Goa Excursions
During your stay you may wish to explore the area and experience some of the delights and history of the real Goa. Below are some ideas you might like to consider: -
Option 1
Rachol Seminary – Raia
The Rachol Seminary Goa was a Muslim fortress which was later converted into a church by the Portuguese. The site was later converted to a prison. The Rachol Seminary in Goa was considered to be a seminal center for Theological Studies in the 16th century. The church was built in the year 1576 and was dedicated to Saint Ignatius Loyola who was the founder of the Jesuit order which is maintained even today. In 1762, the building was concerted to a Diocesan seminary. The seminary housed the first version of the printing press which used to produce Christian religious literatures. This press could manage to produce 16 books and the most prominent of them was the Gospels translation to Indian language. In this context, it must be mentioned that even some Hindu sculptures were unearthed when the seminary was constructed. This institution played an active role in promoting Christianity in India since its inception. The complex was built by the Jesuits in 1610 when it used to house a hospital and even a school for the poor along with the college to train the priests. One should go through the renaissance paintings displayed in the great hall of the Rachol Seminary.
Travel to Chandor, South Goa - Visit Braganza House a Colonial Mansion maintained and furnished in its original guise.
Chandor, in South Goa, is a sleepy village today but was once was the site of ancient Chandrapura, capital of the Kadamba dynasty, which ruled Goa in the 1300s. The Braganza house is one of many Colonial mansions in the village and takes up one complete side of Chandor's village square. It is still complete with much of the family furniture and effects and shows the opulence of the life enjoyed by the old Goan families who established the great plantations. The house is now divided into two halves, both occupied separately by members of the Braganza family who have inherited it. The West Wing, which is better maintained and has finer antiques, is owned by Aida de Menezes Braganza (descendant of the freedom fighter and journalist, Luis de Menezes-Braganza who was at the fore front of the movement to end the Portuguese colonial occupation of Goa). The respective families give guided tours and the tour by this elderly member of the family is fascinating. Ongoing restoration work is gradually returning he house to its former glory.
There are no fixed admission charges but donations for the upkeep of the house are expected.
Another place of historic value is The Palácio do Deão in Quepem. This is an 18th century historical palace on the banks of the Kushavati River built by a Portuguese man who was the founder of Quepem town.
With its rich history, unique architecture, art and artefacts, it is a showcase of Goan culture and tradition depicting the lifestyle of the past. Visitors can enjoy Indo-Portuguese cuisine on the belvedere, overlooking the Kushavati River. Its extensive gardens and location on the banks of the river make it an interesting place to observe birds and other wildlife.
Special Indo-Portuguese teas and dinners are available but have to be booked in advance.
Option 2
Three Kings Heritage Village, Cansaulim
Heritage Village is situated at the foot of the picturesque Three Kings Hills in the Serene and scenic village of Cuelim. The Three Kings Heritage Village provides a unique opportunity for the visitor to have a deeper understanding and imbibe the true spirit of
The only place in Goa to Savor: - Goa’s Unadulterated Culture & Traditions & Spice Plantation. Situated at the foot of the picturesque Three Kings Hills, in the Serene & Scenic village of Cuelim, Cansaulim in South Goa, The Three Kings Heritage Village provides an unique opportunity for the visitors to have a deeper understanding and imbibe the true spirit of this beautiful place called Goa – known the world over for its natural splendor, hospitable people and unique culture.
A traditional Goan village of yesteryears comes alive in all its splendor & colour - Various facets & nuances of Goan life in the yesteryears is beautifully depicted at the 3 Kings Heritage Village by real people. One can see the potter at work, the bamboo baskets weavers (Mahars), the coconut husker, the toddy tapper (Render), the coconut plucker, the cobbler (chamar), the “Korvotti” sawing the logs, the baker man (Poder) baking bread in the traditional wood fired mud oven using palm toddy for fermentation. One also get to see Goa’s Famous cashew & palm Feni being distilled, the king of all sweets “Bebinka” being prepared by local “Chefs”, grinding stone “Dantea” (the only mode of making flour in the good old days) in use… the list is pretty long!
From here you could visit the town of Vasco approximately 30 minutes from Cansaulim to experience the local markets and shops. The village of Bogmalo is a short distance from Vasco and a possibility for dinner; this is a small bay with beach bars and opportunity to dine at the beach.
Option 3
Old Goa - visit St. Francis Xavier Church
There are few places where you can see real belief in miracles. A well when looked profoundly, offers an incredible backdrop of a cross and two burning candles. Devotion to St. Francis Xavier is deep across the length of Goa, far beyond the taluka of Tiswadi where the saint practiced his mission 450 years ago, and where his mortal remains are kept, in Old Goa. Behind the gate of St. Paul's college, there is a solitary road that takes you to the laterite plastered walls of the chapel of St. Francis Xavier. Although the wooden rafter’s house has only one altar, the hallowed place affords much more than just visual beauty. It offers sanctity, a belief that is surely going to descend straight into your heart.
Panjim
A visit to the Capital of Goa is a 20 minute journey from Old Goa an opportunity to visit the Latin Quarter at Fountainhas. Panjim Inn offers Heritage Walks which are quite unique.
From here it is a short walk to the centre of Panjim for a shopping experience that you will not forget, from designer clothes to local artifacts.
Option 4
MOBOR
Is approximately a 40 minute drive from Betalbatim through very scenic countryside. Betty’s Place is located on the Sal River from here you can take a sunset cruise. The area is teeming with birds and the trip is ideal for bird lovers, or just to seethe beauty of the River Sal and villagers going about in small canoes.
They take you out in a small boat at approximately 4pm cruising upstream, for those interested in the wild life binoculars are provided and there is a guide with expert knowledge on what is happening around you. The boat eventually makes its way to the mouth of the river – just as the sun is setting – a spectacular finish to your trip.
The trip lasts for approximately 2 hours and has to be pre-booked.
There is the opportunity to dine at Betty’s place or you might like to experience the delights of Fisherman’s Wharf which is only 5 minutes away. This is Goa’s answer to Kiki’s in Mykonos or The Fish Pot in Barbados; great local food, in a wonderful environment.
Sitting on the edge of the river, the restaurant looks directly across to all the fishing boats. Watch them come and go, mend their nets or even unload their catch.
If any of the above are of interest, or you wish to consider some alternatives please feel free to e-mail Beryl Nasse and discuss your needs. These trips could be in place for when you arrive.
