What began as a casual college conversation finally turned into an unforgettable real-life adventure for five Goan friends. During the curfew period, Abhishek Chitnis and Samith Naikgurav from Priol, Swapnil Mayekar from Ponda, Shivraj Gaonkar from Sacorda, and Mangaldas Gauns from Pale set out on their long-awaited road trip to Ladakh—a journey that tested their physical endurance, deepened their bond, and left them with memories to last a lifetime.
Riding through some of the world’s highest motorable roads and braving harsh climates and unpredictable terrain, the group saw their dream evolve from imagination to reality. From mechanical breakdowns to moments of quiet reflection amidst snow-capped peaks, the journey wasn’t just about the destination but everything that happened in between. “Some memories just hit different — this one will stay forever,” said one of the riders, capturing the emotional impact of the experience.
This story is not just about travel, but about commitment to dreams, the power of friendship, and the beauty of finally ticking off something you’ve held close to your heart for years. As they returned home with hearts full and stories richer, their journey stands as a reminder that with a bit of planning, a lot of courage, and friends who ride with you, anything is possible.
Panaji, July 18 2025 : The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad, to be held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. As one of India’s most prominent travel trade exhibitions, TTF Ahmedabad provides a valuable platform for tourism boards, travel operators, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and promote domestic and international travel.
Goa Tourism’s participation at this prestigious event is part of its sustained strategy to position the state as a diverse, responsible, and year-round tourism destination. With Gujarat being one of the key domestic source markets, TTF Ahmedabad offers an important opportunity to strengthen engagement with travel trade partners, reach out to quality tourists, and build greater visibility for Goa’s evolving tourism identity.
At the Goa Pavilion, visitors will experience the state’s multi-dimensional tourism profile that extends beyond the conventional image of sun and sand. The Department will showcase a wide array of offerings such as spiritual tourism, wellness and Ayurveda-based experiences, adventure activities, and monsoon tourism. Additionally, homestay and community-based tourism initiatives, now gaining momentum under the state’s inclusive tourism policy, will also be highlighted.
The pavilion will also provide insights into Goa’s rich cultural calendar, featuring festivals such as Sao Joao, Chikhal Kalo, Spirit of Goa, Shigmo, and Carnaval, all of which attract experiential travellers and those seeking authentic local traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, stated: “Our participation at TTF Ahmedabad aligns with Goa’s vision to promote tourism that is immersive, inclusive, and sustainable. We are committed to engaging meaningfully with the travel trade community and highlighting the wide spectrum of experiences that Goa offers across all seasons. Gujarat remains a valuable market, and we look forward to welcoming more travellers who seek depth, culture, and renewal in their journeys.”
The Department of Tourism invites all travel trade professionals, media representatives, and visitors to visit the Goa Pavilion at TTF Ahmedabad to explore new collaborations and discover why Goa continues to stand out as one of India’s most compelling and evolving destinations.
Goa, 24 March 2025 : Goa Tourism is set to make a strong impression on the South Korean travel market with a roadshow scheduled to take place in Seoul on 28th March 2025. Recognized globally for its blend of beaches, vibrant culture, and heritage charm, Goa will present its diverse tourism offerings to key South Korean travel stakeholders.
The roadshow will bring together leading tour operators, travel agents, airline representatives, and hospitality professionals from South Korea. Designed as a platform for fostering strategic collaborations, the event aims to enhance business ties and promote Goa as a preferred destination for South Korean travellers seeking unique cultural, adventure, hinterland, and wellness experiences.
This initiative enhances Goa Tourism’s commitment to expanding its international footprint, tapping into emerging travel markets, and encouraging long-term partnerships. Attendees at the event will be introduced to Goa’s evolving tourism landscape, and premium travel experiences such as luxury resorts, nature-based adventures, spiritual tourism, and wellness retreats.
Speaking about the upcoming roadshow, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated, “Our goal is to position Goa as a destination that offers something special for every traveller, while also prioritizing sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. The South Korean travel market holds immense potential, and through this roadshow, we look forward to building meaningful connections with South Korean travel professionals. We are confident that this engagement will further boost Goa’s visibility and encourage responsible tourism growth.”
The event will feature insightful presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, allowing South Korean travel professionals to gain first-hand knowledge of Goa’s tourism offerings. Special emphasis will be placed on showcasing Goa as a year-round destination that harmoniously blends rich cultural heritage, adventure tourism, wellness experiences, and responsible travel practices.
In a testament to their adventurous spirits and devotion, Deepraj Raikar and Amey Naik embarked on an extraordinary journey from Goa to Prayagraj on their trusty Himalayan bikes. Their epic 4600 km pilgrimage took them to some of India’s most revered sites, blending adventure with spirituality.
The duo set off from Goa, eager to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that India has to offer. Their first major stop was Kashi, a city steeped in history and spirituality. As they rode through the bustling streets, they were struck by the city’s vibrant energy and the warmth of its people.
From Kashi, Deepraj and Amey headed to Delhi, where they marveled at the city’s iconic landmarks and sampled its delicious cuisine. Next, they rode to Ujjain Mahakal, one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. The duo was deeply moved by the temple’s spiritual aura and the devotion of the pilgrims.
After weeks of riding, Deepraj and Amey finally arrived at their destination: Prayagraj, the site of the Mahakumbh. The sheer scale and grandeur of the event left them awestruck. As they immersed themselves in the festivities, they felt a deep sense of connection to the millions of pilgrims gathered there.
Reflections on the Journey As they reflected on their epic journey, Deepraj and Amey realized that it had been a transformative experience. They had faced numerous challenges along the way, but their determination and faith had carried them through. The duo returned home with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of purpose.
Goa, December 10, 2024: India Bike Week (IBW), presented by Gulf Syntrac, marked its 11th year with an unforgettable two-day celebration of the biking community. Hosted in Vagator, Goa, the event united over 25,000 bikers under the theme “Everyone as One”. The IBW venue at Vagator, was divided into various sections featuring an outdoor and indoor expo, music and community stages, racing and a dedicated overlanding stage attracting enthusiastic bikers. The Gulf Moto Mayhem FMX Show was one of the most thrilling highlights of IBW,
Martin Da Costa, Festival Director, India BikeWeek said “I am delighted to announce that we have now entered a new decade of India Bike Week. With new launches, exciting music and interactive sessions with global biking experts, the IBW 2024 was a roaring success – bigger and better in every way. The reception from the biking community has been very encouraging and rewarding. This firms our resolve in bringing newer experiences at India Bike Week every year. “
Event Highlights
Races and Competitions: IBW 2024 brought the thrill of racing to life with several standout competitions:
Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race: Yogesh P claimed the top trophy and a cash prize of ₹5 lakhs, followed by Satyaraj Arumugam (₹3 lakhs) and Yogi Chabbria (₹2 lakhs).
IBW Hill Climb (presented by Reise Moto): Russy Josy emerged victorious, securing ₹50,000, while Osh Babani and Yuva Kumar took second and third places with ₹25,000 and ₹10,000, respectively.
IBW Dirt Dash: Gigyun Benjamin showcased his skills and won ₹25,000.
Exciting features like the Pulsar Daredevil Bridge, a 110-foot-long, 25’ elevated track with stunning a bird’s eye view experience of the festival, and the Pulsar Stunt School by Ghostriders, captivated audiences and participants alike.
Tiivra Action Games added an interactive edge with gamified challenges for attendees.
Exclusive Bike Unveils: IBW 2024 was the stage for several major bike and accessory launches, including:
KTM 390 Adventure S debut and the unveiling of Reise Moto tyre designs by Dakar rally participant Ashish Raorane.
Brixton VLF Scooter, presented by Motohaus, impressed the crowd with its sleek design and features.
Renowned builder Vijay Singh of Rajputana Customs revealed the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racer, while the Moto Art Collective showcased innovative bike designs and artwork.
Talks by Legends and Celebrities: The festival brought together celebrated motorcyclists and celebrities, inspiring the audience with their stories:
Xavier Simeon (ex-MotoGP racer), Elspeth Beard, and Marc Travels shared their journeys and insights from the world of biking.
Indian actors Amit Sadh, Kunal Thakur, and Anil Charanjeet connected with fans, sharing personal road trip adventures.
Sessions by Nikhil Sood (tackling off-road trails) and Joshy Daniels (a changemaker in biking communities) added depth to the program.
· For those with a passion for adventure on 2 wheels, the Big Trip section featured inspiring sessions, including Chasing Dreams: 46 Countries on Two Wheels by Ankit Lamba, where he shared his remarkable biking journey spanning the globe. The audience were thrilled by the stories from Elspeth Beard, Marc Travels, Meenakshi Das, Sherman Nazareth and Rucksack Diaries. The Big Trip expo featured several global ride organisers who help people achieve their overlanding dreams.
Club Village and Community Spirit: The Club Village, presented by Gulf Syntrac, hosted over 5,000 riders and became a hub of engaging activities. Highlights included:
Best Mod Bike: Sayed Omer Siddique’s BURAAQ, featuring a Carberry twin engine, won ₹25,000.
Club of the Year: Radon, with 326 riders was the single largest registered club to attend IBW.
J-One Motorcycle Contest: Brotherhood Bikers Club, recognized for their impactful community work won this sidecar Harley-Davidson Streebob motorcycle. The J-One was custom built by Bombay Custom Works to celebrate the kinship and camaraderie between bikers, under the theme of One for All, on the occasion of the 10 years of association between IBW and Jameson Ginger Ale.
Club Marathon: Goa Riders Club claimed the top prize.
Live Music Extravaganza: The festival’s musical lineup blended energy and rhythm, with performances that kept the crowd buzzing. Headlining acts included Divine, OAFF and Savera, and Brodha V, delivering unforgettable sets.
Generation Speed Announcement
From the masterminds behind India Bike Week, comes an electrifying new festival: Generation Speed – India’s Motoring Festival. This event is set to be the ultimate celebration of everything automotive, bringing together automobile lovers from across the nation for an unparalleled experience.
“With Generation Speed, we’re kickstarting a motoring culture revolution.” said Martin Da Costa,. “For too long, India’s car lovers, motorsports enthusiasts, collectors and drivers have lacked a central hub for enthusiasts to connect and celebrate their shared passion. Generation Speed aims to change that. It will be uniting enthusiasts and auto fans across the country.”
Generation Speed, the Festival, is 200 of the greatest cars in India up close and personal, and roaring down the track. It promises the adrenaline of off-roading, the elegance and raw power of classic sports cars, the excitement of hypercars, the innovation of electric vehicles, the thrill of international motorsport, and the creativity of mod-car enthusiasts. This festival will be the beating heart of all things automotive, with something for everyone who loves metal in motion.
A Festival of Unity and Adventure:
India Bike Week 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the passion, camaraderie, and thrill that defines the biking community. From high-octane races and exclusive launches to inspiring stories and electrifying music, the festival truly lived up to its legacy as India’s largest motorcycling event.
