With spiritual ceremonies, religious monuments and tasty local food, this tour gives an unmissable taste of Goa's unique culture and cuisine. Packed with highlights like St Anne's Church and Shantadurga Temple, you'll connect with village locals, take part in a Hindu ritual and finish with dinner, dancing and folk music. Santosh, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Visiting a local home to learn the secrets of pickling, Goan style, is a real insight into local cuisine. Pickling has always been an integral part of our food culture because of the need to preserve food for the monsoon season, when fishing is limited.'
More a cultural odyssey than a tour, you'll start by admiring the colonial-era St Anne's Church before heading to the Shantadurga Temple to take part in a traditional Hindu ceremony. An Aarti ritual sees hundreds of lamps and candles lit and raised to the gods in thanks – expect lots of bright lights, incense and blessings. There is often a musical element, too, with bells ringing, instruments playing and the participants singing or chanting.
Afterwards, you'll head into a village home where local ladies teach the secrets of making delicious Goan spiced pickles and you'll have a chance to try some too. Kanta Gauda is a well-known folk artist and at his venue, you'll be given a colourful costume to get you in the mood for a show of cultural dances and classic Indian music. Then after working up an appetite, a feast of homemade dishes will be served for dinner.
