Top Goa Historical Tours

A unique tour of the beautiful Panjim city, the magnificent Old Goa churches, the architectural beauty of temples.

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.

Uncover Portuguese history and influence on this private half-day Portuguese heritage tour from Goa. Gain a deeper understanding of the state’s colonial past on visits to Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Born Jesus—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This epic tour includes a visit to the city of Panaji, where you see the impact of the Portuguese in Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter. Catch incredible views of the Arabian Sea from the Dona Paula Jetty before enjoying a traditional lunch.

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.

Hop into the saddle and explore pretty Divar island with ease on this e-bike sightseeing tour. With your guide to lead the way and refreshments included, spin along winding roads through fertile paddy fields, and admire traditional Portuguese-style homes in the countryside. Tackle hills with ease—with your e-bike to help with pedalling—and discover mysterious caves and abandoned temple sites in the rolling hills.

Enjoy a Sunset Boat Cruise for 1.5 hours on the river Mandovi with Music, Dances & Sightseeing with a Beautiful Sunset & Panoramic views of the River from the unique vantage point of the Boat

Explore Goa’s historical and religious highlights on this small-group shore excursion and tour, with pickup from Goa port or your chosen Goa location. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan, admire Hindu temples and visit the Portuguese-built UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and St. Francis of Assisi Church as you learn about Goa’s colonial history and culture. Your tour includes a visit to a spice plantation with lunch plus entrance fees.

Discover Goa and immerse yourself in southern Indian delicacies. The best Indian cuisines are homemade, with us you'll be with local women in our project, located behind the hustle and bustle of Anjuna, in a small village community. Here you will discover local flavors, aromas, learn traditional food practices, about the Indian food culture and ayurvedic properties of spices in a full 5 dish menu. Please note that the class is prepared quite traditionally, please be prepared to sit on the floor. If a chair is required, please let one of the ladies know. For any dietary requirements, please advise. The program is unique and you will have a never-to-forget experience. We'd love to see photos and videos, so please feel free to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Should you wish to book another time or as a private booking, please contact us.

Exquisite views of the South Goan countryside. Witness the beautiful paddy fields. A window into the Portuguese culture with the stunning architecture of a 450-year-old church and an Indo-Portuguese style house.

From the times of tobacco trade to the minting of coins and the final administrative center of the Portuguese, Panjim has seen it all. With a special focus on the Fontainhas area, we discover the Making of Panaji. We learn how ‘Nova Goa’ developed as the new capital city after Old Goa crumbled down with the disease. We listen to stories about The Adilshah Palace, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, St Sebastian Chapel, the narrow lanes bearing hallmarks of the long Portuguese regime in Goa. In addition, we will visit one of the first houses in this area and join the owner as he shows you around.

Ilhas Dos Fidalgos - The Island of the Noblemen, this is the name the island of Chorao was given by the Portuguese, who captured this as one of their first conquests of their 451- years long rule. It is one of the most prominent areas for migratory birds in the country, and the famous Dr Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is an integral part of this island today! This trail is a journey that uncovers the best of Chorao island - A boat ride into the mangroves, the Oldest Church of Chorao, One of the most unique temples in the country, The Bunds and Maanos System and the Lost Seminary. The Island of Chorao is an exploration which balances everything in the perfect sense - the beautiful ecosystem, the lost heritage, inspiring stories and the most amazing travelers.

The Island of Dveepvattika or Divar as we presently know it, is the only major Island in Goa not connected by road. Flanked by Old Goa and Ribandar, this island was once home to famous temples of Goa including the Temple of Saptkoteshwar, the family deity of the Kadambas. As history would have it, it was one of the first places to be captured by the Portuguese in Goa. It suffered a strong bout of inquisition, and has innumerable stories to share. On the Divar Island Exploration, we explore the major religious monuments on the island, a temple pond dating back to nearly a thousand years. This island is a surprise to the common man and will leave you mesmerized with its untouched beauty. We are then taken for a lovely boat ride through the mangroves of Goa and we get to jump into the river for an enriching clay bath experience.

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 the 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. Among these are the Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The imposing Sé Cathedral, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of St Catherine and the domed church of St. Cajetan.

Cover more sights in less time on your own set of wheels, covering Old Panjim’s top attractions on this guided e-bike tour. Get an extra boost of power from an electric-charged bicycle, and beat the tourist track to discover under-the-radar neighborhoods, winding by-lanes, and renowned heritage buildings. You’ll also enjoy a special performance from a local musician.

We are in the city of Chandrapur which also happens to be the 'Oldest known capital of Goa'! Picture the days gone by where it had armies, fortifications, battles and flourishing trade. Right from the Bhojas to the Kadambas, Chandor was a thriving settlement due to the connectivity that the river Kushavati provided to the travelers. The village is famous for the legend of a queen's curse that was brought upon the village as a result of treachery of the warriors of the kingdom. We will be exploring Chandor as it stands today speaking of its rich past and we meet the current generation of the family members of one of the most prestigious heritage homes in the village. Join us as we take a look at Chandor through its houses.

Explore, hidden in nature, bold and powerful and the most neglected coastal side of Sinquerim with a fortress in ruins. A cache of natural beauty, ancient history and breath-taking architecture! This tour offers a chance to experience the tranquil side of Sinquerim and Candolim that gets masked by the chaos that’s followed by commercialisation.

• Ride your Ebike along the paddy fields of the village • Ride through the beautiful village and backwaters.

Saligao is a beautiful village you will pass by without ever noticing its true colours. From the Gothic Mãe de Deus Parish Church built in 1873 to the Indo-Portuguese houses , Saligao has created a niche for itself. This trail explores the beauty of this picturesque village. We explore the village through its village clubs, chapels, houses and the culture of the village. Who were the original settlers of this village? How does this village get its name? Why does a ward in this village have villagers with the same middle name? Find out this and much more on this journey filled with stories :)

• Explore the multicultural side of Bambolim and its neighbouring villages • Interact with the local fishermen and learn about sustainable fish farming • Enjoy a refreshing snack at the scenic Amrapali café house • Experience the traditions of the simple and peaceful village life

Goa is blessed with water all around. The backwaters, rivers, ponds and the mighty ocean. Not only are they beautiful to the eye but also an integral part of the Goan lifestyle. Fish are known as the fruits of the sea and exploring the variety of seafood found in Goa is a gastronomical experience by itself. We have seen fish on our plate several times but now it is time to experience what goes behind getting a good catch. This experience will give you an opportunity to try your hand at fishing with the help of a passionate local who has several years of experience under his belt. We move along different spots along the back waters and sluice gates trying our hand at getting a good catch. We learn the basics of how to use the fishing rod and the significance of fishing among the locals. Filling up with some warm snacks at a traditional Goan home completes the whole experience. What happens to the Fish you catch? We shall know on the trail when you do.

Get insights about the history of Goa dating back to the era of empires and dynasties This tour highlights the kaleidoscope of history to be found in the hinterland of South Goa. Immerse yourself in pre-Portuguese history dating back over 1000 years, when Chandor then known as Chandrapur was a buzzing trade center. The walk begins at St. Tiago Chapel in Chandor and then leads into sites and ruins of historical importance that date back over 1000 years, followed by the scenic view of the Kushavati River. We visit a heritage house that predates the Portuguese era and contains interesting artifacts which highlight Kadamba era.

Unlike other areas of Panaji, the Campal heritage area is unique in its nature and characteristics. The street pattern consists of a grid iron pattern and only residential houses fully self sufficient in their needs and demands. Every house is different in its character, accessible with well tarred roads, parking space and compound is housed with ornamental railings carved in stones, and a distinct construction technology used to construct these houses. Basically, a formal layout with a garden (Jardin de Francisco Luis Gomes) facing the river front as focal point. Campal lies along river Mandovi and predominantly a residential area, occupied by higher economic group of population. The area is serene and tranquil away from the main hub of activity.

Unravel the real essence of Goa and discover it’s uniqueness with Make It Happen. Join me on amazing this journey through time and unfurl the history, admire the architecture, stumble upon legends and delve deep into the Goan way of life. Get to know more about some of the revolutionary thinkers that have shaped Goa's ethos. Discover the evolution of Panjim, the Capital city, from a fishing hamlet to thriving city today. Get insights into fascinating facts about the unplanned and planned parts of Panjim. Witness the traditional art of baking of delectable Goan sweets and Savories. Enjoy some soulful Latin music hosted by a renowned Goan musician.

Experience this 2-night and 3-days overland adventure that gives you the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Taj Mahal, India's most famous architectural wonder. After pick-up from Port you’ll fly to Delhi and driven to the bustling streets of Agra where you’ll see the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset. This guided tour gives you insight into Agra, a city famous for its Unesco World Heritage sites which include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh Garden. The private tour includes either 5 star and 4 star accommodation (depending on option selected when booking), commercial domestic flights, private car and driver, private local tour guides, breakfast, all entrance fees and bottled water.