Soak in the rich heritage of a neighborhood described by historian William Dalrymple as a ‘small chunk of Portugal washed up on the shores of the Indian Ocean’, and interact with locals who strive to keep centuries of culture alive to this day. Discover the untold history of the city of Panjim at Tobacco Square, and hear intriguing tales of the neighborhood's former colonial Portuguese residents. Be transported to a bygone era as we explore painstakingly preserved heritage buildings that have survived the onslaught of development in the 21st century. The quaint streets are lined with traditional Portuguese style homes in a palette of striking bright colors, making this every photographer’s paradise. Visit Panjim’s oldest bakery and have a taste of their traditional Goan treats with a refreshing beverage (subject to the bakery’s operational days & timings). Meet with a renowned local Goan musician and enjoy a live performance of his distinctive blend of Konkani and Latin styles.
BLive Electric Bike Tours – Discovery of Divar Island
Ride along with India’s first ever e-biking experience on the beautiful island of Divar and ride through the UNESCO heritage site of Old Goa. Discover Goa’s finest UNESCO church built by Italian Monks from 16th century. A memorable ferry ride across the serene Mandovi river. Know about unheard legends and local myths from our captains. Gain insights to traditional occupations like fishing and hidden unique techniques like sluice gates and the island lifestyle. Visit the archaeological ruins of a 12th century temple and a mystical holy bathing site called Porne Tirth. End your experience with a chance to meet and greet the locals with sumptuous authentic breakfast/Evening snacks hosted at a loacal islander place.
The Old Goa Heritage Walk revisits some of the most fascinating facts during Portuguese rule. When Old Goa was Goa’s former capital city, it was a thriving city even during prior to Portuguese times. It was the capital of the Bahmani Sultan Adil Shah empire. The Portuguese arrived here in 1510 under their commander Afonso de Albuquerque, and captured the city from Adil Shah, the ruler of the Bijapur Kingdom. They came to the East in search of trade and to eventually spread Christianity. In our Old Goa Heritage Walk, explore some of the most historically significant buildings. Old Goa is a World Heritage site housing some of most grandest and oldest churches in the region. Special Note: Please note that on certain days, when the Se Cathedral or Basilica of Bom Jesus may be inaccessible due to mass services, we will include a visit to the majestic Our Lady of Rosary Church located on the historic Holy Hill as part of the Old Goa Heritage Walk.
Full-Day Chorao Island Nature, Heritage & Cooking Experience
What Makes This Tour Unique A rare full-day blend of nature, heritage, and food, not offered together anywhere else on Chorao Island Access to a local Goan home for a hands-on cooking session A working feni tavern visit with a cocktail-making session, not just a tasting A trek to Portuguese-era seminary ruins slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, an offbeat site most visitors don't know exists Birdwatching along the mangroves of the River Mandovi, near the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary A meal cooked and shared with the same family who taught you, rather than a standard restaurant lunch Itinerary Mangrove boat ride Visit a one of a kind Hindu temple Local breakfast Trek to the seminary ruins Feni tasting and cocktail making Ferry crossing Welcome drink at a local Goan home begin the day's second chapter. Hands-on cooking session Shared lunch — Sit down to a meal cooked and shared with the family, closing the day the way Chorao has always eaten.
Located in the capital of Goa, Fontainhas is a mesmerizing area to view colourful lanes and houses. We learn how ‘Nova Goa’ developed as the new capital city after the older capital, Old Goa crumbled down with disease. We listen to stories about the most prominent monuments of the area. In addition, we visit a local house and one of the oldest bakeries in the city and try out some local delicacies. Highlights -Walking Trail covering the first Portuguese Settlement in Panjim -Re-discovering defining elements in Sao Tome Locality -Colourful Lanes & Beautiful Architectural elements of Fontainhas -Snacks at a local Goan Bakery Operational from 1920s -Indo-Portuguese House Visit -Local Legends & Stories
Feni and Tapas – Food Trail with Tastings & Drinks by Make It Happen
The Goan Feni & Tapas is a specially curated food trail in Panjim that includes some of the most iconic places for Goan food paired with the best Feni and Feni based cocktails paired with it. Although a far cry from a regular tavern trail or pub crawl in Panjim, this trail gives you some of the most astonishing insights about Goan liquor with both indigenous and Portuguese influences. For food bloggers, foodies or seekers of a secret food trail, the Goan Feni & Tapas would be an experience that would break several stereotypes associated with Goan cuisine. Tasting of Feni in its expressions in raw form or blended as cocktails this tour would be appealing to all those seeking a pub crawl. Partake in a vivid narrative of Goan cuisine in the Food trail of Feni and Tapas where you discover plethora of untold stories relating to the Goan cuisine. This Goan Food trail is designed include both Portuguese style as well as the traditional Hindu Goan cuisine.
Trade the coastal crowds for Divar Island, a quiet, time-worn island on the Mandovi River where Portuguese-era heritage, temple ruins and river wildlife sit largely undiscovered by tourists. This half-day experience blends a short ferry crossing, a walk through centuries of layered history, and a sunset boat ride through mangroves where crocodile and bird sightings are common. Your guide leads you through the island's Portuguese church, over 200 years old, and on to the ruins of a bathing ground and temple site linked to the Kadamba dynasty. From there, board a boat with a local, multi-generation island boatman for a ride through the Mandovi's mangroves, keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, egrets, kites, and resident crocodiles along the riverbank. The experience winds down with local snacks and a guided feni tasting, including unusual flavours like jeera, ginger and coriander, at a spot known for sunset weddings.
Chronicles and Echoes of Divar Island by Make It Happen
Catch a ferry and cross the Mandovi River to Divar Island. Experience a gem of old world charm, paddy fields, ancient temples, pretty churches, Indo-Portuguese houses and winding roads in our Divar Island Tour. As you enter the island, you’ll find locals sitting with their fishing rods in hope of making a catch in the Mandovi river. The tops of hillocks on the island gives you a lovely view of the river. Divar Island is so blissfully green and tranquil that you’re enticed to slip into a peaceful meditation. All these make for an ideal Goan village tour. Come, take back a slice of life of Goa with you. On our guided Divar Island Tour you get to visit some of the interesting places on the island and understand a little more of its historical, social and cultural heritage. Please Note: This experience is not a walking trail and requires transportation. Explore the Island using your own vehicle.
Skip the tourist restaurants and taste the real Panjim on this guided evening food walk through the city's old Latin Quarter. Led by a local ambassador, this trail moves between small, family run cafes, bakeries and taverns, most of which you would never find on your own, stopping for Goan classics like xacuti, poi bread, and traditional snacks, along with feni cocktails and craft local drinks along the way. Your guide does more than point out where to eat. At every stop, you will hear the story behind the dish, the family running the place, and how Portuguese and Goan influences shaped what is on your plate. The trail winds through Fontainhas' colourful lanes, past centuries old architecture, before settling into a local tavern for feni tastings and easy conversation as the evening winds down. Note: This is a walking trail.
The Margao Cultural Walk is where you explore the oldest and most picturesque parts of Margao, a town donned with vast Goan mansions. We would be visiting one of the oldest churches of Goa which has a lot of mysteries attached to it. We would also be taking you on a journey of how the town was established – from architecturally rich houses holding stories in its details to splendid structures, once crucial for the Portuguese. This trail will help you explore the beautiful lanes & suburbs of Margao on foot that come alive with a local narrating stories and legends of the town with a last stop for some local delicacies. Highlights -Holy Spirit Church -Alvares House of Bullet Holes -The Miraculous Chapel of Margao -Local Bakeries -Damodar Sal -Picturesque Colorful Lanes -Abade Faria Street of Mansions -Local Spot for authentic delicacies -A Few More Surprises!