Panaji, Goa: In a special initiative catering to the spiritual aspirations of the faithful, Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTCL) has announced special pilgrimage trips to Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. These trips are timed to align with the upcoming Velankanni Festival, celebrated annually in early September and attracting thousands of devotees from across India.
Velankanni, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the country. KTCL’s dedicated transport service ensures a safe, affordable, and comfortable journey for pilgrims, particularly from Goa and neighboring regions.
The initiative reflects KTCL’s commitment not just to transportation but also to supporting faith tourism and cultural connections. Devotees can now travel worry-free, with professionally managed itineraries, experienced drivers, and essential facilities in place.
The launch of this spiritual travel service also encourages inter-state tourism and strengthens Goa’s role as a hub for devotional outreach.
Interested pilgrims can visit the official KTCL website or contact their nearest Kadamba depot for bookings and detailed schedules.
“Faith is the fuel, and KTCL is the route to reach it.”
For more updates, follow @ktclgoaofficial on all platforms.
Panaji, June 2025 — In a significant move to diversify its tourism offerings beyond sun, sand, and sea, the Government of Goa has announced a new spiritual tourism initiative titled ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’. The program will spotlight 11 revered temples across the state, crafting a well-curated pilgrimage circuit for visitors seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion.
While Goa is internationally known for its beaches and nightlife, its ancient temples and rich spiritual heritage have long remained underexplored by mainstream tourists. The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra—literally meaning “Pilgrimage of Eleven Sacred Sites”—aims to change that.
The yatra will include stops at 11 iconic temples, representing various deities and regions of Goa. These sacred sites will offer a glimpse into the state’s syncretic history, traditional rituals, temple architecture, and the living culture of devotion practiced by Goans for generations.
“We want to highlight Goa’s lesser-known spiritual richness,” said Tourism Director Kedar Naik, who shared details of the initiative following a strategic meeting held with representatives of the identified temples earlier this week.
Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience
The Goa Tourism Department plans to integrate the circuit with guided tours, devotional music experiences, temple festivals, and local food trails, allowing tourists to engage not only with places of worship but with the broader cultural ecosystem that surrounds them.
Key features under development include:
Temple route mapping with historical and mythological context
Eco-friendly transport options for pilgrims
Spiritual wellness add-ons such as yoga and Ayurveda sessions
Souvenir and prasadam kiosks at each site
Enhanced infrastructure and accessibility at key temples
Tourism officials also indicated that the yatra will be promoted on both domestic and international platforms, positioning Goa as a holistic destination for the spiritually inclined traveler.
Temples Included in the Yatra
While the final list of temples is yet to be officially released, the circuit is expected to include renowned pilgrimage sites such as:
Shri Mangeshi Temple (Priol)
Shri Shantadurga Temple (Kavale)
Shri Mahadev Temple (Tambdi Surla)
Shri Mahalasa Temple (Mardol)
Shri Nageshi Temple (Ponda) …and others known for their religious and architectural significance.
Promoting Sustainable & Cultural Tourism
The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra is part of Goa’s broader strategy to decentralize tourism and encourage sustainable, culturally rooted travel. By spotlighting spiritual heritage, the state hopes to attract tourists seeking meaningful and reflective journeys, particularly in the post-pandemic era where wellness and mindfulness tourism are on the rise.
Dharbandora, February 26, 2025: Amidst the tranquil beauty of Goa’s hinterlands, Shiv Mahotsav 2025 unfolded as a spectacular event blending spirituality, tradition, and cultural vibrancy. Hosted by Goa Tourism, the festival took place at Satpal Ground, Sacorda, Molem, Tambdi Surla Road, Dharbandora. The event brought together thousands of devotees, cultural performers, and visitors, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of devotion and celebration. The festival was held in celebration of Maha Shivratri and was a grand showcase of Goa’s rich spiritual traditions, culture, and artistic heritage.
The grand celebration was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha Shri Sadanand Tanavade; Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and Smt. Sadicha Ganesh Gaonkar; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; Shri Amol Deshmukh; Shri Abhijit Jog; Shri Ashutosh Jawdekar; Shri Arun Bicholkar; Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar along with ZP members and Sarpanchs of various panchayats. The festival also saw the presence of Indian actress Sonalee Kulkarni and singer-musician Avadhoot Gupte, adding to the celebratory spirit.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, a series of meticulously curated performances offered a spiritual and cultural feast for all attendees. The celebrations featured a powerful Dhol Tasha performance by Barabhumi Sansthan, capturing the rhythmic energy of Shiv Ganas; a spellbinding Bharatanatyam recital on Shiva Bhakti by renowned artist Pavitra Bhat; and a Nrutya Natika on Shiv Sthuti, a mesmerizing dramatic dance presentation by artists from Barabhumi Sansthan.
The divine ambiance was further elevated by the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which was performed by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and other dignitaries, paying homage to the holy Ganga. The night culminated in a soulful live performance by legendary Bollywood singer Sudesh Bhosle, who enthralled the audience with Shiv Stuti, Bhakti Geet, and other devotional compositions.
CM Dr. Pramod Sawant while addressing the gathering said, “The true essence of Goa remains largely undiscovered, even by many tourists. Beyond the beaches, the real beauty of the state lies in its hinterlands and interior regions. To showcase this hidden treasure, visitors will be introduced to these lesser-explored parts of Goa. Special emphasis will be placed on promoting spiritual and temple tourism, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage.’’ He further stated that the event venue is government-owned land and will henceforth be known as Shivmaidan.
Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman, GTDC, stated, “Shiv Mahotsav is not just a celebration; it is a step towards promoting Goa’s rich spiritual heritage. The historic Sri Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla stands as a testament to our deep-rooted traditions, and through initiatives like this, we aim to highlight its significance while encouraging spiritual and hinterland tourism. I urge the people of Goa to support and take pride in this movement, as together, we can showcase the real Goa to the world.”
Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha, Shri Sadanand Tanavade also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Goa’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
A moment of great pride was the release of a special book ‘Me Ganesh Gaonkar’, chronicling the remarkable journey of Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar at the hands of CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and others. During the event, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar felicitated each other alongside other dignitaries.
As part of the cultural engagement, a Rangoli competition on the theme of Mahadev’s avatars, and Shiv Ganas was organized, along with a Veshbhusha Spardha themed around Lord Shiva and Hindu gods & goddesses, providing a platform for young talent on the occasion.
MD GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar welcomed the gathering whereas vote of thanks was delivered by Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, artists, and attendees for making Shiv Mahotsav 2025 a grand success.
On February 26th, Prasad distribution was also held at Sri Mahadev Temple premises at Tambdi Surla. Shiv Mahotsav 2025 was a true testament to Goa’s spiritual richness, drawing visitors who seek an immersive cultural experience beyond its scenic landscapes.
Goa, 19th February 2025– The Temple Connect Conference, a three-day event celebrating India’s rich spiritual heritage, witnessed a landmark address today by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. Highlighting Goa’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier spiritual tourism destination, the state’s focus on Regenerative Tourism and how spiritual tourism aligns with this vision was greatly emphasized.
The Ekadasha Teertha Initiative, which brings 11 revered temples under a single circuit to offer devotees and tourists an immersive cultural and spiritual experience was elaborated showcased. As part of Tourism’s spiritual initiatives, Rudreshwar Temple and the surrounding area near Harvalem Waterfall will be developed to enhance visitor experience. Additionally, Shree Saptkoteshwar Temple in Narve, a significant site under the Ekadash Teerth initiative, will undergo infrastructure development to provide improved facilities for devotees and visitors.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement of ‘Gomant Sarita Poojan’, at the sangam of the three significant rivers that meet each other – Mandovi, Zuari, and Valvanti at Narve, creating a serene and divine atmosphere for devotees and visitors.
The Government of Goa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttarakhand, leveraging their expertise in conducting spiritual river ceremonies. This collaboration aims to establish Goa’s first river aarti, enhancing the state’s spiritual tourism appeal while promoting eco-conscious practices along its riverbanks.
Speaking at the event, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism stated, “Spiritual tourism is a vital part of Goa’s regenerative tourism model. With the Ekadasha Teertha initiative and the upcoming Gomant Sarita Poojan, we are committed to offering enriching experiences that blend faith, heritage, and sustainability. This initiative will not only elevate Goa’s spiritual landscape but also provide a unique cultural attraction for visitors worldwide.”
The Temple Connect Conference continues to serve as a platform for discussions on temple conservation, pilgrimage tourism, and heritage promotion, with Goa setting a precedent for integrating spiritual tourism with sustainable and community-driven practices.
Goa Tourism is all set to mesmerize visitors at the highly anticipated OTM Mumbai 2025, Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition. The event, scheduled from January 30th to February 1st, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre.
Our participation at OTM Mumbai will showcase Goa’s rich cultural heritage, colourful traditions, adventure activities, and spiritual tourism, offering an engaging experience beyond its iconic beaches. Visitors can explore Goa Tourism’s stall at J-T 110, Jasmine Hall, 3rd Floor, which will vividly present Goa’s lesser-explored gems, including heritage sites, traditional festivals, eco-tourism offerings, and much more. Key highlights will include initiatives like Ekadasha Teertha, adventure tourism, and spiritual tourism, underscoring Goa’s dedication to sustainability and cultural preservation.
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, remarked, “At OTM Mumbai, we are excited to showcase the true essence of Goa. Platforms like OTM allow us to present Goa’s diverse offerings, highlighting the state as a global destination for travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences.”
Goa Tourisms’ participation reflects the ongoing commitment to promoting regenerative tourism. The pavilion will feature Goa’s cultural legacy, dynamic festivals, thrilling adventure options, and the charm of its serene hinterland. The exhibition also serves as a valuable networking platform to strengthen Goa’s position as a leading, innovative tourism destination. It will also promote Goa as a premier destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and as an ideal locale for destination weddings, with its picturesque settings and bespoke services offering a memorable backdrop for both business and celebratory events.
Visit Goa Tourism’s stall at OTM Mumbai 2025 and rediscover the magic of “Goa Beyond Beaches.” Experience the sights, sounds, and stories that define Goa’s unique identity, from its bustling markets to traditional celebrations. Learn about the bespoke offerings that make Goa an exceptional destination for leisure, business, and milestone events. Whether you are a traveller seeking adventure, a couple planning a picturesque wedding, or a professional organizing a memorable corporate event, Goa has something special to offer for every occasion. Dive into a world where tradition meets modernity and create unforgettable memories in India’s favourite coastal paradise.
