Goa is land that has something for everyone, be it a solo trip or a honeymoon with your spouse or a trip with your family. Have you ever wondered how to enjoy your trip to Goa with family to the fullest? Here we present to you the Top 10 Things to do in Goa with Family in 2023. So without wasting any time lets dive straight into the list so that you can start planning your next vacation to Goa.
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus
This Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist location in Goa and is regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in Old Goa, the capital of the Portuguese in Goa up until the later half of 1700s.
This Cathedral houses the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier who is regarded as the patron saint of Goa. The construction of this magnificent monument was completed in 1605. This church is one of the oldest chruches in Goa and has to be at the top of the list of must do things in Goa with family in 2023.
Timings : 8 am to 8:30 pm
Entry Fee : Free
Location : Old Goa.
2. Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
Situated in a remote location along the foot of the western ghats, this Mahadev Temple is the only evidence of Kadamba Yadava architecture in Goa which still stands till date. It is a temple built out of basalt rock carried all the way from the Deccan region.
The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and was constructed in the 12th century by Hemadri, a minister of king Ramchandra of the Yadava Dynasty. It is believed by the locals that there is a huge king Cobra permanently residing near the Shiv Linga in the Temple. The river Surla flows in close proximity to the Temple and can be visited by a set of stairs.
Timings: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee : Free
Location: Tambdi Surla
3. Fontainhas
The Fontainhas is a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by Antonio João de Sequeira, a expatriate who made his fortunes by working in Mosambique. The name Fontainhas came from a spring at the foot of the hill.
The Fontainhas have a rich Portuguese charm to it with its architecture, old villas and buildings with projecting balconies painted with beautiful colors of green, yellow, or blue. This a perfect spot for some Instagram clicks. You may also visit the Chapel of St. Sebastian which was built in 1818 in the Southern part of the Fontainhas.
If you are visiting Goa in the month of February, do attend the Fontainhas Festival which is an art and cultural festival attempting to enlighten the masses about the rich Goan Culture.
Timings: open 24 hours
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: February
Location : Panaji, Goa
4. Cathedral of St. Catherine
Completed in 1619, Se Cathedral was constructed as a symbol of victory of the Portuguese under Alfonso de Albuquerque over the Muslim army. There is a Chapel of the Cross of Miracles in the premises of this Cathedral which is where a vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1619.
It has a giant Golden Bell which is considered the largest bell in Goa.
The beautiful architecture along with the rich history makes it on this list of Things to do in Goa with Family in 2023.
Timings : 7 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee : Free
Location : Old Goa.
5. Dudhsagar waterfall
The name Dudhsagar means a sea of milk. It is located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in the Western Ghats about 60 km away from Panaji.
Dudhsagar is one of the tallest waterfalls in India.The waterfall can be accessed by a jeep ride which costs around ₹500 per person. You will have to rent a life jacket there as it is compulsory to do so.
Timings : 7am to 5 pm
Cost: ₹500 for Jeep ride
₹40 for life jacket rental
₹ 100 for Entry fee for Mollem National Park
Best time to visit : Monsoon season
Location : Mollem Goa.
Read More: Best Places to visit in Goa in 2023
6. Sahakari Spice Plantation
Located in a small village called Curti, Sahakari Spice Farm is a hidden gem of Goa. It has rich diversity of spices ranging from turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg just to name a few.
Sahakari Spice Farm is perfect spot to learn about the cultural heritage of Goa and experience a tasty lunch offered in the restaurant. It is a great location for kids as they can learn alot from the guided tours offered in the farm.
Timings : 9 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee : For Adults ₹400
For Child ₹200
Best time to visit : October to March
Location : Curti, Ponda, Goa
7. Watersports in Goa
One of the best ways to enjoy a fun vacation in Goa is to put on your swimsuits and do some watersports along the beaches. Many popular beaches like Calangute, Baga, Dona paula offer a wide range of water activities which can be enjoyed with children. Some of the Watersports include Parasailing, fly boarding, scuba diving, banana ride.
Best time : after to 4pm as the Sun is not in its full might.
Cost: Fly Boarding ₹2700
Scuba diving ₹1900
Banana Ride ₹350
( may vary from beach to beach)
Location : Calangute beach, Baga Beach amd many more.
8. Mandovi River Cruise
After a long tiring day of exploring Goa, you can unwind by taking a very calming yet fun Cruise ride in the Mandovi River next to Panaji City.
The Cruise offers stunning veiws of Panaji City during sunset with very beautiful lights shinning from the Atal Setu Bridge. You can spend some quality time with your family whilst enjoying the live DJ music, traditional dances and Dinner.
Timings : 6pm onwards
Cost : ₹369 for One Hour.
₹1,200 for Dinner Cruise plan
Location : Panaji, Goa
9. Arpora Saturday night market
Located about 4 km away from Anjuna Beach the Arpora Saturday night market is a great place for a unique Goan experience. The place is filled with different colours everywhere. It is famous not only for shopping but but also for live music, street food and even parties. It is a great place for photography.
Timings : on Saturdays from 4 pm to 11pm from November to April.
Entry : Free
Location : Arpora, Goa
10. Museum of Goa ( MOG)
Museum of Goa was founded by the Goan Artist Subodh Kerkar in 2015. Its is a art museum consisting a wide array of art works of Mr. Subodh Kerkar. This is a good place to enjoy with your family amd click some pictures. The museum also organises many exhibitions, art workshops, lectures and talks.
Timings : 10am to 6pm
Entry Fee: ₹200 per person
Location : Pilerne, Goa.
For more Information watch the following video:
FAQs
1. Which part of Goa is best for family?
A. North Goa is best for families as it has so many popular tourists locations and also many popular beaches.
2. Is Goa safe to visit with family ?
A. Yes definitely Goa is safe to be visited with family.
3. which side of Goa is cheaper to stay with family ?
A. North Goa is relatively cheaper to stay with family.
4. How much money is required to enjoy a trip to Goa?
A. Around ₹2000 – ₹3000 is a good budget per day for a trip to Goa.
5.which is the best time to visit Goa?
A. October to February is the best time to visit Goa. For more detailed information kindly read our article on this topic.
Best time to visit Goa in 2023