Offbeat Goa- exploring Goa Velha Hotels

It is no secret that Goa is a top choice for the perfect beach vacation, thanks to its stunning coastline, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality; however, it is not just the beaches that attract the tourists but the romance of that old Portuguese charm as well. 

With an astonishing collection of vast cathedrals, chapels, and convents, Old Goa, often referred to as Velha Goa in Portuguese or Adler Goy in the native language of Konkani, is a world heritage site as declared by UNESCO. It is about 25 minutes away from the current capital city of Panjim. Velha Goa was the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese colony in Goa until the 17th century, when it was abandoned due to the epidemic and the capital was moved to Panjim by the then viceroy. 

Being a very popular tourist attraction, especially due to its religious and spiritual significance, the Velha Goa widely attracts people from all parts to experience culture, history, and tradition together in a picture-perfect setting.

Velha has limited yet bespoke and gorgeous options to stay at. The Goa Velha hotels bring you the exclusive experience and insight of living within the historical capital. From budget hotels to homestays to quaint and understated yet luxurious resorts, the Goa Velha hotels do have options to select from. 

One of the most recommended Goa Velha hotels is The Postcard Velha. Atop a hill, The Postcard Velha is away from the tourist bustle of Old Goa within a gated estate overlooking acres of plantations and beautiful Champakali trees blooming all around with distant views of the Old Goa monuments and the Mandovi River. The hotel offers six rooms in two categories with private outdoor spaces - the Banyan Villa, with three rooms facing the magnificent 300 year old Banyan tree, and the Mandovi Villa, with the other three rooms and mesmerizing views of the Mandovi, one of the two principal rivers in the state of Goa. The hotel offers outdoor dining spaces like the gazebos for people to enjoy freshly prepared and curated meals within the lap of nature, like the vindaloo or the cafreal curries served with the Goan Poe procured from the local bakery. The Postcard Velha also has an extensive beverage menu that offers a wide variety of local Goan beers, from crafted gin to the popular choice of feni, which can be customized with the finest hand picked ingredients to enjoy some exquisite handcrafted cocktails. 

The Postcard Velha does also offer curated and bespoke experiences and excursions from the hotel itself. 

A heritage walk can be arranged from any of the Goa Velha hotels with a local guide who ensures a closer look into the old town while exploring monuments like the Se Cathedral, which is the seat of the archbishop of Goa and Daman, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, or the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, which is a few meters from the Postcard Velha. 

Tour operators like B-live arrange e-cycling excursions through the Goa Velha hotels from their doorstep, which has become quite a hit amongst the tourists as they not only get an insight into Old Goa but also, after a short ferry ride, get to see the hidden gem called the Divar island to experience the serenity and the green haven it is.

The Goa Velha hotels are about 25 minutes from Panjim, and the Fontainhas, which are the old Latin quarters of Goa, are a colourful neighborhood that attracts the heart of every tourist visiting the state. Designed to reflect the colonial history of Goa and an architectural marvel blending Portuguese architecture with Indian aesthetics, the area forms a significant part of Goan historical heritage. This makes the location highly famous for art galleries, shops, souvenir shops, and local restaurants and beverage outlets.

The heritage of the architecture of Velha Goa and the appeal of Goa Velha hotels is still intact and as a popular global travel destination, ,Goa is a place for tourists across the world to come to experience history, which still existing as a fascination to explore.