Goa's 400+ villages are historically important and traditionally rich. Calangute, known for the Queen of Beaches in north Goa, derives its name from the Konkani term Koli-gutti, meaning land of fishermen. It was historically referred to as Kolongutt before the Portuguese sailors who renamed the place years ago. Another possible origin of the name could be the words Konvallo-Ghott, which is mainly because the village is surrounded by coconut trees. A lovers’ paradise, Candolim Beach is a must-visit, especially with Fort Aguada nearby. Built by the Portuguese in 1912 to defend against the Dutch and Marathas, the fort, along with its church, lighthouse, and jail barracks, is now a popular tourist attraction. Choddnnem/Chudamani or Chodan/Chorao, which is a Sanskrit term meaning stunning precious stone or jewelled headwear, is renowned for its natural beauty. It is the largest among the 17 islands of Goa located along the Mandovi River. It was known as Ilha dos Fidalgos, meaning Island of Noblemen, as the Portuguese nobility found it a delightful and desirable place to reside. Renowned for its pristine shoreline, Colva is best known for the beautiful Colva Beach, celebrated for its soft white sands, coconut palms, and stunning sunsets. The name Colva is believed to come from the Konkani words Khol (bay) and va (village), aptly meaning a village by the bay.
Echoes of history and nature
Camurlim is a very picturesque village naturally set in a quiet backdrop of paddy fields with the Chapora River flowing steadily along the palm lined banks. The name Camurlim originates from the fact that this was once a village of blacksmiths or Camara-halli although there is no sign of any such tradesman here in recent times. People in the village are known for their handicrafts made from coconut palm. Carambolim, also called Karmali or Kormbolle by locals, is a quaint village famous for Carambolim Lake. Originally built for irrigation, the lake now hosts the Carambolim Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary, home to rich flora and birdlife like jacanas, moorhens, and egrets. Once the location of the capital of Chandrapur rulers which also boasts of a fort and a temple within its citadel. Chandrapur also boasts of ancient inscriptions of Bhoja kings dating back to the 3rd or 4th Century A.D. Chapora, a charming village just a few kilometers from Mapusa in North Goa, is best known for the Chapora Fort, a prominent landmark built by the Portuguese.
In Mormugao taluka, the village name Chicalim is believed to derive from the Portuguese-influenced Konkani word Chical or Chikal, meaning clay, referring to the area’s historically marshy land near the Zuari River. Famous for Window-Pane oyster and other shell fish, its ward Naquelim has three megalithic underground pits. Close to Panjim is the village called Chimbel- the name is believed to come from the Konkani word Chimb, meaning wet or soaked, likely referring to the area’s low-lying, waterlogged land near the Mandovi River and surrounding marshes. A beautiful village of Chinchinim situated on the banks of the River Sal in the Salcete district of Goa Chinchinim, known locally as Chinchone in Konkani, is believed to have taken its name from the Portuguese version of Chinch-oneam. The word chinch means tamarind tree, and many say the village may once have been brimming with these tangy trees. Others, however, believe the name comes from the local deity Chinchinath, worshipped in one of the four temples that once stood in the area; sadly they were destroyed by the colonial rule in 1567 — though the village name, thankfully, survived the test of time,
Legends, riverbanks and revolt
Situated in Dharbandora taluka, Collem, earlier known as Kulem, The Portuguese had difficulty in pronounciation of Kulem and they changed it to Colem which after liberation was changed in official gazette to Collem. The Rakshak Mallik Mahadev or Malikeshwar temple is home to the gram devata (village deity). Collem is connected to the outside via the railway station which was constructed around 1889. In north Goa Colvale hosts Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Colvale- a fort that was built in 1635 by D. Miguel de Noronha, the Viceroy of Portuguese India. The fort witnessed major battles: the Marathas captured it in 1739, but the Portuguese took it back in 1741. Heading toward Margao, just after crossing the Zuari Bridge, lies Cortalim, whose name comes from the Portuguese Corte Alinha, meaning small settlement. Formerly called Kushastali, it was an important trading and agricultural hub during Portuguese rule.
Cumbharjua is one of Goa’s scenic villages, nestled amidst the serene backwaters that give the region its tranquil charm. The village’s name is believed to originate from Cumbhar, meaning potter, and jua/juao, meaning stream or place, reflecting both the traditional occupation and geography. Cumbharjua has its share of eminent personalities and families, the most significant being the Dhume house (having 7 wells), Kenkare, Lawande and the Vitthalbhat house. The Cumbharjua canal also known as Crocodile Dundee which is a habitat for crocodiles who are in fact worshipped by the villagers in the belief that they would not attack humans. Situated near Mapusa, Cunchelim is believed to come from Cunche meaning corner or small nook and lim meaning place or settlement nestled among fields and waterways. A famous rivulet called Lover originates at the foot of the hillock above Gotniche Vau and flows down to the Kuntla Spring, offering a stunning panoramic view of the waterfall, especially during the monsoon season.
Cuncolim, also known as Kumkumahalli (village where vermilion was made), is famous for the Cuncolim Revolt against Portuguese expansion in 1583, during which five Jesuits—later called the Martyrs of Cuncolim—were killed. It was the original site of the Shree Shantadurga Temple, whose idol now resides at Fatorpa; every January/February, the annual zatra brings the Goddess’s Utsav idol back to Cuncolim in a festive procession. Visitors can also explore the Molanguinim Cave and Nayaband Lake.
To be continued...
