Goa on a Shoestring: Our Family Budget Adventure (Episode 3: Panjim Charm, Old Goa Grandeur & Homeward Bound!)

 Our second day was a whirlwind of forts and beaches, showing us the diverse beauty of North Goa. Day three, our final day, promised a journey through the historical heart of Goa before we bid farewell to its sunny shores.

Day 3: Panjim's Delights, Old Goa's Soul, and a Friendly Farewell

The morning began with an efficient check-out from Maurya Residency. Our Regal Holidays AC cab arrived promptly as planned, this time with a new driver for the day. After a quick and convenient breakfast, pre-arranged by our tour packagers, we were ready to explore Central and Old Goa.

Our first stop was the iconic Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim.
Its striking white facade and Baroque architecture stood out against the blue sky, a beautiful and serene start to our day. From there, we walked over to the charming Fontainhas quarter, Goa's Latin Quarter. The vibrant, narrow streets, lined with colourful Portuguese-style houses and quaint balconies, were a photographer's delight. We snapped numerous pictures, soaking in the unique European ambiance. A quick detour allowed for some swift shopping near Panjim city, grabbing a few souvenirs to remember our trip by.

By noon, we found ourselves at Miramar Beach.
This urban beach offered a different vibe, with its stretches of soft sand and views of the Mandovi River meeting the Arabian Sea. It was here that we indulged in some delicious smoked corn, a perfect beachside snack! We also ventured into the nearby pine forest for some lovely family photos amidst the trees before returning to the sandy shores.

Our next destination was the popular Dona Paula Viewpoint.
The panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Mormugao harbour, and the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers were absolutely breathtaking. It truly was a wonderful experience, offering a different perspective of Goa's stunning coastline.

Lunch followed, and this time, it was at a different spot. To our surprise, we were served fish meals from a Tamil Nadu hotel. While the food was good, being from Kerala ourselves, we had been largely enjoying the Kerala-style food provided by Regal Holidays throughout the trip. However, we were really hoping for authentic Goan cuisine, especially the famous fish curries, and this was unfortunately the only drawback of the trip – not getting to truly savor local Goan flavors.

Post-lunch, we immersed ourselves in history at Old Goa Church (Basilica of Bom Jesus).
This UNESCO World Heritage site was truly wonderful and a deeply moving experience. The magnificent Baroque architecture, the intricate altars, and the historical significance of housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier left us in awe. It was a highlight of the trip, a testament to Goa's rich spiritual and colonial heritage.

Our final sightseeing stop was the Balaji Temple Goa. While impressive, we felt it didn't quite fit the typical "tourist place" vibe for us, especially after the historical grandeur of Old Goa.

As the afternoon drew to a close, our new driver, who was very friendly throughout the day, dropped us off at Madgaon railway station. This was a welcome change, as we'd noticed that some of the other drivers in Goa tended to try and charge for parking fees which, as we learned, tourists generally don't need to pay. It's a useful tip for fellow travellers to be aware of!

Before our trip even began, Regal Holidays had assigned us a Malayali tour coordinator named Shifas. He had called us and was an immense help throughout our journey, making communication incredibly easy for our family group. His support was a definite plus for the package.

Our train, the NZM-ERS Mangala Superfast Express, was scheduled for an evening departure. Unfortunately, it was almost two hours late, but such delays are often part and parcel of Indian rail travel. Finally, we boarded, carrying with us a trove of memories, pictures, and a few souvenirs. We reached Aluva around 8 PM the next morning, tired but happy, concluding our budget-friendly family adventure in Goa.

Despite a few minor hiccups like the hotel cleanliness and the food variety, our Regal Holidays package ensured a smooth, well-coordinated, and indeed budget-friendly trip for our family. Goa, even on a shoestring, proved to be an unforgettable destination!