An enjoyable 3 Days Goa Itinerary – a perfect blend of eclectic experiences.
An enjoyable 3 Days Goa Itinerary – a perfect blend of eclectic experiences.
A specially crafted 3 Days Goa Itinerary is the perfect answer when you realise you’ve suddenly got a 3-day break and want something totally out-of-the-box. You want to go to a place that’s a mood changer, makes for great memories and is popularly known as the ultimate holiday destination. Goa is this and more. The Portuguese called it El Dourada or ‘Golden Goa’ for its beautiful landscapes & for its location in the Indian ocean which helped them in the spice trade. It is truly Golden Goa with its sun-kissed sandy beaches, green fields, cozy villages, tasty local cuisines and a mesmerizing hinterland full of indigenous experiences. It is also a land full of culture, folklore and history.
Now that you’ve made up your mind to take a short break in Goa, here are some interesting experiences to spend the 3 days.
Day 1: Explore Goa’s unique and extensive Heritage
This small state of Goa was ruled by the Mauryan and Satavahana empires, the Kadamba Kings, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Bahmani Sultanate, The Bijapur Sultanate and finally the Portuguese! There are so many stories of history and heritage in every corner of this land that you need to see and listen to.
Morning: Take the Old Goa Heritage Walk and be amazed at the architecture, art and achievements of the people who built the Viceroys arch, St Cajetan Church, Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Chapel of St Francis Xavier. Old Goa or Velha Goa has some of the oldest monuments and Churches and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Let stories of this grand city amaze you.
Afternoon: Time for the Latin Quarter Food Trail. The colourful houses, winding lanes, quaint chapels and contemporary cafes have many stories about their rich heritage. You will also be able to enjoy some local beverages and appetisers, along with a sumptuous Goan meal made with local ingredients. While you relax and enjoy a meal you will understand how the Portuguese influence added flavour to local cuisines.
Evening: Wind down the day with a Campal Heritage Walk. The precinct of Campal is truly a hidden gem. Built by Viceroy Dom Manuel, Campal is a stunning example of thoughtful town planning. Panjim of the 1800s will come alive as you stroll along the picturesque riverfront promenade, the tree-lined avenues, the lush gardens and the magnificent heritage buildings. You will experience the strong sense of community that still prevails across centuries.
Day 2: Explore history along the waterfront
The Mandovi, Zuari and 9 other rivers support Goa’s eco-system. Waterways that have seen empires change, nobility come & go, the exodus due to the plague, the arrival of the Indian armed forces etc. The water’s serene presence has always drawn people to Goa. Experience the flow of history.
Morning: Enjoy a visit to Divar Island with breakfast this morning. Take the ferry across to Divar and see what it is to be a Zuvemkar (islander). The locals live a quiet life on a quaint island, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquillity. As the pace slows down, you will get a glimpse into local livelihood (farming, fishing), see the ruins of a 12th century temple and a mystical bathing site, visit an 18th century baroque church, if you are lucky, you may visit the hidden local caves. Finally, you get serenaded by a local musician as you eat a hearty breakfast.
Afternoon: Get back to the mainland for a Fort Aguada Port and Jail Heritage Walk. You get a perspective on the importance of this fort for the Portuguese against the Dutch and the Marathas as you take in the amazing views across the waterfront. It was later converted into a jail for the freedom fighters. You will feel a sense of pride come over you as you go through the digital museum set up in the modernised complex. Spend time at this 400-year-old monument on the seafront.
Evening: The best way to end such an interesting day is to take the Feni & Tapas Food Trail. While the evening is about delicious food and drink, but it is also about the many stories around the evolution of Goan food, the Portuguese influence and breaking of stereotypes. Feni the local brew is the perfect accompaniment to the food and the stories. You get to visit a café frequented by nobility during the Portuguese era.
Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation in South Goa
It is a fallacy that South Goa is quieter than the North. South Goa has a character of its own with its historical monuments, heritage and heroes. Old Indo-Portuguese Vivendas and churches dot the landscape, with khazans and the rivers creating a picturesque scenario that overpowers the senses.
Morning: When you go on the Chandor Heritage Trail you will see a sleepy village but one with a huge legacy – it was Chandrapur the capital of the Kadamba Dynasty. The trail weaves it way across a mansion of an Indo-Portuguese family who were considered nobility back in the day, to a 500-year-old heritage home having a treasure trove of artifacts and even a hidden staircase, to a well-preserved 11th century temple ruin. You will be enthralled to listen to the numerous stories of the village and the villagers, including the queen’s curse.
Afternoon: Next, on the Margao City Food Trail you will actually eat your way through the city! The essence of the food trail is to understand the connections between the local community, their food and the trades around it, while you watch the local bakers in action, meet the vendors at the local market and eat a delectable meal at a heritage establishment.
Evening: You will end the day and the short break at a local brewery, listening to their stories of how they began, the brewing process, the various brands that are in the market, taste the various brands brewed and maybe even try to bottle your own brew if possible.
Each of these is a uniquely crafted experience, with a multi-sensory appeal as they involve the local community and a passionate storyteller who shares stories of history, culture and folklore with you. Your experiences can be customised with visits to museums, art galleries, souvenir stores, as well as, shopping at boutiques. At the end of your 3 days, you will get an authentic glimpse into Goan culture and history.
Over the years the quality of the experiences have gotten enhanced. Plus, services like handpicked choices for the best places to stay, eat and shop have been added. Only because travellers want an immersive Goan experience which is catalogued in an overflowing digital album. The 3 Days Goa Itinerary works for first-time visitor or a Goaphile and is easily booked at https://makeithappen.co.in
