Goa
South Goa Heritage and Beaches
Heritage & TemplesBeaches & Coastline
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Trip TypePrivate & customisable
Best Time to VisitOct – Mar
PaceRelaxed
ThemesHeritage & Temples, Beaches & Coastline
Starting From$465
Route Covered
Overnight stops in day order1Margao (Madgaon)
2Chandor
3Colva and Benaulim
Overview
A South Goa heritage tour of five days and four nights in Goa: one night in Margao, one in Chandor and two at Colva and Benaulim. It links Salcete's old churches, the Braganza House mansion at Chandor and the Goa Chitra museum with an easy stretch of coast. It suits couples and families who like history, and October to March is the best time.
Who it suits
Travellers who want old churches and a village mansion by day and a quiet beach by evening, without long drives or one-night hotel hopping
Highlights
Church of the Holy Spirit, MargaoMargao municipal marketRachol SeminaryChurch of Our Lady of Snows, RacholRachol Fort archwayBraganza House, ChandorChinese porcelain and old libraryChandrapura, ChandorColva BeachChurch of Our Lady of Mercy, ColvaGoa Chitra museum, BenaulimBenaulim rosewood craft
Good to know
Hotel changes
You change hotels twice, on Day 2 and Day 3, and stay put for the last two nightsVisiting arrangements
Entry to the Braganza House wings and Rachol Seminary depends on the owners and the institution, so the operator confirms each visit beforehandDress
Cover shoulders and knees in churches and at the mansionRain
Heavy rain falls from June to September, so beach days suit October to MarchDay-by-Day Itinerary
Highlights
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- Municipal Garden
Arrival at Dabolim, then Margao's Church of the Holy Spirit
- 1Meet your driver at Goa International Airport, Dabolim
- 2Drive about 23 km to Margao and check in
- 3If your flight lands early, walk to Largo de Igreja for the 1675 Church of the Holy Spirit
- 4Stroll through the Municipal Garden before dinner
Goa International Airport, Dabolim to Margao, ~23 km, ~30 mins
Highlights
- Margao municipal market
- Church of Our Lady of Snows, Rachol
- Rachol Seminary
- Braganza House east wing
- Braganza House west wing
Margao market, Rachol and the Braganza House at Chandor
- 1Morning in the Margao municipal market, where spices and produce are sold
- 2Drive about 8 km north-east to Rachol for the Church of Our Lady of Snows, the fort archway and, if visits are allowed that day, the seminary
- 3Continue to Chandor and check in
- 4Afternoon visit to the two wings of the Braganza House
- 5Evening at leisure in the village
Margao to Rachol and on to Chandor, about 1 hr of driving in total
Highlights
- Chandrapura
- Colva Beach
- Church of Our Lady of Mercy
Chandor village and the road south to Colva
- 1Spend an unhurried morning in Chandor, learning how Chandrapura came to be
- 2Then head to the coast through Margao, roughly 21 to 23 km
- 3Settle into your hotel at Colva or Benaulim
- 4Come the late afternoon, walk Colva's 2.4 km beach and call at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy
Chandor to Colva and Benaulim, through Margao, about 1 hr
Highlights
- Goa Chitra museum
- Benaulim carpenters
- Church of St John the Baptist
- Dolphin boat trip (optional)
Benaulim village: Goa Chitra, rosewood craft and a church on the hill
- 1Begin at Benaulim's Goa Chitra museum
- 2Then browse the rosewood furniture in local carpenters' workshops
- 3Climb to the hillside Church of St John the Baptist
- 4Keep the afternoon free for the beach, or add a dolphin boat trip if you like
Local sightseeing around Benaulim and Colva
Highlights
- Morning beach walk
Beach morning and flight home
- 1Last walk on the sand, time permitting
- 2Check out
- 3Transfer about 21 to 23 km to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, for your flight
Colva or Benaulim to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, ~21 km, ~35 mins
Starting from$465Twin sharing, 3-star hotels, private car with driver, excludes flights.
Indicative — varies with season and hotel category.
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Trip Facts
Activity LevelEasy. Short walks around churches, a mansion, a museum and the beach, with no climbs.
What to PackLight cottons, a layer that covers shoulders and knees for churches, a sun hat, sunscreen, sandals and a swimsuit.
Local CustomsDress modestly in churches and in the mansion. Ask before photographing inside the Braganza House and at the seminary, and keep to the owners' and institution's rules on the day.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
4 nights' accommodation in 3-star hotels, twin sharingDaily breakfastPrivate air-conditioned car with driver for all transfers and sightseeingAirport pick-up and drop-off at Goa International Airport, DabolimEnglish-speaking guide on two sightseeing daysEntrance fees for the sites listed
Not included
FlightsMeals other than breakfastDolphin boat trips and other optional activitiesCamera and video fees at some sitesTips and personal expenses
Quick Answers
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