Indian Goa Adventure
9 Days, 8 Nights
As India's most affluent state, Goa stretches along the Arabian Sea. Boasting magnificent beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a premier tourist destination drawing visitors from India and abroad. Unlike the rest of India, Goa was colonized by Portugal in the 16th century and remained so until 1961. Goa’s past is reflected in its architecture, cuisine and religion, with a higher proportion of Christians than in most parts of India.
The people of Goa are proud to share their rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality by welcoming guests from around the world. Despite Goa’s relative wealth to the rest of India, there is still poverty and underdevelopment in the state. During your stay you will be giving back positively to the community and in turn Goa will reward you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival
You will be picked up at the airport by your tour manager and taken to your accommodation.
Overnight: Guesthouse
Day 2: Introduction and Orientation
Once you have had time to settle in, the morning will be dedicated to the program orientation, letting you know what to expect over the next few days. This will include a brief lesson on the history and culture of Goa with some important ‘dos and don’ts’ in India.
You will also learn some basic language skills in Hindi and visit Mapusa City and its famous market, the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.
Overnight: Guesthouse
Day 3: Project
There is a choice of two volunteer projects: Community Engagement or Construction and Renovation.
Community Engagement
This program offers education and life skills training for women, support at a disability care home and social assistance to older people.
In the elderly care home, you will spend quality time with residents, engaging in various activities, including games, conversations, organizing recreational evenings and museum outings.
At the special needs education and care home, you will help members enhance their skills based on their abilities and interests, boost their self-esteem and provide physical exercise assistance.
Construction and Renovation
This project will involve renovation and minor construction activities, including painting, gardening, wall building and furniture repairs. These projects encompass a variety of facilities, including medical centers, temples, schools, and other community spaces that serve the underprivileged. Experts will guide you, and at the end of the project, you will have picked up some valuable practical skills as well.
In the evening, it’s time to extend your culinary repertoire with a cooking lesson so you’ll always be able to rustle up a dish that will remind you of India.
Overnight: Project center
Day 4: Project
Today you will continue in your service work throughout the day. In the evening, prepare to join Bollywood as you engage in a dance lesson, learning the best moves from India’s most popular dances.
Overnight: Project center
Day 5: Project
After a morning spent volunteering, you will spend the evening at Anjuna Market. Founded by hippie travelers in the early 1960s, this flea market has grown to feature thousands of stalls each week. Here, you can find a wide array of items, from clothing and decor to jewelry and tribal goods, all set against a lively backdrop of dance parties, food stalls, music, and nighttime revelry.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 6: Aguada Fort and Beach
The Portuguese built Aguada Fort around the entire peninsula of southwestern Bardez and it is the first stop on today’s excursion. Then, it is time to see some of Goa’s famous beaches, starting with Sinquerim, the first resort in Goa that was developed for tourism.
Following lunch, we’ll explore a trio of beaches, beginning with the laid-back Candolim. Second is the more upbeat and busy Calangute, with shacks, restaurants, and water sports. The final stop is Baga, known for its particularly clean sand and water, the best place to take a swim.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 7: Spice Plantation
Get to know the ingredients that make Indian food so distinctive with a visit to a spice plantation in the morning, followed by a Goan buffet lunch. The historic Mangueshi Temple, established in 1560, is the next stop, one of the most popular and famous temples in Goa.
Moving on to the city of Panjim, Miramar Beach is renowned for its soft golden sand and palm trees. After some time on the beach and taking a swim, you’ll have a guided tour of Panjim.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 8: Beach and Farewell Dinner
As Goa is most famous for its beaches, you must make the most of them on your last day. Palolem Beach is largely untouched as is mainly used by local fisherman to launch their boats so it’s a great place to swim. Morjim Beach is noted for its calm serenity, which is undoubtedly why the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtles like to nest here. The last stop is Arambol Beach, which is off the beaten track. For those who would like to venture further than the beach, there is plenty to do with shops and flea markets close by.
In the evening it’s time for your last meal together and to reflect on your amazing time in Goa.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 9: Departure
Time to say alavida to India.
Total cost: From $3250
What is included
Activities:
Anjuna Market Visit
Sinqurim Beach
Candolim Beach
Calangute Beach
Bagha Beach
Miramar Beach
Spice Plantation
Cooking Lesson
Palolem Beach
Morjim Beach
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Entrance fees and tickets
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation is in project center
Post-project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets and tours:
Mangueshi Temple
Panjim City Tour
Mapusa City
Projects:
Community Engagement
Renovation and Construction
Not included in this Trip:
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation Insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)