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Here is a 5-day “Wellness Circuit” travel itinerary for Goa, designed to align with the state’s 2026 shift toward holistic and traditional healing.

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The 5-Day Goa Wellness & Rejuvenation Itinerary (2026)

This circuit takes you from the high-tech integrated medical centers in the North to the silent, soul-searching retreats of the South.

Day 1: The New Frontier (Dhargal & Mandrem)

• Morning: Arrive at Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and head straight to the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Dhargal. Book an initial consultation with an Ayurvedic physician to determine your Dosha (body type).
• Afternoon: Check into a beachside retreat in Mandrem. Have a “Vedic lunch” (fresh, plant-based meals tailored to your body type).
• Evening: Participate in a sunset “3-6-9-12™ Meditation” session on Mandrem Beach to ground your energy.

Day 2: Detox & Sound (Ashvem & Arambol)

• Morning: Head to Ashvem for an authentic Abhyanga (four-hand warm oil massage) followed by Swedana (herbal steam).
• Afternoon: Visit an organic café for a probiotic-rich Goan thali.
• Evening: Move to Arambol for the famous sunset drum circle or a sound healing session using Tibetan singing bowls and frequency therapy.

Day 3: Heritage & Spiritual Health (Old Goa & Panaji)

• Morning: Travel to Old Goa (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. In 2026, the focus here is on “Spiritual Tourism”—taking a moment for silent contemplation in the historic chapels.
• Afternoon: A walking tour of the Fontainhas (Latin Quarter) in Panaji. Visit a local apothecary for traditional Goan herbal remedies and spices.
• Evening: A quiet sunset cruise on the Mandovi River, focusing on the bird-watching estuaries rather than the party boats.

Day 4: Earth Connection (Ponda Spice Circuit)

• Morning: Drive to a Spice Plantation in Ponda (e.g., Sahakari or Tropical). Experience “Shinrin-yoku” (Forest Bathing) among the cinnamon and black pepper trees.
• Afternoon: Traditional lunch served on a banana leaf. Learn about the medicinal properties of Goan spices like Kokum and Turmeric.
• Evening: Head south to Agonda. The vibe here is noticeably slower and quieter than the North.

Day 5: The Deep Reset (Palolem & Agonda)

• Morning: Sunrise Hatha Yoga on Agonda Beach. This beach is a silent zone during turtle nesting seasons (Jan–Feb), making it perfect for deep focus.
• Afternoon: Visit Palolem for a final Shirodhara treatment (warm oil poured on the forehead) to calm the nervous system before departure.
• Evening: Farewell dinner at a cliffside eco-resort overlooking the Arabian Sea.

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Essential Travel Tips for Goa 2026

• Budgeting: Expect to pay around Rs. 10,000–15,000 ($35–$55) per night for a 3-star wellness resort. High-end retreats like the Taj Exotica or ITC Grand Goa range from Rs. 30,000+.
• Transport: Rent an electric scooter. It’s the “wellness” way to travel—silent, eco-friendly, and perfect for navigating the narrow lanes of Mandrem and Agonda.
• Booking: For medical-grade Panchakarma (usually 7–21 days), you must book at least 2 months in advance due to the high demand from international medical tourists.

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The All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa in Dhargal has established itself as a premier destination for both traditional healing and specialized medical care. As of 2026, the institute has expanded its capacity, treating nearly 1,000 patients daily in its Outpatient Department (OPD) and maintaining a 150-bed inpatient facility that is highly popular with international visitors.

Consultation Process and Services

The facility operates with structured timings and a registration process designed to accommodate its high patient volume.

• OPD Registration: Patients must register before consulting a doctor. The registration fee is a nominal ₹10 per visit, though certain groups like BPL cardholders and AIIA students are exempt.

• Specialized Clinics: The institute offers a wide range of specialized departments, including:

• Kayachikitsa (General Medicine): Specializing in cardio-respiratory, diabetic, and geriatric care.

• Panchakarma (Detoxification): Led by department heads like Dr. Praveen, this unit manages neurological, musculoskeletal, and dermatological disorders.

• Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics): Includes speech therapy and specialized immunization clinics.

• Special OPD: For more specific needs, a “Special OPD” runs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, featuring senior consultants like Dr. V.G. Huddar (Kayachikitsa) and Dr. Yogesh Badwe (Surgery). The consultation fee for this session is ₹500.

How to Book and Contact

Appointments can be scheduled through multiple channels, providing flexibility for local and international travelers.

• Online Appointments: You can book through the government’s Online Registration System at ors.gov.in.
• Token System: For standard morning OPD (starting at 9:00 AM), tokens are distributed at the hospital between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
• Direct Contact:
• Hospital Phone: +91 832 291 8205
• Special OPD Appointments: 9311391887 (Available 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday).

Leading Practitioners at AIIA Goa

The institute features a team of highly qualified experts recognized for their contributions to Ayurvedic science.

• Prof. (Dr.) Sujata Kadam: Serves as the Dean (Academic & Administration) and oversees the clinical standards of the Goa campus.
• Dr. Praveen: As the Head of the Panchakarma Department, he is noted for his work with international patients, particularly in treating chronic neurological and skin conditions.
• Dr. Chintamani: Often cited by patients for expertise in managing joint pain and long-term degenerative issues alongside the Panchakarma team.