Ancestral Goa is a mock up of early rural Goan village life and Hindu mythology with life size mannequins and mock buildings. It is situated in the village of Loutolim which is 12 kms. from Margao. Ancestral Goa is the dream of Goan Artist Maendra J. Alvares who has developed this place. Within Ancestral Goa one can experience what Goa might have looked like in early times. There are mannequins depicting mythological and scenes from the Goan village lifestyle during the early 19th century.

On entering the place you will be generally greeted in the traditional Indian way with an aarti and tikka. You would then be accompanied by a guide who will show you around. You can opt for being instructed in the language of your choice. Should you wish you can click pictures and take a video by paying the charges for using your camera or camcorder. On entering Ancestral Goa the first thing one sees is the sagarmanthan. The place also has a depiction of the Goan Market place, Goan liquor shop, Barber shop, Landlords House, Cowshed, Cobbler and Music School. The place also has ducks, geese, turkey, pigs and a spice garden.

Ancestral Goa is also known as "Big Foot" owing to the existence of impressions of a persons feet in the ground that locals believe belonged to a holy man. The associated myth states that the holy man ascended into heaven while meditating on the rock leaving his foot impression. Ancestral Goa also has the largest laterite sculpture in India, that of Mirabai. It has been carved by Maendra J. Alvares using hand held tools.

Ancestral Goa is located in the town of Loutolim which lies between Margao and Ponda. Big Foot can be reached by either taking the road to Loutolim from the Panaji Margao highway after crossing the Zuari river at Agassaim. Another alternate route is to take the road to Loutolim just before the Borim bridge along the Margoa Ponda road. The place is hard to find without proper instructions. Most tourist however arrive at the place as part of their guided tour package.