The Aldona Experience

Overview

Goa’s scenic beauty can be cherished from many different prospects and the Aldona Experience gives you not only that but the added bonus of lesser-known bits of history as well. Wandering through this riverside village we uncover all manner of stories - one of how a rebellious educationist was honoured with a statue in the centre of the village market square, The Sao Tome Church built-in 1596 CE on a plateau next to Mapusa River, The Bridges of Aldona and the Corjuem Fort. 

Why you will love it

• Discovering why they call it the most beautiful village in the world
• Discovering the story  of an educationist defied the Portuguese and was honoured in the city square 
• Learning why the Sao Tome Church, one of the earliest in North Goa, celebrates a feast of the robbers
• Lessons on Goan history through the amazing Corjuem Fort upriver
• Soaking up the magic of Teen Manos with one of the most beautiful sunsets ever
• Visit a historic and prominent house in the village with amazing stories and local snacks

What you will experience

Aldona is a beautiful village featuring two islands – Corjuem and Calvim-Ponolem. Located east of Mapusa this picturesque riverside village offers many alluring vistas to enjoy. The village market square (Tinto) is dominated by a statue of the Edward J Soares founder-principal of Adona’s St. Thomas High School; Principal Soares rebelled against the Portuguese regime to introduce an English Medium School in Goa. The Sao Tome Church not only has beautiful Biblical murals and grand statues it celebrates the Choranchem Festival, as a thanksgiving for the time when thieves were prevented from robbing its treasury. A visit to Corjuem Fort reveals its old Hindu links through the Sawant-Bhonsle's of Sawantwadi and its military role in the Portuguese era. Aldona is known for its four bridges, the three at Corjuem and one at Calvim. The Aldona-Corjuem bridge is a cable-stayed bridge which is second of its kind in all of India. Also lined up on tour is a visit of a prominent home in the village.