Goa is India’s sunshine state, where the Arabian Sea kisses palm-fringed sands and a 450-year Portuguese chapter left behind baroque basilicas, Latin neighborhoods, and soulful cuisine. From the Mandovi River in Panjim to Palolem’s crescent bay, the state is compact yet wonderfully varied.

In North Goa, lively beaches like Candolim, Calangute, and Anjuna buzz with water sports, markets, and late-night music. Inland, Old Goa’s UNESCO-listed churches—once the spiritual heart of the Portuguese empire in Asia—tell stories of trade winds and missionaries. To the south, villages slow to a gentle rhythm: fishermen mend nets at dawn, and lazy afternoons stretch into pink-orange sunsets.

Practical notes: Goa has two airports—Manohar International (GOX, North) and Dabolim (GOI, Central-South). Peak season runs November–March; monsoon (June–September) brings lush hills and rough seas. Dress modestly at churches and temples. Try xacuti, prawn balchão, chouriço pão, and bebinca; sip cashew or coconut feni responsibly. UPI and cards are common, but carry some cash for shacks and markets.

Panjim (North Goa)

Panjim (Panaji), set on the Mandovi River, blends pastel villas, art galleries, and riverside promenades with a culinary scene that ranges from classic fish thalis to modern Goan fare. The nearby beach belt—Candolim to Anjuna—adds forts, water sports, and night markets to your base.

• Don’t miss: Fontainhas Latin Quarter, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church steps, sunset at Miramar, Fort Aguada ramparts, Reis Magos Fort views, and (in season) the Anjuna Flea Market (Wed) and Arpora Saturday Night Market (Nov–Apr).
• Where to eat and drink: Ritz Classic (fish thali institution), Mum’s Kitchen (family recipes of Goan Catholics and Saraswats), Black Sheep Bistro (modern Goan plates), Viva Panjim (heritage home cooking), Joseph Bar (tiny tavern for feni tonics), and Miguel’s (cocktails with petiscos).
• Cafés: Café Bodega (courtyard coffee and eggs), Bombay Coffee Roasters (house roasts), and Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro (old-school bebinca and Goan bakes).

Getting to Goa: Fly into GOX or GOI. Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. Typical one-way times: Mumbai 1h (USD 40–80), Bengaluru 1h15m (USD 40–90), Delhi ~2h30m (USD 70–140). Taxis from GOX to Panjim take ~1h20m; from GOI ~45–60m.

Stay in Panjim/North Goa:

• Novotel Goa Resort & Spa (Candolim): Resort vibe, spa, and easy access to beaches.
• The Old Quarter Hostel (Panjim): Budget beds in a photogenic quarter.
• The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna): Sociable, backpacker-favorite near cafés and bars.
• VRBO Panjim apartments and villas for character stays in heritage homes.
• Hotels.com Panjim for more options across budgets.

Day 1: Arrive in Panjim, Fontainhas, and Riversides

Afternoon: Land in Goa and transfer to your hotel (GOI–Panjim ~45–60m; GOX–Panjim ~1h20m). Grab a late lunch at Ritz Classic—order the fish thali with sol kadi and seasonal catch (kingfish or pomfret). Espresso pick-me-up at Bombay Coffee Roasters on 18th June Road.

Evening: Join a guided wander through the Latin Quarter—azulejo tiles, ochre chapels, and balconies draped in bougainvillea.

Featured tour: Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen (2–2.5 hours; storytelling guides; tastings often included).

Night: Dinner at Mum’s Kitchen (classic recipes: mackerel recheado, pork sorpotel) or Black Sheep Bistro (Goan ingredients, modern riffs). Finish with feni-based cocktails at Miguel’s or a lime soda at Joseph Bar tucked into a tiny lane.

Day 2: North Goa Beaches, Forts, and Nightlife

Morning: Breakfast at Café Bodega (shakshuka, pancakes) or Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro (poi bread and bebinca). Head to Candolim/Calangute. If seas are calm (Oct–May), opt for a day of water sports or a boat out toward Grand Island for snorkeling/scuba.

Optional activity: Grand Island Adventure: Diving and Water Sports Thrills (seasonal; includes equipment and instructors).

Afternoon: Lunch at Pousada by the Beach (prawn curry rice, recheado squid) with waves at your feet. Explore Fort Aguada and its lighthouse—sweeping views across Sinquerim and the Mandovi estuary; detour to Reis Magos Fort if you like history and photo-friendly angles.

Night: Dinner in Assagao at Gunpowder (Kerala–Goa flavors; pork ribs, appams) or Mahé in Anjuna (regional Indian with a coastal lean). After, try live music at Soro – The Village Pub or salsa nights and cover bands at Cohiba (Candolim). If it’s Saturday (Nov–Apr), roam the Saturday Night Market (Arpora) for handicrafts and eclectic eats.

Day 3: Old Goa, Dudhsagar Falls, and Spice Plantation (Full Day)

Expect an early start for forests, falls, and fragrant spice farms. Wear swim shoes, pack a towel, and carry a phone dry bag. This is a long, rewarding day—plan a low-key evening back in Panjim.

Featured tour: Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation (jeep through Mollem National Park, swim at the cascades; spice farm lunch included).

Evening bite (back in Panjim): Keep it light with a crab xec xec or pumpkin bharta at Black Sheep Bistro, or a nostalgic Goan meal at Kokni Kanteen (order tisrya clams, rawa-fried fish).

Palolem (South Goa)

South Goa soothes: coconut groves, quiet coves, and slower days. Palolem’s crescent beach is famous for early-morning dolphin-spotting, gentle surf, and a string of relaxed cafés serving everything from Goan curries to sourdough and smoothie bowls.

• Nearby highlights: Patnem Beach strolls, Butterfly Beach by boat, Cabo de Rama Fort for epic cliffs, and heritage mansions around Chandor and Loutolim.
• Where to eat: Dropadi (seafood grills, Goan plates), Café Inn (the island’s espresso HQ), Jaali Café (brunch and boutique), Magic Italy (handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza), and The Space (vegetarian/vegan, local produce).

Getting from Panjim to Palolem: Depart this morning. By taxi: ~2 hours (₹2,500–3,500). By bus: 2.5–3.5 hours with a change in Margao (₹150–250). By train: Karmali/Thivim to Canacona ~1.5 hours plus a short rickshaw—trains are limited; check schedules in advance.

Stay in South Goa:

• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (Benaulim): Sprawling lawns, a top-tier spa, and sunset sands.
• The Leela Goa (Cavelossim): River-meets-sea elegance with lagoon pools.
• Holiday Inn Resort Goa (Mobor): Family-friendly with a broad beach.
• VRBO Palolem for beach huts and homes (many huts are seasonal Oct–May).
• Hotels.com Palolem for boutiques and cabanas.

Day 4: Transfer to Palolem, Boats and Sunset

Morning: Before leaving Panjim, grab bhaji-pão at Café Tato. Drive south to Palolem (~2 hours). Check into your beach stay and kick off your sandals.

Afternoon: Lunch at Café Inn (espresso, tuna sandwiches) or The Space (seasonal salads, jackfruit tacos). Hire a local boat (shared or private) to Butterfly Beach—rocky coves and clear water; bring snorkels and cash for the boatman.

Night: Dine at Dropadi (kingfish cafreal, tandoor prawns) or Magic Italy (fresh pasta). For mellow music, wander to the south end shacks or the stage at Art Resort. If it’s Sunday in season, check the Silent Noise headphone party (schedule varies).

Day 5: Cook Goan Classics, Then Depart

Morning: Learn to temper spices and stir coconut gravies in a hands-on class near the beach.

Featured experience: Authentic Indian Cooking Classes at Palolem Beach Road Goa (typically 2.5–3 hours; Goan, South and North Indian dishes; eat what you cook).

Afternoon: Checkout and transfer to the airport. To GOI (Dabolim): ~1.5 hours from Palolem; to GOX (Mopa): ~2.5–3 hours—pad extra time for North Goa airport traffic. Pre-book a car for comfort: Affordable Goa Airport Transfer. If you have a late flight, grab a quick last lunch at Jaali Café (Patnem) or pick up bebinca for the road.

Alternative/Extra Ideas (if you extend or swap a day)

• Old Goa + Spice (without Dudhsagar): Shorter heritage day with churches and a farm lunch: Old Goa Heritage Walk by Make It Happen or Old Goa Churches, Temples & Spice Plantation With \"Goan\" Lunch.
• Island nature: Birding and mangroves at Chorao (Salim Ali sanctuary): The Nature Trail At Chorao Island In Goa.

Flights for multi-city trips: If you’re pairing Goa with other Indian hubs, compare air options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com—there are frequent hops to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, plus direct services to Delhi, Chennai, and beyond.

Summary: In five days, you’ll trace Goa’s story from azulejo-lined lanes to thundering jungle falls, then slow it all down on a palm-lined bay. Come for the beaches, stay for the thalis, forts, and conversations around a glass of feni—and expect to start planning a longer return before you board your flight.