India Goa fort corjuem in the rainy season

Goa heritage, wildlife, and coastal charms in five days

5 Days | Goa

India Goa fort corjuem in the rainy season
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Route distance :

553 km

Route distance :

553 km

Witness Goa’s tropical charm with this five-day sojourn

Nestled along the Arabian Sea, Goa is a potpourri of culture, history, and stunning beauty. Known as the Miami of India, Goa entices visitors with its Portuguese-style architecture, lush landscapes, and sunny beaches. This coastal gem presents a beautiful amalgam of contemporary and traditional experiences, ensuring an eventful stay. So, take on this meticulously crafted five-day itinerary to make the most of your five days in Goa.

Exploring Goa’s rich history and culinary delights

Day 1
Landscape of the Old ruins of Fort Aguada on the seashores of Goa ; Shutterstock ID 1564650607; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
  • Witness the wonders of Goa

  • Highlights

    Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort, Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

Start your day with a visit to Fort Aguada, a well-preserved Portuguese fort from the 17th century. Situated on Sinquerim Beach, the fort overlooks the Arabian Sea and has a lighthouse too. Next, travel to Reis Magos Fort, which predates the Aguada Fort by half a century. It is a relatively tinier fort. Back in the day, it accommodated viceroys and other dignitaries en route to Lisbon. Stop at a local restaurant or beachside shack and enjoy authentic recipes like Goan Fish Curry, Feni, and more. End the day with a visit to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. You can partake in their daily mass, conducted in Portuguese, Konkani, and English. Constructed in 1541, it is a Portuguese Baroque-style church.

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A tour through Goa’s heritage, exploring museums and a beach

Day 2
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  • A day of artefacts, aviation, and sunset

  • Highlights

    Goa State Museum, Goa Chitra Museum, Naval Aviation Museum, Bogmalo Beach

Following a day steeped in Goan heritage and flavours, start your second day in Goa with a visit to the Goa State Museum or the State Archaeology Museum. It contains departments like art, craft, archaeology, ancient history, and geology. You can find 8,000 artefacts on display, including bronzes, carvings, wooden objects, rare coins, and more. Next, stop at the Goa Chitra Museum, an ethnographic museum with more than 4,000 artefacts that take you through Goa’s traditional lifestyle and agricultural technology. Visit the Naval Aviation Museum, one of the only two military museums in India. It is Asia’s only Naval Aviation Museum and contains several aircraft employed by the Indian Navy throughout history. Finally, soak in the scenic view at Bogmalo Beach and have a delicious meal at any shack nearby.

From temples to mansions, witnessing South Goa’s treasures

Day 3
  • Finding the hidden gems in South Goa

  • Highlights

    Sri Shanta Durga Temple, Braganza House, Colva Beach

After touring around North and Central Goa’s rich heritage, start day 3 with a visit to the Sri Shanta Durga Temple, a private temple complex belonging to Goud Saraswat Brahman Samaj. The temple has been around for over 450 years. Next, travel to Braganza House, a massive Portuguese mansion from the 17th century spread over Chandor's stretch in South Goa. This one-of-a-kind mansion is open for public visits. Partake in popular water sports like speed boat rides, jet skiing, paragliding, and more at Colva Beach. End the day with Goan delights like Goan Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Cafreal, Goan Fish Curry, and more at the beach.

Wildlife adventures and beaches in South Goa

Day 4
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  • Traversing from tranquil beaches to wildlife sanctuaries

  • Highlights

    Palolem Beach, Butterfly Beach, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park

Continue your South Goa tour with a visit to Palolem Beach, a white-sand beach known for its peaceful and calm ambience. The dolphin spotting cruise and the Butterfly Beach cruises are the key highlights here. Next, travel to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1968, it has an eco-tourism complex at its entrance and is famous for its dense, tall trees. You can spot evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous trees here. Some commonly spotted animals are slender loris, flying squirrel, mouse deer, white-bellied woodpecker, four-horned antelope, and more. End the day with a visit to Mollem National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, and soak in the natural beauty. It houses 235 bird species, 720 plant species, 48 mammal species, and 70 butterfly species.

A final South Goa exploration and bidding farewell

Day 5
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  • Time for fort hopping and market exploration

  • Highlights

    Cabo de Rama Fort, Corjuem Fort, Mapusa Market

After witnessing Goa’s flora and fauna on day 4, start day 5 with a visit to the Cabo de Rama Fort, a mediaeval hillfort on Canacona’s coast. Nestled atop the hill, it offers the city’s panoramic views. Now travel back to North Goa, and before you end the journey, stop at Corjuem Fort. While smaller than other Goan forts, this military fortress offers a spectacular view of the surrounding land and river. Before catching your flight, train, or bus, explore the Mapusa Market and shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, or spices from here.