Fans of the late cartoonist Mario Miranda will find the name Loutolim familiar. The little village cocooned amidst swaying palms and coconut groves grew in fame because of the reputation of its illustrious son of the soil who left behind an indelible imprint with his cartoons on the foibles of human nature.

The village still retains its slice of authentic Goa and one can still enjoy the quaint, simple life here. The air is fresh, the surroundings clean and pristine and you’re surrounded by fabulous examples of Indo-Portuguese architecture. You can drive by Mario’s spacious mansion and visit the Church a few metres away.

In the vicinity is the popular Ancestral Goa museum. This heritage space illustrates a Goa that once was. This mock-up village returns to some of Goa’s most loved traditions, depicting the life and folk culture of the locals. Ethnic crafts are available at their store. And you can also treat yourself to a wholesome, delicious Goan meal made from the best local ingredients at their eatery.

However, the distinct feature at the museum is the longest laterite monolith sculpture of Sant

Mirabai playing the ektara. It has now etched its space in the Limca Book of Records.

A visit to Loutolim isn’t complete without a visit to the Figueredo Mansion. Built in 1590, it is one of Goa’s oldest mansions and was designed by a Jesuit priest from Rachol Seminary. The exquisite interiors marked by hand-carved furniture, European fittings and fine crockery speak of a regal bygone era.
Do keep Loutolim on your South Goa itinerary the next time you head in that direction.