Ancestral Goa which is also called ‘big foot’ is a theme park built in Loutolim which is about 10 km from Margao and 25 km from Panaji. Four centuries of Portuguese rule and other rulers before them has gifted Goa a unique life-style that consists of a blend of Indian and Western influences as can be seen in its varied culture and architecture of its towns and villages. Today Goa also boasts of glorious traditions that have been handed down to it over the ages. This theme park is dedicated to the preservation of art, culture and enviroment and to preserve Goa’s past and its rich traditions. This unique recreation of Goan rural life can be witnessed during a stay at a Luxury resort in Goa such as Alila Diwa Goa.
The Theme park is privately run by an artist called Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares and was opened to public in 1995. There are a number of places to visit such as an art gallery where work done by local children and artists of State and National fame are displayed, a handicraft centre, Big Foot dance floor, Big Foot restaurant, a cross, a spring known as Boca da Vaca, a bird habitat, a spice yard, rubber plantations and also different miniature houses that showcase traditional occupation and social classes such as fishermen, Goan artisans, a music school known as Escola da Musica, farmers, liquors shops, the village market and a Feni distillery. The largest known Laterite sculpture of India is present in this theme park
At Ancestral Goa one is accompanied by a guide who explains the exhibits. Also souvenirs can be purchased from the handicraft centre. The museum is open on all days from 9 am to 6 pm and an entry fee has to be paid at the entrance.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
