Sharvani ChandvaleA Goa weekend trip is all you need if you’re from Mumbai, Pune or Bangalore. You know what Goa means to you. It’s the perfect nature escape set away from the city and its traffic and pollution. You drive down to your favourite coastal heaven, unwind in nature and recharge yourself to go back to work. Keeping that in mind, what if we told you that you can experience more of Goa’s nature and quiet by going away from the beaches?
This blog gives you a 3-day itinerary for the ultimate Goa weekend trip exploring not just Goan beaches, but a Goa beyond beaches, with Soul Travelling.
Choosing the Right Time to Visit Goa on a Weekend
Goa offers a magical experience all year round. It just depends on you and your interests. For instance, while winters in Goa (Nov to Feb) are crowded, the weather is much cooler and you can witness a bunch of local festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, New Year’s, Carnival, Shigmo and more! Goa’s summer season, on the other hand, is a much quieter and hotter time. You can try a variety of seasonal fruits and juices, spend hours at sea and make the best of your early mornings and evenings. Lastly, Goa’s monsoon season is loved by locals and artists alike. It’s a quiet time of rejuvenation and slowing down, trekking to waterfalls and waiting for delicious patoleo to come around! You can experience Holi and Easter during the summer and Ganesh Chathurthi and Sao Joao during the monsoon along with other local festivals.
It’s best to plan a weekend Goa trip based on what you look forward to doing. If you like treks and cycling adventures, visit Goa during the monsoon. For those into Goan heritage and local cuisines, try visiting in the summer. Plan a winter trip to Goa when all you have on mind are colourful, lit Christmas trees and Goan sweets.
Crafting Your Weekend Goa Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday)
Ideally, if you’re driving to Goa, you should start on Thursday evening and aim to get here on a Friday morning. This way, you have 3 whole days to explore and have fun. You can book a nice place with a pool, something by the beach or for the more adventurous, a resort in the ghats, away from the sea. You can start with a nice Goan lunch in the afternoon. If you’re in and around Anjuna, Vagator, Candolim or Baga, check out Kismoor in Sangolda for lunch. For those into local ventures, get your hands on a homemade Goan fish thali here. Are you in Panjim? Consider checking out Konkni Kanteen, Ritz Classic, Tanvi Bar or the Evergreen Restaurant for amazing fish thalis. Lastly, explore Portuguese-influenced Goan food by heading to Viva Goa in Fontainhas.Â
After lunch, you can head out on the Fontainhas Heritage Walk. It’s the perfect place to start your Goa experience. The colourful Indo-Portuguese lanes of Fontainhas are eye candy for every traveller looking to experience the beautiful heritage of Goa. You can stroll at your pace, stop at bars and find hidden local cafes to snack on delicious Goan food. You can always do it on your own and if you want, book the Soul Travelling Fontainhas Heritage Walk to make your experience more immersive.
What do you get on the Fontainhas Walk?
The Fontainhas Heritage Walk takes you through the lanes of the Latin Quarters and its stories. You get a peek into who built the beautiful houses, the mysterious events that happened there and hidden spots that no one else knows about. Moreover, you get invited to an ancient home and look at all the artefacts that have been there for more than 400 years! Your Goan hosts tell you stories about a time long gone and sit down for a music performance with you. Lastly, Soul Travelling’s Ambassadors know what the good Goan snacks are so when you hit those local bakeries, you get to taste the most delicious stuff instead of getting something that disappoints. Not a bad deal right?
Day 2: Saturday
7 A.M. : Nature Trail at Chorao
There is no better way to start a Saturday morning than taking a ferry on the Mandovi. You slowly glide on the calm waters in the early hours before Goa wakes up. If you leave a little early, you can catch a glistening sunrise on the ferry boat, basking the river and you, in its morning glow. Once you’ve reached Chorao, Soul Travelling will take you on a boat ride through the mangroves of Mandovi to catch some of Goa’s colourful aviary residents (basically, birdwatching). It is recommended to take this experience with a guide who can speak your language since the boatmen usually only speak Konkani. That way, you can know more about the birds, crabs, crocodiles and other estuarine species that you’re meeting. Being on the river is a meditative experience in itself as you float away from the traffic and noise of the city.
After the boat ride, we’ll take you through the rest of Chorao island, sharing stories about its amazing architecture and hidden secrets. Did you know there’s a one-of-a-kind Devaki-Krishna temple in Chorao?
If you feel like it, you can opt for a lunch hosted by a local in their home. It will be served with lots of love and a side of your favourite Feni. You can laze around for a bit and if you’ve fallen in love with Chorao by this time, you can consider taking a therapeutic mud bath to further help you relax and detox. Or, if you’d like to experience the Goan way of fishing, you can go do that instead!
5 P.M.: Tavern Trail at Panjim (to have a LIT Saturday night)
Take some time to explore around on your own or chill at a cafe. For your evening, Soul Travelling has curated the perfect Saturday night plan for you! Soul Travelling wants to tell you that Goa isn’t all about drinking beers on beaches. That said, there’s no denying that Goa’s tavernas are an experience worth exploring. Goa has a rich culture of meeting up over drinks after the day is done. The Tavern Trail in Panjim will take you through Goa’s oldest hidden tavernas that offer mindblowing drinks and tapas. The energy of getting through a tough day, unwinding over a drink or two and sharing your stories is unmatched. So spend your Saturday evening taverna-hopping through the streets of Panjim with Soul Travelling. It’s better than getting a beer on the beach!
Day 3: Sunday
11 A.M.: Private Island Experience with Backwater Kayaking
As you inch closer to the end of your weekend in Goa, you might want to slow down a little and just go where the day takes you. So, how about going on a leisurely private island experience with some chill backwater kayaking? Goa’s kayaking experiences happen on some beaches and in the backwaters. While beaches are fun, they don’t offer much for you to discover. Kayaking in the backwaters introduces you to exotic birds and other land animals waddling through the mangroves. Embrace the quiet of nature and let your mind relax in the company of your favourite people. If you’re a solo traveller, who knows, you might just meet your next adventure partner! The private island experience also includes a boat ride, a local Goan lunch and a cosy natural pool dipping. It’s the perfect way to end your weekend trip in Goa.
Transportation Tips for Your Weekend in Goa
You can drive, take a flight, catch a bus or hop on a train to reach Goa. The Dabolim Airport (GOI) is in South Goa while the Mopa Airport (GOX) is in North Goa. Be sustainable by taking a train to Thivim or Karmali (for North Goa), and Madgao or Vasco (for South Goa). Buses usually take you to Madgaon, Panjim or Mapusa. You can get cabs to go around. A more budget-friendly alternative is to rent a car or scooter in Goa for the duration of your stay.
Packing Essentials for your Weekend Goa Itinerary
Goa generally has hot, humid weather all year around.
- It is recommended to pack loose-fitting cotton or rayon outfits to stay comfortable. Carry lots of sunscreen and a water bottle that you can fill up.
- Ideally, pack a pair of comfortable shoes for walking around and slippers for when you want to visit the beach.
- If you’re travelling during the monsoon season, pack a raincoat and umbrella because you might need both.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What’s the best time to visit Goa for a weekend getaway?
The best time to visit Goa depends on your preferences. You can travel during winter/summer if you don’t mind the tourist crowd. Visit in the monsoon/summer if you want to explore nature and enjoy peace. - How do I choose the right beach for my stay?
The beaches in North Goa are crowded while the ones in South Goa are better for slow beach days. Some unique and beautiful heritage homestays in the interiors are away from noisy clubs music when you’re trying to sleep. - Are there any must-try local dishes?
Yes! To name a few must-try local Goan dishes: Goan Fish Thali, Ross Omelette, Bhaji Pao, Khatkhatem, Cafreal, Ambot tik, Goan pulao and so on! - How can I stay safe during my weekend trip?
Goa is generally a safe tourist destination. Some things to keep in mind: avoid talking to strangers, taking drugs or drinks from people you don’t know or trekking to waterfalls without a local expert. - What are some unique souvenirs to bring back from Goa?
Some unique souvenirs to bring back from Goa include Port Wine, Kunbi Sari, Bamboo or Clay handicrafts, Mario Miranda’s Artwork and Soul Travelling’s postcards! - Are there any cultural events or festivals happening during my visit?
If you are looking to plan your weekend in Goa around a cultural event or festival, check this blog or drop a message here and we’ll help you out! - What’s the best mode of transportation for exploring Goa?
The best mode of transportation to explore Goa is renting your car or scooter or taking a cab. - Can I get by with English, or should I learn a bit of the local language?
Yes, in Goa most locals speak English. However, it’s best to try and speak the local language Konkani. Goans love to see people speak their tongue! - What are some off-the-beaten-path attractions worth exploring?
That’s a long list and the best way is to check out the Soul Travelling website here.
Ready to plan your weekend in Goa?
A weekend in Goa is a perfect way to de-stress and unwind from a hectic workweek. If you’re keen on trying new experiences and heading to quieter locations, follow this weekend in Goa itinerary. Explore the colours of Fontainhas, the nature of Chorao and the tavernas of Panjim. Have any questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you out!
