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Goa Chitra Museum, established in Benaulim is an open-air ethnography museum which depicts the Goan lifestyle and their traditions. It was founded by Victor Huge Gomez, whose major focus was to dedicate a museum to his Portuguese people. It has over 4000 items including woodwork, metalwork, weapons, furniture, religious goa artefacts and other trinkets. It also features an organic farm. Goa Chitra regularly engages in workshops/activities to educate people and propagate the culture of Goa to the community. This museum has been named by the Archaeological Survey of India as the best modern museum in the country.
Quick Details
Goa Chitra Museum Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Goa Chitra Museum Ticket Price: 100 for Indian citizens, 300 for foreign citizens, 50 for students and senior citizens
Goa Chitra Museum Address: H.No. 498, Near Auxilium High School, Benaulim, Goa 403716
How To Reach Goa Chitra Museum
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Dabolim Airport (Goa International Airport) is the nearest airport about 23 km from the museum. After that, you can get a taxi or even hire a car to get to the museum.
By Train: Madgaon Railway Station is the nearest railway station is Margao, situated at a distance of approximately 6 km from the museum. After that, you can hire a taxi, auto rickshaw, or even rent a bike.
By Road: The museum is accessible from different parts of Goa. The journey from Margao should take approximately 15 minutes depending on the traffic situation.
What To See At Goa Chitra Museum
Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
Ethnographic Collection: Over 4000 objects that embody the Goan rural way of life are displayed at the museum. Chronological artefacts of archaeological importance such as tools, farm implements, potteries and other articles that reflect the rural lifestyle of Goa are displayed here.
Vintage Vehicles: Some of the interesting exhibits here include old transport models such as bullock carts, palanquins, and carriages. These are displayed along with the explanation of their significance that was once used in rural Goa.
Folk Instruments: There is an area that presents different forms of Goan traditional musical instruments such as ghumat, dhol and shenai among others. These instruments are quite important in Goan folk music and their religious rituals.
Agricultural Tools And Implements: There is also a section in the Goa Chitra Museum for agricultural tools and implements, the kind of tools that were used by Goan farmers. The material displayed in the exhibits provides information on the pre-colonial farming-based Goan economy.
Traditional Goan Artifacts: The museum has a fairly rich collection of Goan artefacts such as utensils, religious items and furniture which were considered traditional Goan. These artefacts depict the kind of culture that prevailed in Goa during the time of Indian and Portuguese colonisation.
Pottery Section: The museum has a special corner for pottery and several types of traditional clay pots and utensils were used in Goan households. The curation of pots demonstrates how pottery was used in everyday life and ceremonies.
Interactive Workshops: The museum sometimes conducts workshops on Goan crafts, pottery making and other traditional Goan customs. These sessions offer an opportunity for activities that allow the visitors to engage with the elements of Goan heritage.
Places To Visit Around Goa Chitra Museum
These places to visit include beaches, churches and forts to learn about the culture and witness views.
1. Benaulim Beach
Photo: Richard Randall / Wikimedia Commons
The beach is a long stretch of virtually unoccupied sand and nicely arranged beach chairs. It is phenomenal for those who wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of other over-crowded beaches in North Goa. It is famous for water activities and dolphin sighting tours. Fishing is popular at Benaulim Beach which is why there are many temporary beach huts and shacks here, offering scrumptious fish dishes. This beach does not change its pace and keeps being rather quiet even during summer when other similar places attract numerous visitors.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
2. Church Of The Holy Spirit
Photo: Fredericknoronha / Wikimedia Commons
Church Of the Holy Spirit is a 17th-century Portuguese church in Goa and is historically considered one of the oldest churches of Margao. The site was consecrated to a Hindu deity, Lord Damodar, before the construction of the church; however, before the church was built the Portuguese vandalised the shrine. It was further destroyed several times by the Muslim Army till finally, the structure that currently stands was completed in 1675. It has great architectural design and religious value that attract the attention of people across the globe.
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 7 PM
Distance From The Museum: 4 km
3. Rachel Fort And Seminary
Photo: Tama66 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The fort was first constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate and then the Portuguese used it as the defensive structure. While much of it has fallen today, the ruins which are found depict the historical value of the area. Located next to the fort is the Rachol Seminary which was founded in the 16th century and is functional even now. It is a historical building that has served the purpose of training priests for the Roman Catholic Church.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
4. Monte Hill
Photo: Fredericknoronha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Monte Hill is situated in Margao, Goa. This hill is for people who enjoy the outdoors and an easy hike will lead you up the hilltop. This place is the highest in the entire town and if you want to view the whole city or even beyond, this place will grace your vision with a spectacular view. There are a couple of benches around where you can sit and look at the calming sight. If you want to get out of the busy tourist town for a couple of hours, Monte Hill is where you should be!
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Museum: 4.9 km
5. Margao Municipal Garden
Photo: Amey hegde / Wikimedia Commons
Margao Municipal Garden remains one of the most attractive and well-maintained public parks in the middle of the city. It is an area which is most preferred by city residents as well as tourists because of the calm atmosphere, greenery, tidy lawns, and brightly coloured flowers. The garden is suitable for strolling, rest, and social interactions. It has benches, shaded areas, and fountains, which provide a rather quiet and meditative environment compared to the density of the commercial areas in Margao.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Distance From The Museum: 2.9 km
6. Martin’s Corner
Photo: Aakka / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Martin’s Corner is famous for serving delicious Goan food along with having a very colourful and dynamic environment. It has its origin in the year 1989; the place is one of the most popular sites for visitors. The restaurant provides services in a comfortable atmosphere accompanied by live music, which makes the place lively while eating local cuisine. To anyone who wants to try the spices of Goan cuisine, Pork Vindaloo and Chicken Cafreal are delicious dishes. For desserts, do not go without trying the Bebinca, a coconut-based multi-tiered cake that is intrinsic to Goan cuisine.
Timings: 12 PM – 3:30 PM; 7 PM – 11 PM
Distance From The Museum: 6 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Lachlan Ross / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For a comfortable stay, The Diwa Club in Majorda is a few km away from the museum. The Leela Goa, situated in Cavelossim about 10 km from the museum, is a luxury resort offering luxurious accommodations and scenic views. For those seeking a more homely environment, Soul Vacation in Betalbatim about 5 km from the museum is a boutique hotel that has a relaxed ambience.
Where To Eat
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For dining, Anoshka’s restaurant in Vasco da Gama offers a selection of Goan and Indian dishes. For seafood, Sandpat Beach Shack in Betalbatim serves delicious meals situated near the beach. Also, Fishka in Benaulim is famous for its delicious food with a special emphasis on seafood and Goan food items.
Other Factors To Consider
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When planning a visit to the Goa Chitra Museum Goa, consider the following:
- Guided Tours: Consider if guided tours are available. They offer more information about the exhibits.
- Climate: Goa has a coastal tropical climate that can be hot and humid during the summer season. It is recommended to wear informal apparel and possibly pack water or other beverages.
- Etiquette: Refrain from touching the artefacts, as they are fragile, and remember to follow the museum etiquette.
Museums can transport one to the past almost instantly, and Goa Chitra Museum is no different. It presents an insight into the culture and history of Goans with the help of various artefacts and a brilliant, engaging insight into the past. If you want a hassle-free tour of Goa, then book your trip with TripXL and discover the rich heritage and colour of the place.
Cover Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
