Goa Local Waluscha De Sousa Shares Her Local Secrets

Waluscha De Sousa, model

While tourists stick to the sand-strip, those who know Goa well take their friends elsewhere!

^{Walk down tiny streets, past old houses, at Fontainhas, Old Goa.} 

In Panjim, I take guests to Fontainhas in Old Goa. We walk down the tiny streets, past old houses, admiring the gorgeous Portuguese architecture that’s been preserved remarkably. I then take people to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where St Xavier’s sacred relics still rest. Given that he’s the patron saint of Goa, this is one place that shouldn’t be missed.

Close to sunset, there’s nothing like a boat ride at Nerul. You hop into a small boat, which takes you up and down the river. It’s lush, peaceful, and far removed from the crowd.

Finally, I take my guests to the Mapusa Friday Market and the Saturday Night Market in Arpora. In Mapusa, you can buy local vegetables, old Goan clay pots, masalas and suchlike. The night market though is the crazy, funky side of Goa. People come from all over to sell all kinds of things. From food to art to music—it’s all here. Just the place to hang out on a Saturday night.