“The party capital of India”, “Pearl of the Orient” and “Tourist Paradise”, Goa truly deserves all the accolades. There isn’t another place in India that matches that small and beautiful state nestled along India’s western coast. Blissful beaches, lively nightlife, country music, mesmerizing natural beauty, and not to forget Feni, Goa offers you the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate.
If that doesn’t entice you enough the plush resorts, friendly people, and delicious local cuisine surely will. There is a lot to explore in Goa and it attracts people from across the world.
If you are planning for a 3-day tour of Goa, we have curated an itinerary that would let you experience the sun, sand, and serenity of Goa. It may be a whirling trip with lots packed in three days, but you will enjoy and create memories for a lifetime.
Day 1 – Get Beach Hopping, Visiting Forts, And River Cruise
Sand and beaches are the first things that come to our mind when we think of Goa and that’s where you should start the first day. Start hopping the best North Goa beaches and there are plenty of them to overwhelm you! Along with this on this day you will also be visiting some of the most popular historical places in Goa. Let’s look at what we have lined up for you on the first day of your tour.
Baga Beach
Start your tour at Baga Beach, the most thronged beach in Goa. It is the perfect place to laze around with the large waterfront offering you breathtaking sights of the Arabian Sea. There is plenty to experience and eat and this is one of the best places to have your breakfast with dozens of restaurants and eateries lined up along the beach.
Calangute Beach
One beach to another might seem strange but every beach has its character. Known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ this is the best place for water sports in Goa. Ride the waves, fly into the sky, or plunge into the clear water, Calangute Beach won’t disappoint you. From kayaking, windsurfing, and water surfing to jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana ride, you will experience the adrenaline rush.
Fort Aguada
Built in the year 1612 this colossal structure is one of the best reminders of Goa’s colonial past. Located along Sinquerim Beach, the lighthouse atop this fort is a major attraction for travelers coming here. You should also visit the Aguada Central Jail which was the largest prison in Goa till the last decade and has been renovated to offer a glimpse of Goa’s freedom struggle.
Reis Magos Fort
Erected in 1551 this is one of the oldest colonial forts in India. Located on a hilltop overlooking the Mandovi River, this offers great sights of the river and the coastline. The fort combines Hindu and Portuguese styles of architecture to offer a distinct style with the 7 guns atop the fort being the primary attraction.
Anjuna Beach
A quintessential Goan beach it offers you the best local vibe and the perfect place to watch the sunset. The white sandy shores offer you the best place to relax and rejuvenate after you have been through a tiring day touring the different sights and sounds of Goa.
Deltin Royale Casino
A visit to Goa is incomplete till you try your hands at the slot machines in a casino. There are many but this floating casino is the jewel in the crown. Spread over 50,000 sq. ft it offers you more than 1000 games to try your hands at. This is the best place to call your day with the casino remaining open till the wee hours.
Day 2 – Soaking with Goa’s Culture Travelling Through Goa’s Past
You would have soaked in the beautiful sights of the serene beaches on the first day of your tour. Day 2 is focused on experiencing Goa’s culture, getting up close and personal with the people, and catching a glimpse of their way of life. There is plenty to do on this busy day and here are the activities you cannot miss out on –
Basilica of Bom Jesus
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Roman Catholic Basilica was completed in 1605. This is one of the most visited places in Goa with the majestic interiors and exteriors leaving you in a state of reverence.
Se Cathedral
The finest example of Portuguese-Manueline architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1619 this place gives you a glimpse of Goa’s catholic culture and the right traditions that have been handed down from its colonial past.
Mahalakshmi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, this temple has been in existence since the 15th century. The silver arched doorway along with the twenty-four wooden panels depicting scenes from the Bhagavata Purana would awaken you spiritually.
Houses of Goa Museum
If you wish to travel through Goa’s architectural landscape and its rich history, this is the place you should be. It isn’t your ordinary museum displaying things from the past but documents the evolution of houses and architecture in this land using visuals and models.
Mandovi River Cruise
For anyone visiting Goa, this is a real treat. You can’t trade it for anything and after a day’s activity through the mesmerizing visuals of Goa’s culture and traditions, it’s time to end it with some traditional Goanese dance and music followed by a lavish dinner. There are lots of operators operating small and large boats. Go for the bigger special dinner cruises to enjoy the real charm of the place.
Day 3 – Sojourn Through the Tropical Environs of South Goa
It is the final day of your tour, and you must head out to South Goa. It is soulful and serene and boasts of having some of the most mesmerizing beaches in the country. You will be treated to undiluted lush greenery and catch a glimpse of Goa’s Portuguese past. While there are dozens of places you can explore in South Goa, here is our top pick for a day in this majestic part of the country.
Colva Beach
This white sand beach is less explored in comparison to the beaches in North Goa and this is the best possible place to start your day. At 2.4 km it is one of the biggest beaches in Goa. You can take part in watersports if you have missed it on Day 1 as there are plenty of options here.
Cabo de Rama Fort
Take a journey back in time to this historic beach which is perched between Agonda and Cavelossim beaches. The Saint Antonio Church with its white facade is one of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is a welcome break from the beaches and forts of Goa (no offense meant) and home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. People come here for bird watching as you can catch glimpse of some of the most exotic species of birds.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The spectacular sights of the Dudhsagar waterfalls would leave you spellbound. The four-tiered waterfall cascades for more than 100 feet with the surrounding greenery adding to its majesty. Best witnessed during the monsoon, you can also go trekking if you love a bit of adventure.
Leopard Valley
Ending your Goa sojourn with some high-octane nightlife would be the icing on the cake. Located close to Agonda Beach, it offers you the best glimpses of Goa’s nightlife.
How To Reach Goa
By Road
Regular bus services are available from Karnataka and Maharashtra. You can drive along National Highway 66, 366, 566, and 748 connecting the state with Maharashtra and Karnataka.
By Air
Dabolim Goa International Airport is connected to major cities in India including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Lucknow to name a few. There are also flights from Sharjah, London, and Manchester
By Train
Goa has two major railheads Vasco da Gama and Madgaon which connect to major cities such as Patna, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Jabalpur, etc.
Best Time to Visit Goa
Goa is on everyone’s travel radar and hence you will find travelers visiting the state throughout the year. However, if you wish to experience a pleasant climate and avoid rains plan your trip between November and February. This is the time when the place comes alive with the period between Christmas and New Year seeing a carnival-like environment
10 Pro Tips for First Time Travelers
1. Explore the less-traveled beaches. Goa has more than 100 km of coastline and there are plenty of unexplored and unspoiled beaches
2. Apply sunscreen while sunbathing to avoid sunburn. Keep your body hydrated while on the beach. Nothing beats tender coconut!
3. Tantalize your taste buds with Portuguese, Arabian, Konkani, and Malabarian food. Don’t miss the seafood though.
4. Rent a bike or scooter to explore the best sights and sounds of Goa and you will be able to explore more places than you’d do in a car
5. Don’t miss out on scuba diving, jet-skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and power-scooter riding.
6. North and South Goa are distinct in character and beauty, and you shouldn’t trade one for the other.
7. Never shy away from bargaining in flea markets when buying handicrafts, spices, and other souvenirs.
8. Avoid alcohol at the beaches as there are strict restrictions and you might invite trouble while doing so.
9. You may be a teetotaler, but you should try the famous Feni, especially the cashew feni and coconut feni.
10. Goa isn’t only about beaches and parties. There are churches and temples too and hence pack some conservative clothes along with your shorts and shades.
Though it is impossible to explore all the sights and beauty of Goa on a 3-Day tour, in this guide we have looked at places you shouldn’t miss on your tour. Yes, it will be hectic and shall require you to plan it thoroughly, but it will also be fascinating. You will create memories that you shall treasure for a lifetime. There is a myriad of places to visit in Goa and we have curated the best we could for a 3-day tour.