Goa Tour Packages

About Goa

Goa works for almost every kind of holiday. North Goa around Calangute, Baga and Candolim is where the shacks, markets and nightlife are, and South Goa around Colva, Betalbatim and Palolem is quieter, greener and better for a slow family week. Panjim sits between the two, with the Latin quarter of Fontainhas and the churches of Old Goa a short drive away.

Beyond the beaches there is the Mandovi cruise, Dudhsagar falls on the Karnataka border, spice plantations near Ponda, the old temples at Mangeshi and Shantadurga, and Fort Aguada and Chapora on the northern headlands. Water sports run off Baga and Calangute, and dolphin trips leave from Sinquerim and Palolem in the early morning.

Most trips are three to five nights. Flights come into Dabolim or the new Mopa airport at North Goa, and trains reach Madgaon and Thivim. We book the hotel or resort in the belt that suits you, a car for sightseeing, and add the cruise, water sports and Dudhsagar jeep trip to the plan.

Best places to see

• Baga and CalanguteThe busiest beaches in the north, lined with shacks and water sports operators. Mornings are calm and good for a swim, evenings are loud and lively.
• Anjuna and the Wednesday flea marketA rocky beach with the old hippy character, and a large flea market on Wednesdays in season. Sunset from the cliff side cafes is the reason most people come.
• Palolem and Colva in the southLong, clean crescents with calmer water and fewer crowds. Palolem has the kayaks and the dolphin boats, Colva suits an easy family day.
• Old GoaThe Basilica of Bom Jesus with St Francis Xavier's remains, and Se Cathedral across the road. Go before eleven in the morning, and note that the basilica keeps limited hours on Sunday.
• Fort Aguada and ChaporaSeventeenth century Portuguese forts on the headlands with wide views over the Arabian Sea. Late afternoon is best, when the walls are not scorching.
• Fontainhas, PanjimThe Latin quarter, with narrow lanes and painted Portuguese houses. Walk it in the early morning or around sunset, and stop at a bakery on the way.
• Dudhsagar FallsA tall four tier waterfall reached by a booked jeep from Kulem, full and loud from July to about February. Go in the first jeep batch of the morning.
• Spice plantation at PondaA guided walk through pepper, vanilla and cardamom with a traditional lunch, usually paired with the Mangeshi and Shantadurga temples nearby.
• Mandovi river cruiseA one hour evening cruise from Santa Monica jetty with folk dance on board. Book the sunset slot.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive Goa, transfer to your North Goa hotel, evening free at Calangute or Baga and dinner at a beach shack.
• Day 2 North Goa sightseeing, Fort Aguada, Sinquerim, Candolim and Anjuna, water sports at Baga, sunset at a cliff cafe.
• Day 3 Old Goa churches, Fontainhas walk in Panjim, afternoon free, evening Mandovi river cruise.
• Day 4 Full day Dudhsagar jeep trip with the spice plantation lunch and the Ponda temples on the way back.
• Day 5 Shift to South Goa, check in near Colva or Betalbatim, easy afternoon on the beach.
• Day 6 Palolem and Butterfly beach by boat, or a dolphin trip in the morning, rest of the day at the resort.
• Day 7 Morning at leisure, shopping at the Margao market, transfer to the airport or station.

What is included

Best season

November to February is the best window, with dry days, cool evenings and the flea markets and shacks in full swing. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and need early booking. March to May is hot and humid but quieter, and the sea is still swimmable. The monsoon from June to September makes Goa green and cheap, though most shacks shut, water sports stop and swimming is not allowed on red flag days.

Good to know

• Beach shacks are seasonal and many close in the monsoon, so check what is open if you travel between June and September.
• Swim only between the lifeguard flags and never after drinking, the undercurrent off Baga and Calangute is stronger than it looks.
• Renting a two wheeler is common but a valid licence and helmet are compulsory, and police checks are frequent. A car with a driver is easier for families.
• Carry light cottons, slippers, a hat and sunscreen, and keep something with sleeves for the churches, where shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.
• Try Goan fish curry rice, prawn balchao, xacuti and bebinca, and buy cashews and spices from a shop rather than the beach hawkers.
• Distances between North and South Goa take over an hour each way, so stay in the belt where you will spend most of your time.

Planning and cost

Flights or trains, hotels, transfers and sightseeing are arranged together by our team. Every plan is made for your dates and your group, so the cost is quoted after we know what you want. Price on request.