Tag: India tourism

National

India’s Largest Cruise Terminal Inaugurated in Mumbai by PM Modi

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to India’s maritime infrastructure and cruise tourism sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier today. Developed under the ambitious ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, the terminal is set to position Mumbai as a premier global cruise tourism destination.

Spanning over 415,000 square feet, the MICT is now India’s largest cruise terminal and is designed to handle up to one million passengers annually. With a state-of-the-art design, the terminal can accommodate five cruise ships simultaneously and is equipped with 72 check-in and immigration counters, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for international and domestic travellers alike.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, praised the project’s alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming India into a global cruise hub. He emphasized the historical and strategic significance of Mumbai as a coastal city and its potential to contribute to the country’s economic and tourism growth. The MICT is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting the domestic cruise sector and attracting international tourists.

Alongside the terminal, several complementary projects were also inaugurated to promote cultural tourism and sustainability, including the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, heritage lighting installations at Port House and Evelyn House, and the beautified Sagar Upvan garden. These initiatives underscore the holistic approach of enhancing not just infrastructure but also the cultural and environmental fabric of the region.

With this development, Mumbai sets sail into a new era of cruise tourism, standing tall as a gateway to global maritime connectivity and world-class travel experiences.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Showcases Its Diverse Offerings at TTF Ahmedabad 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Gandhinagar, July 31, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked its presence on the inaugural day of Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025, one of India’s leading travel trade platforms. The event, taking place at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, runs from July 31 to August 2 and serves as a vital outreach opportunity to engage with key domestic tourism markets.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion stands out for its theme: Goa – A Responsible and Immersive Travel Destination. The delegation, led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai (Senior Manager, GTDC), Smt. Concy Pereira (Asst. Tourism Officer), and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz (Information Assistant), aims to reposition Goa as more than just a beach destination.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasized the importance of such platforms:

“Our participation focuses on promoting Goa as a year-round destination offering rich cultural heritage, wellness, spirituality, adventure, and immersive rural experiences.”

The Goa Pavilion offers a deep dive into several tourism themes:

  • Spiritual Tourism & Ayurveda
  • Adventure & Monsoon Trails in the Hinterlands
  • Homestays & Community-Based Travel
  • Wellness Retreats & Cultural Tourism

Goa’s vibrant festival calendar is also being promoted. Visitors to the pavilion can learn about traditional celebrations like Sao Joao, Shigmo, Chikhal Kalo, Carnaval, and the Spirit of Goa Festival—which are increasingly drawing experiential travellers from across India and beyond.

The Department’s outreach at TTF Ahmedabad is part of a broader strategy to attract quality, sustainable tourism by forging stronger partnerships with tour operators, digital platforms, travel media, and stakeholders in the domestic travel trade.

With a commitment to inclusive, future-ready tourism, the Department of Tourism invites all stakeholders to visit the Goa Pavilion and discover the many ways in which Goa continues to evolve—balancing tradition with innovation.

📍 Event: TTF Ahmedabad 2025
📆 Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2025
📍 Venue: Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism to Showcase New-Age Experiences at TTF Kolkata 2025

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Team Allycaral

Panjim, 9th July 2025 – Goa Tourism is all set to showcase the evolving and dynamic spirit of the state at the upcoming Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Kolkata 2025, scheduled from 10th to 12th July 2025 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan. Recognised as India’s biggest travel trade exhibition, TTF Kolkata offers a powerful platform for Goa Tourism to connect with key stakeholders and travel professionals while presenting its enriched tourism landscape to a wider audience.

Commenting on Goa’s participation, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, stated, “TTF Kolkata is an important outreach platform for Goa Tourism, especially in East India. This year, we aim to communicate that Goa is more than just a destination, it’s an experience shaped by sustainability, cultural preservation, and community participation. Through these initiatives, we’re promoting a more conscious and enriching way to explore the state.”

At this year’s edition, Goa Tourism will highlight a compelling mix of traditional charm and modern sustainability, centered around its Regenerative Tourism approach. The state’s participation will spotlight initiatives that go beyond conventional beach tourism, focusing instead on immersive rural trails, monsoon tourism, wellness-based experiences, spiritual circuits, and cultural revival. Visitors will learn about the Ekadasha Teertha circuit, a spiritual trail comprising eleven sacred temples across Goa, alongside curated heritage routes and authentic village experiences through community-based homestays.

Adding an emotional layer to the showcase is the Glow On Arrival initiative, a campaign that captures Goa’s serene monsoon beauty, lush green landscapes, mist-covered hills, and the tranquil charm of rain-washed heritage sites. This initiative seeks to inspire mindful travel and positions Goa as the ideal destination for rest, rejuvenation, and soulful exploration, particularly during the monsoon season.

Visitors to the Goa Tourism Pavilion can also explore digital innovations such as QR-based information and immersive VR experiences that allow them to witness Goa’s evolving identity in a uniquely interactive format. Delegates representing Goa will engage with travel agents, industry leaders, and tourism boards from across the globe, exchanging ideas, exploring collaborations, and showcasing why Goa remains one of the most versatile and responsible tourism destinations in the country.

In a unique cultural bridge between the two regions, visitors to the Goa Pavilion can explore the similarities between West Bengal and Goa in areas such as football enthusiasm, culinary depth, and shared festive spirit. These common threads will be reflected in interactive elements and conversations throughout the three-day fair.

Additionally, spot bookings for Goa holiday packages will be facilitated at the stall. Visitors and guests will have the opportunity to plan their trip to Goa with direct assistance from the official Goa Tourism team, as well as participating Goan hoteliers and tour operators, ensuring a seamless and personalized travel experience.

Goa Tourism invites all trade visitors and travel enthusiasts to visit the pavilion at TTF Kolkata 2025 and experience first-hand how Goa is redefining travel through authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Taj Mahal Declared the Most Beautiful Building in the World in 2025

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Agra, India – July 2025: India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, has been crowned the Most Beautiful Building in the World in 2025 by a global architecture and design ranking released this week. The announcement further solidifies the Taj Mahal’s status as a symbol of artistic excellence and architectural genius.

Constructed in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble marvel in Agra has stood as a timeless ode to love for nearly four centuries. Its symmetrical design, intricate inlay work, calligraphy, domes, and lush gardens continue to awe millions of visitors every year.

The 2025 recognition was part of an international survey conducted by architectural experts, cultural institutions, and tourism platforms who considered factors like aesthetics, historical significance, architectural style, global influence, and visitor experience.

According to the panel, “The Taj Mahal is more than a building; it is a visual poem in marble, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that seamlessly blends Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. Its symmetry, serenity, and emotional backstory place it above all others.”

The announcement has been welcomed with pride across India. The Ministry of Culture stated, “This honor reflects India’s unmatched cultural heritage and the global love for the Taj Mahal. It is not just a monument—it is a symbol of beauty, devotion, and timeless craftsmanship.”

Tourism boards are already witnessing a surge in interest following the announcement, as the Taj Mahal continues to be a bucket-list destination for travelers around the world.

📍Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, the Taj Mahal remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

As the world evolves, the Taj Mahal’s pristine presence reminds us that true beauty stands the test of time.

Entertainment

India’s First Disneyland-Style Theme Park to Be Built in Gurugram, Haryana

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In a landmark announcement, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has revealed that India’s first Disneyland-style theme park will be developed in Gurugram. Spanning over 500 acres, this mega entertainment project is set to transform the region into a top-tier global tourist destination.

The park, inspired by the iconic Disneyland experience, will feature world-class rides, attractions, themed zones, entertainment shows, and family-friendly experiences, aiming to redefine leisure and entertainment in India.

“This project will not only boost tourism but will also generate thousands of jobs and bring international-standard infrastructure to Haryana,” said the CM during the announcement.

📍 Key Highlights:

  • Location: Gurugram, Haryana
  • Area: 500 acres
  • Type: Disneyland-style amusement and theme park
  • Focus: Entertainment, tourism, infrastructure, employment

The move marks a massive step forward in India’s ambitions to compete with global entertainment hubs and attract both domestic and international visitors. With Gurugram’s strategic proximity to Delhi and strong transport links, the location is seen as ideal for such a mega venture.

While more details about investors and timelines are awaited, the announcement has already sparked excitement across the country.

Stay tuned as India gets ready to welcome a new era of magical experiences — right in our backyard! ✨🎢🎠