Latest news with #Portuguese-era
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
10 non-beachy things to do in Goa
Let's get something out of the way: Goa is not just a beach with a state attached to it. Sure, the sand and surf are iconic, but if you take a detour, you'll discover a wildly eclectic Goa—one that's quirky, culturally rich, and a bit eccentric (in the best way). If you're the kind of traveler who likes exploring the off-beat, here are 10 gloriously non-beachy things to do in Goa that prove the sunshine state is more than what it seems like. Hop on the Chorao Island Ferry No, it's not a scene from Life of Pi . The ferry to Chorao Island is your gateway to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where the only thing crashing is the sound of wings in a mangrove forest. Herons, egrets, and maybe even a crocodile. Read more: Top 10 national parks in India ranked by tiger population Visit Fontainhas to time travel Wander into Panjim's Latin Quarter, where Portuguese-era homes wear pops of pastel like they're at an eternal Easter parade. It's like Instagram meets a history book—with less dust and more gelato. Play your tunes at the ruins of Cabo de Rama Fort Perched dramatically above cliffs, this centuries-old fort offers haunting ruins, breathtaking views, and possibly a ghost or two. Bonus: zero beach umbrellas. Check into a 200-year-old Portuguese mansion Think chandeliers, creaky floors, and colonial nostalgia. Stay at one of Goa's heritage homestays like Figueiredo House or Casa Menezes and live your 19th-century best life—with Wi-Fi, of course. Groove at a Silent Disco in Palolem Okay, it's near a beach—but dancing in silence with headphones under the stars while three DJs battle for your ears? That's next-level quirky. Explore the spice plantation Visit a spice plantation in Ponda, where cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom grow wilder than your beach hair. Bonus: elephants sometimes make guest appearances. Hike to the Tambdi Surla Temple Trek through dense forest to this 12th-century gem Mahadev Temple made of black basalt. It's a Hindu temple so ancient that you will feel like getting transported to some other time. Read more: 5 Buddhist sites in Andhra that feel like time travel Catch a film at the Cinephile Club Tired of sun and sand? Join Goa's coolest cine-lovers at the Cinephile Film Club in Panjim for indie and world cinema, often screened with commentary. Get lost in the Friday Mapusa Market It's chaos, it's color, it's bargaining galore. From local sausages to brass trinkets, you'll leave with a full bag and an even fuller photo roll. Learn to cook Goan Food Sign up for a Goan cooking class. Learn to work that coconut, conquer that xacuti, and basically level up your dinner parties forever. If you are keen to experience the other side of Goa, you will have ample choices. Whether you're sipping feni in a forest, spotting birds, or learning the delicate art of prawn balchão, the off-beach adventures are what truly set Goa apart. So next time, ditch the towel and dive into Goa's wonderfully weird inland wonders. You'll come back sun-kissed… and surprisingly well-read. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
25-04-2025
- NDTV
6 Heritage Sites In Goa That Offer A Mix Of Culture And Susegad
When you think of Goa, chances are your mind goes straight to sandy beaches, laid-back shacks, and rave parties that go on until sunrise. But there's a side to Goa that doesn't usually make it into your group chat plans — one packed with crumbling forts, Portuguese-era churches, and time-warped old houses that feel like a slice of another century. If you're looking to add some real character to your next 'susegad' trip, here are some of the best heritage sites in Goa that show off the state's rich, multicultural past, minus the tourist traps and cliches. Here Are 6 Must-Visit Heritage Sites In Goa: 1. Fontainhas, Panaji Wander into Fontainhas and you'll swear you're in a European neighbourhood — think colourful, narrow houses with wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs. This UNESCO-recognised heritage zone in Panaji is a leftover from Portuguese rule, and it's one of the few places in India where Latin culture still feels alive. The best way to soak it in? Go on foot. Check out the 19th-century Chapel of Saint Sebastian and make time for local art galleries like Gitanjali. Bonus: the bakeries here serve fresh pao (Goan bread) that beats anything at your hotel buffet. 2. Basilica of Bom Jesus Yes, it's one of Goa's most famous landmarks, but the Basilica of Bom Jesus actually lives up to the hype. Built in 1605, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier — and they're still visible during special public viewings every decade. The Baroque-style interiors are as grand as you'd expect, with gilded altars, ornate carvings, and enough marble to rival a Roman cathedral. Whether you're religious or not, it's hard not to be impressed. 3. Fort Aguada Perched on SinQ-famous Candolim beach, Fort Aguada was once a strategic defence post for the Portuguese. Built in 1612, it still looks pretty solid — proof of its solid construction and the occasional coat of whitewash. The 17th-century lighthouse inside the fort adds to the drama, and from the ramparts, you get sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Pro tip: go at golden hour. The sunsets here are unreal. 4. Reis Magos Fort Often overlooked in favour of Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort is a quiet gem that's been restored beautifully. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, it's one of the oldest forts in Goa, dating back to 1551. Today, it houses a cultural centre and art gallery, and offers a mix of history and modern design. The views of Panaji and the river below make the climb worth it, especially on a breezy afternoon. 5. Se Cathedral, Old Goa One of the largest churches in Asia, the Se Cathedral is a short stroll from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, but it's just as impressive. Built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over a Muslim army in 1510, it took over 75 years to complete. Its standout feature? The giant Golden Bell, which is still said to be the largest in Goa. The architecture is a blend of Portuguese-Gothic with Tuscan influences, and it feels more like a cathedral you'd find in Lisbon than on the Konkan coast. 6. Chandor Swap the crowds for some old-world charm in Chandor, a sleepy village that was once the capital of Goa during the Kadamba dynasty. What sets it apart today are the Portuguese mansions — especially the Fernandes House and Braganza House. These aren't just pretty buildings. Many are still lived in by descendants of the original families, who often give guided tours themselves. Expect grand ballrooms, vintage chandeliers, and stories about Goa's colonial past that you won't find in any guidebook.
