With a cultural mix of Indian and Portuguese influences from hundreds of years ago, Goa is the aptest place to indulge in carefree vacation on its most pristine beaches as well as a perfect place to get on a time travel through a walk of solitude along the history-laden older parts of the city, occasionally dotted with architectural brilliances in the form of battle forts of yesteryears and huge impressive structures built for worshipping Gods. From the exuberant beaches to the melancholy of the massive structural ruins of the past, Goa is adorned with the perfect setup for an interesting journey into both the surface and the soul of the state. Embark on a journey through the state that takes you to the laps of nature and provides ample time to interlink the relation between the historical, contemporary and the natural riches of the state that results in turning Goa into one of the most prized destinations of the world.
Our chauffeur will be there at the Goa airport/ Railway station to greet and drive us to our pre-booked heritage homestay at Betim, a small village in the Bardez Taluka of North Goa, 1 km west of the famous Mandovi River. After checking in, we shall have our lunch and rest before exploring the nearby villages that thrive in primary occupations like fishing and boat building. After enjoying a lovely sunset from the village, we’ll be returning to our homestay to taste the warmth through a leisurely sumptuous dinner before calling the day off for the night stay at Betim.
After a filling breakfast, we’ll be on our way to explore through the Old Portuguese settlements, Churches, and markets, to associate ourselves with the rich heritage set up of this ancient colonial land. A visit to the Chapora Fort can be arranged thereafter post-lunch in a local restaurant. As evening sets in, it’ll be time to return back to the hotel, followed by an early dinner and thereafter, in comfortable night stay in the warm rooms of the Betim Homestay.
The northern part of Goa is the place to be roamed around as it is the oldest part of the state, owing to the Portuguese colonial rules. After finishing a sumptuous breakfast, the first halt on the journey can be the Basilica of Bom Jesus or ‘Good Jesus’. The first minor basilica in India is indeed a great architectural example of the Baroque style. Next on the schedule is a visit to the Agoda Fort, built by the Portuguese rulers on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi River, in 1612. The fort boasts of housing the first lighthouse of Asia. Soon, it’ll be time for lunch which can be done by trying some authentic local cuisines, before returning back to North Goa to spend a leisurely dusk at the beach. As darkness sets in, it’ll be time to rejuvenate ourselves with a plate of delicious dinner back at the hotel, followed by night stay in Calangute.
A delicious breakfast will be made available early in the day after which we’ll be moving to visit the famous Dudhsagar Falls. Located on the Mandovi River, this four-tier waterfall is among the tallest in India and the frame it creates with its massive cloud of water is sure to take one’s breath away. Next on course is the amazing trip to the Spice Plantation where we’ll be amazed to see the organic process of cultivating. An organic lunch will be on the menu and then, we’ll be returning back to North Goa to experience an enchanting sunset at the beach. The markets are an excellent place to explore and to get mingled with the local culture. We may try some lovely seafood for dinner at the shacks before returning to the resort for the night stay at Calangute.
Our Chauffeur will be ready to drive us to the airport according to our flight schedules from Goa.
At zerodegreel
every moment will someday make you look back and want to experience it all over again.
