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Beyond Beaches: How To Make 24 Hours in Goa Unforgettable with New Flavours, Stays & Adventures

3 0
29.01.2025

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

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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.

The Parijaat Homestay in Goa offers a slice of Goan life with its food, traditional cottages and fruit forest, Pictures source: Kavita Nair

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.

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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.

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Villa Saudade in Arpora, Goa is a heritage home that has been converted into a homestay, Picture source: Rochelle

“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.

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Book your stay here.........

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