Goa is India’s pocket-sized state with an outsized story: centuries of Kadamba and Vijayanagara rule, 451 years of Portuguese presence, and a modern rhythm powered by surf, spice, and susegad—the Goan way of taking life easy. The result is a rare mix of Baroque basilicas, pastel Latin lanes, Indo-Portuguese mansions, and a cuisine where local toddy vinegar, kokum, and coconut sing.

Beyond the beaches, Goa rewards the curious: mangrove creeks where kingfishers flash, e-bike trails past paddy fields, and forest roads climbing to the misty Dudhsagar Falls. Old Goa’s UNESCO-listed churches tell of maritime glory, while tiny taverns pour feni—cashew or coconut spirits distilled in backyard stills.

Expect warm tropical weather year-round; October–March is peak season with calm seas. Carry reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate, and dress modestly when visiting temples and churches. Seafood thalis, prawn balchão, xacuti, and bebinca are must-tries; vegetarians are well served too, especially in cafes around Assagao and Palolem.

Panjim (North & Central Goa)

Set on the Mandovi River, Panjim (Panaji) pairs riverfront promenades with the candy-colored streets of Fontainhas. It’s the best base to reach North Goa’s forts and beaches, Old Goa’s cathedrals, and island villages like Divar.

• Top sights: Fontainhas Latin Quarter, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Old Goa (Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, St. Augustine Tower), Reis Magos Fort, Fort Aguada, Miramar and Dona Paula viewpoints.
• Why stay here: Quick access to heritage walks, bustling markets, river sunsets, and day trips north or east.
• Where to stay: Search stays on VRBO Panaji or Hotels.com Panaji. Budget choice: The Old Quarter Hostel (Panjim). Mid-range nearby beaches: Novotel Goa Resort & Spa (Candolim). Treat yourself in South Goa later with Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa.
• Getting to Goa: Fly into GOX (Mopa) or GOI (Dabolim). Compare routes on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Domestic examples: Mumbai–Goa ~1h15 (~$35–$90), Delhi–Goa ~2h30 (~$50–$120). Trains (Karmali/Thivim/Madgaon) via Trip.com Trains can be scenic: e.g., Mumbai–Karmali overnight 10–12h (AC berths ~$12–$30).

Day 1: Arrival, River Promenade, and Goan Welcome Dinner (Panjim)

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs along the Mandovi promenade, watching ferries glide past floating casinos. Pop into the white Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church for city views from the zig-zag steps.

Evening: Dinner at Kokni Kanteen (Panjim) for a stellar fish thali—pomfret or mackerel with sol kadi and local veggies—or head to Ritz Classic for their famous prawn curry rice and recheado rava-fried fish. Nightcap at Joseph Bar in Fontainhas: try a cashew feni with lime and soda in a tiny, wood-trimmed tavern.

Day 2: Forts, Beaches, and Sunset Over the Arabian Sea

Morning: Coffee and poee-omelet at Caravela Café & Bistro (excellent Goan bakes and single-origin coffee). Drive 20 minutes to Reis Magos Fort, a beautifully restored red-laterite fort with river-meets-sea panoramas. Continue to Fort Aguada and its 17th-century lighthouse above Sinquerim.

Afternoon: Lazy beach time: choose Candolim for calmer vibes or Calangute/Baga for watersports like parasailing and jet ski (negotiate posted rates; expect ~$15–$35 per ride). Lunch with a view at Antares (Vagator) for modern plates and cliffside scenery, or at La Plage (Ashvem) for long, linger-worthy lunches by the sand.

Evening: Climb to Chapora Fort for a golden-hour panorama of Vagator’s crescent coves. Dinner in Assagao: Gunpowder for Kerala–Andhra–Goa flavors (pandi curry, beet pachadi) or reserve at Suzie’s for a seasonal tasting menu in a leafy courtyard. For music and cocktails, try Soro – The Village Pub (Assagao) or Cohiba near Aguada (live bands most nights).

Day 3: Divar Island by E‑Bike, Old Goa’s UNESCO Treasures, and Fontainhas by Night

Morning: Hop on an easy, scenic e‑bike ride across paddy fields, churches, and ferry crossings with this guided tour:

BLive Electric Bike Tours – Discovery of Divar Island

It’s relaxed, photogenic, and a great way to glimpse village Goa beyond the coast. Expect ~3–4 hours including ferry rides.

Afternoon: Explore Old Goa: the Basilica of Bom Jesus (St. Francis Xavier’s relics), the vast Se Cathedral, and the romantic St. Augustine Tower ruins. Cool off with tender coconut water from roadside stalls.

Evening: Dive deep into the Latin Quarter on a storytelling walk with local hosts:

Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen

Post-walk, dine at Panjim favorites: Viva Panjim for vindaloo and cafreal in a family home, or The Black Sheep Bistro’s contemporary counterpart options if available; otherwise return to Ritz Classic for seafood staples.

Palolem (South Goa)

Arc-shaped Palolem is South Goa’s postcard: coconut palms, calm waters, and morning kayaks skimming over glassy seas. Nearby Agonda and Cola offer quieter sands, while river hamlets lead to the Sal backwaters and spice country.

• Top sights: Palolem and Agonda beaches, Cola lagoon, Cabo de Rama Fort views, Sal backwaters, Ponda’s spice plantations, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Why stay here: Slower pace, scenic coves, yoga and brunch cafes, great base for Dudhsagar Falls and backwater kayaking.
• Where to stay: Browse VRBO Palolem or Hotels.com Palolem. Nearby upscale picks: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (Benaulim), The Leela Goa (Cavelossim), Holiday Inn Resort Goa (Cavelossim). Budget hostel in North Goa if you extend: The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna).
• Getting south: Panjim to Palolem is ~2–2.5 hours by taxi (~$25–$45). Budget option: train from Karmali to Canacona (1.5–2h, ~$1–$4) via Trip.com Trains, then a 10-minute tuk-tuk.

Day 4: Transfer to South Goa, Palolem Beach, and Sunset Dinner

Morning: Depart Panjim after breakfast; stop for a quick snack at Café Bodega (Altinho) if you didn’t earlier—great coffee and quiche in a heritage courtyard. Taxi to Palolem (~2–2.5h). Check in and exhale.

Afternoon: Walk the curve of Palolem Beach. Rent a kayak to the tiny island at the northern end (check tides). For lunch, try Jaali Café (Patnem) for vibrant salads, mezze, and spice-laced plates, or Magic Italy (Palolem) for wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta.

Evening: Sunset at Rock-It viewpoint on Palolem’s northern rocks. Dinner at The Cape Goa (Colomb/Patnem) for cliffside views if you’re up for a 10–15 minute ride, or stay on the sand for grilled kingfish with lime and butter at a beach shack.

Day 5: Dudhsagar Falls, Jeep Safari, and Spice Plantation (Full-Day Tour)

Early start for one of Goa’s headline nature days:

Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Jeep Safari & Spice Plantation private tour

Expect hotel pickup, a bumpy jeep ride through Mollem National Park, time to admire the milky cataract (monsoon and just-after are most dramatic; flow tapers in late dry season), and a leisurely lunch at a spice plantation with demos of pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pack a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and sturdy sandals.

Day 6: Mangrove Magic, Agonda & Cola Lagoons, and Riverfront Dinner

Morning: Glide through still creeks under a cathedral of mangroves on this gentle, guided paddle:

Goa Kayaking Sal Backwaters Mangroves Magic!

Best at high tide and coolest early in the day. Watch for brahminy kites and little egrets; guides handle safety and route.

Afternoon: Recover on Agonda Beach, then swing by Cola Beach where a freshwater lagoon meets the sea—great for a dip and photos. Lunch at Mandala Café (Agonda) for smoothie bowls and Goan plates, or Feni & Tonic’s sister menus if you spot them along the coast for inventive drinks and coastal bites.

Evening: Dine riverside at Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim): order Goan crab curry, rawa-fried calamari, and bebinca for dessert. If staying closer, Palolem’s beach shacks host acoustic sets—low-key and starlit.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Easy breakfast at Jaali or Zest (Palolem) with cold brew and eggs akuri. Pick up local treats: bebinca (layered coconut-milk dessert), kulkuls, or a bottle of premium cashew feni to take home (check your airline’s alcohol allowance).

Afternoon: Transfer to GOI/GOX for your flight. For last-minute changes or better connections, compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you need to reach the rail network instead, Madgaon (Margao) Junction is ~1–1.5 hours from Palolem by taxi; tickets via Trip.com Trains.

Optional Add-On: South Goa Heritage & Food

If you have an extra evening near Panjim earlier in the week, consider a guided tasting through Goan taverns and kitchens:

Feni and Tapas – Food Trail with Tastings & Drinks by Make It Happen

It’s a flavorful primer on Goa’s spice routes, toddy vinegar, and local drinking culture.

Practical Tips

• Local transport: Prepaid taxis, app-based cabs, or self-drive scooters (helmets mandatory). Avoid driving at night on unlit rural roads.
• Beach & wildlife: Respect red flags and lifeguard zones; avoid dolphin-chasing boat trips that distress wildlife.
• Dress code: Swimwear is fine on beaches; carry a light cover-up for churches and temples.
• Cash & connectivity: Cards and UPI widely accepted; carry some cash for rural stalls and parking.

In one week, you’ve tasted Goa’s spectrum: gilded altars and blue-tiled chapels, fortress cliffs and lagoon coves, mangroves in morning light, and the spray of Dudhsagar on your face. From fish curry rice to feni cocktails, from Divar’s ferry crossings to Palolem sunsets, this itinerary leaves sand in your shoes and stories in your pocket.