Behind all the modernity of beaches and the intoxicating trance parties lies
the real face of Goa - the Goan villages. Essentially, every Goan is a
villager and hails from an ancestral village. There are around 347 villages
to outnumber the 44 towns of the state. On the one hand, Goa is so hot and
fast. On the other, it is so rural and untouched. Once you begin on a stroll
through the villages of Goa, you feel as though life has come to a
standstill.
Villages with a High Literacy Rate
The villages of Goa, however, may not match the picture that forms in your
mind. Unlike other Indian villages, Goa villages are known for their one of
the highest literacy rates in the country. And the educational abilities and
the civic sense reflect quite well in the villagers. The government has
taken effective steps to better the conditions of Goan villages. As these
villages are a bit different from any other Indian village, your trip can
prove to be one of finest experiences of your life.
The Pattern of Goan Villages
The scene of these villages might be a matter of great interest to you. The
villages are piled with concrete houses. Broad alleys separate the houses.
The alleyways are broad enough to let a bullock cart through. Scooters are
larger in number than bullock carts. The houses, which are made up of
concrete, have two floors; the first is for residential purpose while the
other is used for grain storage. You'll also come to see houses that are
built in red sandstone. Traditional wells and roof tanks can be found in the
houses. Nowadays, the municipal water connection is made available in most
of the houses.
Ancestral Goa, Loutolim
For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, the concept of Ancestral Goa was
converted into reality in the year 1995. Since the time it was established,
the Ancestral Goa has travelled too far, being catapulted onto the
international tourist map. The village is a private property owned by
Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares. The Indian Government has also approved of
the project and has declared it as the 'most innovative and unique project
in India's tourism industry.
The Ancestral Goa wonderfully recreates the charm of a Goan village dating
back to the Portuguese era. Developed on a small scale, the village is all
set to capture your imagination by its cultural appeal. It feels truly
wonderful to be greeted by a sari-clad Goan girl with the aarti (a
traditional way of welcoming guests). A number of different sights and sound
await you in the setting of the village. Watching village artisans at work,
fisherman's huts and experiencing the preparation of the Goa's ethnic drink
feni are things you are going to remember for a long time to come.
Lastly, the Ancestral Village offers you the opportunity of buying some of
the most beautiful souvenirs to carry back home. The Art Gallery, the Art
Cottage and the Handicrafts Centre are the place that you should be heading
to for exquisite souvenirs. To add to a traveller's joy all the more, there
are good Goan delicacies and the option of soaking up the thrill of Goan
dance and music.
