On my first trip to Goa as an adult, my partner and I stayed at an “offbeat” beach that had already been invaded by overtourism. That experience, filled with characterless beach shacks, multicuisine food and hordes of tourists, turned me off Goa.
I’m grateful that the universe conspired to have us stay at Cancio’s House, a 500-year-old traditional Goan homestay in Aldona, with its own well for drinking water, jackfruit trees for shade, and a courtyard around which three generations of the Amaral family have grown up. It was here that I first learnt about the susegad Goan life – aka the art of slowness and contentment.
The weeks we spent here were filled rain-filled walks, destination-less scooter rides, warm conversations with our hosts, visits to the local bakery, and a lot of observation and introspection. It was for the first time that I learnt that this is what travelling is really about. Not a checklist of places to tick off, but a chance to experience a world different from the one we’re familiar with.
I’ve returned to Goa pretty much every year since, sometimes for several months, and sometimes for a few days. Each time, I’m reminded that slow travel isn’t about how much time we have but how we choose to spend it.
Thanks to this ever-growing connection with Goa, I’ve advised so many friends on how to make the most of their Goa trips. This day-to-day itinerary includes some of my favorite adventures and spots, and takes you away from the beaten path to a slower, more intimate experience of the Goa I love.
With that in mind, my recommended Goa itinerary is one that allows enough time and mind space to live and breathe its slow, susegad life – even it’s just over 3 days.
These North and South Goa itineraries aim to take you away from the well-trodden tourist path, and challenge the idea of Goa you’re probably familiar with. They are filled with meaningful outdoor, culinary and cultural adventures that often get buried under the sun-sand-party scene of Goa. These experiences also support small local businesses, and protect Goa’s living culture and natural ecosystems – ensuring that your 3-day trip is not only fun and memorable, but also positively impacts Goa.
