Category: Travel

Travel

Goa Gears Up for a Memorable Year-End with ‘Feels Like Goa’ Campaign

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 10th October 2025: As the festive season draws near, Goa is set to welcome visitors with its new year-end campaign — “Feels Like Goa”, a heartfelt celebration of the state’s timeless charm, cultural richness, spiritual essence, and festive spirit.

Designed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the campaign aims to evoke nostalgia and rekindle the emotional connection travelers share with Goa — reminding the world that Goa is not merely a destination, but a feeling.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“Goa has always held a special place in the hearts of travelers across the world. With ‘Feels Like Goa’, we are bringing back the essence of what makes Goa truly unique — its people, culture, and soul. This campaign is a tribute to timeless memories and an invitation to experience Goa with the same emotion and warmth as always.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“We are committed to regenerative tourism — creating meaningful experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. This campaign revives travel sentiment and supports local businesses while preserving the essence of Goa.”

The Department’s vision for Goa’s tourism future is rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Alongside the campaign, Goa has laid the foundation for Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum — key projects that diversify travel experiences beyond beaches and nightlife.

Through “Feels Like Goa”, the government aims to position the state as a multi-dimensional destination — one where every sunset, festival, and smile carries a story.

As 2025 draws to a close, Goa invites the world to come home to its heart — to feel its rhythm, warmth, and joy once again.

Travel

Goa to Nepal: 5 Riders, 10 States, 1 Country, and 6,185 km of Brotherhood on Wheels

Tanisha Cardozo

What began as a dream two years ago finally roared to life as five bikers from Goa set out on a 6,185-kilometre journey that took them through 10 Indian states and into the heart of Nepal. Their route took them through Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and finally across the border to Nepal, where they explored the beautiful cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The riders — Yogesh Redkar from Margao, Manoj Pujari from Porvorim, Anthony D’Souza from Calangute, Francis Fernandez, and Pravin Kunkolkar from Old Goa — are no strangers to extreme long-distance travel. Collectively, they’ve completed the Goa to Leh-Ladakh ride three times, an adventure that would intimidate most. But for this group, the Nepal ride was something special. It was their long-standing dream, one meticulously planned and eagerly awaited.

What made this ride different was not just the distance or terrain but the emotion attached to it. After years of preparation, logistical planning, and aligning schedules, they finally hit the road — and never looked back. Every kilometre clocked was a testament to their bond, discipline, and the unbreakable thrill of freedom on two wheels.

Kathmandu welcomed them with spiritual calm, and Pokhara dazzled with its natural charm, offering them both reflection and celebration after days of navigating highways, hills, and borders. Along the way, they carried not just gear and essentials, but stories, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

For these five Goan bikers, the ride to Nepal was more than just a milestone. It was proof that no dream is too distant when you have the right companions and the courage to chase it down, one kilometre at a time.

Travel

GTDC Upgrades Miramar Residency with Accessible Rooms Ahead of Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In the run-up to the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has taken a major step forward in creating inclusive hospitality spaces. On Monday, GTDC inaugurated upgraded facilities at the Miramar Residency in Panaji, converting three rooms into specially abled-friendly accommodations.

The inauguration was led by GTDC’s Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, in the presence of General Manager (Marketing/Hotels) Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, and Senior Manager Shri Vishesh Naik.

These upgrades aim to provide greater comfort and accessibility for visitors attending the International Purple Fest, which is set to take place from October 9 to 12, 2025. Participants and guests will be hosted across GTDC’s Miramar and Panjim Residencies, both of which are now equipped with rooms designed to support the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Speaking at the event, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar emphasized that GTDC’s mission is to offer better hospitality while ensuring no guest is left behind. “These upgrades are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and provide better hospitality across our residencies,” he noted.

The move aligns with Goa’s larger vision of becoming a Divyang-friendly state, reinforcing the importance of accessible infrastructure in the tourism and hospitality sector. As the state welcomes visitors from across the country and beyond for Purple Fest 2025, these enhancements serve as a testament to inclusive planning, design, and execution.

GTDC continues to play a pivotal role in improving the tourism experience for all, strengthening its commitment to accessible and barrier-free travel in Goa.

Travel

Indian Railways to Let Passengers Change Travel Dates on Confirmed Tickets from January 2026

allycaralgoa

New Delhi, October 2025: In a landmark move to enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways has announced that starting January 2026, travellers will be able to reschedule the travel date of confirmed tickets online — a feature that eliminates the need for cancellation or rebooking.

This long-awaited feature, described as a “huge gift for the Janata,” aims to bring flexibility to millions of daily passengers who often face challenges when plans change at the last minute.

Under the new system, passengers can log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app and select a new date for their confirmed journey. The system will allow rescheduling without any additional charges.

Officials from the Ministry of Railways have confirmed that this update is part of a broader digital modernization initiative designed to make Indian Railways more passenger-centric and efficient.

With an annual ridership of over 8 billion passengers, the move is expected to significantly reduce the burden of cancellations and ticket rebookings.

The feature rollout will begin in January 2026, following pilot testing across select railway zones.

This initiative underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to “ease of travel” — combining tradition, technology, and trust to serve India’s ever-growing commuter base.

Travel

Goa Boosts Global Tourism with Arrival of International Charter Flights

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is soaring to new heights on the international tourism map with the recent arrival of multiple international charter flights at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa. This development marks a significant milestone in expanding the state’s global connectivity and attracting tourists from key international markets.

On October 3, 2025, the second 158-seater charter flight from Novosibirsk, Russia, landed in Goa, signaling the beginning of a strong inbound travel season. The following days saw a continued influx, with flights from Yekaterinburg arriving on October 4 and 5, each bringing 158 passengers eager to explore the charm of Goa. Adding to the momentum, a larger flight from Moscow carrying 296 passengers arrived on October 5, further reinforcing Goa’s position as a gateway to India for global travellers.

International connectivity is set to expand even further with the launch of charter flights from Kazakhstan beginning October 25, 2025. These routes are expected to boost travel from Central Asia, offering tourists a direct link to the sun, sand, and culture of Goa.

Speaking about the milestone, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, shared: “The arrival of these international charter flights is a clear reflection of Goa’s growing appeal as a global destination. We are committed to providing world-class experiences, warm hospitality, and seamless connectivity to ensure that every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.”

Echoing the sentiment, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, remarked: “The landing of these charter flights marks a key step in expanding Goa’s global accessibility. They also pave the way for greater engagement between travellers and Goa’s local culture and heritage.”

The Department of Tourism continues to work in close coordination with various stakeholders to ensure hassle-free operations and deliver the signature Goan welcome to all travellers. These efforts are not only boosting the economy but also elevating Goa’s reputation as a destination where leisure, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly.

With increasing international arrivals and strategic connectivity initiatives, Goa is set to further cement its place on the global travel map.