Heritage & Culture Goa
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Heritage & Culture

5 Nights 6 Days

Explore Portuguese churches, historic forts, and Old Goa's rich cultural heritage

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Day by Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Old Goa

Welcome to Goa! Upon arrival, check into your heritage hotel in Panjim. After freshening up, begin your cultural journey with a visit to Old Goa, the former Portuguese capital. Explore the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Visit the stunning Se Cathedral, one of Asia's largest churches, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi with its beautiful frescoes and museum.

Highlights:

Basilica of Bom Jesus • Se Cathedral • Church of St. Francis • UNESCO sites

2

Panjim Heritage Walk

Discover the charm of Panjim with a guided heritage walk through the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. Admire the colorful Portuguese-style houses with their red-tiled roofs, narrow winding streets, and art galleries. Visit the Chapel of St. Sebastian and explore local art studios. In the evening, enjoy a sunset river cruise on the Mandovi River with traditional Goan music and dance performances.

Highlights:

Fontainhas walk • Portuguese houses • Art galleries • River cruise • Traditional music

3

Forts & Spice Plantations

Visit the impressive Aguada Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Explore the lighthouse and the fort's well-preserved bastions. Continue to Chapora Fort, made famous by Bollywood, for stunning coastal views. In the afternoon, visit a traditional spice plantation where you'll learn about various spices, enjoy an authentic Goan lunch, and experience elephant bathing. The aromatic tour includes cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Highlights:

Aguada Fort • Chapora Fort • Spice plantation • Traditional lunch • Elephant bathing

4

South Goa Temples & Churches

Explore South Goa's spiritual heritage. Visit the ancient Shri Manguesh Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing beautiful Indo-Portuguese architecture. Continue to the Shanta Durga Temple with its unique blend of Hindu and Christian architectural elements. Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit in Margao and explore the colonial mansions of Chandor village. Learn about Goan Catholic traditions and the unique Goan-Portuguese fusion culture that defines this region.

Highlights:

Manguesh Temple • Shanta Durga Temple • Colonial mansions • Goan-Portuguese fusion

5

Ancestral Goa & Local Villages

Visit Ancestral Goa (Big Foot Museum) to experience traditional Goan village life through life-size exhibits and sculptures. Explore the laterite rock-carved houses and learn about ancient Goan customs. Visit a local pottery village to see traditional pottery-making techniques. Explore the Goa Chitra Museum showcasing agrarian technology and lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Goan dinner with local families, experiencing authentic home-cooked cuisine and warm hospitality.

Highlights:

Ancestral Goa • Pottery village • Goa Chitra Museum • Traditional dinner • Local hospitality

6

Leisure & Departure

Spend your final morning at leisure. Visit the vibrant Mapusa Market for last-minute shopping of spices, cashews, handicrafts, and traditional Goan items. Explore local bakeries for authentic Goan bread and sweets. Depending on your flight time, you may visit the Museum of Christian Art or simply relax at a heritage cafe. Our representative will transfer you to the airport, taking with you rich memories of Goa's fascinating cultural heritage.

Highlights:

Mapusa Market • Shopping • Local bakeries • Airport transfer

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