Goa is India’s pocket-sized coastal state with an outsized history—Portuguese rule shaped its architecture, cuisine, and Catholic heritage for over 450 years. Today, travelers come for golden beaches, UNESCO-listed churches, Indo-Portuguese mansions, and a signature susegad (unhurried) vibe that’s easy to fall in love with.

Beyond the beaches, Goa rewards explorers: cycle through sleepy islands on the Mandovi River, spot kingfishers in mangroves, or hike to laterite-topped forts that once guarded spice routes. Food is a highlight—think coconut-rich curries and rice, with ample vegetarian options from Goan Hindu kitchens and global cafes set in leafy courtyards.

Practical notes: peak season runs November–March with balmy days and cool evenings; monsoon (June–September) is lush but some outdoor activities pause. Carry digital payments (UPI) and some cash for markets. Helmets are mandatory on scooters; taxis and rides via local apps are plentiful. For flights and trains, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; India rail options are on Trip.com Trains.

North Goa (Anjuna & Candolim)

Base yourself amid North Goa’s action: sweeping sands at Candolim and Sinquerim, cliffy coves at Anjuna and Vagator, and nightlife ranging from beach shacks to live music bars. Sunrise fort walks and sunset sea views pair perfectly with smoothie bowls and strong espresso.

• Top sights: Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort, Anjuna Flea Market (Wednesdays in season), Vagator and Ashvem beaches.
• Why stay here: Short hops between beaches, loads of vegetarian-friendly cafes (Artjuna, Bean Me Up), and access to Old Goa and Panjim for heritage.
• Fun fact: “Anjuna Wednesday” began in the hippie era; it’s still the state’s most storied market when in season.

Where to stay (mid-range focus; vegetarian-friendly areas nearby):

• Novotel Goa Resort & Spa (Candolim): Resort vibe, spacious pool, easy access to Candolim/Sinquerim.
• The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna): Sociable, simple, walkable to cafes and Anjuna Beach.
• Search apartments and villas: VRBO Anjuna | Hotels: Hotels.com Anjuna

Getting in: Fly to Manohar International Airport (GOX, North Goa) or Dabolim (GOI, South Goa). From Mumbai, flights are ~1 hr 20 min; from Delhi, ~2 hr 30 min (often ~$45–$120 one-way off-peak) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Overnight trains from Mumbai on the Konkan line are ~10–12 hours; check Trip.com Trains. Airport taxi to Anjuna/Candolim is ~45–75 minutes; budget ₹1,600–₹2,800 depending on distance and vehicle.

Day 1: Arrival, Sand Between Toes, and a Sunset Fort

Afternoon: Arrive and check in around Anjuna or Candolim. Shake off jet lag with a beach stroll—Sinquerim is wide and swimmable; Anjuna is rockier but scenic. Coffee and a late bite at Baba Au Rhum (Anjuna; flaky croissants, Mediterranean salads) or Artjuna (garden setting, tahini bowls, fresh-pressed juices).

Evening: Head up to Chapora Fort for a cinematic sunset over Vagator’s red cliffs. Dinner with a vegetarian focus: Bean Me Up (Anjuna; all-vegan, tofu scrambles, tempeh steaks), Navtara (Calangute; reliable North & South Indian vegetarian thalis and dosas), or Saraya Art Café (Porvorim; wood-fired vegetarian pizzas, local produce). Nightcap on the beach at a mellow shack in Vagator.

Day 2: Old Goa Heritage, Colorful Fontainhas, and Island E‑Biking

Morning: Light breakfast at Artjuna or Café Chocolatti (Candolim; garden café), then drive ~45–60 minutes to Old Goa for an e‑bike adventure:

BLive Electric Bike Tours – Discovery of Divar Island: Book on Viator

Glide past paddy fields, ferry crossings, and sleepy villages with church spires and temple shrines—an easy, photogenic ride perfect in the cool morning.

Afternoon: Explore Old Goa’s UNESCO churches on foot, then head to Panjim’s Latin Quarter. Lunch at Café Tato (Panjim; entirely vegetarian—get the bhaji-pao and patal bhaji) or Bombay Coffee Roasters (Panjim; specialty pours, paneer sandwiches).

Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen: Book on Viator

Stroll past azulejo-tiled homes and pastel facades; hear stories of Goan Catholics, artists, and old bakeries that still fire wood ovens.

Optional alternative (focus on churches): Old Goa Heritage Walk: Book on Viator

Evening: Return to North Goa (45–60 minutes). Dinner at Gunpowder (Assagao; regional Indian with strong vegetarian options like pumpkin pulusu and beet pachadi) or Anand Sagar (Calangute; pocket-friendly vegetarian North Indian). If it’s Saturday in season, browse the lively Arpora Saturday Night Market for crafts and street snacks.

South Goa (Palolem)

Trade bustle for calm in Palolem, a crescent bay framed by palms. Mornings bring yoga on the sand and kayaking in the backwaters; afternoons mean hammock time, scooter rides to secret coves, and golden-hour views from hilltop ruins.

• Top sights: Palolem and Patnem beaches, Cola’s lagoon, Cabo de Rama Fort, butterfly-dotted forest drives toward Ponda’s spice country.
• Why stay here: Slower pace, great sunrise swims, and an excellent vegetarian/vegan café scene (Zest, Little World, German Bakery).
• Travel time from North Goa: ~2–2.5 hours by taxi (₹2,800–₹3,800). Buses via Mapusa–Margao–Palolem take ~3.5–4.5 hours (₹120–₹220).

Where to stay:

• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (Benaulim): Sprawling lawns, serene beach walks; 45–60 minutes from Palolem by taxi.
• Holiday Inn Resort Goa (Cavelossim): Good value for resort comforts; wide beach and sunset bars.
• The Leela Goa (Cavelossim): Luxe lagoons and a quiet beachfront.
• Compare stays near Palolem: VRBO Palolem | Hotels.com Palolem

Day 3: North-to-South Transfer via Dudhsagar Falls and a Spice Farm

Make the most of your move day with a full-day excursion that can include hotel pickup in North Goa and drop-off in South Goa (season-dependent; confirm when booking). It’s a classic Goan combo: jungle waterfall + spice plantation + traditional lunch with hearty vegetarian options.

Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation: Book on Viator

Expect a bumpy jeep ride through Mollem National Park, a refreshing dip (in season), and a plantation walk learning about nutmeg, pepper, and cardamom. Lunch typically includes rice, dal, veg curries, and local pickles—easy for vegetarians.

After the tour, settle into Palolem. Dinner: Zest (vegan/vegetarian-forward bowls, mezze, and great smoothies) or Little World (wholesome veggie plates, kombucha, cinnamon rolls).

Day 4: Palolem Slow Morning + Vegetarian Cooking Class

Morning: Sunrise swim or gentle paddle on Palolem’s calm bay; rent a kayak for an hour to explore the backwaters behind the island. Breakfast at German Bakery (fresh breads, shakshuka, muesli) or Zest (espresso and superfood pancakes).

Afternoon: Dive into Goan flavors hands-on:

Authentic Indian Cooking Classes at Palolem Beach Road Goa: Book on Viator

Learn staples like xacuti masala, veg caldine, and fluffy phulkas—ideal for vegetarians. You’ll chop, stir, and feast.

Evening: Scooter to Patnem Beach for a quieter sunset and dinner at April 20 (veg curries, tandoor breads) or back in Palolem for veg pizzas at Magic Italy. Finish with cardamom ice cream from a beachfront shack as waves lap the shore.

Day 5: Secret Coves, Forts, and Departure

Morning: Head to Cabo de Rama Fort (45–60 minutes). Its laterite ramparts offer panoramic Arabian Sea views. Continue to Cola Beach for the photogenic blue-green lagoon; bring cash for coconut water and a simple lunch (veg fried rice, paneer tikka, or Goan veg curry are common shack staples).

Afternoon: Return to your hotel, freshen up, and transfer to GOI or GOX for your flight. If you prefer one last nature-and-spice experience en route toward mid-Goa, consider:

Private Tour of Butterfly Sanctuary and Spice Plantation: Book on Viator

A tranquil forest walk followed by a spice-farm lunch—vegetarian dishes are easily requested.

Evening: Airport transfer (Palolem to GOI is ~1 hr 20 min; to GOX ~2 hrs 15 min, traffic permitting). For flights, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Dining Shortlist (Vegetarian-Friendly Favorites)

• Café Tato (Panjim): Iconic vegetarian bhaji-pao, usal, and puri-bhaji—fast, flavorful, and affordable.
• Bean Me Up (Anjuna): Goa’s vegan institution—mushroom stroganoff, zucchini noodles, kombucha.
• Zest (Palolem): Plant-forward global plates—Buddha bowls, beet hummus, excellent coffee.
• Little World (Palolem): Homestyle vegetarian curries, hearty breakfasts, and baked treats.
• Navtara (Calangute/Mapusa/Panjim): Consistent vegetarian thalis, paneer gravies, and crisp dosas.

Transport Between Bases and Getting Around

• North Goa ↔ Palolem: Taxi 2–2.5 hours (₹2,800–₹3,800). Public bus via Mapusa–Margao–Palolem 3.5–4.5 hours (₹120–₹220). Many day tours can coordinate pick-up/drop-off—ask when booking.
• Scooters: ₹400–₹650/day; carry your license and wear helmets. Great for beach-hopping and short fort runs.
• Budget planning: With a mid-range budget (~50/100), target ₹5,000–₹8,000/day for stays, meals, scooters, and a paid activity every other day.

Optional Extras if You Have More Time

• Discover Goa: A Full-Day Private City Tour (all-round intro, flexible stops): Book on Viator

  

• CULTURAL & HISTORIC DAY TOUR (churches, temples & spice plantation): Book on Viator

  

More stays (central Panjim option if you split nights): Budget beds at The Old Quarter Hostel in Fontainhas put you steps from heritage walks and great vegetarian breakfasts at Café Tato.

Note on seasonality: Dudhsagar Falls and some markets run on seasonal schedules; monsoon months can affect access. Always reconfirm timings the week you travel.

Wrap your Goa getaway with new recipes, sandy flip-flops, and a camera roll of forts, lagoons, and candy-colored homes. This 5-day itinerary balances North Goa energy with South Goa serenity—and keeps vegetarians well fed every step of the way.