Ancestral Goa Location : Loutulim, 10 km from Margao, Goa Famous As : Rural heritage destination What To See : Sculpture of Mirabai, Big Foot, Art cottage gallery, Traverena Shop For : Exquisite rural handicrafts

Ancestral Goa - An Answer To Goa's Village Heritage

Sculpture of Mirabai

Arts And Crafts Taste of Goa

Music And Dance People And Lifestyle

Festive Celebrations Goa Great Walks

"Most Innovative and Unique Project in India's Tourism Industry"

-- Government of Goa

Undoubtedly, it is the picturesque palm-fringed beaches, scenic coves, sun-kissed sands and turquoise waters that make Goa one of the world's premier holiday destinations. But beyond the cheerful coastline, in the least explored stretch of its quaint villages, you can find the real rural aroma of Goa, the mock-village of Ancestral Goa. From the dream of an artist which became a major tourist attraction on the world map, this Ancestral Goa village portraying traditional Goan lifestyle is a sincere effort to preserve Goa's fading past. Built in 1995 on a verdant hillside amidst a variety of rare wild flowers and mushrooms, Ancestral Goa, located in Loutolim in South Goa is indeed a bouquet of surprises.

It Is About What All You Can Have In A Goan Village

Indeed, your holiday in Ancestral Goa will surely take you to a different world. A world where history beckons the visitors to an era where time stands still. A world whose cultural and heritage chapters are not crinkled by the lash of decades. As you will put your footmarks on the main gateway of this artifically created village resort - adorned with elephants carrying flowers and decorated beams - you will be greeted by a statue of Parashurama, the legendary incarnation of Lord Vishnu, all ready with the proverbial bow & arrow. The next surprise comes as a traditional 'aarti' by a sari-clad Goan girl at the reception centre. It is only this cordial ambiance that attracts tourists from all over the world to Ancestral Goa. One step out of the lofty-roofed entrance and you will be into a landscape rippling over a gently rolling hill where tiled steps will lead you to the 'Casa Araujo Alvares'; a stately mansion, decked with a pillared portico, standing testimony to 200 years of colonialism. Step inside and you will be overwhelmed to see impressive works of slatted wood, carved furniture and knick knacks embellishing the painted walls, a placard of the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

Walk a few more steps to see the exquisite laterite sculpture of Mirabai, chiseled single-handedly by artist Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alavres in Greco-Roman style. With an essence of 'Natural Harmony', the monolith has carved its way to fame in the Limca book of records as being the longest sculpture in India. Try your footsteps on the biggest designer dance floor of Goa, the Big Foot. In the evening, the whole ambiance illuminates magically with fairy lights and neon, thereby making the Big Foot a paradise on earth! Believe us, you just cannot resist dancing your hearts out under the radiant canopy of lights. The floor also serves as a versatile venue for all types of functions and entertainment events like weddings, anniversaries, seminars, dances etc. The most interesting aspect of your holiday at Ancestral Goa can be your visit to the miniature fenny (local Goan beverage) distillary, 'Traverena', nestling inside the premises. Here tourists can see a statuesque representation of the three processes of fenny preparation; cashew plucking, extraction of nero and fermentation in an earthen pot.

Goa Handicrafts

Colourful Moments Round The Year

Ancestral Goa has encouraged a number of rural promotion and child education workshops for the betterment of this virgin patch of Goa. Plan a holiday trip to the miniature village replica at Ancestral Goa during August and you can be a part of the three-day art competition and exhibition programme. This strategic congregation of art calls for eminent artists from all pockets of the state and also sponsors from the paper and colour industry. Every year the workshop creates newer opportunities in a direction to explore and enhance the minds of young children in a recreational mode. December is no less fun. The whole of the mock-village springs up to life as a huge X-mas party is organized for the economically backward children at the Big Foot Dance Floor. Besides, you can spend your entire day seeing village children embossed in learning different skills of craft - clay modelling, pottery, basket weaving, and even lighter pursuits of puppetry and vegetable carving.

Shop The Rural Goa

After a memorable tour of the miniature village, remember to visit the Art Cottage gallery, conceived to promote all forms of artisan's art. You can get a good wide range of genuine artifacts made by natives from locally available materials like terracotta, shell, jute and bamboo. Gift yourself some ambrosial jewellery or exquisite shell items for interior decoration. Don't forget to see the unique clay 'Magic Lamp' displayed with other items of tourist interest. One can also visit the government run 'Goa Handicrafts' which offers the same products and prices as at the tourist emporia. After a hardcore shopping experience, enjoy a mouthwatering Goan cuisine at the Big Foot restaurant.

How To Reach The Mock Village

The mock-village of Ancestral Goa is located in Loutolim, 15 min from Margao in Salcete Taluka. Ancestral Goa is included as one of the sight seeing spots by Goa Tourism Development Corporation's buses in their cultural tour package. The museums are generally open from 10:00 am till 7:00 pm, except on Sundays when they are closed. Tourists can get a number of taxis from Margao to reach this mock-village at any time of the year.