This big Goan village gets its name from rooms on the river bank

VILLAGE SPECIAL

Goa is dotted with several charming villages, but there's one which stands out. Curtorim, an agrarian village in South Goa, is famously known as the 'Granary of Salcete'.

WHAT'S IN A NAME

The name 'Curtorim' is thought to have been derived from the word kudds (the Konkani word for 'rooms'), a reference to the ones built on the banks of the river (which translates to toddir in Konkani).

THE BIG PICTURE

Its vast tracts of agricultural land, coupled with seven lakes, makes Curtorim village unique.

HISTORY CLASS

Did you know that the Shanta Durga Chamundeshwari temple and St Alex Church were built close to the Angddi lake?

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS

In this village, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated every December, and is popularly known as Keleachem Fest (Feast of Bananas).

COCONUT TREES WITH A VIEW

The road leading to the Curtorim market offers some great views of the countryside, and are lined with rows of coconut trees framing the path.

FAITH AND A SLUICE GATE

A famous little chapel at Maina Curtorim, Khandi Khuris (which means 'Cross near the Sluice gate' in Konkani) is believed to be miraculous, and has been venerated by the local community for years. 

NEXT: It's all about sun, sand and Goa's enticing beaches