Category: Travel

Travel

Partagali Math to Remain Temporarily Closed to Visitors from January 2, 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Following the successful completion of the 550th Year Celebrations, Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math has announced the resumption of balance civil and finishing works at its premises. These works include construction and development activities in and around the areas surrounding the newly installed Rama Pratima and are aimed at ensuring the proper, safe, and orderly completion of the entire project.

In view of the ongoing construction activities, the management has decided that the premises of Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math, including the areas around the newly installed Rama Pratima, will remain temporarily closed to all devotees, tourists, and other visitors with effect from January 2, 2026, until further notice. This step has been taken primarily to ensure the safety of visitors and to allow the remaining works to progress smoothly and without interruption.

Devotees and visitors have been requested to refrain from visiting the Math premises during this period to avoid inconvenience and potential safety risks associated with construction activity. The authorities have acknowledged the sentiments and emotional attachment of devotees and well-wishers but have emphasized that the temporary closure is necessary in the larger interest of the project and public safety.

The Math administration has sought the cooperation and understanding of devotees, visitors, and the general public during this phase of completion. It has also informed that a separate advisory or notification will be issued once the ongoing works are completed and the premises are ready to be reopened for public access.

Travel

Almaty Charter Service Begins with First Seasonal Flight Arrival at Mopa Airport

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Panaji, December 26, 2025: Continuing the steady inflow of international tourists this season, the first seasonal charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, arrived at Manohar International Airport (MOPA) on December 26, 2025, at 10:25 a.m. The flight, operated by Fly Arystan, carried 174 passengers, further strengthening Goa’s international tourism footprint.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, extended a warm and traditional welcome to the arriving passengers with rose buds and a lively brass band performance outside the arrival terminal, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s renowned hospitality and vibrant culture.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, highlighted the importance of expanding global air connectivity, stating that engaging new international source markets and encouraging seasonal charter operations are vital for Goa’s planned and sustainable tourism growth. He noted that the commencement of charter services from Almaty reflects increasing global confidence in Goa as a preferred travel destination.

Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the arrival of the first Almaty charter flight marks a valuable addition to the season’s international charter operations, helping maintain consistent tourist inflows throughout the peak travel period.

The seasonal charter service from Almaty is expected to further boost international arrivals and support balanced tourism development across Goa during the ongoing tourist season.

Travel

Department of Tourism Signs MoU with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya to Boost Wellness Tourism in Goa

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Panaji, December 26, 2025: In a significant move to strengthen wellness tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa, at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Principal of GAMRC Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director (AYUSH), DHS Goa, Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President, and Dr Joy Periera, Officiating Registrar.

Under the agreement, the Department of Tourism and GAMRC will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism through customised wellness packages, coordinated digital marketing initiatives, and participation in national and international tourism forums. The partnership also includes the development of wellness infrastructure such as Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, AYUSH information cells, promotional materials, and structured capacity-building programmes through training, research, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said that wellness tourism is a key pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. He added that the collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems with organised tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating sustainable value for local institutions and communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik stated that the MoU provides a structured framework for coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, aligned with the state’s tourism objectives.

The partnership is expected to further position Goa as a holistic wellness destination by integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences while supporting knowledge-driven and community-based tourism development.

Travel

AAI, Travel Food Services Host Christmas Celebrations at Dabolim Airport

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

The Airports Authority of India, Dabolim Airport, in association with Travel Food Services Limited, organised a Christmas celebration at the Travel Club Lounge at Dabolim Airport, Goa, on December 23, 2025, marking the festive season with warmth and joy while enhancing the overall passenger experience.

The celebration featured a delightful blend of culinary indulgence and festive activities. Passengers and guests were treated to a special Christmas masterclass showcasing the preparation of Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce, highlighting culinary expertise and service excellence. Adding to the festive charm, children participated in a hands-on cookie decoration activity, while a Santa entourage spread cheer and excitement throughout the lounge area.

Extending the spirit of Christmas beyond the lounge, muffins were distributed to children across the airport terminal, ensuring young travellers also shared in the festive joy. The initiative brought smiles to passengers and families alike, creating a lively and welcoming ambience throughout the airport.

The Christmas celebration reflected the joint commitment of Airports Authority of India and Travel Food Services Limited to curate engaging and culturally relevant festive experiences within the airport environment. By integrating hospitality, culinary engagement and thoughtful festive gestures into the passenger journey, Dabolim Airport continues to strengthen its position as a customer-centric and experience-driven aviation hub.

Flt Lt Akash Deep, Airport Director, along with senior officials from the Airports Authority of India, CISF, airline representatives and other stakeholders, were present during the celebrations.

Travel

First-Ever FCI Foodgrain Freight Train Reaches Anantnag, Boosting Kashmir Rail Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

In a major milestone for rail-based logistics in the Kashmir Valley, the first-ever foodgrain freight train of the Food Corporation of India reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal on December 21, 2025, formally integrating the region with India’s national freight rail network.

The freight rake, carrying approximately 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains loaded in wagons, was dispatched from Ajitwal Railway Station and successfully arrived at Anantnag. This marks the first instance of bulk foodgrain transportation by rail directly to South Kashmir, opening a new chapter in the region’s supply chain infrastructure.

The development is expected to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient supply of foodgrains across the Valley, particularly benefiting remote and far-flung areas. Rail-based transportation will enhance reliability in buffer stock movement while significantly reducing transportation costs, making the system faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable.

Beyond food security, the initiative is set to boost local markets, strengthen the regional agricultural economy, and create new opportunities in logistics and allied sectors. The commissioning of the Anantnag Goods Terminal has paved the way for expanded freight operations, enabling the movement of essential commodities and other goods in the future.

This landmark achievement represents a crucial step towards modernising freight infrastructure, improving food security, and reinforcing the Kashmir Valley’s connectivity with the rest of the country through efficient and sustainable rail transport.