The excursions for the delegates attending the G20 meetings in Goa are extraordinary and carefully curated. Cutting across the length and breadth of Goa, across both the districts, the visiting delegates will embark on a journey through time as they explore places of interest. From museums, and beaches, to art galleries, temples and spice farms, ‘Goa in a nutshell’ is the kind of experience G20 Goa wants the foreign delegates to cherish through this travel sojourn. These excursions have been planned for the upcoming June and July meetings scheduled to be held in Goa, states a press release.
To be accompanied by knowledgeable guides, the delegates will have a captivating experience, delving into the rich heritage, history, and other aspects including architecture, folklore, and more through each place visited.
“We have put a lot of thought and effort into choosing and organising the best places for the G20 delegates to visit during their stay in Goa, to showcase the variety and richness of our state’s attractions. Goa is a treasure trove of culture, heritage and history, with influences from different regions and religions. Each destination on the itinerary has a fascinating story to tell from the past, from the colonial era, the freedom struggle, or the ancient temples. At the same time, each destination is also lively and dynamic in the present, with vibrant art scenes, festivals and communities,” says Sanjit Rodrigues, Nodal Officer (G20).
The tours include visits to the Indian Customs & GST Museum, Museum of Christian Art, Archaeological Survey of India Museum, and Goa Chitra Museum, each offering unique insights into history, culture, art, and traditions of Goa. The Indian Customs & GST Museum in Panaji showcases confiscated artifacts, ancient civilizations, and exhibits galleries on arms and ammunition, poppy cultivation, and the Dandi March of Mahatma Gandhi. The Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa, in the historic Santa Monica Complex, displays priceless artifacts including icons, paintings, carvings, and the famous Pelican Monstrance. The Archaeological Survey of India Museum in Old Goa, features 7 galleries exhibiting carved stones, statues, currencies, portraits, a Martyrdom diorama, and a navigation gallery. Fort Aguada Jail Museum in Sinquerim is a historic Portuguese fort with ocean views that has been converted into a museum.
The delegates will also get a chance to explore the Sri Vijayadurga Temple in Querim Ponda; Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple in Narva Bicholim and Sri Mahalsa Narayani Temple in Verna which are selected to understand the historical and cultural significance of these spiritual sanctuaries as well as experience the customs and rituals in the state.
No trip to Goa is complete without an outing to the beach. Keeping this in mind, the excursions will also include visits to four beautiful beaches in the state including Colva, Utorda and Benaulim in the South as well as Morjim Beach in the North.
Historic sites like Fontainhas, Mala, and Sao Tome in Panjim, a conserved residential area necessarily upgraded with a facelift as well the Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula, that symbolize the region’s past history have also been included in the list. The well-preserved Reis Magos Fort and Tiracol Fort will offer the delegates some insights into military history and stunning panoramic views of the landscape.
Delegates will also experience the rich cultural heritage of Goa with a visit to a Spice Farm in Ponda. This beautiful farm is dedicated to preserving traditional horticultural occupations and heritage wealth The Casa Figuereido in Loutolim, the oldest mansion in Goa turned into a preserved living home museum and the Fazenda Cazulo Liquor Distiller in Cansaulim will help the delegates learn about colonial history and taste some of the finest spirits that Goa has to offer.
