Ditch the frenzied side of Goa for the sunshine state’s quintessential Susegad life, instead. By Neha Sudan
Most people see Goa bedazzled with scintillating lights, crowds raising a toast to life, beats of techno music ringing, and a fast-paced aura. Contrary to popular belief, this tropical paradise on India’s west coast goes beyond the mainstream ‘sun, sand and sea’ vibe, and envelopes in itself a whole new universe of history, art, hidden adventures, local charms and much more.
As travel gradually resumes and crawls its place back into people’s minds and hearts, slow tourism is going to be the new vogue. And Goa outlines just the right itinerary for it.
Your guide to slow travelling through Goa
The sleepy town of Aldona
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If you thought the English countryside and Enid Blyton-feel towns were only across the seas, you may want to reconsider after a visit to Aldona, a quaint village in North Goa.
Many call it ‘the most beautiful village in the world’ because of its old-world charm, bougainvillaea-covered houses, cobbled pathways and warm locals who are happy to welcome you into their homes for a glass of kokum (a sour drink made using a local variety of mangosteen).
Standing tall in the middle of the village is St Thomas Church, a 1596-built white stone building with a beautiful view of the Mapusa river. Another unique wonder in the village is the Corjuem Fort, a tiny fortress of Portuguese significance since 1955.
Adventures in Old Goa
Bar crawls are a given in Goa, but have you been on an adventure hopping trail? In Goa, this whole new dimension of holidaying includes hidden waterfalls with clear waters; heritage walks exploring art, Portuguese influence and Indian folklore tales; jungle trails leading you to mesmerising sunsets; picnics in the middle of fields; and culinary experiences that give you a glimpse of a cosy lunch in a Goan household.
A number of local companies organise curated itineraries for a day filled with engaging activities. One such is The Local Beat, which offers offbeat tourism in Goa with trips to unknown cliffs, boat rides between mangroves, visits to heritage sites, meals with the locals and much more.
Cycling at Divar Island
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Not many ditch the Anjuna-Baga-Calangute route to sail across the waters in search of a new island. Search a little harder and you’ll find Divar, a picturesque island on the Mandovi river, a quick ferry ride away from Panjim.
Divar is replete with beautiful fields, empty roads and local vintage Goan houses. The island mainly includes Piedade, Malar, Goltim and Naroa villages, and is home to many historic churches and heritage sites. What makes it truly an experience to partake in is the fact that many tourists are still unaware of its existence, making it a gem to explore!
The island has a rich intriguing history that amalgamates Portuguese invasions and Hindu legends. The best way to explore it is on an e-bike that you can rent when you start your trip from Panjim.
Discover Latin Quarters in Fontainhas
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Imagine walking in a Portuguese neighbourhood with brightly-painted houses, wishing bells and violin music playing in the background, all while you are still in the 21st century? Fontainhas, a UNESCO heritage site, is a haven for those who love art, architecture and heritage.
As you meander through the lanes, you will witness 18th- and 19th-century-built bungalows. You can walk at leisure or opt for a heritage guided walking tour, where locals tell you stories about everything you see. A trip to the infamous rustic Joseph Bar, too, is an iconic pitstop that you must not miss.
Live in a 16th-century Portuguese Fort
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Fort Tiracol is a pause to the otherwise fleeting energy of Goa. This 16th-century Portuguese-era fort, which holds great importance in Goa’s freedom chronicles, has now been converted into a luxurious heritage hotel.
A typical morning at Fort Tiracol is waking up to the sounds of the Arabian sea and watching fishermen on duty from your private balcony as you sip your coffee and feel the morning breeze touch your face. The fort also houses St Anthony’s Church, where locals visit for Sunday mass.
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