Sharvani ChandvaleA heritage walk in Goa 2024 can introduce you to all kinds of new stories and experiences. As the world seeks slow and sustainable travel, heritage walks take centre stage. Travel in Goa has so far been limited to a handful of beach-centric experiences that didn’t offer much value. If you are someone who wants to see the true Goa, Then heritage walks Goa and nature experiences are the way to go.
Whether you are planning a weekend trip in Goa with your friends or partner, or a month-long staycation with your pets in 2024, start it with a heritage walk in Goa! You understand your locality better and make some friends along the way too!
If you are still wondering why you should do a heritage walk in Goa, these unique local Goan elements will motivate you.
Explore Indo-Portuguese Houses While on a Heritage Walk in Goa
Most people know Goan houses as ‘Portuguese’ houses. Houses in Goa have a lot of European influence in their architectural design that isn’t entirely Portuguese. Different cultures and architectural styles have influenced different elements in the houses of Goa. For instance, Gujarat has otlo that is similar to the Portuguese balcao; Goan homes also have long halls that are similar to the Hindu rajangans; the azulejos tiles are a mix of Arabian and Spanish art forms. On your passois i.e. walks through the villages of Goa, you will come across all kinds of Goan homes. They will all have Mangalorean tiled roofs. Some will have a tulsi Vrindavan in front of the house, while others will have soldiers and lions on huge metal gates. Other Goan houses will just have one storey. These are square, colourful structures tucked away in coconut plantations. A few Goan houses are grand, sprawling across streets and climbing at least a couple of storeys. Every lane and turn in Goa’s villages – be it Panjim, Saligao, Margao, Chandor, Aldona or Benaulim – reveals the unique heritage of Goa.
While on a Heritage Walk in Goa Savour Goan Snacks at local Goan cafes
Goa is not all about fish thalis. Walk through the lanes of Goan villages and towns like Mapusa, Siolim, Vasco, Ribander, Reis Magos or even Panjim to know why. Every Goan town has small restaurants that serve steaming hot tea, buns, vada pao and potato fritters. Some others serve cutlet pao, chorizo, prawn gravy and ross omelette. Goan samosas and pattice are different from those that you find elsewhere. You’ll get these two pastries with all kinds of fillings – be it mushroom, chicken, prawns, potato or even mutton! There is something for everyone to relish! Your Goa travel experience just gets better when you choose to walk instead of zooming around in cabs.
Religious Structures on a Heritage Walk in Goa
Goa is renowned for its diverse religious heritage, reflected in its myriad religious structures scattered across the landscape. From ancient temples to grand churches, these architectural marvels bear witness to the rich tapestry of faiths that have thrived in the region for centuries. On a heritage walk in Goa through towns like Margao, Old Goa, and Assagao, you encounter striking Hindu temples adorned with intricate carvings and colourful facades. Each temple tells a story of devotion and spiritual fervour, offering a glimpse into Goa’s deep-rooted Hindu traditions. Venture further, and you discover magnificent churches that stand as testaments to Goa’s colonial past. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa boasts some of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral. Marvel at the Baroque splendour of these sacred edifices, adorned with ornate altars, exquisite paintings, and gilded sculptures. When walking through Ponda, you’ll even witness the spiritual serenity of the Safa Masjid – one of the oldest mosques in Goa.
Discover the Baandhs and Khazans While on a Heritage Walk in Goa
In the coastal region of Goa, the ancient agricultural practices of baandhs and khazans stand as enduring testaments to the ingenuity of traditional water management systems. For 3000+ years, local communities have utilized these intricate networks of embankments, sluice gates, and rice fields to harness the power of tides and monsoon rains, transforming marshy coastal plains into fertile agricultural land. The baandh system, characterised by its series of bunds or embankments, effectively controls the flow of saline water from the sea, creating a conducive environment for cultivating rice, coconut, and other crops. These man-made embankments not only protect low-lying areas from flooding but also serve as vital habitats for diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological richness of the region. The khazans of Goa are a part of the same system and these sights are perfect for basking in Goa’s natural beauty and even catching a sunset!
Explore Goan Bars/Tavernas on a heritage Walk in Goa
In the bustling streets of Goa’s towns, the lively atmosphere of its traditional tavernas beckons locals and tourists alike. They remind you of the region’s vibrant culinary and social scene. Far removed from the glitz and glamour of modern nightlife, they exude an authentic charm and warmth. Step into a Goan bar to meet all kinds of folks—from locals swapping stories over a pint of feni to artists and intellectuals engaged in spirited debates over plates of food. As you embark on a heritage walk in Goa through the lanes of Panjim, you’ll find the most number of local bars. Take a peek, try the food and don’t leave without a glass of Feni (urrak, if it’s summer).
The Aroma of a Goan Bakery
If you’re speeding around on a scooter, or sitting in an air-conditioned cab during your Goa travel, you will miss the bakeries. Local Goan bakeries start operations before sunrise, kneading dough and pulling out soft Goan Pao from woodfired ovens. It’s hard work, but worth the joy it brings to Goans. You can try a soft pao, a hard pao (undo), katre pao, poi and a bunch of other breads that aren’t found anywhere else. Watch the bakers in action, wait to get your bed of pao and eat it fresh, right from the packet. And guess what? You can only do it when you’re walking around small villages in the early hours of morning.
Ready to embark on a heritage walk in Goa?
A heritage walk in Goa might sound like a lot of work, but it’s worth all the surprises. You see local bakeries that bake fresh bread to houses that have survived for more than 400 years. If you’re looking for offbeat things to do in Goa, book a heritage trail to explore its heritage and history!
