Casa Menezes

preserved!

Goa Chitra's Artifact of the day: Soreachi Bhatti or Distillation unit

Did you know that Caju Feni, Coconut Feni and Urrak were indirectly introduced by the Portuguese and the Jesuits? It is believed that nearly 500 years ago, the Portuguese came bearing the Cashew Apple tree from Brazil, and with them came the Jesuits who introduced the concept of alcohol distillation!

Originally called 'Launecho Soro', Coconut Feni started with toddy or 'Sur' while Caju Feni and Urrak started with the juice of cashew apples that was kept to ferment for three days in clay or porcelain pots, called ‘monn’ or ‘jhallo’.

It was then boiled in a big earthen pot called ‘bhann’ with the mouth sealed with a wooden stopper called ’mhorannem’. The vapours from the ‘bhann’ passed through a tube called ‘nolli’, made from ‘bonnki’ stem or a clay tube, and then collected in a clay distillation pot called ‘launi’ that was placed in a open clay vessel called ‘kodem’ filled with water.

Once drunk widely in Goa and one of the main sources of revenue for the government, ‘launecho soro’ is no longer produced today. Khumbhars or Potters no longer or hardly know the techniques of producing the ‘monn’, ‘bhann’ or ‘launi’ while most Rendhers or Toddy tappers no longer climb trees to tap and distill.

Goa Chitra has taken great effort to conserve and consolidate Goa's only surviving traditional distillation unit or 'Bhatti' made of all natural materials. This unit is very close to our hearts as it represents the collective wisdom of multiple generations and trades that is slipping away like countless other forgotten foods, forgotten stories and forgotten professions.

This is something all you Birders out there will enjoy!

The 6th edition of Bird Festival of Goa is scheduled on 27th, 28th and 29th Jan 2023 at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla-Goa.

Come bird with us & discover the natural beauty of Goa!

Celebrate the return of migratory birds and local Avi faunal diversity in the midst of winter season while enjoying field trips, events and free family activities for all ages and abilities in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and throughout Goa!

The State of Goa nestled in Western ghats in the east and Arabian Sea to its west is synonymous the world over as a tourist destination drawing people in droves from far and near to explore its serenity, the wide expanse of pristine beaches and resorts stretching from north to south over a coastline that is 105 km long. The Western ghats constitute one of the 25 mega biodiversity hot spots in the world and by virtue of its location, the State represent a unique confluence of two diverse ecosystems, one influenced by marine environment and the other by the terrestrial forests resulting in astonishing diversity of species with high endemism, habitats and diversity.
Around 1250 sq km of the State’s geographical area of 3702 sq km is comprised of forests that range from evergreen & semi-evergreen vegetation seen in patches along the high altitude to plateau vegetation of deciduous or leaf shedding species confined to low altitudes. Estuarine vegetation comprising of mangroves characterize the estuaries. These forests shelter the biodiversity which manifests itself either as giant Matti (Terminalia crenulata), the State tree or a tiny blood sucking leech to Southern bird wing butterfly or a small green bee-eater to king cobra or the tiger all trudging merrily through the State’s wilderness. 20.04% of the geographical area of State is constituted into Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs) spread over 755 sq km that we know as Sanctuaries and National Park. While the stroll or drive through the WLPAs provides chance encounters with wildlife, it is time well spent even amidst the peace and quiet of dense forests. Goa has 6 sanctuaries and 1 national park. The names of sanctuaries are Bhagwan Mahaveer, Madei, Netravali, Cotigao, Bondla and Salim Ali while the name listed first also denotes a national park in the State. The Bison aka Gaur(Bos gaurus) is the State animal while the Ruby throated yellow bulbul(Pycnonotus gularis) has the distinction of being the State bird.

Bird watching tourism or avi-tourism is a niche sector of the nature-based tourism and is an emerging sub-sector of the nature-based tourism industry, where tourists travel motivations are focused around bird watching The birding sector is a booming industry worth approx 1204 billion rupees on bird-related vacation, which shows that this market is not one to be overlooked and a great industry to be involved in. Goa Forest Department has been accredited with the responsibility of developing and promoting the state’s bird sanctuary, wild life sanctuaries and national park, as preferred destinations for bird lovers, photographers, bloggers, nature enthusiasts and tourists. The Forest department plays a proactive role in showcasing its bio- diversity to various stake holders be it the student community, youth, residents of the State or the visitors from outside through Awareness campaigns and eco-tourism. As a step in this direction, the Forest Department is hosting the 6th Bird Festival of Goa in the month of January, 2023.
Visit - www.birdfestival.goa.gov.in

We are making ourselves as child friendly as possible now that we have reopened our doors to guests. Lucas did teach us a lot about everything parents would need, and have to carry, while on a holiday. Let us lighten your load and make your vacation with your kid a great experience. One that is pleasurable to Mom, Dad and the baby as well!

Down The Roads, Riverfront Restaurant and Bar is finally open post Pandemic and has all the necessary precautionary measures in place to make sure you have a safe diningexperience. It is he largest open space seating Restaurant in the city of panjim. Its back with a fresh Avatar to serve you scrumptious food and drinks from Goa and beyond. Also finally something the owner agreed with me on. Don't you love that flooring and random Ajulezos pattern on the stairs?

Special contactless e-menu on QR codes at each table. Stay safe and socialise responsibly

O vida de Praia! Bambolim and Siridao beachs are the closest beaches to us, they are not commercial beaches. Thats what makes them special, at a time when you should stay away from crowds.

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The Old Murphy Radio and Classic Mini Cufflinks- something Mrs. Menezes got me. She even painted them Old English white to match the color of our 850 MK1, a car that has passed down 4 generations, with 61 years of motoring heritage.

Oh Goa I love the architectural gems you hold ♡

Goa. There is something about you that feels like home. ❤ it just feels right.

Things to do with your kids!

6 spectacular activities to do in Goa with children ⋆ Greaves India India's beach state has more than enough culture to fill a bed-time story. Here are the best activities for families in Goa with children.