Tag: Travel India

Travel

Oman Delegation Explores Goa’s Culture, Heritage, and Hospitality

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Goa Tourism recently hosted a distinguished delegation of influencers, travel agents, and partners from Oman on an exclusive three-day journey that brought together the best of Goa’s culture, heritage, and hospitality. This carefully curated visit was designed to deepen cultural ties and lay the foundation for future tourism collaborations between Goa and Oman, reflecting centuries of shared history and maritime exchange between the two regions.

The journey began with a warm welcome at The Yellow House, a charming heritage site that perfectly set the tone for what lay ahead. Here, the delegation was introduced to Goan warmth and hospitality over a traditional high tea, giving them their first taste of the state’s rich culinary and social traditions.

A guided heritage walk at the historic Aguad Port and Jail Complex followed, immersing guests in Goa’s layered past, colonial architecture, and stories that have shaped its identity. The experience provided a meaningful context to Goa beyond its beaches, spotlighting the state’s deep-rooted cultural significance.

Later, the delegation visited Devaaya in Malar, Divar, where a wholesome brunch was served amidst serene surroundings. The location is known for promoting holistic living and wellness rooted in Goan traditions — a growing appeal for international travelers seeking mindful travel experiences. A lively stroll through the local market introduced the guests to the vibrancy of everyday Goan life, with its riot of colors, spices, and friendly chatter.

The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of the visit by stating, “Goa has shared longstanding cultural and historical ties with Oman, rooted in centuries of trade, exchange, and shared traditions.” Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added, “This visit was an opportunity to showcase Goa’s diverse offerings and highlight Goa’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors from Arabian countries.”

The visit culminated with a beachside dinner at Britto’s, one of Goa’s most iconic culinary landmarks, where the delegation savored Goan cuisine against the backdrop of a starlit coastline. Before departing, guests were taken to the historic Taj Heritage Village — a fitting close to a journey that celebrated heritage, hospitality, and future partnerships.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

India Launches Its First ‘Ro-Ro’ Rail Service from Maharashtra to Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

August 2025 – India has taken a groundbreaking step in transforming its inter-state transport infrastructure with the official launch of its first ‘Ro-Ro’ (Roll-on/Roll-off) Rail Service. Designed to enhance passenger convenience, the new service allows travelers to board the train with their own private vehicles, significantly reducing travel stress, cost, and time.

‘Ro-Ro’ stands for Roll-on/Roll-off – a transport method where vehicles roll onto the train at the starting point and roll off at the destination. This model has been widely adopted across Europe and now makes its debut on Indian soil.

📍 Route Details

  • Starting Point: Kolad, Maharashtra
  • Destination: Verna, Goa
  • Carrying Capacity: Up to 40 cars per trip
  • Travel Duration: Optimized to reduce lengthy road travel

The service is operated using a dedicated locomotive coach attached to special car-carrying wagons. Passengers remain in their vehicles during transit or can move to a passenger coach if available.

Historically, Indian railways have been a backbone of national transport since the first passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane in 1853. This modern adaptation of Ro-Ro services signals a leap forward in accessible, eco-friendly, and personalized travel.

With heavy traffic congestion and long road trips being common between Maharashtra and Goa—especially during festive or tourist seasons—this Ro-Ro service offers a timely, stress-free alternative.

Bookings are now open to the public. A notable surge in advance reservations has been reported, showing immense public interest. The pricing is competitive, and the operational design ensures that the train reaches on time without frequent halts at intermediary stations.

Railway officials and transport ministers have highlighted the ‘Ro-Ro’ service as a “milestone in India’s vision for smart and sustainable travel.” The project has been designed keeping in mind the daily commuter as well as the weekend traveler.

Though currently limited to the Kolad–Verna route, there are speculations that the Indian Railways may soon replicate this model across other busy corridors. With its blend of personal comfort and rail efficiency, the Ro-Ro model could redefine the way Indians travel domestically.

Business

Sayaji Hotels Debuts in Goa with the Launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa | August 21, 2025: In a strategic move that aligns with Goa’s evolving landscape as both a leisure and business destination, Sayaji Hotels has officially launched Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji, marking its first footprint in Goa’s capital.

Strategically positioned on Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Effotel Panaji boasts prime access to major transit points including Dabolim Airport (27 km), Mopa Airport (34 km), and Karmali Railway Station (13 km), making it a convenient base for business travelers and tourists alike.

This boutique business hotel features 48 elegantly appointed rooms in Deluxe, Superior, and Premium categories. The rooms are tailored to meet the needs of modern travelers, offering smart amenities and stylish design that reflects Sayaji’s signature commitment to comfort and functionality.

At the heart of the property is The Cube, an all-day dining restaurant offering a refined mix of international cuisine and local Goan delicacies. Adjacent to the restaurant, the vibrant in-house bar creates a social epicenter for guests and locals.

The hotel also offers a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of the city, and a tranquil spa that provides a relaxing escape from Panaji’s urban bustle.

“With Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji; we are delighted to bring the Sayaji brand ethos of thoughtful hospitality, modern design, and curated experiences to Goa,” said Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Business Development Head. “This property reflects our vision of creating destinations that resonate equally with business and leisure travelers.”

“Goa has always been seen as a leisure market, but with Panaji’s growing prominence as a business hub, Effotel Panaji brings the best of both worlds to our guests,” said Sarfraz Sheikh, Director, Anwar Hassan Group.

“As our first hotel in Panaji, this launch represents both a strategic expansion and a heartfelt commitment to elevating the hospitality experience in the state,” added Rajendra Joshi, Director of Operations, Sayaji Group.

Whether you’re a corporate traveler looking for efficiency or a leisure seeker wanting to experience Goa’s charm from its vibrant capital, Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji promises a stay that is as seamless as it is memorable.

#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 👒

Mawsynram to Host World’s First Rain Museum in Meghalaya

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Nestled deep within the lush hills of Meghalaya, the tiny village of Mawsynram—renowned as the wettest place on Earth—is poised to become a global tourism marvel with the announcement of the world’s first Rain Museum.

The museum, with an allocated budget of ₹35 crore, will blend science, culture, and sensory experience to redefine how travelers engage with nature. Announced by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, tenders are now open, and construction is expected to begin after the monsoon season subsides.

A Museum Like No Other

The Rain Museum will feature:

  • Immersive rain simulation zones that mimic the sound, feel, and rhythm of monsoon rainfall
  • Interactive exhibits on meteorology and local folklore
  • Traditional Khasi culture displays, showcasing the heritage of the region
  • State-of-the-art weather research facilities, with collaborations expected from ISRO and the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

This initiative aims to reimagine tourism in the Northeast, offering not just sightseeing, but a deep sensory and educational dive into one of nature’s most enchanting phenomena—rain.

More Than a Museum

Beyond the museum walls, Mawsynram offers:

  • Limestone caves waiting to be explored
  • Rain-fed waterfalls that cascade with wild grace
  • Trekking routes through mystical green hills
  • Khasi culinary and cultural experiences that highlight the warm hospitality of the region

Tourism Minister Lyngdoh emphasized the need to transform Meghalaya’s natural abundance into immersive experiences that attract responsible global tourists. “This museum will be a symbol of how nature, tradition, and technology can come together,” he said.

What’s Next?

Construction is slated to begin post-monsoon 2025, with the aim of opening doors by late 2026. As the world looks for sustainable, experiential travel, Mawsynram’s Rain Museum is set to become a bucket-list destination for nature lovers, culture seekers, and curious minds alike.