If you see Goa as only a beach paradise with cheap alcohol and never ending parties, then get ready to have your mind blown. Goa has always taken us by surprise with its fabulous history – so much so that a walk through the history itself (quite literally) is a must. Fontainhas is the oldest Latin Quarter in Goa, close to the hustle and bustle of Panjim city, but cut off from the same. Flanked by brightly colored houses that have a strong Portuguese influence are the streets of Fontainhas.
The entire place is truly stuck in time. Here are 5 ways you can spend your day in Fontainhas.
5. Photograph the houses at Fontainhas
The cute, vibrant house in Fontainhas are to die for. The Fontainhas is the ideal place to just walk around and bask in all the vibrancy and peace. Name a color, and you will find it here.
The walls of the houses have been finished with eggshells and chunna or limestone.
Most houses sport a typical sloping roof, making the entire structure akin to the stick houses that we drew as kids. Adding to the charm are the artistic balconies and doors. A great way to make the most out of the beautiful scene is to capture it with a good camera.
Image courtesy: Culture Trip
4. Hang out at the Joseph Bar
A hidden gem located amid the colorful cottages in Fontainhas is Joseph Bar. With incandescent lights, rustic décor, and an intimate atmosphere, this is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. It is famous for its Feni cocktail coupled with some Goan delicacies. The place opens in the evening from 6 pm until 10 pm and fills up pretty quickly. If you want to chill with the locals at Fontainhas then there’s no better place.
Image courtesy : TripAdvisor
3. Make a wish at the wishing well at Fontainhas
Among all the artifacts that lie at Fontainhas. The most interesting perhaps is the wishing well. It’s as old as the quarters itself. It stands out against the bright green backdrop and is hard to miss. Regardless of whether you believe in fairy tales or not, be sure to drop a coin in just for safe measure. You never know.
Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
2. Visit some religious sites
To cater to the faith of the Goan community, a small chapel was built in 1818 in honor of St. Sebastian. The chapel has now been expanded and renovated. Making it a great spot to visit for some pictures. Hindus on the other hand, go to the beautiful tangerine-colored temple. The Maruti Temple in Mala dedicated to Hanuman, which stands atop Altinho hill, overlooking the peaceful Latin Quarter of Goa.
(PS check out the temple at night or during Diwali, it looks absolutely gorgeous)
Image courtesy: A walk through history
Image courtesy: Herald
1. Visit during the monsoons
Goa in the rains is beautiful. And the same couldn’t be proved better anywhere else other than in Fontainhas. The rain-soaked streets have a special charm. After monsoon, when the pre-winter crowds start descending on Goa for the party season, a quiet stroll through Fontainhas gives you the peaceful holiday you could never have imagined in this heaving state.
Image courtesy : Saket Joshi
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