the sun and the sand, and a drink in my hand
A vibrant state located along the western coast of India, Goa is a destination that is perfect for anyone looking for a gentle introduction to India. An eclectic mix of Portuguese heritage, wonderful climate, glorious beaches and exotic food all add to Goa’s charm, and with plenty of sightseeing and things to do, holidaymakers who are less inclined to lay on a golden beach will still have plenty of activities to enjoy.
Day 01. Arrive at Goa Dabolim Airport. Assistance on arrival - Transfers to the hotel.
Day 02. Post breakfast –Enjoy pool/beach and water sport – Baga / Calangute Beach area... You have a lovely evening today to spend at one of the most beautiful shacks in North Goa near Santana Beach Resort – Calamari. Late evening return to Hotel.
Day 03. Early breakfast at the hotel. You will be visiting Chapora Fort –It is just 700 meters from the Vagator beach. It is located on a hill just above the Vagator beach, with the Chapora beach on the other side. The Chapora River meets the Arabian Sea here. The present Chapora fort was erected by Adil Shah of Bijapur on the site of an ancient fort, which existed even before the Portuguese came to Goa in 1510. The Portuguese rulers took over the Chapora fort in 1717 and made it a border outpost for controlling land, allowing easy sea passage, and preventing enemy attacks.
The reason to visit Chapora Fort is to learn about Goa’s rich history. See military architecture and learn about maritime defence. Walk on the ramparts and get a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea, Chapora River, Morjim beach, Ozran Beach, Chapora beach, Vagator beach, and even up to the Anjuna beach.
Lunch at a Local Shack and proceed to the Market of North Goa and Aguada Fort - Standing on the crumbling ramparts of what was once the most formidable and impregnable of the Portuguese forts in India, one looks out at a panoramic ocean vista, witnessing the confluence of the Mandovi River and The Arabian Sea, over which the fort has kept watching for more than four hundred years.
You will later be visiting the Aguada Fort is a monument to Portuguese construction and engineering. Although parts of it have fallen to the ravages of time, much of it is intact and it remains the best-preserved Portuguese fort in India today. Built over three years from 1609 to 1612, it once defended the Portuguese stronghold against Dutch and Maratha invaders.
It is named for the freshwater spring that gives the fort a constant supply of potable water, ‘AQUA’ being The Portuguese word for water and ‘Aguada’ signifying a place where water is collected. So well built and fiercely armed was this fort that it has never fallen into enemy hands.
Today is Saturday - Arpora Saturday Night Market before dinner. Arpora night market can top all the places to visit in Goa if you are looking for unique experiences. Proceed to your hotel late evening – Dinner at a local restaurant and return to your hotel.
Day 04. Try to finish your breakfast by 7.00 am and proceed to South Goa to visit Dudh Sagar falls, This is a breathtaking view of lovely waterfalls in Goa, On the way back visit Tambdi Surla Temple which is an { ASI Site } in South Goa surrounded by Forest Area. Return to Resort by evening. Fresh up at Hotel and be ready to visit one of the most suggested places for Dinner { Hotel Rivera – Bang opposite – Casino Pride at Mandovi River } Post dinner time free to visit Casino { Kids are permitted at Casino Pride Ship only } Try to play flashcard if keen in playing. Late Night return to Hotel.
Day 05. Early morning enjoy beach walks before sunrise and enjoys the panoramic views of sunrise on the sea, Time free for kids to enjoy Jet Ski, return to the restaurant for breakfast... Check out from the hotel, Explore South Goa by cycles or Proceed to Panjim for shopping. Enjoy a thrilling lunch at Babazine / 07798685862 Mr Bobit – Goan Restaurant views beautiful river view {personally recommended} Evening enjoy boar cruise at River Mandovi. OR Today day at leisure in Goa - Chill and enjoy your swim in the pool at the hotel. Evening visit Fort in North Goa - Evening free for shopping in Panjim. Dinner at Shere Punjab. Stay at your hotel.
Day 06. Early breakfast today at the hotel – Leave for Panjim. - You can witness the grandeur of historical monuments. Once you have admired the beautiful structures of Old Goa, - Visit Our Lady of Immaculate Conception - Not all of Goa’s myriad ancient churches are concentrated in Velha Goa. A notable exception is the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church It is possessed of a singularly distinctive appearance thanks to the double flights of steps that zigzag across the hillside on which it is built. True to its name, the façade of this church is painted an immaculate, sparkling white. To the untrained eye, this might even belie the actual age and antiquity of this church.
The church houses the ancient bell that was removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace. This bell is considered to be the second-largest of its kind in Goa surpassed only by the Golden Bell which resides in the Se Cathedral.
Day 07. After breakfast proceed to the airport for a journey back home