Get a glimpse of colonial heritage of Goa

Over the course of centuries, this tiny paradise on the western coast of India, which was once famously known as 'the Rome of the East', came under the reign of numerous dynasties and kingdoms.

Among all of these, the Portuguese had the longest reign in Goa. Perhaps the most famous, fascinating and significant thing that the Portuguese left behind is the 16-17th century churches of Old Goa, which have resulted in Old Goa being declared the only UNESCO World heritage site in Goa.

The Portuguese may have left the shores of Goa decades ago, but in some parts of the state, you can still get a taste of the ambience of those days. The brightly-coloured homes in this pocket of Panjim are built in the Indo-Portuguese style, with intricate detailing which give visitors an insight into a bygone era.

These houses in vivid hues, are just an example of how the Portuguese left their mark on the homes and buildings in Goa.

Preparations such as the delightful sweets, bebinca, doce and perad, were introduced to Goan kitchens by the Portuguese.

From art to architecture to music, the influence of the Portuguese can be seen in almost all spheres of life in Goa, and are an inseparable part of the land. Goa is a veritable melting pot of centuries of cultural influences, making it intriguing and attractively different from the rest of the country.