One of the reasons you visit Goa is to experience its serene village scenes. Aldona is a beautiful example of an enchanting small Goan village, located in the Bardez taluka of Goa. This small village gives you Europe-in-Goa vibes.
One thing that will catch your eye as soon as you enter Aldona is the statue of the famous educationist, Edward J Soares, at the roundabout.
He was the first principal of St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, founded in 1923. There is so much more that you can find as you ride through Aldona.
The entire village is simply spectacular, and you might even be a little confused as to what to visit. So, here are some specially selected sites for you to see.
1. Corjuem Fort
This fort is located around 4 kilometres from Aldona village. It is smaller than other forts in Goa. The famous Corjuem Fort was constructed in 1550 by the Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi.
It was later rebuilt during the Portuguese reign in 1705. This fort was used as a military defence for Portuguese India.
The star-shaped ground plan of this fort is an important feature in the defence architecture of Goa. Like most forts constructed in Goa, this fort is also constructed with laterite stone.
The fort is constructed in a square shape, and once you enter, you will find a huge well, ruins of what were once lodgings and a chapel dedicated to St Anthony inside the fort.
At all four corners of the fort, there are ramp-like staircases, which one can use to walk around the fort.
The fort stands at a good vantage point, and due to its positioning, it has a picturesque view of the surrounding village. Currently, the fort is closed for restoration and one cannot gain access to the inside. But from the outside, it still is a beauty.
2. Aldona-Corjuem Bridge
The Corjuem Bridge is famous as it is said to be the first cable bridge in Goa.
This bridge connects Aldona to Corjuem and beneath it is the Mapusa River. The bridge's foundation stone was laid back in 2003.
Before 2003, people would cross from Aldona to Corjuem and vice versa via a ferry service.
This beautiful bridge is around 235 metres in length and riding along this bridge, you can see the beautiful landscape of the mangroves along the Mapusa River. The view from the bridge is simply breathtaking.
3. St Thomas Church, Aldona
St Thomas Church is located around 8 kilometres from Mapusa. It is the seventh parish established by the Franciscans in Bardez, Goa. Their ministry started in Coimavaddo where they constructed the original church in the village in the year 1569.
The church on the inside is ornately decorated with symbolic murals depicting the Bible.
The church is extraordinary both inside and outside. The view from the church lawns is impressive. You have to visit the church on feast day of St Thomas which is celebrated with pomp and gaiety on the 2nd Saturday following Easter.
4. Mapusa River
The Mapusa River separates Corjuem from Aldona. The river runs below the famous Corjuem cable bridge. The banks of the river are very pleasant to sit on during the late afternoon hours.
The river was previously used to transport people across the river from Aldona to Corjuem via ferry. Now the river is mostly used by local fishermen. You can see these fishermen on the river while you sit on the riverside.
5. Aldona Creek
To get to this beautiful creek, you have to go off the Quitla road, through the village. The route to get to this creek is pretty narrow with houses on one side and open fields on the other. The scenery along this route is tranquil.
The creek has a beautiful view during the evening. Since the route is narrow and there is not a lot of area for parking, do try to ride and drive safely.
After going to all these places, you will definitely build up an appetite. Here are two places you should visit to satisfy your Goan taste buds while you are in Aldona.
6. Sai Bar and Restaurant
Sai Bar and Restaurant is a family-owned enterprise in Aldona. They have a dine-in as well as a take-away facility. The ambience of the restaurant is quiet and relaxed. The staff and service are very prompt.
Sai Bar and Restaurant is famous for its Goan cuisine. A must-try at the restaurant is the Goan fish thali. Every item of the thali is extremely appetite pleasing.
Their fried fish is also really delicious. The rechado squids are enormous, flavourful and every foodie’s dream come true.
Where: Corjuem, Aldona
Time: 11 am-3 pm & 6.30 pm-11 pm
When: Every day (closed on Mondays)
7. Blue Moon Family Restaurant and Bar
This restaurant is located right after the Corjuem cable bridge. It is a family bar and restaurant. Blue Moon is a multi-cuisine restaurant that also specialises in Goan cuisine, including fish thali.
They have a sumptuous thali so ensure you go there really hungry to enjoy it thoroughly.
Where: Corjuem, near the cable bridge, Aldona
Time: 11.30 am-3 pm & 7.30 pm-11 pm
When: Every day (closed on Thursdays)
While you are welcome to take in the charm of this quaint village, make certain that you respect the environment and don’t disrupt the beauty of this scenic village. Enjoy!