Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
Dona Paula, January 24, 2026: As part of initiatives to promote curated and responsible visitor experiences, a guided Lok Bhavan Tour was organised by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the Department of Tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the heritage, architecture and natural surroundings of the Lok Bhavan premises through a structured walking trail.
The tour was flagged off by the Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, along with the First Lady of Goa, Suneela Raju, at Lok Bhavan. The event was attended by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte; Secretary to the Governor Arjun Mohan, IAS; General Manager, GTDC, Gavin Dias; Deputy General Manager, GTDC, Deepak Narvekar; Comptroller of Governor House A.K. Harsha; Founder of Soul Travelling Varun Hegde; representatives from various hotels and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appreciated the initiative, stating that the guided tour provides visitors with a valuable opportunity to understand and appreciate the heritage, surroundings and values associated with the Lok Bhavan premises.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said that curated initiatives such as the Lok Bhavan Tour help present Goa’s heritage and natural surroundings in a structured and meaningful manner. He added that such experiences encourage responsible engagement with important public spaces while enhancing awareness of Goa’s cultural and ecological assets.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik stated that guided tours like the Lok Bhavan Tour reflect the growing emphasis on experiential tourism. He noted that these initiatives allow visitors to gain deeper insights into heritage and ecology while promoting responsible tourism practices.
Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar said the tour has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth, informative and dignified visitor experience, adding that GTDC continues to support initiatives that enhance the depth and quality of tourism offerings in the state.
The guests and dignitaries were welcomed with a traditional cultural programme featuring Ghodemodni and dhol tasha, setting a vibrant and ceremonial tone for the occasion.
Designed by Soul Travelling on behalf of GTDC and the Department of Tourism, the curated trail covered key locations within the Lok Bhavan premises, including the chapel and a sea-facing viewpoint, followed by an exterior overview of the main building. The tour also included a stop at the vintage Cadillac car for interaction and photographs, and a visit to the cannon point, where participants were briefed on its historical significance along with panoramic views.
The trail further included visits to the gau shala, a sea-facing viewpoint, the Aushadhi Vatika (medicinal plant nursery) and the bird tower, highlighting the ecological dimensions of the Lok Bhavan premises.
The Lok Bhavan Tour forms part of ongoing efforts by the state to promote well-organised, meaningful and responsible tourism experiences in Goa.
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