This Is The Secret Side Of Goa Locals Love — Take a Walking Tour To See It Yourself
1. Fontainhas Heritage Walk: A Slice of Portugal in India
The Latin Quarter of Panaji is called Fontainhas, and it is a pretty area that brings you back in history. This part of Goa has well-maintained narrow, meandering roads, colored Portuguese style homes, and loads of colonial history. This area has many walking tours that many tourists can join, where they can see a number of famous sites, such as the Chapel of St. Sebastian, Maruti Temple, and many art galleries. Apart from indulging in the Goan culture by visiting the old bakeries, which fill the streets with the enticing smell of Goan bread or Poi. Don't forget to try the local Goanese snacks.
2. Nostalgic Goan Churches Circuit: A Spiritual Experience
Most people may not know, but Old Goa is a designated UNESCO site because it is home to astounding Asian churches. As you take a stroll around the vicinity, it opens up a world of spirituality that starts with the Bom Jesus church, dazzling in Basilica architecture and home to St. Francis Xavier's remains. Proceed towards the Se Cathedral which is famous for its astounding structure along with one of the Wolds Golden Belles and additionally, the Church of Saint Cajetan which is based on Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, together with the St. Monica Church and convent. All of these put together will take your breath away. Walking through these sacred structures will certainly leave a profound impact on your heart, especially if you are a person who loves culture and diversity.
3. Ribandar to Divar Island: A Riverside Walk
A picturesque walking tour can be experienced in the village of Ribandar which is situated at the banks of a river. From here, walk to the river ferry station and hop on a ride to Divar Island. This serene getaway feels an eternity away from the chaotic innovations of Goa City. The island will expose you to rice fields, scenic villages, ancient temples, and charming river vistas. This walk will also feature the Our Lady of Compassion Church, one of the best in baroque pieces of art. Enjoy the mesmerizing flora and fauna along the way. This walk is great for those looking for nature therapy.
4. Panaji Market Walk: Chasing Culinary Delights Unlocking the 'Foodies' Bowl
Goa is well-known for Panaji and its distinctive cuisine, and you are bound to miss something if they are not tested on a trip there. Among the things to do in Goa, Panaji Market is a must walk tour that completely opens one's mouth. Start off by visiting the Municipal Market, where fresh and unique chopped seasonal fruits, spices, and local dishes like bebinca (layered Goan dessert), and sorpotel (Pork curry) are served. Also, nearby small restaurants make goan authenticity come alive with dishes including fish curry rice or vindaloo. This tour has the perfect combination of Sound, Smell and Sight along with deeper insight into the culture.
5. Altinho Hill Walk: Architectural Splendor and Scenic Beauty
Altinho being a residential area and situated in Panaji gives you a glimpse of how your view changes while seated in a wonder of nature with the mountains and sea surrounding you. A walking tour through this wonderful area will enable you to walk along classy colonial mansions, flowering bushes, and peaceful streets, and the sweeping views of the town with the Mandovi River from the hill are jaw-dropping To enjoy a peak of the Arabian Sea, head to the Miramar Beach viewpoint for an exceptional treat watching the sun set. Architecture and nature enthusiasts will enjoy this tour the most.
6. Chorao Island
Chorao Island is a stop that can be reached by taking a boat from Ribandar, and there you will find the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a delight for birdwatchers and nature lovers. While on the walking tour, you will have the chance to explore mangrove forests and wetlands, amphibious ecosystem areas, and calm paths where one can find numerous types of birds such as kingfishers, egrets, and herons. This sanctuary has other wildlife as well, including mudskippers and crocodiles. This walk is an escape into nature and will reconnect you with the environment.
7. Along Mandovi River
Along the Mandovi River, the locals have given life to a strip of land known as the Campal Promenade. It is a hot-spot for both tourists and locals as it provides astonishing views of the river, constant activity of the ferry terminal, and the beautiful Adil Shah Palace at night. Besides the amazing view, the area is green, making it a welcome place from the hustle of the city. On the stroll, it is possible to visit the Kala Academy, a cultural hub providing art exhibitions, theater plays, and music concerts. This stroll is ideal for anyone who wants to rest and enjoy the beauty of the town from the river's side.
Wrap up
As a conclusion, I should mention that Goa is a destination that rewards explorers in the leisure tourism segment. These seven walking tours really do add an unusual dimension to the state's captivating history, lively culture, and stunning nature. From absorbing the sights and sounds of the busy picturesque roads of Fontainhas to gazing at the majestic churches of Old Goa, or relaxing in the serenity of the state.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Four jumbos to fly from Bannerughatta Biological Park to Japanese zoo today
Bengaluru: Scripting a new chapter in the on-site conservation of animals, Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP) is all set to exchange four elephants with a Japanese zoo. According to the officials, this will be the first-ever export of animals from BBP. The four Asian elephants, including one male and three female jumbos, will start their journey Thursday to Himeji Central Park-Safari Park at Himeji in Japan. The exchange of animals is part of a larger multi-exchange programme, where BBP will receive four cheetahs, jaguars, and puma along with three chimpanzees and eight black-capped capuchin monkeys. The elephants chosen for exchange include Suresh (8), Gowri (9), Shruthi (7), and Tulsi (5). According to an official release, the jumbos will be transported through a Qatar Airways cargo plane from Kempegowda International Airport to Kansai International Airport, Osaka. After 20 hours of journey, the jumbos will land at Himeji on Friday. "Jumbos were trained for the last six months and certified as fit by the veterinarians for travel. Two veterinarians each from Himeji and BBP will accompany the jumbos to Japan along with four animal keepers, one supervisor, and a biologist. Eight of our officials will camp at Himeji for two weeks to train the elephants in the new environment," explained a senior BBP official. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru


The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
First exports from BBP: Four Asian elephants head to Japan
The Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru, is all set to make its first export in its history of animal exchanges. A batch of four Asian elephants - one male and three females - will be sent to Himeji Central Park - Safari Park, Himeji, Japan. Suresh, 8, Gowri, 9, Shruthi, 7, and Tulsi, 5, are being sent after the park got the necessary approvals from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi and other departments, said the BBP in a release. 'The exchange is a part of a larger multi exchange programme, where in return, the park will receive four cheetahs, four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees and eight black-capped capuchins. The elephants will be transported through a Qatar Airways cargo plane from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru to Kansai International Airport, Osaka on July 24 and 25. The total transportation time will be around approximately 20 hours from Bannerughatta Biological Park to Himeji Central Park - Safari Park,' the release added. The park said that the animals have been are trained for the past six months for this transportation and are cleared for good health to make the journey. The animals will be accompanied by two veterinary doctors from Himeji Central Park and two veterinary officers from Bannerughatta Biological Park, four keepers, one supervisor and one biologist from Bannerughatta Biological Park. A total of eight persons from Bannerughatta Biological Park will visit and stay at the Himeji Central Park for two weeks to train the elephants to acclimatise to the new environment, the release added. 'Further, elephant keepers of Himeji Central Park were also trained in Bannerughatta Biological Park for around 20 days from May 12 to 25, 2025. All the preparations for logistics, feed and veterinary care are in readiness to take up this historic journey. The addition of Asian Elephants to Himeji Central Park - Safari Park is a great opportunity for the people of Japan to visit the park and appreciate the gentle giants for their charisma and intelligence,' the release added. Surya Sen A.V. Deputy Conservator of Forests and Executive Director, Bannerughatta Biological Park, told The Hindu that every country has its own management practices and animal welfare guidelines and the Japanese are well advanced and have a different set of practices wherein animals are trained without physical intervention. This will be the second batch of exchange of elephants to Japan after three elephants were sent to Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park, Japan in May 2021 from Mysuru Zoo.


The Print
11 hours ago
- The Print
India to resume visas for Chinese nationals as thaw continues ahead of likely Modi-Xi meet
Chinese citizens will have to complete an online application, schedule an appointment and personally submit their passports at Indian visa centres in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The Indian Embassy in Beijing announced the move on the Chinese social media platform, Sina Weibo, indicating that Chinese citizens can apply for a tourist visa for travel to the South Asian nation from 24 July, 2025. New Delhi: India lifted its nearly 5-year suspension on tourist visas to Chinese nationals Wednesday, amid a continuing thaw in relations between the two countries ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of next month. The move comes as both New Delhi and Beijing continue to use confidence-building mechanisms to slowly restore ties following a diplomatic pause. The two countries have had a difficult few years following the clashes in Galwan in the summer of 2020. While India had paused visas for Chinese nationals, China issued about 3 lakh, mainly business-related visas, to Indians, last year. The issuance of visas for its tourists and businessmen was one of the Chinese government's main asks. India had paused travel from China and suspended direct air flights from the Asian country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pause was never lifted as diplomatic ties cratered, following the military clashes. However, on 21 October, 2024, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the two countries had reached an agreement for disengagement at the friction points across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The agreement set the stage for Modi to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan a few days later. India pushed for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as a means to build confidence in the ties with Beijing. Earlier this summer, the yatra was resumed with the first batch of pilgrims reaching the site last month. With India lifting the suspension of tourist visas for Chinese nationals, the first of Beijing's requests for restoration of ties has been implemented. The other ask by Beijing has been the resumption of direct flights. Technical teams are currently working out an agreement, which would see the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed the step in comments made to reporters, according to Reuters. 'China is ready to maintain communication and consultation with India and constantly improve the level of personal exchanges between the two countries,' Guo is reported to have said. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing during his two-day visit to China. Jaishankar pushed for discussions on 'de-escalation' on the borders after noting that friction in the areas has been 'resolved'. In the last month, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to China for meetings under the SCO mechanism. Jaishankar attended the SCO foreign ministers' meeting during his 2-day visit to China. At the height of tensions, India moved 68,000 troops to eastern Ladakh along with military equipment. However, following the Modi-Xi meeting in October 2024, a number of bilateral mechanisms have been engaged at different levels, leading to a reduction in diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. China is set to host the SCO Heads of State Summit at the end of August in the city of Tianjin, with Modi's attendance expected. However, the Indian PM has in the past given the summit a miss, in particular last year's summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also read: Congress reminds Jaishankar of China's 'support' to Pakistan in Op Sindoor after his talks with Wang Yi