My Favourite Wanderings In Goa
Goa has many charming places to wander. The top on my list is Fontainhas, Panjim’s Latin quarter. It is highly appealing for its colourful Portuguese buildings. I’d say that if you’re in Goa and would like to rendezvous with its heritage, head straight to Fontainhas.
The essence of travel is ‘wandering’.
Goa is one such place where one can wander endlessly and discover many places with spontaneity. Wouldn’t you agree? It’s a kind of destination that has an offbeat appeal despite its much-hackneyed attractions.
Goa has grown on me with every trip. If you have read about my offbeat experiences in Goa, I had mentioned that I didn’t really like it much on my first visit. But today, it’s one of my favorite destinations in India. I like it for many reasons – its slow-paced life, Portuguese architecture, charming villas, sprawling countryside and friendly locals.
If I had to pick my favorite neighborhood in Goa, it has to be Fontainhas in Panjim. It’s one of the best places to explore in Goa. I have a special fondness for it, as I have visited it quite a few times with different set of people – first with my family, then with my husband, and later with his parents, too.
Thereby, I got a chance to reminisce the memories again and again.
Also, I’d like to mention that Fontainhas and Daman are quite similar when it comes to Portuguese heritage. You can read Daman – A Date With Portuguese Reminiscences.
A bit of history behind Fontainhas on Wikipedia
In the late eighteenth century, a Goan expatriate named Antonio Joao de Sequeira (nicknamed Mossmikar), who had made his wealth while working in Mozambique, established Fontainhas. The name came from a spring at the foot of the hill which began to sprout around 1770. Read more on Wikipedia.
Why Do I love Fontainhas
Fontainhas is extremely charming. It isn’t a secret anymore. I guess more and more people are discovering it and embracing its erstwhile vibe. Here’s why I love it –
- Fontainhas is the oldest Latin quarter of Panjim – there are so many old Portuguese buildings to be smitten by – vivid walls, antique doors, windows and lamp posts. It takes you back in time.
- I love checking out interesting and unique art galleries of Fontainhas.
- I enjoyed eating at elegant restaurants. I had breakfast at Verandah Restaurant, which was all about vintage beauty.
- On one of my trips in Goa, I stayed at WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn, which is apparently Goa’s first heritage hotel. The original mansion was built way back in 1880. It’s the ancestral abode of Ajit Sukhija and his son Jack Ajit Sukhija.
- There are quite a few other artistic cafes and bakeries in Fontainhas, which are worth a lazy afternoon – Venite bar & restaurant, Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro, and Viva Panjim.
- Fontainhas gives you a refreshing break from the usual stuff of North Goa. You can explore the lesser-known experiences of Goa.
Besides all of that, Fontainhas exudes a nonchalant aura, which makes you want to come back again and again.
Note: This post is written in collaboration with The Goa Villa.
What’s your favourite place for wandering in Goa?
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