You must go to Fontainhas, said my friend Albert on the phone. It’s a heritage area where you can still see influence of Portugese architecture. He’s a true blue Goan so I couldn’t possibly not listen to him!
On our last day in Goa, we headed to this old quartier of Panjim beside the Ourem creek. It’s a delightful area with so much colour and beauty that I wanted to spend much more time there. Next time, I hope I can stay somewhere in that area and take some more time to explore it.
Inside the courtyard of Panjim Inn
It’s quite a change from the whitewashed facades of the buildings in Panjim city, which by the way, also looks extremely cool and chic now. It’s been a while since I’ve visited and the city has since undergone a makeover that now gives it the semblance of a European city : broad tree lined clean roads and whitewashed buildings.
Leaving the broad roads, we enter the narrow alley ways of Fontainhas. Old villas, and crumbling buildings, with walls painted with every colour under the sun : red, yellow, green, blue : dazzling and a sight for sore eyes surely! Signs of Christmas festivities are still in the air.
Here you will get a glimpse of the real Panjim as it existed during the Portugese rule. The people as in most of Goa, are friendly and laid back and at the most will give you a sidewise glance and a smile while you go about your explorations!
If you’re in Goa, take some time off from the beaches and discover this quaint and beautiful quarter of Panjim.
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The complete Fontainhas album
Seems like u had a wonderful time in GOA ( Saw the pics in Flickr too … neat shots ) I hope u have abeautiful New Year Anita :)
Posted by Viewer | December 29, 2006, 5:04 pmIt seems that i’ve visited this place.…through your pictures!!
Posted by Mehak | December 30, 2006, 10:16 amviewer: i did thanks! has a nice time in goa :)
mehak: :) thank you!
Posted by Anita | January 2, 2007, 1:52 pmNice set of the pictures.
Of late, a lot of folks seem to be headed to Goa. Has it become a tourist trap ? Or is it genuinely a charming place ?
Posted by riotofreasons | January 7, 2007, 5:37 amLove the vibrant colors. I especially like the broad white borders around window and door frames with that hue of yellow/orange. Typical Goan.
Posted by Patrix | January 7, 2007, 8:13 pmLovely pics, Anita!! This is the first time I am commenting on your blog in a long time. Though I have been one of the silent readers all these years. Where did you stay in Goa? Do give me a plan of the route you followed?
Ciao,
Tuhina
Posted by Tuhina | January 9, 2007, 8:56 amHey, cool stuff. Even read the 21 Qs. :)
Posted by angshu | January 16, 2007, 1:54 pmriotofreasons: goa has always been a traveller’s favourite and not without reason. for me, it’s still a charming place!
patrix: thanks!
thanks tuhina! we stayed in thomson villa in candolim. we explored different parts each day, including north goa (tiracol/arambol) and then old goa (where all the major chuches are) and then fontainhas and panjim etc.
Posted by Anita | January 18, 2007, 11:51 amWhat’s up — Wow, what a great forum
Just registered and wanted to say hello.
Posted by MekDeecechook | December 15, 2009, 8:35 am