5 Fun Attractions In Fontainhas + Tips From A local!

Recently we started talking about Panjim (also known as Panaji) and I mentioned how long it had been since I had visited the city. Being from the South of Goa meant that trips to the north were usually few and far apart.

That meant that my knowledge about Panjim was slim at best. Since we were talking about walking the unbeaten path a few days back (which lead us to Old Goa), we decided to head out and explore Fontainhas in Panjim.

Not that it isn’t a popular tourist attraction (it is!) but it was one that we wouldn’t usually stop to explore. In retrospect we should have because so many of the captions and quotes on Goa are literally inspired by these streets. Luckily we corrected that error!

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Fontainhas Panjim

Located at the foot of the Altinho hills is a heritage area in Panjim named Fontainhas. While I have probably hustled and bustled m way through it as a child, I found that I never really stopped to look around.

A part of it is largely because to me as a Goan, the architecture of the houses around was perfectly normal and natural. At the most, I guess I would have said it was one of the more picturesque parts of the city.

Is Fontainhas Worth Visiting?

Is Fontainhas worth visiting? The fact that I spend a lot of my time wandering through the colorful streets whenever I visit the city should speak for itself. One of the things that I love about this part of town is that it is an escape from the noise.

The Latin quarters of Goa is a little oasis in the heart of the capital city. Highly recommended, very instagramable and it has this old world charm that I adore.

Is Fontainhas A World Heritage Site?

Fontainhas has some of the oldest houses in Panjim. It has often been called the Latin Quarter of Goa. The 18^th century settlement lies nestled between the foothills of Altinho and the banks of Ourem creek. Fontainhas literally means ‘Little Fountain’ when translated from Portuguese and its name is derived from the little fountain that lies at the foot of the Altinho hills.

It’s cobbled paths, quaint passageways and colorful buildings make it a beautiful place to visit. One that is steeped in years of history.

And yes… It has been demarcated by the UNESCO as a heritage zone. This is one of the many reasons why the streets are well maintained and the old houses well preserved. Another UNESCO site that is close by is the Churches of Old Goa. Definitely one that you should add to your bucket list!

P.S. It is one of the few places in the world where you can actually stay in a UNESCO heritage zone. You should also check out the other UNESCO locations in India.

Best Time To Visit Fontainhas

Fontainhas is a great place to visit at all times of the day. Yes and in the afternoons too since the streets usually have shade and remain remarkably cool. Plus there are a number of restaurants that you can catch a bite at while you are there.

Most tourists head here around 3-4 pm in the evening and this is when it starts to become crowded especially during peak travel season. Wandering around the Latin Quarters of Goa should take you approximately two hours or less.

It really depends on what you want to see. Most people spend time taking a lot of photographs because the streets are just so so pretty.

How Do You Explore Fontainhas?

Fontainhas is best explore either on foot or with a cycle. It is an easy walk around the Latin Quarters of Goa and you will not want to just drive. Plus parking isn’t that easily accessible either. A number of companies offer tours through the area. One of the most popular companies is Soul Travelling.

Things To Do In Fontainhas

One of the things about Fontainhas that will strike you as soon as you enter in it is that it is a very quiet and calm part of Panjim. In fact, it emits the susegad vibe that we Goans are famed for.

The streets here are much narrower and there is a drastic change in the scenery from the moment you turn off the main road. I guess in a way, it is like going back in time. So what do you do and see in Fontainhas?

1. Admire The Architecture Of The Buildings

I love the contrast between the white and the red on this house.

This heritage area of Panjim is famous for its architecture. So it is but obvious that one of the top things to do in Fontainhas is to walk around and take note of the old Goan houses that line the streets. The contrast that these colourful houses make with cobbled roads is gorgeous.

Some of the houses have a balcao or an outdoor porch/balcony. Others do not. The iconic balcao is where people sit to sip their tea and chat with friends, neighbors and relatives. It is a place where memories are made.

The colourful walls of the houses provide a gorgeous backdrop for photographs. In fact, Fontainhas is one of the most iconic spots that gets featured on many people’s Instagram profiles. Make sure to pair them with some epic captions and quotes about Goa before you put out your pics up.

Watch the walls though and don’t dirty them with your handprints or shoe prints. Remember that you are posing next to someone’s home so be respectful.

2. Visit The Noteworthy Sights In Fontainhas Panjim

I highly recommend walking around the different lanes and checking out the different sights on your own. There are however a few noteworthy buildings that deserve a mention. These are a couple of spots that you will find are either extremely scenic or have some history attached to them.

Gallery Gitanjali

The iconic Gallery Gitanjali

If you use Google maps, you will find it easy to locate Gallery Gitanjali. We however found it just as we were strolling by. The building piqued our curiosity and since it was open to the public, we thought why not enter inside. We had the time and we were curious. Admission into Gallery Gitanjali is free but bear in mind that photography is not allowed inside.

The Gallery Gitanjali is housed in one of the old renovated buildings in Fontainhas. It contains artwork by local and overseas artists. In fact, you will notice that some of the artwork is also on sale. The Gallery also hosts events and workshops throughout the year.

These events cover history and film appreciation, book and poetry reading, book launches, art and theatre workshops, etc. It is a short stop on your way through the heritage zone.

The Panjim Inn

Panjim Inn is another iconic spot.

The Panjim Inn is another iconic landmark in Fontainhas Panjim. This building was constructed in the 1880s and is among the first big colonial mansions in the area. It is located walking distance away from the Gallery Gitanjali and can easily be added to part of your walk around the heritage site.

The Panjim Inn was built by a successful businessman named Francis Assis D’Silveria. The building remained in the family for 5 generations. It was in 1986 that the building was renovated and restored.

The family aimed to preserve the old world charm that building exuded and as you can see, they succeeded.

Igreja De Sao Sebastiao

St. Sebastian Chapel in Fontainhas.

The St. Sebastian’s Chapel is one of the iconic places to visit in Fontainhas. The inner sanctum of the chapel was under repairs when we visited but the exterior was still as gorgeous as ever. What really blew my mind was how old the chapel was.

Would you believe that it was built in 1880? St. Sebastian’s Chapel continues to be a place of worship and remains so well cared for that the years haven’t taken as much of a visual toll on it.

4. Cafes And Local Shops Along The Way

If you find yourself hungry or thirsty while you are walking along the cobbled roads, there are numerous little nooks and crannies that house some gorgeous littles cafes and local shops. These venues boast of the local delicacies that can be enjoyed over a cup of coffee or tea. Definitely something that you should sink your teeth in.

5. The Picturesque Well

A glimpse of the picturesque well at Fontainhas.

While we were wandering around we came across a gorgeous well by the side of the road. It reminded of the days when people would draw water from them if the taps ran dry. I still remember being taught the technique to get the bucket to fill up.

As a child it was so much fun. As an adult I guess everyone thought it was a lot of work. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. This well is located right at the side of the road and isn’t covered up like many of the wells that you see around.

That means that you should be extra careful and not try any shenanigans unless you want to fall in.

Love Fontainhas But Don’t Know Where To Stay?

It is hard not fall in love with Panjim’s Fontainhas. Should you feel like staying in the Latin Quarter of Goa, you will find that there are a surprising number of options that are available.

We did not stay there since we are from Goa, but we did notice that many of the old Goan houses had been revamped in order to accommodate tourists.

The Panjim Inn is a prime example of that. It gives you the chance to enjoy the old Goan vibe in the heart of the capital city. A big bonus is the fact that it is quite centrally located.

I loved wandering around Panjim’s Fontainhas. For many it may be a tourist attraction but for me it was symbolic of a world gone by. One that was relatively preserved by time. A world that we as Goans take for granted sometimes because it is just one aspect of our daily lives. I guess sometimes you need to stop and look through at your surroundings through other people’s perspectives.

Take A Tour Through Fontainhas

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (364 Reviews) Price: $12.5 per person Duration:2 hours 30 minutes 📍Meeting Point: India Post Panjim Head Post Office Details: Read more on Viator!

The best part about this tour is that you can head to one of the oldest houses in the area and wander around it. You can also visit the St Sebastian Chapel. It was constructed way back in 1880. The tour through the chapel is pretty cool.

I haven’t even covered all the little things that you will see along the way. So if you want a guide through Fontainhas, don’t hesitate and book this tour!

Note: The photographs in this post belong to Darius Fernandes who is a professional photographer specializing in photography in Goa. If you make it to Goa and are looking for a destination photoshoot, consider reaching out to him. He is really good at putting people at ease in front on the camera. You can get in touch with him on Instagram or contact him at +91 7743829210.

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