Private Cultural Tour: Ancestral Goa, Shantadurga Temple and Spice Village Including Lunch
From $116.02
Price varies by group size
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Safety measures
7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Overview
Experience the culture of Goa, sample its aromatic cuisine, and gain an insider’s understanding of Hindu religion on this full-day private tour. Explore Ancestral Goa with your guide and learn about efforts to preserve art, culture, and the environment. Check out two Hindu temples that showcase Portuguese influence and visit a spice village where you unlock the secrets of India’s most prized export. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a traditional Indian lunch, are included.
- Private tour in Goa with an English-speaking guide
- Visit Ancestral Goa, a center for preserving art, culture and the environment located in a traditional village
- Admire Goa’s Portuguese-influenced architecture and learn about Hinduism at Shantadurga Temple and Mangueshi Temple
- Tour a spice village and plantation to learn about this important Indian product
- Enjoy an authentic Indian lunch and taste how the different spices are used in the region's cuisine
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Meet your driver at your Goa hotel in the morning and travel south to Ancestral Goa. Commonly referred to by locals as Big Foot Museum, this cultural center in the village of Loutolim is designed to preserve the culture and traditions of the region and pays homage to Portuguese influences.
Tour the village with your expert guide and gain insight into age-old traditions like bringing feni—a local moonshine made from cashews or coconut. Check out the 250-year-old Portuguese mansion called Casa Araujo and explore its lavish rooms, which include a dining hall and chapel. An impressive doorway leads to a towering staircase that makes this historic structure truly stunning.
From there, head to Shantadurga Temple. This impressive complex was built in 1738 AD and is surrounded by brilliant green foliage. Your guide explains more about the Indo-Portuguese architecture when you venture inside. Brilliant stained-glass windows and a golden palanquin known as a palkhi decorate this religious center.
Next, head to the 400-year-old Mangueshi Temple. Built to honor the goddess Shiva, the temple and its iconic pillars play an essential role in the community.
Finally, drive in air-conditioned comfort to a nearby spice village where you are greeted by a biologist who explains the vegetation that lives on the plantation. Learn about medicinal purposes for herbs and sample cuisine that uses these flavorful spices during a full buffet lunch of authentic Indian fare.
At the conclusion of your private cultural tour, head back to your hotel in Goa for the evening.
Tour the village with your expert guide and gain insight into age-old traditions like bringing feni—a local moonshine made from cashews or coconut. Check out the 250-year-old Portuguese mansion called Casa Araujo and explore its lavish rooms, which include a dining hall and chapel. An impressive doorway leads to a towering staircase that makes this historic structure truly stunning.
From there, head to Shantadurga Temple. This impressive complex was built in 1738 AD and is surrounded by brilliant green foliage. Your guide explains more about the Indo-Portuguese architecture when you venture inside. Brilliant stained-glass windows and a golden palanquin known as a palkhi decorate this religious center.
Next, head to the 400-year-old Mangueshi Temple. Built to honor the goddess Shiva, the temple and its iconic pillars play an essential role in the community.
Finally, drive in air-conditioned comfort to a nearby spice village where you are greeted by a biologist who explains the vegetation that lives on the plantation. Learn about medicinal purposes for herbs and sample cuisine that uses these flavorful spices during a full buffet lunch of authentic Indian fare.
At the conclusion of your private cultural tour, head back to your hotel in Goa for the evening.
Itinerary
Ancestral Goa. Commonly referred to by locals as Big Foot Museum, this cultural center in the village of Loutolim is designed to preserve the culture an dtraditions of the region and pays homage to Portuguese influences. Tour the village with your expert guide and gain insight into age-old traditions like bringing feni—a local moonshine made from cashews or coconut.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Free
Shantadurga Temple. This impressive complex was built in 1738 AD and is surrounded by brilliant green foliage. Your guide will explain more about the Indo-Portuguese architecture when you venture inside. Brilliant stained-glass windows and a golden palanquin known as a palkhi decorate this religious center.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Finally, drive in air-conditioned comfort to a nearby spice village where you’ll be greeted by a biologist who will explain the vegetation that lives on the plantation. Learn about medicinal purposes for herbs and sample cuisine that uses these flavorful spices during a full buffet lunch of authentic Indian fare. At the conclusion of your private cultural tour you’ll head back to your hotel in Goa for the evening.
Duration: 1 minute
Admission Ticket Included
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Private Cultural Tour: Ancestral Goa, Shantadurga Temple and Spice Village Including Lunch
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$116.02
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