Goa has more to offer than its coastline fun, frolic, and relaxation. There is another side of the city that preserves its genesis, the culture that is preserved in various forms through the last few centuries. One of them that stands the trials of time is Goa’s Latin quarter of Fontainhas at the heart of Panjim city. It is well known for the colorful Portuguese-style houses standing across narrow lanes. The beautiful street art on the walls compliments the hues of bright-colored houses.
There are various small cafes and restaurants to relax and grab a bite, but just taking a stroll down the narrow lanes is quite refreshing. For photography enthusiasts like myself, it offers plenty of opportunities to capture the colorful vibe. I visited the place during noon hours where the colors reflect as they are. I’m not entirely sure how they would emerge during the golden sunset hours. Maybe that’s something to check out once on a future trip. Irrespective of that, it’s what you can call one of the topmost Instagram-able places!
One of the surprising facts about my trip was that I had visited this place a few years back with friends, but solely with the intention of dining at a restaurant. I had never heard much about this place at this time, and like most of the others, for me, Goa was all about beaches.
You might want to know about a few things before exploring the lanes of Fontainhas. Be cognizant of the residents and respect their privacy. While the outdoor streets are open to exploration and photography activities, resist intruding into any porticos or similar private areas. Keep your social activities simple and silent as much as you can. The lanes are narrow, and more conveniently covered through two-wheelers, though there are certain pockets to park your car. Either way, ensure you are not directly obstructing any movements of the residents and businesses around.
I was traveling light and did not carry my entire lens kit. All shots were captured using iPhone 14 Pro in default settings and post-processed mildly using Adobe Lightroom. Do check out the entire collection of full-blown clicks in my Flickr account.
In 1984, UNESCO recognized Fontainhas as a Heritage zone. It is surely a beautiful work of art that takes you on a trip down the Portuguese tradition. Do mark it on your next Goa vacation!