Goa beyond beaches
Goa is home to several natural sites such as Mollem National Park
As Goa remains a top destination for Indian and international travellers, the south-western Indian state offers numerous experiences beyond its scenic beaches.
Travellers looking for destinations in India almost always stumble upon Goa as a choice. This tiny state on the south-western coast of India has a diverse amount of things to do with great choice for those who love parties, music festivals, yoga by the beach, therapeutic experiences as well as adventure activities. Goa Tourism has been taking several steps to showcase all of the state to both international and domestic travellers, and intends to launch a calendar of event for the year to keep the availability of options open to all. The idea is to showcase that even as some of the picture-perfect coastlines of Goa are great destinations, this state offers much more.
On the diversity of experiences that Goa has to offer, Rajeev Kale, the president and country head for leisure travel, MICE, in Thomas Cook India Limited said, “Goa has always been a top favourite for its local sight-seeing experiences, as also its famed Goan cuisine-culture; and with a unique approach to hospitality, Goa continues to attract tourists given its range of entertainment options, vibrant nightlife and adrenaline-infused water sports like yachting, diving, jet-skiing, para-sailing and dolphin tours.”
As one of the top states in the country for music, Goa supports musicians of several genres ranging from Western and electronic dance music to more traditional, liturgical music and orchestras. The love for music is also reflected in Goa’s role as a host to several large scale musical events, both Indian and international. Minister for Tourism, Goa, Manohar Ajgaonkar stated, “A reason that draws tourists to Goa is music and I hope to further enhance Goa’s reputation as a Music Festival Destination.”
While speaking to Media India Group during a visit to Kolkata, Ajgaonkar said, “Goa has a lot of natural beauty, which we are trying to promote mainly, apart from an events calendar. Ayurvedic experiences, some adventure sports as well as the state as a wedding destination are also some of the other things we are looking at.” Adding on how the state is steeping up on security for tourists, he said, “We are taking several measures so that tourists, especially single-women travellers don’t feel uncomfortable on the beaches.”
Monsoon recommendations
Ajgaonkar invited visitors to the state during the monsoon season. He stated, “Goa is a beautiful place to go at this time and to enjoy yourself.” The state is home to a number of plantations, which are interesting spaces to visit. Shahakari Spice Farm, Tropical Spice Plantation, NV Eco Farm, Savoi Plantations and others are plantations of the local spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pepper. Additionally, some of the wildlife sanctuaries such as the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, The Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, Mollem National and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary also make for interesting places of visit in the monsoon season.
With the monsoon in passion, enjoy the White Water Rafting in #Goa. Book: https://t.co/XJ4r25O5Kz pic.twitter.com/Xr6hta1pHv
— Goa Tourism (@TourismGoa) July 12, 2017
However, the water bodies and water-centric activities are perhaps heightened naturally due to the weather as it is now. The famous Dudhsagar Falls in Goa, along with several other waterfalls and other water bodies, make for must-visit destinations. Goa Tourism Development Corporation is also trying to promote water rafting, in the river Mhadei. Trekking and nature trails around these falls and elsewhere also come recommended.
