If it were up to me, I would spend the better half of my time in Goa catching sunsets. Well, logistically, this isn’t doable. So, we’ve crafted an itinerary for you that compensates for it. Goa is a bucket list in itself, reverberating with places, each promising a dose of fun more potent than the other. While narrowing down on a fair few was tough, here’s a list we came up with. If you’re someone who craves a good slice of heritage with your tea, here’s where you need to head to.
Got just 24 hours? Here’s how to make every moment count.
Where to stay in Goa?
Parijaat Homestay
Couple Kavita and Manoj Nair have cultivated a little piece of poetry near Goa’s Anjuna Beach. At first sceptical about dipping their toes into entrepreneurial waters, the prospect of experimentation on the blank canvas of land excited the couple. Today, coconut, black pepper, turmeric, mint, spinach, and tamarind vegetation fill the landscape, cocooning the guest cottage that is equipped with all modern amenities including a king-size bed, a writing desk, air conditioning, a luxe bathroom, and books.
Guests can also learn pottery at Kavita’s pottery studio. She will be more than happy to teach you the art of moulding the clay, glazing, and firing.
Address: 1113, Mazal Waddo, Anjuna, Goa – 403509.
Book your stay here.
Villa Saudade
A classic oeuvre is how I’d describe this refurbished heritage Portuguese mansion in Arpora, Goa. But, the home’s modern aesthetic belies its 400-year-old heritage, credit for which goes to architect Rochelle Santimano, who channelled her ingenuity into reviving this masterpiece. The home once belonged to the Pinho family, one of Goa’s oldest Portuguese families.
“Mr Pinho told me the house had been built during the Portuguese rule and had survived the battles that ensued during the time. Another interesting anecdote he narrated was of how the Marathas began attacking Goa from the north and infiltrating into Arpora. The Portuguese were not ones to sit quietly, so they retaliated with rifles, the marks of which can still be seen on the main door,” Rochelle points out.
Today, remnants of yesteryear still linger in the dining table, armchairs, study table, balustrade, and architraves that are from the original home.
Address: HQ76+HP3, Arpora, Goa – 403519.
Book your stay here.
Caravela
You can picture the 200-year-old villa turned homestay as a portmanteau between tradition and modernity. This is exactly the vibe they were keen on creating, the current owner Carlos Noronha, points out.
“Homestays are usually found in European countries, where they proudly showcase their culture.” This inspiration coaxed the family to rethink building more radically. “We launched the homestay in 2014 at a time when the concept had not yet made inroads in every corner of Goa. We even chose a traditional name ‘Caravela’, which is a type of Portuguese sailing ship made in the 15th century. The body of the ship was used to make the flooring of this house,” Carlos explains.
Address: Beach, Varca, Goa – 403721.
Book your stay here.
Where to eat in Goa?
While the gourmet food scene is mesmerising, with every eatery promising flavour and a delish experience, I’d urge you to sample local fare — fish curry and crab xec xec (a coconut and spice-infused gravy) amongst others — when you aren’t sampling cocktails at a sundowner.
O Coqueiro
The chicken cafreal served at O Coqueiro is sustained in the collective consciousness for its delectable flavours. According to the place’s Instagram bio, this is where the dish originated. Aside from this hero item, the menu prides itself on its generous use of coconut, which features in most of its curries.
Other must-try dishes here include the tisryo sukhe (traditional Goan-style clams cooked with spices and fresh coconut), the bombil rawa fry (Bombay Duck marinated with masala, coated with semolina, and fried), and mushroom amsol (mushroom gravy with dried kokum).
Address: NH 17, Near Coqueiro Circle, Alto Porvorim, Goa – 403521.
Book your table, here.
Bhumiputra Restaurant
You aren’t a verified seafood aficionado until you’ve eaten at Bhumiputra Restaurant, tucked away in North Goa’s Pernem. Your appetite will be greeted by the biggest fish thali (spread of dishes) you have ever encountered. These include flavourful renditions of fish, prawns, squid, crab, teesrio (shellfish), and pomfrets.
Address: GGP ARCADE,2nd Floor, near GGP Gas service, Mauswada, Pernem, Goa – 403512.
Martin’s Corner
What in 1989 was a hole-in-the-wall spot flocked to by neighbourhood boys who wanted some soda, is now the haunt of celebrities. What caused this transformation? A bespoke menu curated by Martin’s wife Carafina. It features Goan food — sorpotel (meat cooked in vinegar and spices), Goan sausage bread, and pork chilly fry, which amassed great popularity.
While traditional takes continue to be the hero items, the menu is injected with a modern twist that pays homage to eclectic global cuisine.
Address: 69, Binwaddo, Betalbatim, Goa – 403713.
Book your table, here.
Where to explore the heritage of Goa?
Every corner in Goa is like a page of a storybook, waiting to be opened and read. But the Fontainhas neighbourhood is a chapter in itself. The heritage zone was recognised by UNESCO for its distinct Portuguese-influenced design and vibrant architecture. The place is a canvas bursting with colour lent by the vibrant home facades and we highly recommend a heritage walk through these bylanes. The Old Latin Quarter is allegorical, described by historian William Dalrymple as a ‘small chunk of Portugal washed up on the shores of the Indian Ocean’.
Another heritage walk that comes highly recommended is the ‘Mulgao Folk Village and Coconut-Farming Experience’ which introduces you to the charming village and coconut farm nestled in North Goa. Boasting an abundance of nature, folk culture, and ancient pre-Portuguese heritage, Mulgao is a lesson in community building, integrating traditional practices into local diets and preserving culture.
Book your experience here.
What are the popular adventure activities?
Why not go scuba diving in Malvan? The marine biodiversity is vibrant with coral reefs, and numerous species of fish, turtles, and rays making for excellent company. The waters around Malvan are relatively clear, providing excellent visibility for divers. The waters of Tarkarli Beach are another spot for experiencing the deep in all its glory.
If you’d rather be on the surface of the water than under it, try flyboarding in Morjim. The sport allows individuals to soar above the water using a board attached to jet-powered nozzles, making it an exciting try-out. What makes flyboarding fun is that it can be enjoyed by people of various skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a first-time adventure or an experienced rider aiming to perform stunts, flyboarding instructors at Morjim cater to all levels of expertise, making it a versatile sport.
How can you add value to your trip?
C’est L’avi – Table in the Hills
We’d suggest experiencing one of Chef Avinash Martins’ elaborate lunches at C’est L’avi, his brainchild that is a table in the hills. He is known for putting past culinary missives into play to celebrate local flavours, and the menu is a testament to this. The internet beefs over reservations here, and so we’d say, book in advance.
You can watch your food being prepared in front of you, even prepare a dish or two from the produce on the land. A shared meal becomes a bridge for stories. “Our classic smoked mackerels was a fisherman’s recipe that people had stopped making in Goa. To give them a taste as well as an experience, we let guests watch the smoking of the mackerels in the field and serve it with crisp poi (bread),” Chef Avinash explains.
Address: 5X2J+6H, Velim, Goa – 403723.
Book your experience here.
Edible Archives
The five-course meal put together by Chef Anumitra Ghosh acquaints you with the true taste of Goa. She is known for championing ingredients sourced from local bakers and farmers and happens to know the dish innately.
As you eat, you will be regaled with tales about the ingredient, its provenance, its flavour profile, and what it pairs best with. The lunch includes traditional bread and locally made cheeses, pez (Goan congee) with a choice of smoked mackerel, a choice of teppal-crusted duck with kokum jus, and of course sannas (steamed rice cake).
Address: Edible Archives, Anjuna-Mapusa Road, Anjuna, Goa – 403509.
Book your experience here.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury
