to visit for the day before heading back to the hotel will be the Fort Aguada and its lighthouse, a 17th-century landmark on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort was constructed in 1613 and was a reference point for ships coming from Europe at that time. Then we will move next to Reis Magos, a village known for two of Goa’s famous structures, Reis Magos Church and Reis Magos Fort; the fort was of strategic importance as the first line of defence to the coastal area.

Then we will head back to Calangute Beach, deemed the Queen of Beaches, where many shacks and shops attract thousands of tourists to palm-tree sheds, where a variety of foods and drinks from fried prawns to beer is available. Next, we will visit Anjuna Beach, known for its magnificent parties that are held on the sand during tourist season. Anjuna also hosts a flea market (every Wednesday), where fruit, jewellery, clothing, and electronic devices are sold. Finally, head to adjacent Vagator Beach, which is a little more laid back but still pretty steeped in the rave culture of Goa. We will have dinner at the beach and then head back to our accommodation.

Post breakfast, check out of the accommodation and set out to the airport for the flight back home.