Goa Chitra Museum, located in the former Portuguese colony, is an ethnographic museum in Goa. It has a collection of nearly 4000 artefacts representing Goa’s traditional occupations. This museum is based in the Goan village of Benaulim. This museum was opened to the public in 2009. This museum is known to be one of the most charming attractions in Goa. This museum is home to thousands of traditional implements of vessels and tools that are centuries old and used by farmers and traditional traders. This museum is run by Victor Hugo Gomes, an artistic curator and restorer.
History And Collections Of The Museum
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Victor’s passion originally started the museum for collecting rare or discarded artefacts that always had a story to tell. While living with his grandmother, he always listened to stories about how important it is to conserve history, culture and traditions through material objects. After he graduated from the Goa College of Art, he was saddened to learn that the old traditions and objects were going extinct in his hometown. Then, he left Goa after he got a scholarship at the Lucknow College of Arts and Crafts.
Later, he learned how to restore and conserve at the INTACH Centre. After returning to Goa in 1991, he worked at the Museum of Christian Art but very soon quit his job and started collecting objects to continue his passion. A few years later, all his collections were organized and formed into the Goa Chitra Museum, as it is known today.
Must Read: Hidden Places In Goa
Plans and Eco-Uses of the Museum
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Fertilisers and pesticides are made from traditional techniques for farm waste. Solar power provides energy for the farm. The ASI has rated the Goa Chitra Museum as the topmost contemporary museum in India.
This museum acts as a main point that provides information for visitors, conducts workshops in schools and collaborates with university students and artisans to facilitate craft development for making contemporary products based on local traditions, which helps them live a dignified life and make documentation. Gomes aims to make the museum helpful for the younger generations to learn, question and share their heritage and memories by embracing them.
Places To Visit Near Goa Chitra Museum
Here are a few places to visit near the Goa Chitra Museum for an unforgettable trip.
1. Benaulim Beach
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Benaulim Beach is known to be a very quiet beach that starts at Colva Beach and is 2 km away. It is the best location for tourists to spend their peaceful time between the evergreen destinations of Goa, which is as beautiful as heaven for tourists. This beach is famous for fishing, but fewer travellers are found here. The sunset and sunrise are very beautiful, with mesmerising and relaxing views. There are many eateries that provide snacks and drinks and keep roaming around the beach to sell them.
Benaulim Beach still has the influence of Portuguese and is known as one of the hidden gems and undiscovered tourist destinations. It is a bit crowded in the evenings and at weekends, but it is the best thing about this beach, even though domestic tourists do not recognise it very well. Soaking in the sun with the mesmerising music of the beach is the best way to spend your time near this beach, which gives you a lot of satisfaction and relaxation. There are activities like parasailing, speed boating, play areas, and swimming near this beach. Restrooms, tour guides, security guards and photographers are also present at this beach for the safety of the tourists.
Location: Benaulim Beach, Goa
Distance from Goa Chitra Museum: 1.8 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Goa
2. Colva Beach
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Colva Beach, located in South Goa, extends up to 2.4 km from Bogmalo Beach to the north and Cabo de Rama Beach to the south. This beach is busy and crowded with tourists throughout the year, with many water sports activities like swimming, parasailing, banana boat rides, water scooter rides, jet ski rides, snorkelling motor boat rides, dolphin spotting and many more. Many people enjoy the Goa cuisine near the numerous sharks lining the shore and enjoy getting a sun tan.
Many tourists also prefer to go swimming here, which is efficiently observed by lifeguards. The nightlife on Colva Beach is known to be very vibrant and lively. Many people come up at dawn and stay until night, enjoying and dancing.
Location: Colva Beach, Goa
Distance from Goa Chitra Museum: 4.2 km
3. Shri Naguesh Temple
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Shri Naguesh Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Goa and is dedicated to Lord Naguesha, who is an avatar of Lord Shiva. The origins of this temple are believed to be in the year 1413, which was under the rule of Veer Pratap Devraya. This temple has been believed to be a threat of prosecution and hence it was not touched by the Portuguese and remained the same. The present structure of the temple was renovated in 1880.
The sabhamandap has a gallery on both sides with wood carvings of the events of the Ramayana on one side and the wooden images of Ashtadikpal and Gandharva on the other. There is also a reservoir located in the temple that is surrounded by palms. The reservoir is built so that a person standing in front of it can see the reflection of Lord Naguesha and the lighted lamps. It is believed that a cowboy discovered the idol of Lord Shiva, who is known to be a Swayambhu, and he would pour milk every day.
Location: CX4M+XFQ Shri Nageshi Temple, Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Ponda, Bandiwada, Goa 403401
Distance from Goa Chitra Museum: 23.6 km
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Goa
4. Sernabatim Beach
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Sernabatim Beach is an extension of Colva Beach and moves south towards Benaulim. It is very popular among tourists and famous for its quiet surroundings. This beach has one of the most beautiful sunset views and offers many activities, such as boating, swimming, hiking, dolphin watching, and more.
It is recommended to visit this place in the evenings to sit back and relax and escape the busy lives. Near the beach, there are many restaurants and shacks that serve various Goan cuisines.
Location: Sernabatim Beach, Goa
Distance from Goa Chitra Museum: 4.1 km
Further Read: Famous Beaches In Goa
Now that you have a list of things to remember while travelling to the Goa Chitra Museum, what are you waiting for? Embark on an unforgettable journey through the serene lands of Goa and explore it like never before. Pack your bags today and plan your trip to Goa to explore more amazing places.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Goa Chitra Museum
What is the Goa Chitra Museum famous for?
Goa Chitra Museum is famous for its collection of artefacts like farming tools, ancient carts, musical instruments, local pottery and many more. It is an ethnographic museum.
What is the best time to visit the Goa Chitra Museum?
The best time to visit Goa Chitra Museum is between the months of November to February because it is peak season and known to have pleasant weather to explore other places. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with an entry fee of 300 rupees.
How many types of artefacts are found at the Goa Chitra Museum?
There are nearly 4000 types of artefacts found at the Goa Chitra Museum, like farming tools, pottery vessels, musical instruments and many more that represent the culture and heritage of Goa.
How to reach the Goa Chitra museum?
By air, Goa International Airport is 24 km away from the museum. By train, Madgaon Railway Station is 3.7 km away from Goa Chitra Museum and by road, there are many local taxis, buses, or cabs available from various routes to this museum.
What are some places to visit near the Goa Chitra Museum?
There are many places to visit near Goa Chitra Museum, like Candolim Beach, Benaulim Beach, Sernabatim Beach, Shri Shanta Durga Temple, Se Cathedral and many more.
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