Literati... books with atmosphere
Frommers.com has this to say: [I]t's Literatti (E/1-282, Gaura Vaddo, Calangute; tel. 0832/227-7740; literati-goa.com) that has the atmosphere. You can sit for hours in the terrific book cafe and read or browse or buy secondhand as well as newly published works, while at the same time enjoying a delicious brownie or a tall glass of chilled kokum (fruit drink). Ask owner Divya Kapur about any upcoming events like poetry or book readings and writing workshops....
Continuing the series of book outlets in Goa, by FN.
BEST WAYS TO EXPLORE CULTURAL GOA
1. Visit a Portuguese-Goan house
The Braganza-Menezes house in Chandor is a private home that showcases the colonial splendour of 18th century Goa. The
original art, antiques, curios and furniture from colonial times on exhibition include three-century old Ming vases,
Portuguese palanquins and porcelain from Victorian England and Macau.
2. Learn about Goa’s Portuguese heritage
Your cultural tour will be incomplete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed church and cathedral complex in
Old Goa with Se Cathedral, Bom Basilica de Jesu and the Church of St. Cajetan being the main structures of significance.
3. Explore Goa’s rich history at a museum
The biggest attractions at the Goa State Museum, near the Panjim bus stand, are the two antique lottery machines and the
examples of antique Portuguese furniture including a table used by the infamous Inquisition that landed on Goan shores.
The Goa Chitra Museum in Benaulim presents the ethnography of Goa.
4. Check out live-music restaurants in Goa
To Goa, music and song is like breathing. There are plenty of restaurants where you can get music groups or one-man music
bands playing instruments and singing live. Raj Pentagon in Majorda, Nostalgia in Raia and Peppers in Margao are just
three restaurants which have live Goan.
5. Get artsy at a gallery
The Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts in Altinho, Panjim, is a non-profit initiative that promotes learning and
enjoyment of the visual arts in Goa. There is an engaging art gallery and the centre runs workshops and many interesting
talks and events throughout the year. Check out its cosy, relaxing courtyard café.
6. Discover Goa’s spicy past
Learn why colonial traders flocked to Goa centuries ago for its spice trade. Nestled among lush, green plantations in
Curti, Ponda is Sahakari Spice farm. A visit includes a 45-minute tour of the spice plantations where you’ll see cardamom,
cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and cloves among other spices growing.
7. Go book-store hopping
Broadway bookstore in Panaji and Literati Goa book store in Calangute are two character-filled, independent stores for
booklovers of every age. Literati book store in particular has a cafe and both have a lovely collection of local authors
from Goa as well as paperbacks by renowned international authors.
8. Seek out these intriguing cultural venues
Situated in Campal, Panjim, Kala Academy is Goa’s state-run cultural centre. It often runs events, some of which are free,
including plays, artist exhibitions, dance and music festivals, concerts, workshops, seminars and other events that relate
to the cultural arts.
9. Experience the beauty of the local temples
The four hundred year old Shri Mangueshi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in Ponda. The simple yet elegant
structure has a beautiful seven-story lamp tower or Deepastambha standing within the complex. Also in Ponda is the stone
pillared Shanta Durga temple which was built in the 18th century.