gin tour goa

• Our Botanicals

DOJA Indo-Japanese Gin Masterclass & Distillery Tour

Taste 3 world-class spirits in one visit. Join us for a fun session on Gin, its history, tasting session & amazing cocktails with a global expert

Doja is the award winning world’s first indo-japanese gin crafted in wakayama, japan at a 90 year old distillery, and distilled in goa by our leading global head distiller - victor de benito using a world-class german holstein still. come attend an amazing 1 hour masterclass & distillery visit where we take you through the world history of gin starting in babylon, and the temples & forest of wakayama, japan. touch & smell our unique indian & japanese botanicals, learn how gin is made, and how to nose and taste it. a unique opportunity to see the holstein still, understand the process, closing out with learning how to make 2 special japanese cocktails. in addition to the award-winning doja gin, the tour experience includes tasting sessions for two newly launched award winning spirits from the house of esd - portal gin and nomad oscuro dark rum . portal is a finely crafted classic london dry style gin, perfectly balanced and refreshing with a complex and sophisticated taste. nomad oscuro boasts a rich and velvety texture due to its unique blend of aged rum, japanese hinoki, and is finished in jamaican barrels. the duration of the tour and tasting is one hour long. monday-thursday | 3.00 pm fridays | 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm saturdays | 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm book a tour we also offer exciting discounts for group/homestay bookings interested write to [email protected]. the experience includes: a gin and rum masterclass a nosing & tasting session, and a unique tasting challenge game a viewing of the holstein still and an explanation of the distilling process a cocktail making session with a japanese twist opportunity to buy 2 bottles co-signed by the head distiller a complementary cocktail guide booklet other activity: shop from a selection of stylish lifestyle products including clothing, bags & barware. instructions: entry for adults only above 21 years of age. venue: east side distillery @ naveen distillery unit a2/1, margao industrial estate, sao jose de areal south goa 403709.

THE EAST SIDE DISTILLERY THE EAST SIDE DISTILLERY THE EAST SIDE DISTILLERY THE EAST SIDE DISTILLERY

East Side Distillery Private Ltd HO: 105 & 106, Ramkrishna Chambers, Linking Road, Khar (W), Mumbai 400 052, India Distillery: East Side Distillery c/o Naveen Distillery, A2/1 Margao Industrial Estate, Goa, India

DOJA INDO-JAPANESE GIN MASTERCLASS & DISTILLERY TOUR, GOA

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Adventurist Spirits Distillery © 2022

Not every brand has the privilege of having their own personal distillery space.

Adding the botanicals into our copper still, Odysseus.

We, at Adventurist Spirits Distillery, are lucky to be able to have our own independently-owned distillery to make Tāmras Gin. This has allowed us an exceptional level of control and quality to create the ultimate gin. Adventurist Spirits Distillery is a space where we distill, dilute, bottle and label, all within our four walls, with no other brand except ours.

We distill Tamras with 16 botanicals.

We have distilled Tamras to lend itself to any cocktail.

We the founders, Khalil and Devika, took 3 years to painstakingly build this space and make the perfect gin. This space not only allows us to create a Gin that's of a high international standard but also allows us to be creative and dream of further possibilities in the spirits industry.

Our still adds character and depth to our gin taking you on an adventure to unknown places.

With an experience centre right there at the distillery, we welcome Gin-lovers to take a seat at our hammered copper bar that allows a direct view to Odysseus, our Müeller Copper Still made in Germany. We invite you to come, see our process and learn more about our gin.

We the founders, Khalil and Devika, took 3 years to painstakingly build this space and make the perfect gin. This space not only allows us to create a Gin that’s of a high international standard but also allows us to be creative and dream of further possibilities in the spirits industry.

Not every brand has the privilege of having their personal distillery space.

We are lucky to able to have our own personal space to distill and refine Tamras. This has allowed us an exceptional level of control and quality which has let us create the ultimate gin.

Experience Adventurist Spirits Distillery

Step inside our innovative distillery.

★★★★★

Loved every second of the tour, we learnt so much

Some moments from our distillery tours

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Get high on this distillery tour in South Goa

For the longest time, our nose has been our guide. One of the most sensitive, the sense of smell can transport you to a memory that you could swear you never even remembered taking place. 

“I don’t know what this is, but I know it!” is a common phrase that we’ve all heard. Just like the scent of a freshly-baked cake will mentally transport you to the time your mother would bake your favourite carrot cake, or the scent of a particular flower that would fill the air in the evenings when you were ten and riding your cycle at the side of the road. 

The power of scent has always been a powerful tool – deeply rooted and intertwined with memory, it is your guide to the familiar and the chance to get to know the unfamiliar. 

If you are in Goa and wish to tickle your nose buds, then head to Margao Industrial Estate’s East Side Distillery, which is one of the many homes for the renowned Doja Gin.  

Awaken your olfactory bulb and educate yourself with the distillery secrets that go into the Doja Gin bottles that you see standing in a bar or a liquor store and a chance to learn from the best, when you say hello to the distillery chief, Victor De Benito.

Global head distiller at East Side Distillery, Victor, is the man who crafts and creates the recipes and is responsible for the alcoholic goodness that goes into the bottles, labelled Doja Gin which is an Indo-Japanese Gin, Portal Gin, a London Dry Gin and Nomad Dark Spiced Rum.

“One of the aims of this tour is to change certain perception or a preconception that people come with and let them leave with a different conception,” begins Victor, who says, that for him, Goa is a home away from home. 

Priced at Rs 950, the Doja Indo-Japanese Gin Masterclass & Distillery Tour presents the opportunity to learn from the expert as Victor takes you on a journey through the senses of smell and tasting while explaining how gin is made from scratch. 

“At the end of the day, we all have associations based on what we know, and this tour will help you slowly taste all individual ingredients that go into making your drink,” he smiles as he crushes the spices between his palms.

A duration of 1.5 hours, walk the talk as Victor takes you through the history of gin, teaches you to touch, smell and taste the different Indian and Japanese botanicals, learn the process of how gin is made and how to nose and taste and also a closer view at the Holstein Still and barrels used to age rum before it is bottled.

Leaving no room for doubt and an open floor for questions, Victor is the perfect example of a patient teacher, who, unconventionally, will teach you all that you need to know about how gin goes from a spirit form to a 48.2 percent alcoholic concoction in a bottle. 

If there’s one thing for sure, it is that the contents of the same glass that you smelt when you first arrived won’t smell the same once you’ve learnt about the ingredients used to make it. And if nothing changes, then going home with a bottle of gin signed by the distiller himself is always a great present to take back home. 

So, come and enjoy an experience that will leave you sensitised to the many elements that go into your drink, the next time you visit a bar or have a drink with a friend. 

WHERE: East Side Distillery, Sao Jose de Areal Industrial Estate 

WHAT: Doja Gin Masterclass & Distillery Visit by Victor De Benito

FEE: Rs 950

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2 Cultures In 1 Sip

An indian craft spirits company with an asian heart.

East Side Distillery, based in Goa, India is an emerging Indian craft spirits company. Over the last 2 years, it has curated a range of award-winning craft spirits that are available across leading on-trade and off-trade outlets in Goa, Mumbai, and Delhi. It’s journey started with the world’s first Indo-Japanese Gin – DOJA, curated by a 90 year old distillery in Wakayama, Japan combining exotic Japanese and India botanicals, to create a complex premium gin. DOJA is also distilled in Japan and will soon be available in Thailand and other international markets.

Click on any one of the circles below to explore our unique spirits, and other offering.

Indo-Japanese Gin

London Dry Gin

Dark Spiced Rum

Distillery Visit

Contract Distilling

You have heard so many stories from far-away India. Now you shall be able to drink them.

We didn’t invent Gin We just made it Greater in India

The first London Dry Gin made in India

TASTING NOTES

Clean Juniper with fresh lemon peel on the nose, a sweet touch of fennel on the tip of the tongue and a zing of ginger on the finish.

LIMITED EDITIONS

JUNIPER BOMB NO SLEEP BROKEN BAT PUNK GIN

2020-21 2021-CURRENT 2022-CURRENT 2024-CURRENT

there is a mountain in this gin

The World’s First Himalayan Dry Gin

Hapusa is a sipping gin best appreciated straight from the freezer. Expect pine forests and wildflowers on the nose with a bold earthiness on the palate and a long, delicately spiced finish.

Our Journey

In 2015, the world was going through a “gin-aissance” and yet, two bar owners in delhi who waited expectantly for the tsunami of gin brands were left high and dry..

The country where Gin & Tonic was invented and where exotic gin botanicals are found in most home kitchens was still in the dark ages of Gin. If they wanted Gin, they were going to have to make it themselves.

They stepped out from behind the bar, got themselves a copper pot still and experimented with every spice, herb and fruit they could find. They found a lot, they distilled a lot, they tasted a lot and they fell down a lot.

With a little bit of luck and a lot of help, they found two recipes they loved enough to not just want to serve at their own bar but to take to the rest of the country and the world.

Remy Cointreau shuts down its India office, laying off 15 employees. It’s a blessing in disguise for one Anand Virmani who (after several plans with no legs) links up with Vaibhav Singh in his quest to open a Wine Bar in Delhi.

They open the Wine bar, but very quickly realise there is a mini-buzz among their guests. They all seem to want Gin in their glass, but there’s nothing exciting to serve them…

The duo becomes a trio with Aparajita Ninan stepping in to start visualizing the brands.

The dream starts taking shape as we start experimenting with a lab still at home to distill whatever spices we can get our hands on..

We attend the Craft Distilling Conference in the UK and learn how terribly unprepared we are for life as distillers and make the very smart choice of convincing a distiller (Dr. Anne Brock, well before she rises to fame as the Bombay Sapphire master distiller and the head / queen of the Gin Guild) in London to travel to sunny Goa and teach us how to make Gin properly.

Oh yes, we also find some people in Goa who we like, and who happen to have the facility and the right licenses for us to setup a small distillery. We order a pot still, give their address for delivery, and then sit back with our fingers crossed.

It somehow comes together. We hire our first employees in early 2017 and we receive our Copper Pot Still in Goa.

We name her Agotha, which means “Good Hearted” in Hungarian. We finalise the recipes and finish building the distillery and then sit around for a couple of months waiting for permissions to be granted.

On the 30th of September, those permissions finally arrive and we officially launch Greater Than out into the universe to become the first Indian Craft Gin. Greater Than becomes available in Goa and Bangalore, beating all expectations in our mind and those of our distributors as well – people are drinking Gin all of a sudden.

One brings two, and Hapusa quickly becomes the second Gin out of our stables and the only Gin in the world made with Himalayan Juniper!

No time for baby steps – we launch simultaneously in Goa and in the UK with a surprise appearance at Junipalooza.

This year is such a blur! We have so much fun with our Gins which are now available in 5 states as well as 10 countries outside of our own, with the UK, Italy and Singapore leading the way.

This is going to be the year where we pull out all the stops! And then…the stops get pulled out right from under us and humanity at large.

Covid hits and the world grinds to a halt. We sit around and dream up big plans. We focus. We learn. And then, when the opportunity arrives, we go all out and launch our first Limited Edition – the Juniper Bomb!

Is this the break-out year? We win our first Gold medal at the IWSC with Hapusa! That’s massive!

And then, somehow, our tiny distillery gets put on the world map when the people of the IWSC place us in the International top 5 Gin producers of the year. Somebody pinch me…no, don’t! Can’t go to sleep anyway. Greater Than’s second limited edition is out, and it’s infused with Cold Brew Coffee. Aptly, it is named No Sleep.

The story of 2022 is still being written. We’re still growing – almost 900 bottles of Greater Than are consumed everyday on average. That’s a lot of Gin! We also win our first Gold medal at the IWSC with Hapusa!

We’ve come a long way, but we’ve got longer ways to go. Leaving some space down below for us to keep filling in as we go along. Stay tuned.

Press & Awards

THE DISTILLERY

Hidden away in the back corner of a massive bottling facility lies our tiny shed which we lovingly call our distillery. What started off as a location to make sure us small guys stayed out of the way of the “real work”, has quickly turned into the place people hang around outside of, trying to get a glimpse of what is being worked on inside – or that’s what we believe at least.

This is where we make Gin. It is the heart and soul of our little company – quite literally, since our Copper Pot Still is called Agotha, which means “Good Hearted” in Hungarian (Hungary is where she was built). Agotha is also the reason we can call our Gin a London Dry, since it is a style which can only be made in traditional copper pot stills.

The distillery also happens to be the second home for our three distillers who like to refer to themselves as the Guardians of the Gin (and we let them…they don’t get out much). It is here that they distill, experiment, drink, Netflix, clean and sometimes even sleep.

This distillery is where the journey of our Gin begins. It is from here that we send to you our warmest regards and best wishes

ANAND Co-founder, Distiller & CEO

Makes the Gins and runs around looking busy.

Juniper Bomb Tonic

APARAJITA Co-founder & Creative Head

The spark plug at the source of our collective creative energy.

Greater Than Reverse Martini

KULPREET Co-Founder & Director

The one with the macro lens making big ideas even bigger.

ABHINAV Co-founder & COO

Moves mountains behind the scene to make it all look so easy.

Mountain Negroni

VAIBHAV Co-founder & Mentor

Talks up the Gins and barely uses any words while doing so.

Hapusa served at Mountain Temperature

JAY Distiller

Lives and breathes the Gins and can only be distracted by a good Thali.

The No-Sleep G&T

ANNE Star Appearance

Taught us all there is to know about Gin and will pose for a selfie with your family. She is also just awesome!

Greater Gimlet

The Jay Dhawan Scholarship

Nao Spirits, in association with the Gin Guild, is pleased to announce a full scholarship for one student every year to pursue their MSc in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University, UK.

This scholarship shall be open to all applicants from India, with a preference given to those from the Indian F&B sector. Applications are being accepted for next year’s batch which begins in September 2023. We expect this to be a unique opportunity for members of the Indian F&B industry to gain access to a specialized course that provides them better opportunities globally and in India’s burgeoning craft spirits industry. Heriot-Watt is one of the most prestigious and reputed institutes in the world of brewing and distilling.

For more information on how to apply, log on to www.hw.ac.uk

Say hello to us for enquiries about availability and distribution at [email protected]

Follow the greaterthan story on @greaterthangin, follow the hapusa journey on @hapusagin.

© 2023 | www.naospirits.com | NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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Are you of legal drinking age in your country?

The “2 Cultures in 1 Sip” Experience

Gin & rum masterclass & distillery visit, taste 3 world-class spirits in one visit, join us for a fun session on gin & rum, their history & tasting session..

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the world of spirits with our bespoke distillery tour in South Goa. Immerse yourself in the art of exquisite crafting spirits with a Masterclass and Distillery Visit featuring our renowned brands: Doja Indo-Japanese Gin, Portal London Dry Gin, and Nomad Oscuro Dark Rum.

Indulge in guided tasting sessions with our Head Distiller, Victor de Benito and experience the essence of our award-winning spirits. Explore the fascinating legacy and craftsmanship behind our spirits with a Holstein Still Demonstration.

Delight your palate with a curated tasting and distillation experience of the Indo-Japanese flavours of Doja Gin, the refreshing botanical blend of Portal London Dry Gin. Explore the richness of Nomad Rum, as we dive into the rich flavours of aged rum during our Barrel Aging Rum Experience and Rum Distillery Tour.

Fancy making your own range of craft spirits ? We’d love to introduce you to our contract distilling solutions too !

Book your spots today and experience the best of craft spirits with a global twist !

The duration of the tour and tasting is one hour long.

Monday-Thursday | 3.00 pm

Fridays | 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Saturdays | 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm

We also offer exciting discounts for group/homestay bookings! Interested? Write to [email protected].

The Experience Includes:

• 3 in 1 Spirit Masterclass & Tasting session - Doja Gin, Nomad Rum & Portal Gin
• See the distillery and our world-class German Holstein Still and explore how Gin is made.
• Purchase up to 2 bottles, which are a Ltd. edition as they carry our world-class Chief distiller's signature.

Other Activity:

Shop from a selection of stylish lifestyle products including clothing, bags & barware.

Instructions

Entry for adults only above 21 years of age. 

East Side Distillery @ Naveen Distillery

Unit A2/1, Margao Industrial Estate, Sao Jose de Areal South Goa 403709

12 Made in Goa Alcohol Brands You Must Buy on Your Next Trip

Goa is home to a wide variety of distilled spirits, including artisanal gins, experimental fenis, spiced rums, wine, and even tequila, all thanks to the tax regulations and the state's plentiful resources. If you can’t make a trip yourself, ask a friend travelling to Goa to grab a bottle or two for these Goan beverage brands are not to be missed!

Terry Sent Me! (GIN)

With ingredients like Gondhoraj lime and orange peel, this gin is citrus-forward and was inspired by the speakeasy culture from the bars of the 1920s. It tastes best with ice cubes and even in the form of a classic G&T. 

Price: INR 850 for 750ml Learn more  

Satiwa (GIN)

This London dry gin is crafted with hemp seeds sourced from Uttarakhand and has earthy undertones balanced with botanicals like fennel, black pepper, and lemongrass. Savour it as is, on the rocks or in the form of a cocktail.

Price: INR 1650 for 750ml

Available here  

Seqér Gin (GIN)

With its blue packaging, which resembles the Goan sky and sea, and its usage of cashew nut as its main ingredient, Seqér represents Goa in a bottle. Rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg are other botanicals added to the cashew gin and it can be sipped with tonic and soda or ginger ale for a sweet touch.

Price: INR 1350 for 750ml

Malhar Indian Craft Gin (GIN)

Malhar is a recent addition from renowned whiskey maker Paul John Distillery and it pays homage to a raga coupled with the monsoon. The craft gin is available in two variations: The Malhar Classic Dry Gin which offers delicate floral notes and The Malhar Citrus which is slightly heady. 

Price: INR 3,075 for 750ml and INR 205 for 50ml Learn more  

Matinee Gin (GIN)

Matinee uses unusual botanicals like snake saffron, white turmeric, and Goan peppercorn that make the gin stand out! The bottle has colourful packaging with a fun font that's eye-catching and appealing. 

Price: INR 1490 for 750ml

Vinho Fontainhas (WINE)

Vinho, Goa's first premium port wine is named after the lovely Fountainhas alleys, which are also depicted on the label. The port wine is best consumed as a Sangria and is made from Isabella grapes grown in Sangli, Maharashtra.

Price: INR 250 for 350ml

Maya Pistola Agavepura (Tequila)

The tequila is made from 100% agave and emits notes of cocoa, butterscotch and caramel balanced with black pepper. You could choose to sip it on the rocks with a dash of chilled water and chilli salt or make a simple Margarita

Maya Pistola Agavepura on Instgram     

Price: INR 2,695 for 750ml

DesmondJi (Tequila)

This homegrown craft spirit brand is known for its agave spirits and also offers interesting liqueurs like the orange and pure cane. However, it’s the DJ Mahua liqueur, a take on Central India’s tribal spirit enhanced with honey and spice undertones, that you must try if you’re looking for that something different. 

Price: INR 875 for 750ml of 51% Agave; INR 975 for 750ml of Mahua

Learn more  

Goa is synonymous with this coconut drink, a concoction of white rum and coconut liqueur best consumed in the form of a Pina Colada. If you want to get experimental, you could spin a few simple cocktails.

Cabo on Instagram  

Price: INR 825 for 750ml

Earth Rum (RUM)

This spiced rum has a chocolatey finish and top notes of cloves, cinnamon, and a hint of star anise. Relish it straight up or with a splash of soda. Using biodegradable materials in place of plastic packaging, the brand also aligns with sustainability goals. 

Price: INR 1,350 for 750ml

Aani Ek Feni Fusions (FENI)

Aani Ek Feni, which translates to "one more" in Konkani, is primarily made of cashew apple and is offered in three intriguing infusions. Choose the chilli variant for something hot, limon for something zesty, and the honey-cinnamon for something mild.

Price: INR 750 for 750ml

Cazulo Feni (FENI)

This handcrafted premium feni comes in two variants, one with a cashew base and the other with coconut. Visit the farm, take a tour of the distillery, and indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience while sipping Cazulo Feni at a secluded table set up amid a freshwater stream.

Price: 2500 per person

Reach out to Hansel on email   to know more about the “The Floating Feni” experience

All Images sourced from Instagram handles of the respective brands. 

All Prices mentiones are in GOA and are subject to change.

Himani Sona

I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.

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India Dispatch

The Gin Boom Trying to Change India, One Distillery at a Time

Local concoctions are challenging the country’s conservative attitude toward alcohol, along with the country’s often stultifying bureaucracy.

By Damien Cave

Damien Cave sampled a half dozen local gins in myriad forms, from neat to a Negroni spiked with lavender extract and star anise, while reporting this article in Goa.

The room was small, no bigger than a garage, buried in the hills of India’s lush and liberal state of Goa, and Siddharth Girimon was busy crafting gin. On a Ping-Pong table shoved against the wall, a mound of green cardamom shells from western India had been hand-peeled like pistachios. A glass kit for flavor experiments sat on a shelf, and on the other side of the distillery, the day’s run dripped from a copper still into a steel canister.

Clear and fragrant, it was on its way to becoming another 70 cases of what Mr. Girimon and his boss hoped would tell a new kind of story about India — steeped in history, but also showing off the creativity of a young, more modern generation.

“The idea behind it was to use only Indian botanicals,” said Mr. Girimon, 25, a distiller who resembles a chemistry student, with glasses, long hair and oceans of enthusiasm for a narrow subject. “We wanted to show what India could do with gin.”

From Japan to Kenya, the world is already awash in craft spirits movements, but the blossoming of gin in Goa offers more than a nod to shifting market tastes. The local concoctions are challenging India’s conservative attitude toward alcohol, along with the country’s often stultifying bureaucracy, while prompting weightier questions: Can national pride be drawn from a bottle? Can innovation in spirits change how India thinks of itself and how the world sees India?

Mr. Girimon’s company, Nao Spirits, is one of dozens that have suddenly emerged. The gin on tap during a recent visit was premium stuff called Hapusa, the Sanskrit word for juniper. Those little berries have been the key ingredient in gin since it was first made in 16th-century Holland, when it carried the name “genever.”

Many gin connoisseurs insist that the best juniper comes from Macedonia; Hapusa argues otherwise, relying on larger juniper berries foraged from the Himalayas along with other native ingredients, including turmeric, raw mango and ginger.

When Nao Spirits first produced a small-batch gin from Goa in 2017, partnering with a local bottler to get a state permit, no one seemed to have made the connection between India, the cradle of the spice trade for centuries, and gin, which is really just a blank canvas of alcohol with herbs and other plants used to brighten the portrait.

Only a few years later, Goan gin has become a bountiful and colorful bouquet. Pumori gin — named after Mount Pumori, a few miles west of Mount Everest — also uses Himalayan juniper, along with other local botanicals. Jin Jiji relies on Indian juniper, adding a Goan specialty, cashew nuts, while Matinee gin includes Goan peppercorn. Samsara and GinGin also use native Indian ingredients, including a touch of hemp.

All of this gin growth has arrived in a country that has never really had a strong culture of alcohol — India is often called the home of the gin and tonic, but that was a British thing.

India’s 1948 Constitution actually directed states to work toward the prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs. A handful of them, including Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol. Other areas have tried prohibition then given up, but in most of India, even drinking a cocktail at home is still so taboo that small bottles, nips of a few ounces, make up the majority of liquor sales .

Adventurist

Nao Spirits

Goa, however, is more permissive. A small coastal state in the south, it was a Portuguese territory until 1961. The state is more Christian, with churches painted wedding white and canary yellow brightening the winding rural roads. And for reasons that go beyond religion — Goa has been a center of global trade since the 16th century — its people have prided themselves on being more open-minded about all kinds of things.

That includes drinking.

Drive around Goa for an hour and the contrast is obvious: Large bottles can be seen from the streets in the windows of liquor stores. Bars cluster together, and taxes on alcohol are as little as a tenth of what must be paid in other states that work harder to discourage drinking.

“Goans are just different,” said Hansel Vaz, whose family owns the leading liquor distribution company in Goa, and who is himself a distiller of feni, a local liquor made from cashew flowers or coconut. “With every fiber of our being.”

His own liquor store, near Margao, features a wide floor-to-ceiling shelf with about 60 brands of gin, nearly half of them local. Among those, many can be bought only in Goa because other states have been hesitant to give distillers licenses for sales.

In north Goa, Khalil Bachooali and his wife, Devika Bhagat, are hoping they can change that by lobbying officials for a loosening of the regulatory shackles.

On a tour of the Adventurist Spirits distillery, where they make Tamras gin and recently opened a chic visitors center for tastings, Mr. Bachooali argued that Indian gin should be clearly defined and separated from the “ Indian-made foreign liquor ” category of the law. The best way to make it happen, he added, might be for craft gins to succeed overseas.

Many of them, including Tamras, Hapusa and Stranger and Sons, another popular gin, have already started to win international awards. Global markets seem to be welcoming them. Hapusa is now sold in the United States . Tamras will be available next month in the Maldives and Turkey — before, Mr. Bachooali notes, it can be bought in Delhi.

“India loves to export,” he said, standing behind the bar in the distillery. “Once we export and establish ourselves abroad, we take that case study and we bring it back here.”

Through two hours of talking — about gin’s history and India’s bureaucracy, about how he and his wife, a successful screenwriter, got into the distilling business after being asked by a London bartender what India’s “gin scene” looked like — Mr. Bachooali made clear that he had seen a pitch meeting or two. His still works mainly as a producer of films and commercials, and he knew just when to pause or slap both hands on the bar for emphasis.

That kind of salesmanship has entered the nightlife culture in Goa, as well. Near the coast, at a hip new restaurant and beach club called Thalassa, with a tan and white palette suggesting Miami or Mykonos, the wall behind the bar shined bright lights on local gin. The drinks menu featured “local spirits-based mixology.”

Jatin Thakur, 21, had arrived there for his first bartender job a few months earlier, from a small town near the Himalayas. “I come from the snow,” he said.

Like Mr. Girimon making Hapusa, he had moved to Goa for something different — a more tolerant, enterprising mind-set. Maybe it is just the spirits talking, but India’s gintrepreneurs are also hoping their craft will help the world see India as more than a land of tigers, elephants and ancient religion.

“This is modern India,” said Anand Virmani, 35, a founder of Nao Spirits, which recently released a gin smoked with the wood from Indian cricket bats. “What we want to do is create unique things, unique stories that represent us as a modern country. And I emphasize modern.”

Damien Cave is the bureau chief in Sydney, Australia. He previously reported from Mexico City, Havana, Beirut and Baghdad. Since joining The Times in 2004, he has also been a deputy National editor, Miami bureau chief and a Metro reporter. More about Damien Cave

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5 homegrown gins from Goa that you must try at least once  

Gin in India may not be as popular as its alcohol contemporaries like whisky , beer or rum, but it still has its own fair share of loyal fan base who relish it. This increase in the demand from new-age tipplers and drinkers has resulted in the introduction of numerous home-grown gins such as Hapusa, Greater Than, Terai and more. Here are five more homegrown gins from Goa that have made their way into the Indian gin market in 2020.  

5 homegrown gins from Goa that you should try

Samsara Gin

Distilled using London Dry method, this Indian craft gin uses as many as 11 handpicked botanicals such as hemp seeds, rose petals, vetiver grass, green cardamom and juniper berries to name a few. The Samsara gin has floral and citrusy notes along with a subtle hint of spicy earthiness. According to an article in Money Control , Samsara is made by Aditya Aggarwal, who also heads Spaceman Spirits Lab (creator of Samsara), a platform composed on distillers, mixologists and brand experts. The gin was launched in Goa in late September and 

Price: ₹1,350 approximately.  

Jin Jiji Gin

Distilled in Goa, this Indian Dry Gin is made from a wide range of botanicals, some of which are sourced from the Himalayas, especially the wild juniper. In fact, the brand claims to be the only gin in the world that uses cashew nuts, an ingredient that is relished in almost every household in Goa. It comes in two variants – Jin Jiji India Dry Gin that has botanicals such as Tulsi and Chamomile flower and Jin Jiji Darjeeling India Dry Gin, a tea inspired Gin. The unique mix of flavours in this gin is what makes it intriguing and worthy of trying. Jin Jiji was introduced by 27-year-old Ansh Khanna, founder of Peak Spirits.    

Distilled in Fullarton Distilleries, located in the woodlands of Candepar in Goa, Pumori is a small batch gin made from 12 botanicals sourced from across the country. The gin is named after Mount Pumori, also known as the daughter of the Mount Everest, primarily because the juniper used in the gin is from Mount Pumori. Pumori contains a melange of varied flavours including orange peel, aniseed, vanilla, liquorice, nutmeg, cardamom, lemon peel, Himalayan juniper, almond and cinnamon among others.  

Price: ₹1,750 approximately

This handcrafted artisanal gin is made in small batches using a rare vacuum distillation method, and rich botanicals from around the country such as Himalayan juniper, cardamom, orange peel, coriander seeds, cloves, black pepper and more. This gin comes in two variants – their Signature Gin that leaves hints of coriander, lemon peel and ginger on the tongue, and the Raspberry Bakewell Gin made from fresh raspberries that give it a fruity and sweet taste followed by flavours of juniper and cassia. This Indian Dry Gin is made by Adinco Distillery, the company also makes the coconut rum, Cabo.  

Price: ₹650 onwards

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GinGin is the brainchild of 24-year-old Shubham Khanna, who according to a report in Money Control belongs to a Delhi-based business family. He experimented with over 40 different types of recipes, until he finally found that distinct recipe or ingredient that can truly set GinGin apart from the crowd – hemp. He told Money Control that GinGin focuses on the use of hemp along with other botanicals such as lavender, caraway seeds and Himalayan juniper. The brand claims to be India’s first hemp craft gin. Also, it’s different from marijuana, in case you got startled by the term hemp. 

Priced:  ₹999 approximately

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50 things to do in Goa right now

Tis’ the season to be jolly—and for many, to plan that yearly Goa trip. Get to know the state a little differently this time around, there’s a lot more to it than you know. Here’s how you can eat, drink, walk, cycle, dive and surf your way through the sunshine state.

Dig into Christmas treats at Padaria Prazeres

Though Padaria Prazeres in Panjim is best known for its flakey pastéis de nata, it’s the Christmas treats you should look out for this time of year. The special festive menu has gingerbread cookies, Christmas cake, sticky toffee pudding, black forest berliners and cinnamon rolls, among other desserts. If you’re not sweet-toothed, drop in for a roast chicken and some eggnog.  Celeste Plaza, Ground floor, opposite Models Celebrity, Caranzalem, Panaji; Instagram

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Visit the world’s first feni cellar and plantation

When you think feni, you think Goa. So, it’s only apt that the world’s first feni cellar comes from Hansel Vaz—the owner of the state’s very own Cazulo Feni. At his plantation, you can sign up for foraging trails (from Rs1,800 per person) and feni mixology sessions (Rs2,500 per person). Don’t miss out on the newly introduced ‘floating feni’ experience, where you can dip your feet in a cool, shaded pond while enjoying lip-smacking Goan delicacies. All washed down with some cashew and coconut feni, of course. Book your experience on Urbanaut .

Enjoy hidden waterfalls and picnics with The Local Beat

There’s very little that seems offbeat or unexplored in Goa, but The Local Beat will leave you pleasantly surprised. Discover tranquil waterfalls, jump off cliffs into the water and walk through untouched forests, followed by a picnic with a local meal, and some local alcohol. Instagram

Enjoy good spirits and old-school records at For The Record Vinyl Bar

Whether you’re an old soul or a Gen-Z looking to connect with lost times, For The Record Vinyl Bar—popularly known as FTR—is for you. Sip on innovative cocktails featuring Indian craft spirits and lose yourself in the nostalgic tunes. You can also browse through their vinyl collection and pick up a few while you’re there. Instagram

Get your work done the Goan way at Café Rasa

As frustrating as remote work can be, if you have a safe window to travel, it can quickly turn into a blessing in disguise. And, of course, Goa is everyone’s choice for working-on-the-go. Café Rasa is the perfect place for a vacay plus work scene, with a co-working space, conference rooms as well as a cafe. Instagram

Kayak through the mangroves with Konkan explorers

There’s plenty of adventure in Goa beyond the booze, if only you look. Konkan Explorers will take you kayaking through the mangroves of the Chapora river, with langurs and mangrove crabs peeping at you as you glide past them. Website

Try meals from local homechefs

If you would prefer to stay away from crowded restaurants and bars, try one of the many home chefs in the sunshine state. Shubhra Shankhwalker runs a catering service called  Aayi’s which specialises in Gaud Saraswat Brahmin cuisine. If you’re in and around Siolim, preorder wholesome bowls of khow suey from  Eddie’s Suey My Way .  Kheyali Vaze , who used to run Café de Goa in Saligao, offers a traditional Bengali aahar, while  Patraos Deli by chef Pablo Miranda is great for burgers, sandwiches and Korean fare.

Visit Goa’s first alcohol museum

13,000sqft in Candolim is now dedicated to Goa’s very first alcohol museum . All About Alcohol showcases ancient manufacturing and distilling equipment, as well as bottles from the 15th century. There’s also a feni cellar featuring a private family collection and ancient feni paraphernalia. Instagram

Bungee jump over Mayem Lake

Jumpin Heights, the company that runs India's highest bungee-jumping pad in Rishikesh , launched in Goa in 2019 with its facility at Mayem Lake. Strap in and leap from a height of 55 meters above the lake for the most unique view of Goa you will ever see. Rs4,850 per person. Website

Dine in the hills at C'est L'avi

Spread across 200 acres of ancestral land on a mountain in Velim, South Goa, C'est L'avi is chef Avinash Martins’ effort to preserve Goan cuisine . You can sign up for the Chef’s Table experience (Rs5,000 per person) and help forage ingredients before digging into the prawn cocktail, fish head caldo and coconut jaggery cheesecake. To reserve, WhatsApp or call at 88052 58277; Instagram

A table at C'est L'avi

Try the latest local alcohol

Gin has been the flavour of the season in Goa this year and there’s a host of new ones to choose from on your next trip. Sector Gin is a classic London Dry Gin that’s perfect for cocktails. Paul John has launched Malhar, their first gin, in the sunshine state. The gin is available in two expressions: The Malhar Classic Dry Gin and The Malhar Citrus. From the makers of Stranger and Sons, the most recent entrant Short Story has three offerings—a triple distilled grain vodka, a juniper and citrus-forward London Dry Gin and a matured white rum blended with Indian molasses rum. Finally, there’s also the spiced Earth Rum, with flavours of cloves, star anise and pepper.

Go dolphin-watching in the Arabian Sea

Set off exploring on the Arabian Sea in search of humpback dolphins, jellyfish and other fascinating marine life. The Ocean Biodiversity Tour by Terra Conscious is designed to be educational, ethical and a whole lot of fun. From Rs2,000. Website

Grab a bite, read a book and hang with cats at Artjuna

There are several pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in Goa. At Artjuna, bring your pooch along, or, if you don’t have pets, make friends with the resident cats and visiting pets. There are also board games, fun pop-ups, a library and some delicious food, bakes and drinks to enjoy. Instagram

Explore the depth of South Indian cuisines

South Indian cuisines seem to be having a moment in Goa and if you’re travelling there soon, it’s time to take advantage of it. While restaurants like Gunpowder and Tamil Table have been mascots for the depth and range of cuisines from Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for a few years now, there are also new spots to explore.  Hosa in Siolim comes from the folks behind Indian Accent and skips idli-vada-sambar for almond 65, curry leaf cured snapper, coconut shrimp, Mysore pak coffee cake and more.

Explore old Goan mansions with Soul Travelling

Explore the oldest and most picturesque parts of Margao on this walk and discover the stunning architecture of the state’s historical churches and mansions. Learn how the town was established, step into the Holy Spirit Church built in 1675 and enjoy some local delicacies through the way. From Rs599; Website

Cycle through Goan villages

Rent a cycle and trail through North Goa’s quaint villages, with the Chapora River running alongside. If you’re in Assagao, you can start at your doorstep and cycle through Siolim, Camurlim, Colvale and back. From Rs2,400. Website

Eat your (vegan) way through the state

Although seafood is the star of the sunshine state, there are more and more vegan eateries popping up across Goa. Get smoothie bowls and salads at Bean Me Up, vegan burgers and tapas at Cafe La Boheme and gluten-free waffles at Gratitude Cafe. If you’re looking for some vegan Indian food, opt for Svasti in Anjuna, which serves up multigrain khichdi and veg thalis.

Take an e-bike ride across Divar Island

Choose a sustainable form of tourism and explore Divar Island on an e-bike with B-Live. Enjoy views of fields, mangroves, churches, temple sites and beautiful houses as you cycle through the island. From Rs2,500; Website

Visit an eco-friendly community market

Vijaya Pais is on a quest to replace everyday consumer products with more eco-friendly alternatives, one market at a time. Her New Earth Gatherings bring sustainable, biodegradable and organic clothing, food and skincare brands that you can pick from. Instagram

Spot otters on Chorao Island

Travel to Chorao island via ferry to discover it’s well-kept secret—the smooth-coated otter. Catch a glimpse of the species—listed ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List—as they scurry across river banks. There are also wild boars, mongoose, jackals and porcupines.

Take a distillery tour of the internationally-acclaimed single malt Paul John

Explore the journey of a single malt, from mashing and distilling to your glass. At the Paul John Visitor Center in Cuncolim, you can even enjoy a tasting of their signature single malt expressions that are all proudly made in Goa. From Rs350. Website

Kanya by Paul John

Dine at familiar favourites in new avatars

In Goa, there’s the old, the new and the few places that manage to be both. This year, the iconic  Bomras opened at a new address in Anjuna after the Candolim outpost shut in 2019. The new space is more spacious and airy but the simplicity and flavour remain the same. This was also the year Meldan D’Cunha opened the Goa outpost of his signature restaurant  Soul Fry . The menu brings favourites from Bandra to Calangute, from the Sungta Maria and Tambshe Tikshe Kombdi to the okra coconut bhaji and fried prawns. There are several other  city favourites in Goa too, including Izumi (book a table) , Kofuku (book a table) , Jamun (book a table) and Pune’s Elephant & Co (book a table) .

Sungta Maria at Soul Fry

Dine in the sky

Enjoy a meal 160 feet above the ground with Fly Dining—a suspended culinary experience at Grand Hyatt Goa. The 3-course meal experience is open for breakfast, high tea, sundowners and dinner, so you can pick a time depending on the kind of view you want with your meal. From Rs2,999; Website

Watch the Goan sunset from these bars

There’s nothing like enjoying a sunset over the horizon, watching the sun meet the sea, as you sip on some cocktails . Catch the sunset from Olive Bar & Kitchen in Vagator (book a table) , the crowd favourite Greek joint Thalassa in Siolim, or the brand-new Saz on the Beach in Morjim. Keep the drinks flowing as the sky changes before your eyes.

Olive Bar & Kitchen

Get a distillery tour at Goa’s own Tamras Gin

The newly-launched Tamras Gin can be found across wine shops in Goa, but very soon there will also be fascinating distillery tours to sign up for. Start your new year with a bang—and a buzz—as you explore the 1,000sqm space in North Goa, and enjoy gin cocktails at their indoor lounge. Instagram

Stay at a 50-acre plantation

Stay at a 50-acre plantationThere’s never a dearth of hotels in Goa, but if you’re looking for a quieter, more offbeat stay, consider Dudhsagar Plantations in Mollem National Park. The homestay is run by father-son duo Ajit and Ashok Malkarnekar. Here, you will stay in cottages inspired by Goan village homes and be surrounded by rivulets and kokum, palm and jackfruit trees. The hosts can give you a tour of the plantation, take you cashew picking or for a feni tasting trail, and the Dudhsagar river is a short drive away.

Swim in a cool blue lagoon at Cola Beach

The beaches of Goa are as crowded as they are stunning, especially at this time of the year. But Cola Beach in South Goa has managed to stay out of the tourist eye for the most part. The main attraction? A cool blue lagoon surrounded by coconut trees. Swim, kayak, sunbathe or simply float in the water for the ultimate experience.

Eat at Ashok Bar & Restaurant

If you’re looking for some true blue, no-frills Goan food, drop in at Ashok Bar & Restaurant in Panaji. Dig into the chicken xacuti, fish recheado and more, but make sure to get there early, it will likely be packed.

Bar hop through Panjim

Spend an evening of drinks in the most happening part of Goa. Start with egg chops, choriz and beer at the uber-popular Joseph Bar (book a table) , sip on signature cocktails at Miguel’s Bar (book a table) , try the oven-roasted chonak and Fenihattan at Petisco (book a table) and get a balcony seat with a drink at Soho-The Capital Bar (book a table) .

Tired of fish curry-rice? Sample international cuisines

Goa isn’t all about recheado, xacuti and cafreal. A host of restaurants in the state are serving up delicious internal cuisines as well. Get the Burmese stir-fries, salads and khowsuey at Zwe by Golden Eye in Calangute, or the falafel, pilav and kebabs at Schandis (book a table) , a Persian restaurant in Panaji. For Japanese fare, drop in at Sakana in Vagator or Roboto (book a table) in Calangute.

Khowsuey at Zwe

Chomp on Goan street food

Step out of the hotels, bars and restaurants and into the streets of Goa for some of the best food in the region. Sink your teeth into Goan sausage breads or get some ros omelettes that come dunked in spicy xacuti gravy. Visit D’Silva’s Fast Food at Miramar Circle in Panjim for the roast beef cutlet pao, pork chops and chicken cutlets.

Be a bookworm at Champaca Bookstore

One of Bengaluru’s favourite independent bookstores has made its way to the sunny shores of Goa. Nestled within the lush gardens of coastal cuisine restaurant Mahé in Anjuna, Champaca is known for its curated and diverse collection of books. The Goa store is within a small house with red tiled roofs and swaying coconut trees outside. Head here to seek some solitude and to pick up your next flight read.

Visit the Goa Collective Bazaar at HillTop

Every Friday night, HillTop in Vagator comes alive with a vibrant flea market organized by the Goa Collective Bazaar. A nominal entry fee gives you access to food stalls, live music , a kid’s play area and more. On offer are clothes, accessories, skincare products and some amazing food, all by local brands and entrepreneurs. Instagram

Visit a 400-year-old mansion

In the town of Loutolim in South Goa, the Figueiredo House stands as a landmark, and rightly so. The mansion was built in 1590 and has belonged to the Figueiredo family for generations. Now, it’s been turned into a hotel and museum, with curated food experiences like high teas, lunches and dinners. The space is also open for private group events. Website

Take back gifts and souvenirs that are proudly local

Ditch the typical souvenirs and gifts for ethical, local and responsible alternatives. Get your hands on vegan spreads and local cheese from Green Chokrees , coconut oil and kokum butter from Kuva Botanicals and naturally-dyed block-printed clothing from AtelierOM .

Go for a concert in a heritage home

Locals Schubert Fernandes and Omar De Loiola Pereira started  Heritage Home Concerts in April this year to offer people a peep into Goa’s Indo-Portuguese heritage through music and dance. The concerts take place at Omar’s family home Solar Loiola Pereira in Benaulim and the next one is slated for 10 December. Expect folk music, some dancing and delicious traditional Goan snacks.

Enjoy Fado and Mandó

Located within the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) in Panjim, Madragoa is the world’s first house of Fado and Mandó—musical traditions born in the 19th and 20th centuries in Portugal and Goa. The venue regularly hosts intimate concerts for lovers of music and curious travellers. Once you’re done, you can even head to Cháfé Braz, a jazz cafe within CIPA that serves Indo-Portuguese delicacies.

Get away from the crowds at Galgibaga beach

The search for a quiet beach in Goa can be a long and tiring one, especially if you’re travelling in December. Away from the crowds and bars, Galgibaga beach in south Goa will remind you of the Goa of the past. There’s a fishing village by the sea and tourists are few and far between. Stay at the gorgeous  Casa Galgibaga , take boat rides down the Galgibaga or Talpona river and take early morning walks and sunset swims at the peaceful beach.

Galgibaga beach

Explore prehistoric art in Pansaimol, South Goa

If you’re a history buff, head to Pansaimol to discover petroglyphs dating back to about a thousand years ago on the banks of the Kushavati River. The rock carvings were found in 1993 and depict the daily activities of human life in the Mesolithic period. Archaeologists are still trying to decipher the meaning of the intriguing patterns.

Grab a coffee at Grind Bar in Anjuna

Coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs will enjoy Grind Bar, Anjuna’s coolest coffee spot. Here, there are seasonal coffees, a rotating craft beer menu, fresh cocktails, breakfast favourites like avocado on sourdough toast and some great vinyl tunes.

Tour the Governor’s residence

Earlier this year, part of the Cabo Raj Bhavan—the Goa governor’s residence—opened to the public, courtesy of Soul Travelling, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Raj Bhavan. Explore the Our Lady of Cape chapel, the grave of Dona Paula and the shrine of St Paulina, enjoy the views of the Mandovi and Zuari Rivers and try to spot birds like the Forest Wagtail, Black-naped Monarch and Jungle Babbler.

Raj Bhavan, Goa

Sign up for a private gin trail with your group

A private garden table, drinks rolling in and your friends or family sharing delicious food—sounds like a great way to end the year. As part of this experience on Urbanaut, you can taste the best of Goa’s many gins. You can even make your own gin with a base alcohol and ingredients of your choice—lime, tangerine, cucumber, spices and more. Your drinks will be made right in front of you and there will be appetisers to munch on as well.  Sign up on Urbanaut.

Trek up a hill by the sea

If you’re up for a mini adventure, trek across the beautiful Palliem plateau and through the Arambol forest, with views of the sea to keep you company. The trek covers 5kms, takes about three hours to complete and is moderately challenging. At the end, you can even find a rock pool to dive in and cool off.  Sign up on Urbanaut

Go fishing in Assolna

In Assolna, get a guided tour of the local markets before getting on a boat with fisherfolk to help them throw nets onto the water and try your hand at fishing. If you really want to get into it, you can even jump into the water to catch clams with your feet! And, of course, the experience ends with a delicious seafood meal—there are vegetarian dishes too. Cost: Rs2,950. Book on Urbanaut .

A fisherman boat at sunrise in Goa

Go beyond Chapora Fort

As iconic as the “Dil Chahta Hain fort” is, there’s more to Goa than that. If it is forts you’re interested it, head to the Cabo de Rama fort in Canacona, which offers stunning views of the beach and the sea beyond. The Reis Magos Fort in Bardez is on the banks of the winding Mandovi river and was built in 1551. Closeby, there is also the Reis Magos Church—the first church in Bardez.

Immerse yourself in yoga

Yoga with the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore is more calming than ever. At Shala 142 in Assagao, learn breathwork and meditation or enjoy soundbaths and Vinyasa flows, all under expert guidance. Also in Assagao, Mojigao Eco Village offers yoga and fitness classes, wellness workshops and spa sessions.

Get a surf lesson and ride the waves at Vaayu Kula in Mandrem

Check a new skill off the bucket list as the year ends. At Vaayu Kula in Mandrem, get on a board and familiarise yourself with the waves. You can learn surfing from ISA-certified instructors over three to five days or simply rent a board to practise your skills. The school also offers stand up paddle boarding sessions. It’s the perfect spot for water babies looking to leave all their worries on the shores.  

Rediscover Goa

Enjoy walking tours, culinary experiences, workshops and more at the Rediscover Goa Festival from 12 to 18 December. There will be guided art and history tours, night walks, brewery tours, pottery workshops, culinary experiences at Edible Archives and more. Instagram

Camp out under the stars

Spend an adventurous night on the edge of the forests on the lower extensions of the Western Ghats with your family. Cook a meal over a fire, tell stories in the moonlight and start the next morning with a cool dip in a clear stream. From Rs2,500; Website

Shop at cool indie boutiques

Creative folk are drawn to Goa like fish to water, which means there are amazing indie stores to explore in the state. In the village of Parra, Whale Song offers a curated selection of clothing, homeware and artworks to take back home. In the same village Yellow House is a store for slow fashion and thoughtfully designed jewellery by mindful labels and creators. For chic beachwear, easy silhouettes, bold colours and patterns, head to The Flame Store in Candolim or Siolim. Close to Gunpowder in Assagao, Rangeela is a concept store with luxury clothing, home decor, gifts and furniture, all inspired by life by the sea.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

The Best of Goa | 7 Day Travel Itinerary + Guide

Welcome to the Ultimate Goa Travel Guide , designed to help you make the most of your 7-day adventure in the beautiful Indian coastal paradise, of Goa. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, or cultural experiences, Goa has something to offer everyone, and this 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary and Guide , has it all. In this Goa Travel Guide, we’ll provide you with a suggested 7 Day itinerary to explore the best of North Goa, South Goa, and Panjim, along with key insights on the best time to visit Goa, must-visit places in Goa, offbeat experiences to do in Goa, and the best resort in Goa, India.

Day 1: Arrival in North Goa

Day 2: explore north goa, day 3: road trip from north goa to south goa, day 4: discover offbeat things to do in south goa, day 5: dive into south goa, day 6-7: immerse yourself in panjim, coconut creek resort | bogmalo, goa, feni and tapas food trail in old latin quarters, fontainhas heritage walk, e-bike tour to divar island, attending a drum circle, visiting salaulim dam, 7 day goa travel itinerary – summary, share this:, the best of goa – 7 day travel itinerary.

• Start your journey by arriving in Goa, preferably during the best month to visit Goa, which is typically between November and March, offering pleasant weather.
• Prefer to land at the Manohar Parrikar International Airport in MOPA, as you’ll be c hecking in into your accommodation in North Goa, known for its lively atmosphere and bustling beaches. Check out the Best Hotels in North Goa here and save upto 50%.
• Pro Tip – Make your life easy, by pre-booking a Rental Car in Goa. The vehicle can be picked up at the Airport, and make sure to do a proper visual inspection, and even take a video, before taking the keys. Car Rentals in Goa start for as less as ₹ 1400 – 2000 / day.
• Spend the evening at any of the famous beaches in North Goa, such as Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Arambol Beach, famous for its nightlife and beachside shacks.
• Begin your day with a visit to the historic Aguada Fort / Chapora Fort, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
• Head to Anjuna Beach to experience its bohemian vibes and browse the flea market. 
• Enjoy traditional Goan cuisine at Vinayak Family Restaurant and Gunpowder in Assagao. These are some of the Best Restaurants in North Goa , that you should definitely check out.
• Head to any of the popular beach clubs of Goa such as Mayan Beach Club, Thalassa Goa, Purple Martini, Titlie Goa for an epic sundowner.
• If possible, attend a drum circle.Attending a Drum Circle is one of the best things to do in Goa, and these Drum Circles are organised regularly on Arambol Beach, Morjim Beach, Anjuna Beach among others. Just ask the locals, they’ll be able to help you with the latest information.

PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Goa

• Book the best Goa Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in Goa on Agoda or Booking.com
• Book your Goa Car Rentals on Go Goa Car Rentals or Ezee Car Rent
• Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Goa, and lounge for free at Premium Airport Lounges
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Goa
• Check out from your North Goa accommodation and head to South Goa, which is less crowded and known for its tranquillity. 
• We recommend the Coconut Creek Resort near Bogmalo Beach. The resort, is one of the best in Goa, India;  has an inviting swimming pool, it’s surrounded by greenery, has an amazing in house restaurant serving the best dishes of Goa, and is just a 3 minute from Bogmalo Beach, which is a relatively cleaner and less crowded beaches of South Goa.
• Head out and experience the best Goan dishes such as Chicken Xacuti, Prawn Vindaloo, Pork Sorpotel, at Martin’s Corner or at Fisherman’s Wharf, which are some of the Best Places to Eat in South Goa.
• Explore offbeat destinations in South Goa, near Bogmalo Beach, such as Kesarwal Spring Waterfall and the Heart Shaped Lake.
• Visit the Paul John Distillery and do the distillery and tasting tour. Its one of those experiences, that might as well turn out to be one of the highlights of your trip to Goa. However, do enquire beforehand, and confirm the slot timings for your visit.
• Head further south to experience the calm at Majorda Beach, and the less touristy Cabo Da Rama Beach and Cola Beach and lagoon. If weather permits, enjoy a beautiful sunset from any of these beaches.
• Enjoy a traditional Goan Seafood Thali at any of the local eateries and pair it up with some Goan Feni – the local liquor made from cashew and coconut.
• Put the location on Google Maps as Salaulim Gardens, and head to one of the most beautiful and underrated tourist attraction in Goa – The Salaulim Dam. Even though, it’s a bit far from other popular sights in Goa, the drive to Salaulim Dam is very beautiful and the untouched beauty of the dam, makes it worth the effort of going the extra mile.
• If weather permits, also check out the famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls, which also happens to be one of the tallest waterfalls in India and one of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in India , nestled in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Enquire about all the information required to explore Dudhsagar Waterfall from the reception desk of your hotel in South Goa.
• Drive back to your South Goa hotel, and just relax by the pool. Enjoy a delectable dinner spread at the in house restaurant of your South Goa hotel.
• Check out from your South Goa Hotel and head to Panjim, the charming state capital.
• We recommend staying near Miramar Beach, or in the heart of Panjim – The Old Latin Quarters, in a heritage property. Check out the Best Hotels in Panjim here and avail upto 50% discounts on your booking.
• Spend your days in Panjim, exploring historic sites like the Fontainhas Latin Quarter, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Reis Magos Fort, and the nearby Divar Island. 
• Do the Fontainhas Heritage Walking Tour by Make It Happen Goa , to know more about the history of the iconic Old Latin Quarter of Panjim.
• Discover the beauty of Divar Island, by doing an E – Bike Tour by B:Live E – Bike Tours Goa , and combine the adventure of cycling with the ease of cruising .
• Take a cruise along the Mandovi River and enjoy the vibrant Goan culture.
• Go on a culinary adventure by joining the Feni and Tapas Trail by Make It Happen , and try out some yummy crafted Feni based cocktails, along with Goan and Portuguese inspired food dishes, at some of the Best Restaurants in Panjim.
• Try out your luck at any of the many famous Casinos in Panjim. Gambling is legal in Goa, if you didn’t already know.
• Goan Cashews
• The Goan Spices
• Homegrown Gins produced in Goa – Tickle Gin, Satiwa Passion Hemp Gin, Udaipur Gulaab Gin, Pumori Small Batch Gin, Matinee Gin, among others.
• Other Goan liquors – Cabo Rum, Goan Feni and Port Wine.
• The Portuguese inspired azulejos tiles.
• Edible Goan souvenirs – Goan Pork Chorizo Sausages, Bebinca, Prawn Balchao and Mackarel Molho (Goan Pickles)
• Mario Miranda’s Goan Themed paintings / fridge magnets.
• Departure from Goa (by flight, train or bus) in the evening of the last day of this 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary.

Best Resort in Goa | India

The highlight of my Trip to Goa has to be the beautiful experience at Coconut Creek Resort Goa , where the staff literally went above and beyond to make my experience memorable. 

Welcome to Coconut Creek Resort | Bogmalo, Goa

Here are 5 Reasons that make Coconut Creek Resort near Bogmalo Beach, stand out in the list of the Best Hotels and Resorts in South Goa, India.

Apart from the stay, the highlight was the epic Goan culinary experience that Chef Aniket took us on. We tried some of the best Goan local dishes such as Chicken Xacuti , Pork Sorpotel , Prawn Curry , Lamb Chops , a variety of local Goan fish delicacies , and the famous Goan Caramel Pudding.

Coconut Creek Go a is without a doubt one of the Best Resorts in South Goa , India ; and is still one of the hidden gems. 

If you are heading to Goa, I would highly recommend you to make Coconut Creek Goa as your base, and explore the best of Goa from here. Staying at Coconut Creek Goa, might very well turn out to be one of the highlights on your 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary as well.

Book your stay at the Coconut Creek Resort in Goa, by clicking here . Make sure to book it in advance, as this resort in Goa, India; runs fully booked, specially in the season, which is from October – March.

5 Unique Experiences to tick off in Goa

Dive into the culinary heritage of Goa with a Feni and Tapas Food Trail in the Old Latin Quarters. This experience combines the delightful flavours of Goan cuisine with Goa’s iconic spirit, Feni. Start your gastronomic journey at a traditional tavern/bar, where you’ll be introduced to Feni, a locally distilled liquor made from cashews.

Stop at local eateries and restaurants to try some unique Feni based cocktails, and savour a variety of tapas-style dishes, each bursting with flavours that reflect Goa’s culinary diversity. From seafood delights like prawn resois to vegetarian options like mushroom xacuti, you’ll indulge in a wide range of Goan specialties.

This food trail in Goa not only offers a delectable blend of culture and cuisine, allowing you to experience Goa through its flavours, from traditional to contemporary, all in the heart of the historic Latin Quarter; but can turn out to be of the best experiences in Goa during your 7 Day Trip to Goa.

Use the code “AMMIH10” to get a flat 10% discount on the Feni and Tapas Trail and Fontainhas Heritage Walk and other awesome experiences, such as the Latin Quarter Food Trail, Old Goa Heritage Walk, Campal Heritage Walk, Chronicles of Divar Island with Lunch, among others by Make It Happen Goa. 

Click Here to Book Your Experiences with Make It Happen Goa.

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Goa by embarking on a Fontainhas Heritage Walk. Fontainhas, located in Panjim, is the Latin Quarter of Goa and one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the state.

This guided heritage walk takes you through winding streets lined with colourful Portuguese-style houses adorned with artistic azulejos (hand-painted ceramic tiles). As you stroll through the narrow lanes, you’ll be transported back in time, learning about the Portuguese influence on Goan architecture, culture, and lifestyle.

Your knowledgeable storyteller will share fascinating stories about the heritage homes, quaint chapels, and local traditions. This immersive experience allows you to soak in the charm of Fontainhas, providing insights into Goa’s unique blend of European and Indian influences. It’s a perfect way to appreciate the Goa’s cultural diversity and architectural beauty.

L – Taken during the Fontainhas Heritage Walk 

R – Taken during the Divar Island E – Bike Tour

Experience the serene beauty and tranquil landscapes of Divar Island in an eco-friendly and exciting way with an E-Bike tour. Divar Island, located in the Mandovi River, is known for its lush greenery, traditional Goan villages, and idyllic countryside.

Your E-Bike adventure begins with a short ferry ride across the river from Old Goa to Divar Island.

Once there, you’ll hop on an electric bicycle, a sustainable mode of transport that allows you to explore the island without harming the environment. Pedal through narrow roads flanked by paddy fields, explore charming villages, and interact with friendly locals.

Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Our Lady of Compassion Church, enjoying scenic viewpoints, and taking in the peaceful ambiance of the island. The E-Bike tour provides an offbeat and eco-conscious way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of Divar Island, making it a memorable and sustainable adventure in Goa. So make sure to add the Divar Island E – Bike Adventure on your 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary.

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats and positive energy of Goa by attending a Drum Circle. This unique and vibrant experience takes place at various beaches, cultural centers, and open spaces throughout Goa.

A Drum Circle is a gathering of people who come together to play percussion instruments, creating mesmerising and spontaneous music. These gatherings are not only about music but also about community, connection, and creative expression.

As the rhythms intensify, you’ll find yourself in a trance-like state, dancing and swaying to the hypnotic sounds. It’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow travellers and locals, experience Goa’s vibrant arts scene, and enjoy an evening of music and free-spirited fun.

PS – Just search for Goa Drum Circle on Instagram or Facebook to get to know about the different drum circles happening and the locations.

Escape the usual tourist crowds and head to Salaulim Dam, a hidden gem nestled amidst the Western Ghats in South Goa. The Salaulim Dam is one of Goa’s lesser-known attractions, offering a serene and picturesque setting surrounded by lush greenery.

The dam not only serves as a water reservoir but also provides a peaceful atmosphere for nature enthusiasts. You can visit the dam to take in breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding hills. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season when the dam is at its fullest, creating a mesmerising spectacle of cascading water.

Visiting Salaulim Dam is an offbeat experience that allows you to connect with Goa’s natural beauty and offers a refreshing change of pace from the more touristy destinations. You can combine a trip to Salaulim Dam with a visit to Dudhsagar Waterfalls – One of the tallest waterfalls in India.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or eco-friendly exploration, these unique experiences in Goa offer something special for every traveller, allowing you to connect with Goa’s heritage, cuisine, and natural wonders.

Day 1 –  Arrival in Goa | Stay in North Goa | Try some local Goan cuisine | Relax by the beach

Day 2 –  Explore any of the famous forts – Aguada / Chapora / Tiracol Fort / Reis Magos Fort | Sundowner at any of the famous Goa Beach Clubs | Attend a Drum Circle

Day 3 –  Head to South Goa | Try out local Goan food at any of the Famous Restaurants in Goa | Check in to any of the Best Resorts in South Goa

Day 4 –  Discover offbeat locations in South Goa | Explore Cola Beach and Cabo de Rama Beach | Catch a beautiful sunset 

Day 5 – Visit the Dudhsagar Waterfall | Drive to Salaulim Dam | Visit the Paul John Distillery  

Day 6 –  Divar Island E – Bike Tour | Go souvenir shopping | Feni and Tapas Trail

Day 7 –  Fontainhas Heritage Trail | Day at leisure | Departure from Goa

We hope, that you found this Goa Travel Guide containing the 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary covering the best of North Goa, South Goa, and Panjim, to be helpful. Remember to plan your visit during the best months to visit Goa (October – March), for the most enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking for beachfront relaxation, cultural immersion, or vibrant nightlife, Goa has it all.

Use this Goa Travel Guide as a roadmap, to plan your trip to Goa, and to create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

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The World’s Only Feni Cellar Opens In Goa

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World’s first and only Feni Cellar opens in Goa with wine tasting sessions and BBQ dinners.

What Is It?

Take a glimpse into the world’s first Feni Cellar as it is thrown open to the public in South Goa.   It involves a visit to a cashew orchard, a walk through the traditional distillery, a tasting session and an al-fresco meal under an open sky in the middle of a spice plantation.

What’s In It?

Experience a whole Feni tour in South of Goa with Hansel, the founder of Cazulo Feni . Hansel like many other Goans grew up drinking the traditional drink of Goa – Feni. This alcoholic beverage is famous here and is consumed mostly at family gatherings where there’s singing too, adding a lot more fun to the event. The Feni cellar gives us an insight into the culture of Feni drinking and to learn more about it; how it’s made, stored, distilled and finally enjoyed.

The tour lasts for about 30 minutes and is mostly associated with the science of how this traditional beverage is made. You will get to taste about three kinds of Feni as you tour- Cashew, Coconut, and dukhshir .

There’s a long dining table inside the cellar amidst beautiful arrays of garrafoes (traditional bottles in which Feni is stored). The cellar features about 1,200 multicoloured garrafoes  in total. The taste of each of these variants is also explained by a professional distiller . The bar in the garden is also thrown open after the tour is completed.

This is then followed by a lavish dinner which includes mostly Goan meals for an authentic and up-close experience of the Goan culture. The meal includes recipes from Goan households and allows you to indulge in a tapas platter and a Goan buffet .

The entire tour priced at ₹2,000 per person,  starts at 6:30 pm and wraps up at around 10:30 pm . You can also sign up for an afternoon tour . Hansel keeps the tours mostly on Fridays and announces the location once people have confirmed. For the last three tours there were about 45-50 people .

Cost : ₹2,000 per person Phone : 8605008185 (Call to book the tour – It can be booked by appointment only)

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