Sign up for an artists' retreat in Goa

'Tis the season to pack your bags and head to Goa. How about doing it a little differently this time around? Instead of pouting for countless selfies and Instagramming every sunrise and sunset, paint watercolour scenes of the state in all its rustic glory. Organised by The Travel of Art, a Mumbai-based art community, the Goa retreat will help artists (pros and amateurs) explore the place through art. The trip will be led by illustrator and designer Parinitha Konanur, who specialises in capturing the essence of urban landscapes using watercolours.

The four-day trip will involve heritage walks, fun activities, and even trips to a couple of beaches. "It took us two months to plan this trip, as this is the first time we're curating an art retreat in Goa. We wanted it to have a lot of local flavour. So, everyone who attends will be staying at a heritage hotel in Panaji, and they will also meet a local artist and learn from him," says Meghana Biwalkar, founder of The Travel of Art.

Will teach participants how to make watercolours like the one above

She adds that as part of the heritage walks, the group will explore the churches of Old Goa and Panaji's Latin Quarter. "We will also visit an art gallery, the Houses of Goa Museum, as well as a cashew plantation and local bakery."

Parinitha Konanur

The package includes accommodation, breakfast, art supplies, transport within the state, entry tickets (wherever applicable), and the fee of the local guide accompanying the group. The idea of this trip, Biwalkar shares, is to get people to appreciate slow travel. "We want you to soak in the history and culture of Goa in a way that regular tourists don't."

ON: November 2 to 5 (today is the last day for bookings) AT Panaji, Goa.
CALL: 9820170948
COST: Rs 16,500