Haveli Quarters Heritage Walk
About the experience
Discover a centuries-old locale in the former Portuguese territory of Diu with a heritage trail through its residential buildings locally known as ‘Havelis’. Once a prominent hub of maritime trade, the neighborhood is home to a rich multi-cultural heritage – showcasing unique East African influences while still remaining rooted to local Indian traditions.
Highlights
- Get a vivid introduction to the Haveli Quarters and its evolution through history.
- Marvel at the unique architecture that bears influences from India to Mozambique.
- Immerse yourself in intriguing stories about various streets and havelis as well as the diverse communities of Vaniyas (traders), Vanzas (weavers) and Darjis (tailors) who inhabited them.
- Visit beautiful heritage buildings, some of which have now been converted into temples.
Haveli Quarters Heritage Walk
From ₹100/person
Haveli Quarters Heritage Walk
₹100
Dive deep into the spellbinding history and heritage of the Haveli Quarters – a centuries-old locale within the former colonial Portuguese territory of Diu.
Description
Need help to choose an experience, or combine multiple experiences to make a day of it, or make group bookings for 20+ people?
Call: +91 9764972646
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- Experience led by a knowledgeable local storyteller.
- Learn about the colonial history of Diu.
- Introduction to various monuments and memorials.
- Entry into ASI sites and heritage buildings.
- As part of the documentation purposes for Diu Smart City Ltd., our storyteller will be taking photographs during the walk which will later be shared with our guests.
FAQ’s
- What time does the experience start?
Fixed departure experiences are available everyday at 8:00am and 5:00pm. - How do we reach the meeting point at Zampa Gate?
The location link will be sent to your mobile along with the details of the experience and the name and contact number of your storyteller. - Is there parking available?
Yes. There is ample parking space around the meeting point. - Can this experience be done using a vehicle?
While we ideally recommend this experience through a walk, we understand that some travelers may have physical limitations. A vehicle tour can be done as a private experience where we will ensure that the quality of the experience remains as close as possible to the heritage walk. - Will we be entering any Havelis / residential homes?
Visit inside Havelis / residential homes may not alway be possible, as it is strictly based on prior permission and availability of the local residents. - Can we consume beer / other alcoholic drinks during the experience?
No. It is not recommended to consume alcohol during the heritage walk. - Is photography permitted?
Yes, photography is permitted. However, while doing so travellers must take care not to trespass on private property and to respect the privacy of the local residents. For our documentation purposes our storyteller will be clicking photographs during the walk, which will later be shared with our guests. - Do we need to wear face masks?
It is mandatory to wear face masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing in all public spaces. - Are Covid-19 protocols followed during the heritage walk?
All Covid-19 safety precautions will be taken by us. Our Storytellers are all double vaccinated, wear face masks, maintain social distance and avoid physical contact. All enclosed spaces will be sanitized by us. - Are washrooms available?
There are a few Cafes and Restaurants within a few minutes drive of the meeting point, and washrooms can be used with permission from the management.
Our Storytellers
Our experiences are led by passionate, professional, English-speaking local storytellers.
4.9
Based on 3667 reviews
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Adiya Graf
07:15 17 Mar 26
We did the tour through the Fontainhas area with Calvin, and it was excellent! He was highly engaging, the area was beautiful, and we learnt so many interesting facts about the area, history, architecture and food. Would highly recommend!
Adam Marsh
07:12 17 Mar 26
Great tour, Calvin was very knowledgeable and was a lovely way to spend the morning
poulomi nandi
07:12 17 Mar 26
It was an amazing experience, Our story teller was Calvin who was a great host. We had a lot of fun and it ended with a musical note.
Anik Biswas
07:11 17 Mar 26
Amazing trip .
Our storyteller Calvin made it extremely interesting with all the little details of Fontainhas.
I would surely want to connect with Calvin and Make It Happen on my next trip to Goa.
Our storyteller Calvin made it extremely interesting with all the little details of Fontainhas.
I would surely want to connect with Calvin and Make It Happen on my next trip to Goa.
Amanda Gillingham
07:10 17 Mar 26
Calvin was a great story teller! So informative and funny. Would definitely recommend!
SKI [Senthil Kumar Iyyappan]
16:38 28 Feb 26
We recently did the Divar Island heritage walk with Make It Happen and it was such a beautiful experience. The walk was led by Niranjan and he did a fantastic job.
He was cheerful, warm and extremely knowledgeable. The way he explained the history, culture and small local stories made everything come alive. It never felt like a lecture. It felt like we were walking through the island with a friend who truly loves and understands the place.
Divar itself is peaceful and untouched, and this walk helped us see beyond just pretty views. We understood the heritage, the people and the soul of the island.
Thank you Make It Happen and Niranjan for such a meaningful experience. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to explore Goa in a deeper and more authentic way.
He was cheerful, warm and extremely knowledgeable. The way he explained the history, culture and small local stories made everything come alive. It never felt like a lecture. It felt like we were walking through the island with a friend who truly loves and understands the place.
Divar itself is peaceful and untouched, and this walk helped us see beyond just pretty views. We understood the heritage, the people and the soul of the island.
Thank you Make It Happen and Niranjan for such a meaningful experience. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to explore Goa in a deeper and more authentic way.
Conor M
17:48 03 Feb 26
Had a truly fantastic walk through Panjim with Yashaswi. She was able to give us a high level narrative of the history with the occasional detail that gave depth to our experience. We got to look at and understand the local customs, cuisine, culture and how the Portuguese rule influenced these overtime. It was beautiful!
And if that's not enough, Yashaswi added the lovely touch of ending the tour in this quaint little cafe where we enjoyed complimentary hibiscus tea that was the perfect refreshment on a nice day. Just when I thought things could not be more pleasant, the musical maestro Francis had been dxxdcasked to join us to introduce us to the local music. This was fantastic! Yashaswi also gave us plastic free totes and postcards to send to our loved ones.
Yashaswi pulled out all the stops. She nailed the history in a way that drew my attention, then gave us the perfect entertainment to wrap up.
And if that's not enough, Yashaswi added the lovely touch of ending the tour in this quaint little cafe where we enjoyed complimentary hibiscus tea that was the perfect refreshment on a nice day. Just when I thought things could not be more pleasant, the musical maestro Francis had been dxxdcasked to join us to introduce us to the local music. This was fantastic! Yashaswi also gave us plastic free totes and postcards to send to our loved ones.
Yashaswi pulled out all the stops. She nailed the history in a way that drew my attention, then gave us the perfect entertainment to wrap up.
radhika kanoongo
11:03 20 Jan 26
A walk that felt like stepping into a living story
The Fontainhas walk with Kelvin was one of the most beautiful experiences I had in Goa. He isn’t just a guide—he’s a true storyteller who brings the lanes, homes, colours, and history of Fontainhas alive.
Every corner had a story, every house had meaning, and Kelvin narrated it all with such warmth, depth, and passion. It never felt rushed or scripted; it felt personal, soulful, and deeply connected to Goan culture and heritage.
What I loved most was how he blended history with emotions, small anecdotes, and local insights—you walk away not just knowing Fontainhas, but feeling it. The pace was perfect, the explanations were engaging, and he was happy to answer every question with a smile.
If you want to experience Fontainhas beyond just photos and actually understand its soul, this walk with Kelvin is a must. Highly recommended! 💛
The Fontainhas walk with Kelvin was one of the most beautiful experiences I had in Goa. He isn’t just a guide—he’s a true storyteller who brings the lanes, homes, colours, and history of Fontainhas alive.
Every corner had a story, every house had meaning, and Kelvin narrated it all with such warmth, depth, and passion. It never felt rushed or scripted; it felt personal, soulful, and deeply connected to Goan culture and heritage.
What I loved most was how he blended history with emotions, small anecdotes, and local insights—you walk away not just knowing Fontainhas, but feeling it. The pace was perfect, the explanations were engaging, and he was happy to answer every question with a smile.
If you want to experience Fontainhas beyond just photos and actually understand its soul, this walk with Kelvin is a must. Highly recommended! 💛
Mandira Dutta
10:19 12 Jan 26
We recently had the pleasure of exploring Fontainhas, the charming Latin Quarter of Goa, with an exceptional guide who's simply the best! Her name was Shreeya Deshbhandari.This young girl took us on an unforgettable journey through the narrow streets, sharing stories and shedding light on the rich Portuguese culture that permeates every corner.
As we strolled, she weaved fascinating tales about the history, architecture, and traditions of the Portuguese settlers. We marveled at the vibrant houses, each one uniquely painted in shades of yellow, blue, and pink - a distinctive trait of Fontainhas. Our guide explained that the colors aren't just aesthetic; they hold significance.The colors added to the charm, making our walk even more delightful.
Her knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, making us fall in love with the laid-back atmosphere of Fontainhas. We gained a deeper understanding of the Portuguese influence on Goan culture, from the architecture to the cuisine. A must-visit destination, and if you're lucky, she might just be your guide too!
As we strolled, she weaved fascinating tales about the history, architecture, and traditions of the Portuguese settlers. We marveled at the vibrant houses, each one uniquely painted in shades of yellow, blue, and pink - a distinctive trait of Fontainhas. Our guide explained that the colors aren't just aesthetic; they hold significance.The colors added to the charm, making our walk even more delightful.
Her knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, making us fall in love with the laid-back atmosphere of Fontainhas. We gained a deeper understanding of the Portuguese influence on Goan culture, from the architecture to the cuisine. A must-visit destination, and if you're lucky, she might just be your guide too!
Prahlad Singh Chauhan
02:44 06 Jan 26
I highly recommend Make It Happen for anyone planning a trip to Goa! They served as the resource team for our student trip, and they truly showed us Goa from a different perspective that went beyond the typical tourist experience.
What impressed us most was their resourcefulness and deep knowledge of the places we visited. Their entire team was excellent, but I want to give special mention to Rachana, who was incredibly helpful and had a wonderful way of explaining things that made the students comfortable and engaged.
If you're someone who loves exploring new places and has an interest in history, Make It Happen will give you an unforgettable experience. They don't just show you Goa—they help you understand and appreciate it on a deeper level.
What impressed us most was their resourcefulness and deep knowledge of the places we visited. Their entire team was excellent, but I want to give special mention to Rachana, who was incredibly helpful and had a wonderful way of explaining things that made the students comfortable and engaged.
If you're someone who loves exploring new places and has an interest in history, Make It Happen will give you an unforgettable experience. They don't just show you Goa—they help you understand and appreciate it on a deeper level.
Vishal Gupta
11:04 20 Apr 24
Had a wonderful walk a talk session with Trancy
piyush verma
11:04 20 Apr 24
Billie-jo Howells
14:38 17 Apr 24
We had the pleasure of being taken around the hidden gems to try the local feni cocktails and delicious goan specialities with the lovely bubbly Patulla.
She was very informative and good company. We had a great time with her!
The cocktails were all very yummy and sweet. Our favourite one was the signature cocktail in Kokum Curry and all of the dishes were delicious, but the pork roast in Welcom Heritage Panjim was just a cut above.
Thank you. Highly recommend!
She was very informative and good company. We had a great time with her!
The cocktails were all very yummy and sweet. Our favourite one was the signature cocktail in Kokum Curry and all of the dishes were delicious, but the pork roast in Welcom Heritage Panjim was just a cut above.
Thank you. Highly recommend!
Simon Westlake
02:11 17 Apr 24
An excellent experience with an extremely knowledgeable, informative and engaging guide - who has an evident pride and passion for Goan heritage.
Akshay Rathod
15:38 16 Apr 24
heta patel
07:59 14 Apr 24
We took the divar island with breakfast tour with Yuvraj. He shared the amazing history about Goa and divar island with us. All the points we saw were amazing, so was divar island itself. Will surely try more of make it happen tours.
shalu kumaravel
16:45 30 Mar 24
My husband found this fontainhas walking tour through Google. I’m usually not a fan of walking tours and history. We booked for 6PM and went. It was just the 2 of us. Hinaz was our storyteller and did an exceptional job. Her enthusiasm and passion kept us engaged throughout the walk and made the tour very interesting. We got to try the traditional goan sweet and drink. We were given post card souvenirs and there was also a surprise performance by goan musician Maxie at the end of the tour which we loved. Highly recommend this experience!!
Ayad Aldayeh
05:42 05 Mar 24
Our story teller Hinaz was amazing and so knowledgeable. The tour is nice and easy, and it opens your eyes to many things that you will never notice if you are waking solo there.
A The our full of history and delicious sweets and amazing local drink and music.
I strongly recommend this agency and Hinaz.
A The our full of history and delicious sweets and amazing local drink and music.
I strongly recommend this agency and Hinaz.
Namit Oberoy
08:03 22 Feb 24
We were hosted by Petulla, whose enthusiasm and warmth made the tour special. She's a passionate storyteller who brought the rich history and culture of this place to life.
We are history buffs who love understanding cultural context. We were hooked on every word.
The tour was highly interactive and made us feel part of the story of Fontainhas.
She was very considerate, often pausing to let us take photos and even helping us capture some great moments.
Her hospitality was exceptional, with visits to quaint cafés, bakeries, and eateries, where she treated us to some of the best local delicacies, offering us a taste of history in the most literal sense.
The highlight of the tour was a musical performance organised exclusively for us, with a talent young lady singing songs in Konkani, Portuguese, and Spanish on a ukulele.
It's a must-do for anyone wanting to connect with the roots of the city.
We are history buffs who love understanding cultural context. We were hooked on every word.
The tour was highly interactive and made us feel part of the story of Fontainhas.
She was very considerate, often pausing to let us take photos and even helping us capture some great moments.
Her hospitality was exceptional, with visits to quaint cafés, bakeries, and eateries, where she treated us to some of the best local delicacies, offering us a taste of history in the most literal sense.
The highlight of the tour was a musical performance organised exclusively for us, with a talent young lady singing songs in Konkani, Portuguese, and Spanish on a ukulele.
It's a must-do for anyone wanting to connect with the roots of the city.
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