Visit Chandor and walk through time

GT Digital

RIDE THROUGH CHANDOR

Located in South Goa, the ancient city of Chandrapura - now referred to as Chandor - holds immense significance in the history of Goa. So, let's take a ride through the village to know a little bit of Goan history.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | | Photo: Stella D'Souza

ANCIENT CAPITAL CITY

Before the arrival of the Portuguese, Chandor served as the capital city of Goa under the Bhoja and Kadamba dynasties (3rd-4th to 11th century). Positioned near the banks of river Khushavati, Chandor flourished as a port town under the Kadambas.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | Amcient capital | Photo: Vrutha Karmali

RIVER KHUSHAVATI

The closeness to river Khushavati was a major contributor to Chandor’s prosperity as a capital city. As a medium of transportation, the river boosted trade and commerce during the ancient times.

Goa | Chandor | Village | River | Navigation | Photo: Stella D'Souza

RUINS OF SHIVA TEMPLE

The Kadambas were devotees of Lord Shiva and the remains of the 11th-century Shiva Temple can be found in the middle of village Chandor Cotta.

Goa | Chandor | Village | Shiva | Temple ruins | Photo: Stella D'Souza

THE NANDI

Within the enclosure, an ancient figure of Nandi - the sacred bull of Lord Shiva - can be found. This place is now declared an archaeological site of national importance.

Goa | Chandor | Village | Nandi | Hinduism | Photo: Stella D'Souza

THE QUEEN'S CURSE

The village is full of myths and legends - one such being the Kadamba queen’s curse. The stone bearing the alleged footprints of the queen is still preserved by the village.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | Legends | Photo: Vrutha Karmali

NOSSA SENHORA DE BELEM IGREJA

Also known as the Our Lady of Bethlehem Church in English, it highlights the spread of Christianity in this part under the Portuguese. The church is well known for hosting the Three Kings feast every year on the 6th of January.

Goa | Chandor | Village | Church | Catholicism | Photo: Vrutha Karmali

MAAND FOR MUSSOLL KHEL

Another site of cultural significance is the maand - the starting point of a popular village folk festival, Mussoll Khel. The festival begins here by offering prayers to the deity and performing the first dance.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | Tradition | Photo: Vrutha Karmali

THE BRAGANZA HOUSE

This popular heritage house dates back to the 17th century. Its beautiful architectural design highlights Portuguese influence and the artefacts and rare pieces of furniture add to its historical significance.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | Royal | Photo: Vrutha Karmali

FERNANDES HOUSE

It is one of the oldest houses which sports a blend of early Hindu and Portuguese cultures and is associated with the history of conversion.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | Heritage | Photo: Stella D'Souza

SAIL THROUGH TIME

Be sure to visit Chandor to learn about its glorious past in a more engaging and interesting way.

Goa | Chandor | Village | History | River | Photo: Stella D'Souza

NEXT: You haven't enjoyed Sao Joao, if you didn't try these traditional sweets