Authentic Goan vaddo experience at Gormand

Tucked away into a quiet 'vaddo' in Cuncolim, Salcette, 'Gormand' is a 1915 Indo-Portuguese home, where you will experience the authentic village life of South Goa. While only a short drive from beautiful and busy southern beaches of Benaulim, Colva and Cavelossim, the pace of life in and around Cuncolim is unhurried. Not yet registering on any tourist map, this cluster of traditional villages retains an idyllic old-world charm and a true 'goenkar' personality. Cuncolim and its neighbouring villages of Velim and Assolna reflect the harmonious character of Goa’s complex demography. Bounded on one side by hilly tracts and on the other by the Sal River’s verdant banks, Cuncolim is especially resplendent during the monsoon, but remains scenic year-round. Dotted with a rich smattering of Portuguese era architecture, this stretch of inland country is certainly worth exploring along quaint country roads. With active municipal representation and a strong sense of community, development here has been steady and sustainable – the local way of life, uncompromised. So, what to look out for? Pau walas cycling past at furious pace - horns bleating, municipal garbage collectors playing hide-and-seek even as their whistles give them away, chatty knife-sharpeners and fish-mongers bringing traditional mobile service and home-delivery. Susegad between 1-4 pm is always a trending phenomenon - Can’t blame the locals for their love of the afternoon siesta - a delicious fish thali, comes with this heavy price. our home Typical of any family in a village, 'Gormand' is like a tightly-knit fabric, rich in texture and vividly printed. Podimas is mascot and 4th generation of the family. He’s tasked with keeping watch over our home, which he does in good faith with his brother Teddy and their gang of furry friends – Penny, Feni, Rowdy and Cleo – to back him up. Local (canine) goonda, Gabbar, and his sidekicks show up once in a way to stir things up in our quiet vaddo, and Podimas responds in kind for our dose of drama. getting here Dabolim Airport, in Vasco, is about 45 km away from Cuncolim and the closest railway station is Madgaon (about 9 km way). Pre-paid taxis cost INR 1200 one-way from the airport and about INR 800 from the railway station. Alternatively, you could take the public bus to Madgaon (comes from Vasco) You will have to change buses at Madgaon bus-stand, where a bus to Cuncolim Bus Stand and the Market departs every 20 minutes, beginning 07:00 am. Tansfers can be organised at additional cost. essentials for your stay room Opening out into the garden, with a separate kitchen unit out under the jackfruit tree, our little guest-room comes complete with an attached bathroom and pocket-sized pantry. Furnished with antique wooden furniture, in keeping with the rest of 'Gormand', it accommodates 2 persons very comfortably. Fitted with air-conditioning, refrigerator, geyser, television and safe-checked with mosquito proofing, you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep and a hot bath here. Enter through the back gate, trek across the garden and you’re there! pantry A bubble-top water dispenser, microwave and fridge are provided. Feel free to borrow any of the books in the shelf during your stay with us. One can of water is provided per stay. Additional cans can be organised for nominal charge. terraced living We have an outdoor lounge space with comfortable easy chairs to relax with a book or catchup on work and emails with WiFi access. housekeeping Our house help will sweep the room and bathroom once during the stay (at additional fee and schedule for long stays) – either at 10:00 am or 12:00 noon as per your convenience. laundry The washing machine in the pantry is only a few years younger than Gormand - if you would like to do your laundry (at additional charge), please let us know so we can assist. Separate beach towels can be provided if need be. kitchen We have provided some basic kitchenware, toaster, coffee maker, microwave oven, kettle, crockery, and spices so you can cook up simple meals. Kitchen will be tidied up once a day. Washing vessels and other errands are offered at additional charge. eating in Breakfast is self-service. Bread, eggs, spreads, tea and coffee will be provided so you can get yourself going in the morning going. Lunch and dinner can be ordered (at a nominal additional charge) by 09:00 am and promises to give you a true flavour of a home-style meal. garbage Although the practice has not yet caught on in Goa, at 'Gormand' we do segregate wet and dry garbage. breakage Guests will be charged additionally for any breakage or damage to property (movable or immovable) during their stay. electricity While this is included in the room rate, guests are advised to keep all appliances switched off when not in use to avoid additional charges. We have a work-in-progress garden that is shared. There is a separate entrance to the guest room. We request our guests to ensure the gate is locked at all times. Our family stays in the same bungalow. the market The local Cuncolim Market is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from 'Gormand'. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and spices are all available every day at this covered market, but Sundays are a real fest, as farmers from across the region bring impossibly fresh produce and flood the market area with their wares. banks and atm ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India are a short, 10-minute walk from the house on the NH-66. petrol bunk Closest fueling station is Bharat Petroleum – just as you take a left onto NH-66. Alternatively, take a right and drive a couple of kms up the highway to reach the Indian Oil station. Best way to get around is by bike / small car to navigate the roads. We can organise these should you wish to rent. Due to the evolving situation with Covid-19, we require that all guests wear masks when interacting with members of the household and accessing public spaces. The following precautionary measures will be taken - 1. 48 hours between check-ins to ensure deep cleaning. 2. Hand sanitizer and surface disinfectants will be made available in the room. 3. We will provide a separate garbage disposal unit which will have to be used by the guests themselves.