Planning a Family Holiday to Goa Here is why Club Mahindra would be a good choice

If Goa is your preferred destination for this year’s family vacation, there’s a whole lot in store for you.

If Goa is your preferred destination for this year’s family vacation, there’s a whole lot in store for you. Club Mahindra Goa brings you the perfect family outing at its Varca and other Goa resorts. Let’s take a week-long vacation!

Day 1: Welcome to Goa

On arrival and after the easy formalities are done, most of our guests prefer to sip their welcome drink in their room before heading to the beach. If you do happen to arrive late in the day, you can still take a walk along the beach while watching the sunset and save the frolicking for the next day.

What can be more relaxing than a lazy day at the beach, interspersed with dips in the warm water? Club Mahindra has its own private stretch of beach with plenty of water sports – including snorkelling, rafting, surfboarding, and paragliding. After a sumptuous lunch and the inevitable siesta in your comfortable, plush room, head back to the restaurant for some entertainment and a before-dinner drink.

Day 2: Sights

Travelling along the Western Ghats – the best way to reach Goa – you will pass your first sightseeing destination even before you arrive at Club Mahindra: the Dudhsagar falls. Plan a stop at this scenic waterfall to take in the view. You can grab a bite right there or head to the resort for a more wholesome meal.

Goa is full of things to see – old churches, forts and more – but some of the best sights are in the south, which is less crowded than the bustling north. If you want some more action, you could consider heading northward. Club Mahindra has hotels in both parts of the state and offers sightseeing tours in both, north and south Goa to all its guests.

Day 3: Heritage

Head out with a group of guests – or just your own group – and visit the churches and forts in south Goa. One of the more popular churches here is the Se Cathedral (1619), which commemorates the victory of the Portuguese over a local populace. The church took 80 years to build. If you are lucky, you can view the still-to-decompose body of St Francis Xavier – available for public viewing every 10 years – at the Bom Jesus Basilica (1605).

There are many more heritage sites in North Goa that are well worth a visit. It is a good idea to hire a guide, and Club Mahindra can engage one for you on request. At the end of the day, you can look forward to being welcomed back with a refreshing drink and a gourmet meal.

Day 4: Fun and games

After spending the previous day viewing some of Goa’s rich heritage, you might want to take a break from touring and spend the day relaxing by the poolside or indulging in some fun indoor games in the game room. Then, maybe head to the spa for a relaxing massage, or browse through the resort’s antique shop to take some souvenirs back with you from your vacation.

For the more energetic, Club Mahindra also has many outdoor games such as cricket and football – a perfect way for the whole family to spend some quality time together. Or team up with another family and challenge each other. In the evening you could head out to the Mandovi river for a cruise. If you get there early enough, you can have a drink and grab a bite at one of the riverside casinos. Come back after a fun-filled evening to your comfortable and luxurious room.

Day 5: Birding

Head to Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary early to watch the birds. If you inform Club Mahindra staff about your plans a day in advance, we can provide you with transport and help with entry formalities. Walk along the trails in the dewy mist listening to the chirping of the birds and identifying rare species. There is also a lake where you can go kayaking or boating.

Return to the resort for breakfast or grab a bite close to the sanctuary itself, or at Panaji before visiting the market. Then it’s time to go back to your room for a siesta, followed by some games, a drink, and dinner at the restaurant.

Day 6: Cruising

After lazing away the morning in your room hit the beach and take a speedboat into the deep blue water to watch the dolphins. The best time to do this is mid-morning when they are at their feistiest. Even if the dolphins prove elusive, the ride is worth the effort. Then you can head back to the resort for another siesta or visit the local flea market if it happens to be a Wednesday.

Day 7: Wildlife

Get back in action early next morning for a safari at one of the four wildlife sanctuaries around Goa. We recommend a day trip to Bondla Tiger Reserve, but the others are quite an experience too. Mhadei is relatively new, while the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest. As with the bird sanctuary, Club Mahindra can help with entry formalities, transport, and other arrangements if you let us know ahead of time.

Other outings

There are many other things you can do while in Goa. For instance, visit the Dudhsagar falls (if you didn’t stop by while arriving), or go on a picnic at Mayem Lake. Goa has a trout farm and is soon to introduce fish farming. There are also little markets and many activities at almost all public beaches – particularly in the north, and several nightclubs where you can dance the evenings away.

Before you leave, spend a few more relaxing hours on the beach while we process your bills and set up your farewell brunch. Now wouldn’t that be a memorable week with your family?