Goa means many things to many people. For some, it's about wild beach parties and bar crawls. But for us, a close-knit group of friends, it was about rediscovering a place we thought we already knew. No crazy itineraries. No pressure to "do it all." Just five days of soaking in the mood, the food, the stories, and the sea, with a bunch of people who feel like home.
Day 1: North Goa - Our Laid-Back Landing
We landed around noon and checked into our stay in North Goa-something clean, comfortable, and close to the beach. After lunch and a few laughs over bad packing choices, we made our way to Candolim Beach.
There was no rush to jump into the water. We just sat there, letting the waves talk. Sunset brought a sense of calm, one of those rare moments where everyone's quiet, not because there's nothing to say, but because everything feels right.
Day 2: Old Goa & Fontainhas
We decided to play tourist today, but in our way. First up: Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. These centuries-old churches made us pause, reminding us that Goa isn't just about sun and sand, but also soul.
Next, we wandered into Fontainhas, Goa's old Latin quarter: picture-postcard houses, ceramic tiles, winding alleys. We stopped at Joseph's Bar, shared a couple of chilled beers, and let the afternoon pass us by. Honestly? It felt like a Dil Chahta Hai movie scene, we didn't want to leave.
Goa with friends isn't just a trip-it's a feeling that stays with you long after the tan fades.
Day 3: Exploring South Goa - Museums, Greens & Chill
We hired a cab and drove to South Goa, and the drive itself was therapeutic, with lush fields, winding roads, and classic Konkani homes dotting the landscape.
Our first stop was at the Bigfoot Museum in Loutolim. An open-air snapshot of Goan village life, it was quirky, offbeat, and surprisingly fun. We clicked a hundred photos, especially with that massive "Big Foot" sculpture.
Later, we hit the Naval Aviation Museum-a hidden gem near Vasco. Fighter planes, naval gear, and aviation trivia. One of us is an aviation geek and was visibly emotional. The rest of us just loved seeing him nerd out.
Day 4: Colva Beach & Goan Thalis - Simple Joys
Early morning, we hit Colva Beach. Lesser people, soft waves, a sky that looked like it had just woken up. We did nothing special, just dipped our feet in the sea, shared stories from college, and let the breeze do its thing.
Lunch was at a small beachside shack, fresh seafood thalis, sol kadhi, and the kind of susegad (Goan relaxation) that makes you forget city life even exists. We took a detour to Assolna and Benaulim in the evening-villages that felt frozen in time. Of course, all of this was combined with lots of selfies and smiles.
Day 5: One Last Sunrise
On our last day, we woke up early, not to tick off another "must-do," but just to sit by the beach one last time. One friend brewed coffee on a portable stove; the rest of us wrapped ourselves in kaftans and memories.
We didn't party till 4 AM. We didn't try every famous shack. But we left with a certain lightness in our hearts-the kind you only feel around people who let you be exactly who you are.
Goa with friends isn't just a trip-it's a feeling that stays with you long after the tan fades. Until we meet again, Goa.
If You're Planning a Trip to Goa with Your Friends
Stay somewhere central but calm: Candolim or Saligao in North Goa is perfect. In South Goa, try Benaulim or Palolem.
Do the mix: Beach, heritage, art, food. Goa has layers, you just need to peel them slowly.
Let go of the checklist: Your best moments won't be planned.
Find your corners: A beach at 7 AM, a bar at 3 PM, a walk through Fontainhas at sunset - Goa is full of quiet magic if you're willing to slow down.