Spike's Guided Tour -Quintessential Goa in a Nutshell

A marvellous new temple built in marble, dedicated to the Gods Radha and Krishna.

This place is a Hidden Gem tucked right next to Ancestral Goa. The mansion takes you back in time to the Portuguese era and how life was, back then. A beautifully preserved and meticulously maintained home, a literal showcase of memories, from centuries gone by!

Ancestral Goa is a vibrant visual narrative encompassing Goa's ancestral grandeur. It has among others, 44 lifesize tableaus depicting Goan culture and heritage. You'll find India's longest laterite sculpture, learn about the legend of the Big Foot, meet the Goan farmer Joao, the village potter Nandu and his collection of black and red clay terracotta pots and see many amazing aspects of rural life in Goa. With audio recordings playing as you pass the different tableaus, you can almost feel the wedding atmosphere and smell the flowers of the flower sellers! The village baker and his wife, the basket weaver, the cross museum, the birds collection and the art gallery, will fascinate you and leave you enthralled.

Shri Shantadurga Saunsthan, is a private temple complex belonging to the Goud Saraswat Brahmin Community, located at the foothills of the Kavlem village in Ponda. Shrimad Swamiji of Shri Kavale Math is the spiritual head of Shree Shantadurga Saunsthan, Kavale. Shantadurga, is the most popular form of the Hindu goddess Durga revered in Goa and neighboring Karnataka. She is worshipped in most villages of Goa as an ant hill. The original temple was first built in Quelossim. But after the Portuguese invasion, the temple was destroyed and later built by the Maratha Empire, where it now stands. Earlier, a small laterite mud shrine was built and later was converted into a beautiful temple in 1730 during the reign of Maratha ruler Shahu Raje of Satara.

We'll just pass by to pick up their famed chocolate eclairs and perhaps a bit of apple strudel.

The Shri Mangeshi Temple is dedicated to Lord Manhueshi who is a form of another Hindu God, Lord Shiva.

There are many legends associated with this temple. According to Hindu Beliefs, Lord Shiva had lost everything to his wife Goddess Parvati, at the game of dice. This is when he came to Goa.

Goddess Parvati, while searching for him, reached Goa where Lord Shiva disguised himself as a Tiger. Terrified, Parvati said “ Oh Lord of the Mountains, please come and rescue me”. Hearing this Lord Shiva came back into his original form and went back with her.
Owing to the words, "Mam Grisha", Lord Shiva is also called Manguesh; hence the name of the temple.

This 400-year-old temple is adorned with a refreshing water body. According to some, this is one of the oldest parts of the temple.

A seven-storied lamp tower and a few shrines dedicated to family deities, are located within the complex.

The Spice Plantation is located in a village untouched by pollution, about 6 km off Ponda. It is spread over a large tract of verdant land, offering you the perfect setting to soak in pure unadulterated nature. The total green vegetation, the chirping of birds and the placid stream make it a breathtaking destination. Enjoy a guided tour and see, taste and smell the different spices grown there and understand their medicinal value and role in Indian/Goan cusine.

Listen to the delightful bird calls, laze around by the stream or simply enjoy a stroll with your guide, through the stretch of beetle nut plantations. The tropical spice plantation has lots to offer, peace of mind being the greatest of all.

The splendor of this place, enchanting and melodious, inspiring and soothing is sure to leave an impression that is timeless.
Being in the lap of nature is not a dream anymore.