India’s smallest state, Goa, is unlike any other. Remnants of its half-millennia under Portuguese rue linger, while its cultural diversity and bohemian outlook draw creatives and digital nomads from around the world. It’s also the epitome of west coast India’s incredible natural beauty. On this six-day tour with a private guide, you’ll discover unique flavors on a street food crawl, watch the crocodiles of Divar Island, and see Goa’s tallest waterfall in Mollem National Park.
- Highlights
- Detailed Itinerary
- Book the Package
- Taste Goa's culinary delights on a guided street food crawl
- Spot wildlife on a Jeep safari in Mollem National Park
- Get to know the UNESCO heritage sites of Old Goa
- Enjoy the beach and exhilarating watersports
- Go on a crocodile safari around the wetlands of Divar Island
Day 1: Arrive & Transfer to Goa, Food Walk in Old Goa
Welcome to Goa! Your private driver will pick you up from Dabolim Airport and take you to your hotel, an hour's drive away. Hungry? This trip wastes no time introducing you to Goa's renowned cuisine: one of the most culturally diverse in India. You'll join your guide to dive into a street food crawl around Old Goa. Over two-and-a-half hours, you'll have a chance to sample at least seven regional specialties easily bypassed by tourists, from sizzling meat cutlets to zingy chaats (starch-based spicy snacks, like puffed rice or samosas).
The walking tour also provides an overview of Goa's fascinating heritage. This area was once considered the Rome of the East, and the grandeur of those 16th to 18th-century boom years remains. Between watching the skilled preparation of food at stalls and snacking in traditional cafés, you'll wander the streets of Portuguese architecture and marvel at the imposing churches.
Day 2: Dudhsagar Falls & Jungle Jeep Safari
Today you'll head off on a full-day guided adventure to Mollem National Park, 150 square miles (240 sq km) of wildlife-rich jungle bordering the state of Karnataka in the east. The first activity is a stop at Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest at 107 feet (310 m) and nicknamed the Sea of Milk, thanks to its translucent-white cascading water. Bring your bathing suit, as you can swim in the natural pool at the bottom of the falls.
A short Jeep safari will further immerse you in this natural wonderland. While the big cats of the park—tigers, panthers, and leopards—are rare, you're in with a good chance of seeing a plethora of birdlife, such as the golden oriole and great Indian hornbill, as well as monkeys and deer. Your final destination is Keri, a remote village known for its spice crop fields. Soak up its tranquil ambiance while you refuel with a traditional Goan meal.
Day 3: Full Day's Exploration of Goa
Today, your guide will show you some of their favorite Goa sights, starting with the European-style churches and cathedrals of Old Goa—collectively a UNESCO Heritage Site. You'll start the morning with a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where Saint Francis Xavier's remains lie in a casket, before walking on to the towering Baroque Se Cathedral, completed in the mid-17th century. With its vaulted ceiling, 14 gold embossed altars, and dazzling Doric arches, it's considered the most beautiful cathedral in Goa.
In the afternoon, you'll stroll to Dona Paula, a pier and picnic spot named after a historical figure in Portuguese India, which delivers a sweeping view of Miramar Beach. From here, it's on to Panjim, Goa's capital on the bank of the Mandovi River, where Portuguese influence defines the squares, tree-lined avenues, and cobbled lanes. A highlight is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, reached by a switchback stairway to the top of a mound.
Day 4: Adventure Boat Trip & Water Sports
After a leisurely morning, you'll experience the ocean breeze and clear waters on a boat cruise off the coast of Palolem Beach. Ready for some thrills? You'll have the whole afternoon to try jet-skiing, kayaking, an inflatable "bumper ride," and a banana boat ride, with soft drinks included. If you consider yourself more of a beach bum, you're in the right place: Palolem is one of the most spectacular beaches in South Goa, backed by hazy hills and palm trees. So, grab a cocktail and laze in a shady spot on that perfect white sand.
Today begins with a ferry voyage over the Mandovi River estuary to Divar Island. Around 6 miles (10 km) upriver from Panjim, it's the only major island in Goa not connected by road. Here, you can get a close look—but not too close!—at saltwater crocodiles, which live among the island's mangrove forests. These crocs can grow up to 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 m) long but are known to be non-aggressive to humans.
Once you've safely docked, your guide will lead you on a walking tour across Divar, which spans 1 by 4 miles (3 by 6 km), to explore its hidden caves, paddy fields, Kadamba temple ruins, and colorful Portuguese villas. Cut off from the mainland, and with its sedate pace, Divar was a popular pilgrimage site—evident in its splendid churches and Bridgettine convents.
It's time to say your goodbyes to Goa. When the time comes, your driver will drop you off at the airport for you to board your onward flight. Safe travels!
