India rewards the unhurried traveler. This 5-day, beach-forward itinerary blends Mumbai’s history and museums with Goa’s palm-lined shores, river boating, and mellow evenings—all curated for a very tight budget without sacrificing joy.

Mumbai began as seven islands and grew into India’s film and finance capital. You’ll trace that arc at world-class museums, the Gateway of India, and a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves. Street food like vada pav and pav bhaji fuels low-cost, high-flavor days.

Then it’s on to Goa: Portuguese-influenced lanes, colorful Latin quarters, serene beaches, and a sunset cruise on the Mandovi. With spa time, simple seafood shacks, and a few well-placed splurges, this relaxing India itinerary keeps your “must-have beach” front and center.

Mumbai

Mumbai is a city of bold contrasts: Gothic revival facades, Art Deco skylines, bazaars perfumed with spice, and Arabian Sea sunsets along Marine Drive. History buffs love the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), while day trippers hop ferries to the cave-temples of Elephanta.

Food is where Mumbai’s budget brilliance shines—grab buttery bun maska and Irani chai at century-old cafés, snack your way through pav bhaji and bhel puri at Chowpatty, and finish with kulfi by the sea.

• Stay (budget to mid-range):
  • Search affordable stays on VRBO Mumbai or Hotels.com Mumbai.
  • Hotel Residency Fort (excellent location for museums/Colaba on a budget).
  • Hotel Residency Andheri (solid budget near metro/airport).
  • Beach access in city: Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach (watch for sales).
• Getting in: Fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Compare low fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Colaba is ~60–90 minutes (rideshare/metro+taxi).
• Good-to-know: The Elephanta Caves are closed Mondays; ferry time is ~1 hour each way. Dress modestly in temples and carry small notes for tickets/snacks.

Day 1 — Arrival, Museum Taster & Marine Drive Sunset

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Check in, then walk to the CSMVS museum for a quick survey of Indian art and archaeology (stunning Mughal miniatures and sculpture). Coffee at Kala Ghoda Café (airy, affordable sandwiches) or a sugarcane juice from a street press.

Evening: Stroll the Gateway of India and arc along Marine Drive as the “Queen’s Necklace” lights up. Dinner ideas: Soam (wallet-friendly Gujarati plates near Chowpatty), Bagdadi Restaurant (famed budget tandoori by Colaba Causeway), or Kyani & Co. (Parsi café—try kheema pav and caramel custard).

Day 2 — Elephanta Caves, Fort District & Colaba Eats

Morning: Head to the Gateway for the Elephanta Island ferry. Consider a guided visit for context on the 5th–8th century cave-temples and monumental Shiva carvings:

Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour

Afternoon: Back on the mainland, explore the Fort heritage district: the UNESCO-listed CSMT facade, Horniman Circle, and the Asiatic Society steps. If you prefer a guided overview with hotel pickup, this city circuit is great value:

Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour: TRAVELLERS CHOICE AWARDED

Evening: Budget bites around Colaba: Café Mondegar (muralled walls, inexpensive plates), Olympia Coffee House (old-school biryani), or street-side pav bhaji at Chowpatty. For coffee and a pastry, Subko in Bandra is worth the metro hop if you’re nearby.

Goa

Goa is India at its most laid-back: sweeping beaches, vivid churches, and a cuisine kissed by kokum, coconut, and Portuguese spice routes. The Latin Quarter of Fontainhas in Panaji hums with color, and evenings float by on Mandovi River boats under orange-pink skies.

For a beach-first, budget stay, base yourself in North Goa (Calangute–Candolim–Baga–Anjuna) for easy transit, plentiful shacks, and cheap scooter hires. When you crave quiet, dawn walks and siesta afternoons do the trick.

• Getting from Mumbai to Goa (Day 3 morning):
  • Flight: ~1 hr 15 min to GOI (Dabolim) or GOX (Mopa). Search deals on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com (often $30–80 one way if booked early).
  • Train: CSMT/Dadar to Karmali/Madgaon ~8–11 hrs; Chair Car/2A often cheaper than flying if booked in advance. Check Trip.com trains.
• Stay (budget to mid-range):
  • Browse VRBO Goa or Hotels.com Goa for last-minute bargains.
  • The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna) — social, very budget-friendly.
  • The Old Quarter Hostel (Panjim) — great for Mandovi cruises and Fontainhas.
  • Novotel Goa Resort & Spa or Holiday Inn Resort Goa when mid-range deals appear.
  • Splurge-watch: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (occasionally discounted in shoulder seasons).
• Boating & beach picks: Mandovi River sunset cruise from Panaji (typically ₹500–700), Calangute/Candolim for wide sandy stretches, and Anjuna for café culture.

Day 3 — Travel to Goa, Check-in, First Dip

Morning: Fly or train to Goa. From GOX (Mopa), shared taxis or buses serve North Goa; from GOI (Dabolim), pre-paid taxis or buses reach Panaji/Calangute in 45–75 minutes. Check in and drop bags.

Afternoon: Beach time at Candolim—gentler vibe than Baga, plenty of shacks. Cheap lunch: Ritz Classic (Panjim) for excellent fish thali; in Calangute/Anjuna, try Vinayak Family Restaurant (beloved local seafood; go early).

Evening: Sunset from Fort Aguada ramparts or straight from the sand. Dinner at a beachfront shack—grilled pomfret, prawn curry rice, and a lime soda keep costs low.

Day 4 — Old Goa, Museum Stop, Mandovi Sunset Cruise

Morning: Bus or scooter to Old Goa (Velha Goa). Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral; then dip into the Museum of Christian Art (small, well-curated; modest entry).

Afternoon: Panaji’s Fontainhas—a photogenic Latin quarter of pastel homes and azulejo signs. Coffee and a sandwich at Caravela Café & Bistro (great and affordable). Optional: Goa State Museum for context on local history.

Evening: Board a budget-friendly Mandovi River sunset cruise (live music and views of the Atal Setu). Dinner in Panaji: Viva Panjim (Goan classics), or back north for Anand Seafood Restaurant (Anjuna) for no-frills, tasty plates.

Day 5 — Beach + Spa Morning, Flea Market, Departure

Morning: A relaxing Ayurvedic spa session at Ayurveda Natural Health Center (Candolim; long-running, budget-friendly; book a 60–90 min abhyanga). Alternatively, a beach yoga drop-in if available.

Afternoon: Quick last swim at Calangute or browse the Anjuna Flea Market (Wednesdays) or Mapusa Market (Fridays) for spices and handlooms. Head to the airport/station for your afternoon departure. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or look at Trip.com trains if returning by rail.

Evening: In transit.

Where to Eat & Drink (Budget Highlights)

• Mumbai: Kyani & Co. (Parsi bakery staples), Swati Snacks (light Gujarati street classics), Soam (good for vegetarians), Café Mondegar (cheap, cheerful), Chowpatty beach stalls (pav bhaji, bhel puri), and kulfi carts for dessert.
• Goa: Ritz Classic (Panjim) and Viva Panjim (Goan thalis), Vinayak Family Restaurant and Anand Seafood (North Goa staples), breakfast at Baba Au Rhum or Artjuna (Anjuna), coffee at Caravela Café (Panjim).

Money & Practical Tips (Budget 8/100)

• Ride metro/AC buses in Mumbai; in Goa, local buses and shared taxis are cheapest. Scooters are low-cost but ride carefully and wear a helmet.
• Refill a bottle—filtered water is common in hostels/cafés. Street food is tasty; pick busy stalls and get it fresh off the griddle.
• Best beach weather is roughly Oct–Apr. Monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings rougher seas and some shack closures.

Optional extra time? Add one more museum in Mumbai (Dr. Bhau Daji Lad) or a quiet south-Goa beach day (Colva–Benaulim) if you snag a late flight.

With two cities, one ferry to an ancient cave-temple, a sunset river cruise, and long beach hours, this 5-day plan delivers a calm, coast-first India experience that’s gentle on the wallet. You’ll leave with salt in your hair, spice on your tongue, and a few new favorite sunsets.