Goa is one of the best holiday destinations in India. A land filled with beautiful beaches for you to get that right amount of suntan. With temples and churches, intermingling faiths of Hinduism and Christianity, a cuisine of seafood and scrumptious meats and a beachfront with just the right weather, Goa is worth visiting. Here’s an itinerary that you could use for a 5-day vacation in Goa.

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Soak up the Sun

It’s Saturday, and your first day in Goa. Time to hit the beach! Goa has a beautiful sea coast filled with rich number of beaches – Anjuna, Benaulim, Candolim and Colva to name a few. However, I suggest you drop by Baga and Calangute. These two are filled with adventure sports like windsurfing, paragliding and jet skiing. And if the beach is a bore, you can head to the popular Club Tito’s and Cafe Mambo! Also, check out the Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora for a combined experience of shopping, food and music.

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Take a tour of churches:

On Sunday, Old Goa will take you a whole day to explore. The most famous Church is the Basilica de Bom Jesus, where you will find the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier. Other than that, check out Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Church of Saint Cajetao in Old Goa. Also keep your eyes peeled while strolling around for ruins of many chapels and churches that can be found.

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Bumble in the wild:

Connected with the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, a visit on Monday to Mollem National Park would give you an experience of the unique flora and fauna. Here you will stumble upon many birds, reptiles and butterflies. Also you can swing by the Shiv temple, Tambdi Surla Temple, hidden in the forest. And if you happen to come by during the monsoon season, the Dudhsagar Falls is a must visit.

Visit a fortress:

There are many forts across Goa and most of them are in ruins. However, the Aguada Fort is still well-preserved. A little far off from Panjim, the capital of Goa, dropping in on Tuesday is a good way to spend the day.  Built by the Portuguese and once used as a lighthouse, it offers a beautiful view of the Arabian sea.

Shop till you drop:

Wednesday, the last day, is a good time to go shopping. Pick up something to show off back home from Anjuna flea market.This is a market that runs only on Wednesdays from morning to sunset. You will find a variety of things from clothes to carved statues to mementos. And at the end of your tiring day, refresh yourself with a few beers at Curly’s Beach shack!

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And after your five days of Goa madness, make sure you show off your tan back home as a reminder of all the fun you’ve had! Happy vacationing!

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