Double-storey houses gleaming in peeling paint and capacious porches housing plants reaching up the verandahs—this is the static picture we have engraved in our minds when asked to recall the quaint village of Matharpacady. Among these narrow lanes lie archaic houses splattered in warm primary colours, bird feeders hanging from their ceilings, cats roaming around in sleepy circles, and huge canopies speckled across the streets.
With mostly senior citizens as residents, you will find the village unusually quiet with the occasional sounds of wind chimes and the flutter of dried leaves echoing across. Similar to the village of Khotachiwadi, houses in Matharpacady retain the Portuguese charm with huge windows allowing the golden rays of the sun to paint the houses honey.
As you walk through its patched-up roads littered with potted plants you will soon find yourself in front of the centuries-old church Matharpacady Holy Cross Oratory. These whitewashed walls with ivy climbing up their roofs were once deemed a charm that protected the villagers from the Bombay Plague of 1896. Now with handmade benches, adorned with creepers, residing on its squares- you will find villagers occupying the space to read the Sunday Times.
As history dictates, the village also used to house luscious mango trees bearing fruits of excellent quality. However, as most things do, this part of history shrunk down to the only one twice-fruiting mango tree that still stands tall despite the cruelty of time. It still bears delicious mangoes every year during the months of May and October.
Though not holding a power-packed itinerary to keep you busy throughout the day, we recommend making your way to this village in the fishing neigbourhood of Mazgaon for a nourishing stroll. Get your camera as it is a delight to find the village bathed in amber during sunset (though be mindful as these are residential places).