3-Day Goa Itinerary: North, South & Everything Between
Three days gives you enough time to experience both sides of Goa — the lively beaches and nightlife of the north, the peaceful coves and Goan cuisine of the south, and the Portuguese heritage that makes this state unlike anywhere else in India.
Total estimated cost for 3 days: ₹7,000–12,000 per person (mid-range, excluding accommodation). Budget travellers can do it for ₹4,500–6,000.
Payment note: Every stop in this itinerary accepts UPI. Set up Mony before your trip.
Day 1: North Goa — Beaches, Markets & Nightlife
9:00 AM — Anjuna Beach
Start with a morning swim at Anjuna before the crowds arrive. The water is calm and warm. Grab a sun lounger at a shack (₹200–400 with a minimum food order) and order a late breakfast — eggs, toast, and fresh fruit juice.
Cost: ₹200–400 breakfast | Payment: UPI
11:00 AM — Vagator & Chapora Fort
Scooter to Vagator (10 minutes). Walk up to Chapora Fort for panoramic views of the coastline. The fort itself is mostly ruins, but the view from the top is one of the best in Goa. Made famous by the Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai. 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free | Payment: n/a
12:30 PM — Lunch at Thalassa
Greek-Goan restaurant with a clifftop terrace overlooking the ocean. The grilled seafood platter and feta salad are excellent. Book ahead in peak season.
Cost: ₹1,000–1,500 per person | Payment: UPI or cards
2:30 PM — Assagao Village
The village that’s become Goa’s creative hub. Wander through heritage Portuguese houses, visit boutique shops, and stop for coffee at Baba au Rhum or Mojigao.
Cost: ₹200–400 for coffee and snacks | Payment: UPI
5:00 PM — Anjuna Flea Market (Wednesdays) or Saturday Night Market (Arpora)
If your timing aligns, the Wednesday Anjuna flea market has jewellery, textiles, and souvenirs. The Saturday Night Market in Arpora is larger with live music, food stalls, and more variety. Both accept UPI at most stalls.
Cost: ₹500–2,000 shopping | Payment: UPI at most stalls, cash at some
8:00 PM — Dinner & Nightlife
Dinner: Curlies at Anjuna for the beach party atmosphere (₹400–700) or Club Cubana in Arpora for cocktails and dancing.
Day 1 total: ₹2,500–5,000 per person
Day 2: South Goa — Quiet Beaches & Goan Food
8:00 AM — Drive to Palolem (2 hours from North Goa)
Rent a scooter (₹300–500/day) and ride south. The drive through countryside, crossing rivers and passing through small villages, is part of the experience. Stop at a roadside chai stall en route.
10:30 AM — Palolem Beach
Goa’s most photogenic beach. A perfect crescent of sand lined with colourful shacks. Swim, kayak to Butterfly Island (₹500–800 per person), or just settle into a shack for the morning.
Cost: Kayaking ₹500–800 | Payment: UPI or cash
1:00 PM — Lunch at Dropadi
Family-run shack on Palolem Beach. Order the fish curry rice and a cold Kingfisher beer. Simple, fresh, and perfectly Goan.
Cost: ₹400–600 per person | Payment: UPI or cash
3:00 PM — Agonda Beach
20 minutes south. Longer, wider, and emptier than Palolem. Excellent for a quiet afternoon walk or yoga on the sand. Some of the best beachfront accommodation in Goa is here.
Cost: Free
6:00 PM — Sunset & Dinner
Watch the sunset from Agonda or head back to Palolem for the silent disco (headphone parties on the beach, ₹200–400 entry). Dinner at any Palolem shack.
Day 2 total: ₹2,000–4,000 per person
Day 3: Heritage, Spices & Panjim
9:00 AM — Old Goa
Drive to Old Goa (1 hour from South, 30 minutes from North). Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral — two of the finest Portuguese colonial churches in Asia. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Budget 1–1.5 hours.
Cost: Free entry | Payment: UPI at nearby shops and cafes
11:00 AM — Spice Plantation Tour
Visit Sahakari Spice Farm or Tropical Spice Plantation in Ponda. Guided walk through cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cashew trees, followed by a traditional Goan lunch. Educational, fun, and the lunch is usually very good.
Cost: ₹400–800 including lunch | Payment: UPI or cash
2:00 PM — Panjim — Fontainhas Latin Quarter
Walk through Goa’s most charming neighbourhood. Narrow streets, pastel houses, old Portuguese churches, and excellent cafes. Visit the heritage homes, pop into local art galleries, and have coffee at Cafe Bodega or Joseph’s Bar.
Cost: ₹200–400 for coffee and snacks | Payment: UPI
4:30 PM — Late Lunch/Early Dinner at Ritz Classic
Panjim’s most beloved Goan restaurant. Order the pork vindaloo, fish recheado, and prawn curry rice. This is where locals eat, and the quality is outstanding. The perfect final Goan meal.
Cost: ₹300–500 per person | Payment: UPI
Day 3 total: ₹1,500–3,000 per person
3-Day Grand Total
| Budget | Mid-Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (North Goa) | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Day 2 (South Goa) | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Day 3 (Heritage) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
| 3-Day Total (excl. hotel) | ₹6,000 (~$71) | ₹12,000 (~$143) |
| Hotel (per night) | ₹800–1,500 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Grand Total (3 nights) | ₹8,400–10,500 | ₹21,000–30,000 |
Your Goa Trip Starts Before You Board
Every stop in this itinerary — from the beach shack to the spice plantation to Panjim’s best restaurant — accepts UPI. Download Mony before you fly, load your wallet, and pay for everything from the airport taxi to your last fish curry with a quick scan.
See also: Goa Travel Guide and Where to Eat in Goa.
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