Big Foot Cross Museum

About Big Foot Cross Museum

About Big Foot Cross Museum

Visit Time: The museum is open on all weekdays and time to visit in Goa State Museum 9.30AM to 6.00PM.

Best time to visit Big Foot Cross Museum

October to March. Mornings are best for comfortable weather.

How to reach Big Foot Cross Museum

Located in Loutolim, about 12 km from Margao and 32 km from Panaji. The nearest railway station is Margao. Taxis and rented scooters are recommended — public transport to Loutolim is limited.

Timings & opening hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Ancestral Goa + Casa Araujo Alvares: ₹100 + ₹100 for adults, ₹50 + ₹50 for children (ages 3–10). Cross Museum: ₹20 additional. Parking: ₹50.

Duration needed

1 to 1.5 hours to explore the village and the Cross Museum.

Safety tips

Standard museum etiquette. The site is spread out — wear comfortable footwear. Carry water.

Things to carry

Water, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection.

Travel tips & suggestions

Also known as Ancestral Goa, this is a recreated Goan village from 100 years ago with miniature houses, local craft demonstrations, and a feni distillery. The 14-metre laterite sculpture of Sant Mirabai holds a Limca record. The Cross Museum displays a collection of crosses from around the world. Good for families and anyone curious about traditional Goan village life.

Nearby visiting places

Goa Chitra Museum in Benaulim (about 10 km), the Riviera de Goa resort, and Margao city are nearby.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Margao Railway Station (~12 km). Dabolim Airport (~30 km). A pre-arranged taxi or rented vehicle is strongly recommended.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options near the museum may be limited. The nearest town or beach area typically has restaurants and cafes. Carrying water is recommended — most museums do not allow food inside.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or beach area. Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. If visiting multiple museums in South Goa, basing yourself in or near Margao provides good access.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Location info

Loutolim, South Goa.

History of Big Foot Cross Museum

The Big Foot Cross Museum (also known as Ancestral Goa) was conceived by Maendra J. Alvares and opened in 1999 in the village of Loutolim. The centre recreates a traditional Goan village from 100 years ago, complete with a typical village house, market, and artisan demonstrations. It features a giant laterite sculpture of Mirabai (the saint-poet) by the artist Mario Miranda. The name “Big Foot” comes from a large footprint-shaped rock on the site that local legend says belongs to a giant.

Things to do at Big Foot Cross Museum

Tour the recreated village (Ancestral Goa), see Mario Miranda installations and artworks, walk through the spice garden and cashew orchard, see artisans demonstrating traditional crafts (pottery, coir-making), and enjoy the on-site restaurant and feni distillery.

Things to visit & highlights

The giant laterite sculpture of Mirabai, Mario Miranda installations, the recreated traditional Goan village house, and the spice garden.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Maina Curtorim): local police station. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Margao–Loutolim road, about 3–5 km from the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Foot related to Mario Miranda? Yes — the centre features several installations and artworks by the celebrated Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda.

What is “Ancestral Goa”? A recreated 100-year-old Goan village with traditional house, market, crafts, and demonstrations.

How much time is needed? About 1 to 1.5 hours for the village tour, longer if dining.

Accessibility

Museum accessibility varies. Major museums in Goa (Archaeological Museum, Museum of Christian Art) have level access or ramps at the entrance. Smaller, privately-run museums in older buildings may have steps and narrow doorways. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.

Rules & restrictions

Photography rules vary — some museums prohibit all photography, others allow photography without flash. Check signage at the entrance. Do not touch exhibits. Food and drinks are not permitted inside most museums. Large bags may need to be checked. Follow the designated visitor route and respect gallery closures. Use audio guides and headsets if provided.

Best photography spots

Check the museum’s photography policy before shooting — some prohibit all photography. For permitted photography, use available light — flash is rarely allowed. Focus on details: artefact textures, gallery compositions, and architectural features of the museum building itself. The best museum photos tell a story about the collection rather than trying to capture everything.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.