Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Wins “Best Destination for Regenerative Tourism” Award at TTF Kolkata 2025

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Goa, 12th July 2025 – Goa Tourism concluded its participation at TTF Kolkata 2025 with resounding success, as the state was honoured with the “Best Destination for Regenerative Tourism” award in recognition of its evolving and future-forward approach to tourism. The award was received on behalf of Goa Tourism by Shri Dhiraj Wagle, Deputy Director of Tourism; Shri Akshay Govenkar, Marketing Manager, GTDC; and Shri Kapil Nadkarni, UDC, Department of Tourism, who led the state’s delegation at the event and held multiple discussions with fellow state tourism boards, travel agencies, and hospitality leaders to explore collaborative opportunities and knowledge exchange.

Held from 10th to 12th July 2025 at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, TTF Kolkata witnessed remarkable footfall at the Goa Tourism stall. A steady stream of trade visitors, industry leaders, travel enthusiasts, and fellow state representatives engaged deeply with the offerings presented, resulting in a significant number of inquiries about travel packages and Goa’s latest tourism initiatives.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism said “TTF Kolkata has reaffirmed the growing interest in responsible and meaningful travel. We had engaging discussions with both trade and general visitors who showed genuine curiosity about Goa’s lesser-known offerings. It was encouraging to see the resonance of regenerative tourism principles and the willingness to explore Goa beyond its coastline.”

Shri Dhiraj Wagle, Deputy Director of Tourism, added “This award is a testament to the efforts of the entire Goa Tourism team and our vision of curating experiences that are enriching, inclusive, and sustainable. Our participation at TTF Kolkata 2025 reflects how Goa is positioning itself not just as a destination, but as a way of life built on harmony between people, culture, and nature.”

The highlight of the pavilion was the strong interest shown by visitors in Goa’s Regenerative Tourism approach. Many guests were curious to understand what “regenerative” truly means, how it goes beyond sustainability to actively restore, revive, and empower the environment and local communities. Equally popular were intiatives like ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’, the unexplored hinterland trails, the spiritually enriching Ekadasha Teertha circuit, and the Glow On Arrival campaign that positions Goa as a rejuvenating monsoon destination.

Visitors also took advantage of spot booking facilities offered by Goa Tourism in collaboration with local hoteliers and tour operators. The immersive VR experiences, digital QR trails, and on-site cultural storytelling further added to the charm and engagement at the pavilion.

Goa Tourism thanks all visitors, stakeholders, and collaborators who contributed to the success of the pavilion at TTF Kolkata 2025. The department looks forward to welcoming travellers to experience the many layers of Goa, where every journey contributes to something greater.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Maratha Military Forts Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site: India’s 44th Inscription

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July 2025: In a moment of pride for India’s cultural and architectural legacy, the Maratha Military Landscapes have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th World Heritage Site.

Spanning across 12 military forts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, these historic structures were built between the 17th and 19th centuries under the formidable Maratha Empire. The inscription recognizes their exceptional value as representations of military strategy, topography-based planning, water management, and architectural innovation.

🌍 Why It Matters:

The Maratha forts — including famed structures like Raigad, Shivneri, and Gingee Fort — demonstrate how geography and fortification blended seamlessly in the Maratha military doctrine. These forts weren’t merely strongholds; they were deeply intertwined with the Maratha spirit of resilience, self-governance, and guerrilla warfare.

🛡️ A Legacy Etched in Stone

Each fort is a living narrative of India’s resistance, engineering, and regional influence. Built with locally sourced materials and adapted to varied terrains (from Sahyadri hills to coastal cliffs), they exhibit the adaptability and sustainability inherent in Maratha architecture.

📍 List of Forts Inscribed:

(Include a few names for representation. A full list can follow.)

  • Raigad Fort
  • Shivneri Fort
  • Pratapgad Fort
  • Lohagad Fort
  • Sindhudurg Fort
  • Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu)
    …and more

🔍 UNESCO’s Recognition:

The committee praised the site for its Outstanding Universal Value, particularly for illustrating an “innovative approach to fortification and military architecture unique to the Maratha Empire.”

🇮🇳 A Boost to Tourism & Conservation

This global recognition is expected to boost heritage tourism, encourage community-led conservation, and place Indian military architecture on the global map of historical excellence.

As India continues to celebrate and preserve its vast cultural and historical wealth, the Maratha Military Landscapes now stand tall not just in stone — but in global memory.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

IRCTC Launches Ashta Jyotirlinga Tour on Bharat Gaurav Train Departing from Margao August 5

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Margao | July 2025 – In a special offering for devotees and travel enthusiasts this Shravan season, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched an all-inclusive Ashta Jyotirlinga pilgrimage tour aboard the Bharat Gaurav tourist train, departing from Margao, Goa on August 5, 2025.

This unique pilgrimage experience is designed to take travellers on a spiritual journey to eight of the most sacred Jyotirlinga shrines spread across India. The tour, which is open to individuals, families, and groups, is especially curated for the holy Shravan month, a time revered for spiritual observance and temple visits.

Tour Highlights

  • Departure Date: August 5, 2025
  • Starting Station: Margao, Goa
  • Price: Starting from ₹23,880 per person
  • Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
  • Inclusions:
    • Train travel aboard Bharat Gaurav
    • AC/non-AC hotel accommodation
    • All vegetarian meals
    • Sightseeing with guides
    • Travel insurance
    • Transfers and local travel

Destinations Covered

The Ashta Jyotirlinga tour includes visits to:

  1. Somnath (Gujarat)
  2. Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)
  3. Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
  4. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
  5. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
  6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)
  7. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
  8. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

These eight temples represent divine manifestations of Lord Shiva and are significant pilgrimage sites in the Shaivite tradition.

Bharat Gaurav Train Experience

The specially designed Bharat Gaurav train features:

  • Sleeper and AC coaches
  • Infotainment systems
  • Cultural-themed interiors
  • CCTV surveillance
  • Pantry cars providing wholesome vegetarian meals
  • Capacity to accommodate 600–700 passengers

Bookings and Accessibility

IRCTC has ensured a seamless, secure, and devotional travel experience. With all logistics handled – including local transport and hotel bookings – devotees can fully immerse themselves in the spiritual experience without worrying about planning.

For bookings and detailed itinerary, interested travellers can visit www.irctctourism.com or contact the IRCTC Goa office.

This initiative is expected to draw pilgrims from across Goa and neighbouring states, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on this sacred trail with unmatched convenience.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Dazzles at TTF Kolkata 2025 with a New-Age Narrative of Responsible Travel

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Kolkata | 10th July 2025 Goa Tourism has once again captivated hearts and minds at Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Kolkata 2025, showcasing a bold and refreshed vision of the coastal state — one that blends sustainability, culture, and immersive technology into a truly transformative travel experience.

Inaugurated at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, one of India’s most prominent travel trade exhibitions, the Goa Pavilion is themed around the message: Goa is not just a destination, it’s an experience.

Representing Goa at the opening were Shri Dhiraj Wagle, Deputy Director of Tourism and Shri Akshay Govenkar, Marketing Manager of GTDC, who welcomed delegates and introduced the state’s evolving tourism ethos.

A Showcase of Regenerative & Responsible Travel

Goa’s pavilion takes visitors on a curated journey through the state’s lesser-explored offerings — from verdant monsoon trails and sacred temple circuits to immersive heritage routes and village-based stays. These experiences are rooted in regenerative tourism models that promote sustainability, community participation, and cultural revival.

“Goa Tourism is showcasing a range of experiences that reflect the state’s evolving identity,” said Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism. “From spiritual trails to immersive monsoon campaigns, the focus is on meaningful and responsible travel.”

Blending Tradition with Innovation

A key highlight of the pavilion is its use of technology to elevate visitor engagement. QR-based information systems, interactive kiosks, and Virtual Reality (VR) booths allow attendees to explore Goa’s serene landscapes, festivals, and rituals in a fully immersive digital format — making tradition tangible and interactive.

The Glow On Arrival monsoon campaign has particularly drawn attention, with lush visuals showcasing Goa’s rain-washed charm, misty trails, and peaceful countryside — urging travelers to visit Goa during its most soulful season.

Building Connections and Driving Collaborations

Over the next two days, the Goa Tourism team will actively engage with travel professionals, agents, and tourism boards to create opportunities for strategic collaboration, tourism development, and new-age travel experiences that go beyond the conventional sun-sand-sea narrative.

As TTF Kolkata 2025 continues, Goa’s presence serves as a model for how Indian tourism can evolve with authenticity, sustainability, and technological innovation at its core.

Goa Tourism invites all trade partners and travel enthusiasts to experience its renewed spirit at TTF Kolkata 2025 – a spirit that celebrates authenticity, innovation, and inclusive growth.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

ECoR’s First Sleeping Pod Facility Inaugurated at Visakhapatnam Railway Station

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Visakhapatnam, July 2025 – In a major boost to passenger amenities, Visakhapatnam Railway Station has become the first in the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone to offer a ‘sleeping pod’ facility, bringing smart and compact rest options to Indian Railways’ growing infrastructure.

The modern facility, located on Platform 1 of the station, was inaugurated by senior railway officials and aims to provide affordable, clean, and private sleeping spaces for passengers who are in transit or facing long layovers.

These sleeping pods are compact yet well-equipped, featuring essential amenities like:

  • Air conditioning
  • USB and charging ports
  • Reading lights
  • Secure locking system
  • Digital reservation and check-in

Each pod is designed for single occupancy and comes with privacy panels, making it ideal for solo travelers, students, professionals, or tourists needing a quick rest.

Aimed at replicating international standards of airport-style sleep pods, this initiative reflects Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernize stations and enhance commuter convenience.

Why It Matters
For passengers with long waits between connections, irregular train schedules, or overnight halts, the pods offer a welcome alternative to waiting room benches. Moreover, they support budget-conscious travelers by offering hotel-like features at a fraction of the cost.

Booking and Pricing
The sleeping pods can be reserved online through Indian Railways’ portal and associated travel apps. Walk-in bookings are also accepted based on availability. Prices are expected to start from as low as ₹150–₹300 for short durations.

Railway authorities hope to expand this concept to other major stations across the ECoR zone, depending on public response.

The introduction of sleeping pods at Visakhapatnam is a sign of the evolving face of Indian Railways—prioritizing comfort, technology, and passenger satisfaction as it accelerates toward a world-class travel experience.