Goa is famous for its pristine nightlife, it’s the smallest state in the country and is home to some of the incredible beaches in India too. Goa has everything for everyone, it might be beaches, churches, forts, temples, waterfalls, markets, and many more and you can explore it all with our India trips packages .
As it has everything for everyone, Goa does have its share of dark mysteries as well, which could rush your blood with curiosity and fear. It has many locations that are known for their haunted stories. If you are willing to discover some of the hidden mysteries of Goa then you must visit the Saligao Village in Goa.
About Saligao Village Goa
Saligao Village is located at a distance of 15 km far from Panaji, it is one of the most haunted places in Goa and is prominent for Church ghost stories. Many paranormal activities have taken place in Saligao Goa.
Everything was different 70 years ago as compared to now when the village has become famous for not only churches but also the church ghost stories in Saligao Goa. The place is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman known as Christalina.
Saligao haunted history isn’t just history but also the Saligao village story, it all started in 1952, when the prominent Saligao-Pilerne Seminary was then under construction. Paranormal activities in Saligao Goa started when Padre Inácio Lourenço Pereira was appointed as the manager.
A few weeks later, after the inaugural of the Seminary, on a Sunday morning in January 1953, Padre Lourenço was missing at St Anne. He walked along the Seminary road as usual and then he didn’t return till night time. Padre’s helping hand Frank and others started trying to find him. They found him unconscious and flat on the ground with his face in the mud.
He was found near the haunted Banyan tree. They saved him and carried him to his residence. A priest came to help Padre. After that Padre became silent and unmoving for almost four days, Frank and his people fixed a cross on a branch of the tree.
After that Padre started talking in the Konkani language and a female voice, sometimes he simply shouted ‘Christalina’. Rumours spread very rapidly in the village. The Saligao village horror story is a prominent story of the area, where people had become very scared as they knew Christalina’s ghost possessed Padre. He was admitted to hospital and from there he was sent to Portugal and never returned again.
Saligao Village Church & the Haunted Banyan Tree
In 1957, a horizontal component was found missing from the cross on the branch of the tree. Saligao village horror story rumours commenced once again as Christalina’s ghost came again. The site at which Saligao Village is located, is believed to be haunted until today. People avoid taking this route mainly at night time. According to an old story, lurking around this banyan tree at night can be dangerous.
Nevertheless, for the elders of Saligao Village in Goa, the perceived actual Saligao church ghost stories in Goa are evergreen, and the Goan ghosts, in particular, Saligao’s Goan ghost Christalina and the haunted tree near the Saligao Seminary remain a veritable alliance.
As per the Church ghost stories in Saligao Goa, people in Saligao Village practise many spiritual rituals in the Christian and Hindu manner to please the spirit of Christalina. In reality, the Hindu villagers living close to the haunted tree have built a small area of interest and offer gifts to the spirit, whom they name Ximecho Devchar or Boundary (Protecting) Devil.
Apart from the mysterious tales, there are many things to do in Saligao that make Saligao tourism worth exploring:
1. Visit the iconic Saligao Church
Visit the magnificent Mae de Deus Church, popularly known as the Saligao Church, and admire its Gothic architecture. Its intricate design and stunning architecture makes it one of the must visit spot when in Saligao Village.
2. Explore Saligao Lanes
Explore Saligao lanes full of Portuguese-style houses, vintage architecture and heritage lanes. The narrow by lanes here are perfect for photography and leisurely strolls for soaking in the slow pace of village life of Saligao Goa.
3. Discover Saligao Tourism
Dive into Saligao tourism by visiting local cafes, art galleries, and handicraft shops and much more. These spots reflect the artistic soul of the village and offer unique souvenirs for travelers.
4. Premium Stays
You can plan a stay at boutique Saligao resorts and enjoy a peaceful escape. Saligao resorts and stays offer a perfect blend of luxury and traditional Goan charm. Saligao resorts and stays do not only include heritage style stays, but also old Portuguese mansions. So whether you are a couple seeking privacy or a family looking for comfort, Saligao offers a relaxing experience for every kind of traveller.
5. Take Short Trips
To make your visit unforgettable, you can also plan to take short trips from Saligao to Baga and Saligao to Calangute for beaches and nightlife. Within minutes, you can enjoy the buzzing nightlife, sandy beaches, and water sports, while still returning to the calmness of Saligao Village.
Saligao: A Blend of Beauty and Mystery
Saligao is a hidden gem and not just like any other Goan village. It is special as here history, culture, and mystery intertwine.
From the Gothic charm of the Saligao Church to the heritage lanes and boutique resorts, this village radiates timeless beauty. Yet beyond this, Saligao also whispers tales of a mysterious and haunted history.
If you’re planning to explore this offbeat destination, then choose WanderOn as your travel partner so that you can experience both sides of this enchanting village; it’s calm charm as well as its hauntingly fascinating past, making your journey unforgettable.
