Quepem, is easily one of those towns which generally exists in one’s imagination! A main road, Municipal office, police station, lots of greenery, colourful little bungalows, people in no hurry to reach anywhere or to finish any incomplete work – just picture perfect! Situated less than 50 kms distance from Panjim, this town of Quepem is said to have been established in AD 1787, by Portuguese nobleman José Paulo who was also the dean (Deão) of the church. Quepem believed to have been covered by forest in those days turned into an arable when the Deão shifted his base from Old Goa to Quepem and established a hamlet.

It is believed that this dean built an unostentatious yet spacious house on the banks of the Kushavati River in AD 1787, for his occasional stay here in Quepem which later came to be known as ‘Palácio Do Deão’. A walk with Mr.Ruben who is currently maintaining this marvellous piece of history, promises to be interesting and amusing as he takes us along the corridors, palatial rooms and the peaceful and excellently maintained garden around this unique bungalow. Palácio do Deão a restored Portugal bungalow today, happens to be a rare blend of Indo-Portugal architecture. The antique furniture, elegant drapes, artefacts, kitchenware, the open garden dining hall, the glass cupboards stacked with books, luxurious lush green gardens – all make for an engaging visit to this heritage bungalow.

Hidden in the true sense, this 12th century Mahadev temple located in the heart of the jungle is supposed to be the only surviving Kadamba period temple in Goan territory. Based at the foot of hills Ghat Anmod that connects Goa to Karnataka state, in a small village in Tambdi Surla within the thick forests of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, this Shaivite temple is about 65 Kms from Panjim. Rarely visited by the tourists, this c.1271 petite temple is built in black basalt which was carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau.

Modestly ornate, this Hemadpanthi architectural styled Shiva temple is characterized by the east-facing entrance, a Nandi mandapa (pillared hall with the Nandi bull idol), antarala (connecting hall) and the garbhagriha (inner sanctum sanctorum) where the Shivling is placed. The pillars inside the Nandi mandapa have some muted carvings and some exclusively elegant sculpture. The ruins of the shikhara (tower) can be seen from outside, on the inner sanctum sanctorum. Dense forest for a surrounding, gurgling Surla river flowing close by and the picturesque valley amidst the mountainous terrain hails this as an offbeat place of interest.

It is the old district or the Latin quarter that is the essence of the Portugal Goa. Narrow lanes dotted with many small bakeries & cafes, peaceful streets with most colorful and extremely well-maintained 18th and 19th century Portuguese styled bungalows coloured with lovely yellows, subdued greens and bright blues, houses with those overhanging cute but small balconies, pretty windows with flower plants, a beautiful church – yes, that’s Fontainhas for you. A world in its own, even as it is located at very close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the Panjim city, the streets of Fountainhas is rarely walked or visited by travellers who walk along the sandy beach of Miramar closeby. Built on reclaimed land and located at the foot of the Altinho Hills, Fontainhas exudes the feel of a charming Mediterranean city.

An interesting belief is that a Goan expatriate named Antonio Joao de Sequeira (nicknamed Mossmikar) established Fontainhas in the 18th Century. Less known but fascinating fact happens to be – during Portuguese rule, every urban resident was mandated by law to paint his house every year after the monsoons; this practice is still continued as a tradition. (Wikipedia)