Chandor is home to some of the largest, architecturally elaborate and intricately designed mansions. Two noteworthy mentions are the Braganza House built in the 17th century and the Sara Fernandes mansion that dates back to the pre-Portuguese period. The massive length of the Braganza House is divided into two: East and West wings belonging to two different family clans.

Manguesh Temple: This temple had its origins in Kushasthali Cortalim, a village in Saxty (Salcette), which fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543. Since then, the temple has been shifted, rebuilt and renovated twice, first during the reign of the Marathas and yet another time in the year 1890. The final renovation occurred in the year 1973 when a golden kalasha (holy vessel) was fitted atop the tallest dome of the temple.

Divar Island: A visit to the island of Divar offers plenty of soul-stirring moments and countless memories. Once you’re there, you want to keep returning to the endless green pastures, lose yourself to the charming surroundings with Indo-Portuguese homes sitting pretty next to each other or take a few minutes to pause and reflect under the old iconic mango tree. Divar is a storehouse of history, much of it still hidden and unexplored. It has been home to several Goans who have excelled in the field of literature, music and business. The chunk of land cocooned by the river Mandovi encompasses the Comunidades of Piedade, Malar and Goathias. It’s said that the inhabitants originally came from Old Goa, inhabitants who fled the then capital after the plague.

Canacona: Wide stretches, pristine, sparkling blue waters and radiant sunsets await you in Goa’s extreme South. The taluka, although not a part of the mainstream tourism belt, takes you closer to these elements.