Ancestral Goa, Loutolim

Ancestral Goa, Loutolim

If you wish to relax after a tiring day, a visit to a Goa village will be perfect. You can catch a close glimpse of life in rural Goa and unwind. Commercialism has hit some of the Goa villages as an increasing number of tourists visit them with each passing year.

To cater to such tourists who show interest in the history, culture and life of rural Goa, 'Ancestral Goa' in Loutolim was started in 1995. From the dream of a Goan artist to carving a niche for itself on international tourist map, Ancestral Goa has travelled a long road.

A privately owned enterprise of Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares, Ancestral Goa has been dubbed by the government of India as the 'most innovative and unique project in India's tourism industry'. The Education department recommends it strongly for students.

Ancestral Goa is actually a miniature village recreated which will take you hundred years back into the history. Life size structures in a mock up village recreate that ambiance of the colonial past and time seems to stand still.

Be prepared for a cultural experience when a sari clad Goan girl greets you with the 'aarti'. History unravels here when the aura of Goan Portuguese ambiance is recreated complete with a palanquin, sepia-toned photographs, domed lamps and a designed marble floor.

Move over to nine acres of a panorama of glimpses from the life of a Goan villager together with the special moments. You will come across Goan artisans at work, a fisherman's hut, marketplace mansion of 'Dona Maria'. Completing this scene is a natural spring. Once here, you can not only enjoy the Goan feni but also see how it's prepared with cashews at the 'Bhatti' (distillery).

Natural harmony and the big foot are two important highlights of the ancestral Goa. Measuring 14 metres by 5 metres, Natural harmony is a national landmark, the longest laterite sculpture in the country sculpted single handedly by Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares within thirty days. Big foot is a legend where a foot mark is present on a rock and whosoever stands on it with a pure heart, it brings good luck for them. There is also a dance floor in the shape of a large foot which is a multi purpose place for functions, seminars, anniversary and birthday celebrations etc.

A green pastel soothes eyes. It includes a vegetable, spice, fruit and a herb garden. Near the natural harmony, there's a hill untouched by the human beings making it a perfect natural habitat for the birds. It is.called the Rustic bird sanctuary.

Ancestral Goa also offers you unlimited souvenirs which you can carry home. There is a big foot At Gallery, an Art Cottage and Handicrafts Centre for you to shop. To soothe your taste buds traditional Goan food specialties are available here (famous Goan bread Undo and feni) in a tavern like place. Music and dance programmes in the big foot keep the atmosphere light.

And if your visit to ancestral Goa happens to coincide with a feast or festival then don't miss this golden opportunity to see the traditional style celebrations, the customs and rituals.