The city of Goa exhibits much of the remnants of the lustrous colonial era in India. From eminent churches to simple homes, you can see it all beautifully displaying a combination of spectacular European architecture with an Indian touch. The Ancestral Goa Museum lets you experience Goa’s rich past in an authentic fashion. Situated in the lush village of Loutim, this site is artistically fashioned for both your viewing and learning pleasure.
Loutim is located only around 10 km from Margo and has rather easy access. The historic museum commonly known in India as the “Big Foot” is privately owned and run by the artist Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares. It offers a perfect re-creation of rural Goa going back roughly a hundred years ago. Its open-air setting ensures it feels like walking back in time. Throughout Ancestral Goa there are several little attractions. The art gallery is a popular favourite as it displays remarkable talent by Indian locals, particularly children. The handicrafts centre is equally popular and is a perfect place to pick out local souvenirs. The Big Foot dance floor is typical to those that were commonly available in Goa. The lifestyle of local Goan’s was largely influenced by the colonial reign here and much evidence of this can be seen in Ancestral Goa.
Then there are works of nature that are sure to intrigue you; these include a spice yard, a bird habitat, Boca Da Vaca, Spring, rubber plantations and so much more. The miniature houses exhibited also offer an informative experience. Displaying the household of a local fisherman to a government official one can totally relive the past in this perfect depiction. No details are spared as you can see the Escola Da Musica music school, typical liquor shops, the feni distillery and the village market all rebuilt to showcase the history of the region. The highlight of this site is the famous sculpture of Saint Mirbai that towers to a height of 14 metres, making it the longest lateritic structure in India.
When you are in the region and looking for coastal accommodation choose Alila Diwa Goa as your beach resort in Goa. This Goa resort offers an ideal base from which to soak up the sights and sounds of this enchanting part of India.
