A pristine and largish village, Loutolim is a haven for those who want to discover a hidden and tranquil treasure in south of Goa.
I have held this destination close to my chest for long, the charms of the village of my childhood. Loutolim is to south of Goa what Moira or Aldona are to the north, yet unspoilt with a ring of peace that a plateau peppered with peacocks can bring. The bad news for Lotlekars (the people of Loutolim) is an expressway that cut through the mountain and brought people into the lap of the village.
A peek into the unique Goan life
But that is good news for visitors who have had their fill of jaded must-dos. I would dub the beautiful village trail dotted with cranes on vast stretches of green fields as the Gems of Loutolim. Busloads of tourists do the Big Foot Ancestral Goa Museum trail, happy with a peek into the unique aspects of life in Goa, such as the cashew nut game called Biyani, still played by kids.
It is a village waiting to be explored for its happy flow under the sun surrounding its majestic Saviour of the World Church, its simply yum bhaji poeie, buns and rice plate, the Saturday Bazaar, or the many feasts where snazzily dressed women and kids’ sequined finery compete with the throaty singing of the church choir.
Here are the three things you must do in Loutolim.
Big Foot Museum
Big Foot is a well-curated experience that dwells on several cultural and social aspects of Goan society. It takes visitors through rituals, customs, home styles, and recreates, in one go, the complete picture of Goan lifestyle. A well-executed blend of all community influences, the Museum is recommended by school curriculums. The winding path leads you to exhibits on occupations such as toddy tappers, feni distillation and the local Tinto (Bar) along with a well-guided commentary culminating in a spot where Parshuram’s arrow is said to have landed. The imprint has a following of visitors who believe in the positive outcome of their invocation.
The hallmark at 46-feet is the biggest laterite sculpture in South Asia of Meera bai. The sculpture has created many records and is well-known due to a stamp created by Indian Posts to celebrate this edifice in 2012. This September, to commemorate 28 years of its inception, the Museum invited a host of artistes to render their take on the sculpture. The artworks were exhibited at the Museum after a memorial ceremony. For philately enthusiasts, the Museum gives you a postcard that you can drop in the mailbox on the premises to get a souvenir of the cancelled postal stamp mark.
Casa Araujo Alvares Museum
Across the road is an ancient home that has been converted into a museum. Casa (house) Araujo Alvares recreates minute details of a home—from the metal keys to the orator or the prayer room each Catholic home had.
The living and working areas or the various Salles (halls) had ornate woodwork and furniture as did the bedroom with four poster beds and lace sheets croqueted at home. The design of the house ensured that drawing water from the well was accessible to the kitchen. The rogdo or grinding stone, wooden spoons, copper utensils and many such relive an era gone by.
Figueiredo House
This ancestral house experience reflects the lifestyle enjoyed by families that were relatively affluent. The ultimate mansion that showcases an affluent family is the Figueiredo House. The ornate structure that dates to the pre-Taj Mahal era is unique as the same family lineage has maintained their home and their intriguing historical legacy.
Over successive generations, the Figueiredos extended the majestic home as they were bestowed the privilege of the Coat of Arms by the King of Portugal. The over four-and-a-half century home has been shared as a Museum by the late stately Dona Georgina in memory of her father Vincent Joao Figueiredo. The present generation allows visitors to partake of the complete experience down the corridors of time as a boutique homestay. Special occasions and events are made memorable with exquisite detailing from the floral arrangements to the decadent meal at the venue.
Highly recommended is a personalised walkthrough of the heritage mansion, replete with high tea that the house prides itself on. Those who prefer the complete experience can opt for a boutique homestay at the ancestral home. Special occasions too are made memorable with touches that are unique to the House. For those interested in bookings, visit www.figueiredohouse.com.
Jila Bakery
Growing up as kids, post a soothing dip in the Ambora Springs, the ultimate treat was the Jila bakery’s heart-shaped sugar-sprinkled caramelised crunchy palmier cooked in their firewood oven. We called them fan biscuits. The flaky Mille Feuille bites now have a fixed range of additions such as custard eclairs, melting moments, Geneva pastries, rich plum cake to name a few.
The owner brightens up when he regales you of his childhood memories of the Star Bakery in Dadar, Mumbai, where his father worked. The landmark memory is associated and brings to Loutolim the celebrity film clientele who connect the offerings to the great times of their era. The owner laments that basic ingredients are not of the quality that they used to be.
There’s a lunch break from 1pm. It is best to pre-order.
For more information, contact: 0832777224
There is so much and enough is inadequate to describe the treasure trove that keeps unfolding in SoGo. Go and savour Goa’s best sensual feasts to your heart’s content.