Fontainhas Panaji

A little Portuguese in the very heart of Panaji city. This is actually what Fontainhas is. The only area in entire Goa where you get a picture of how Goa actually looked like during Portuguese rule. This is all thanks to beautiful Portuguese style row houses and bungalows that are clattered one after another here like an art exhibition. And these houses are indeed like living art exhibition, as they exhibit the rich history of Goa and architectural marvel that Portuguese have left behind in this place.


Here all the houses bear traditional colors of pale yellow, green or blue and almost all houses have red-tiled roofs. And of course you’ll also spot typical European style overhanging balconies. While taking a tour of these strangely beautiful houses you’ll feel either that Goa is still under Portuguese rule, or else you’ll feel that you’re somewhere in Europe and not in India. And it is indeed these strange yet pleasant feelings that this place brings forth that makes this place so much worth visiting.

There is no best time to visit Fontainhas, but if you really want to feel the charm of this place then we’d advice you to visit on Sunday morning. On Sunday morning most residents here go to nearby churches for Sunday mass and hence during this time this place isn’t really overcrowded. However, visiting during peak hour is also not at a bad idea, as you’ll get dine and shop in some fine restaurants and shops located in and around Fontainhas area. Do remember this area is located in the very heart of Panaji city and hence there are no dearth good restaurants and shops here.

Overall, Fontainhas is for all those who are diehard art and history lovers or anyone who want to take detour from regular beaches and churches of Goa. Fontainhas’s maze of lanes with strangely beautiful Portuguese houses will surely linger in your memories for years to come.