Tag: Travel Tips

Events in Goa

Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival 2025 Celebrates Goa’s Fishing Heritage in Arambol

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will organise the Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival 2025 from December 28 to 30 at the Main Parking Area, Arambol, highlighting Goa’s rich seafood heritage, traditional fishing culture and vibrant coastal lifestyle. The three-day festival aims to offer visitors an immersive cultural experience rooted in local cuisine, music and community participation.

The festival will feature traditional Goan seafood cuisine stalls, cultural programmes and live musical performances, with entry free for all visitors. Programmes will begin daily from 6.00 pm, while the inaugural ceremony will take place on December 28 at 5.30 pm in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, senior government officials and representatives from the tourism sector.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said fishing has been central to Goa’s way of life for generations and continues to shape its coastal communities and food culture. He noted that the festival provides a platform to honour the skills of the fishing community while promoting authentic Goan seafood and strengthening cultural tourism through community-led initiatives.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik stated that the festival has been curated to bring together cuisine, music and cultural engagement in a festive setting, with Arambol serving as an ideal venue to showcase Goa’s cultural diversity and local traditions.

The opening night on December 28 will feature a musical line-up led by iconic Goan singer Lorna, along with performances by Purple Rain, Black Slade and Afroz Sayyed. December 29 will see performances by Gravity, Brainwash, 24K India and Teri Miko, while the festival will conclude on December 30 with performances by Forefront, The Imperial, Usman and Sartek.

Through initiatives like the Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival, the Department of Tourism continues to promote Goa’s traditional cuisine, cultural expressions and community participation, enhancing the festive tourism experience during the year-end season.

Events in Goa

Potters Fest Goa Returns with Fifth Edition Celebrating Clay, Craft and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Potters Fest Goa is set to return this January with its much-anticipated fifth edition, transforming the scenic F.L. Gomes Garden at Campal, Panjim, into a vibrant hub of clay, culture and creativity from January 9 to 11, 2026. The annual festival has grown into a significant celebration of pottery and ceramics, drawing potters, clay and ceramic artists, and pottery enthusiasts from across India for three immersive days of learning, interaction and artistic exchange.

Rooted in Goa’s earthy traditions, this year’s festival places a special spotlight on the shared heritage of Kunbi handloom and pottery. Both crafts, handcrafted from natural materials, reflect simplicity, sustainability and the enduring indigenous culture of the state. By bringing these traditions together, the festival highlights the deep connection between craft, community and cultural memory in Goa.

A unique highlight of this edition will be a specially conceptualised show by Asha Arondekar, Rahila Khan and Asha Vernekar, showcasing 12 western wear outfits and 12 sarees that creatively blend textile and pottery-inspired aesthetics. Scheduled for 5.30 pm on January 9, 2026, the show promises to be a distinctive fusion of fashion and craft heritage.

The festival will also feature daily hands-on workshops, offering visitors an opportunity to engage directly with clay. These include a full-day pottery wheel experience led by Bhisaji Gadekar and a mosaic workshop conducted by Marilyn D’Costa, with on-the-spot registrations available, encouraging spontaneous participation and learning.

Curated and organised by Bipasha Sen Gupta, Potters Fest Goa will be open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm, creating a welcoming space for artists, families and visitors to explore, create and connect. As it enters its fifth year, the festival continues to strengthen its role as a platform that celebrates craftsmanship, supports artisans and keeps Goa’s rich creative traditions alive while inviting new conversations around contemporary craft practices.

Travel

Goa Crowned ‘Best Romantic Destination’ at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa has been conferred with the Winner – Best Romantic Destination at the prestigious Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025, further reaffirming its position as one of India’s most admired and loved travel destinations. The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony held at Nandiya Gardens, ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on December 16, 2025. The honour on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, was received by Ms. Swati Prabhu Shastri, currently serving at Goa Sadan on deputation from the Education Department.

This recognition highlights Goa’s timeless appeal, from its scenic coastline and intimate hospitality experiences to its vibrant cultural fabric and seamless balance of luxury with laid-back charm. Over the years, Goa has evolved beyond its beach identity, offering meaningful experiences rooted in heritage, wellness, hinterland exploration, and responsible tourism, making it a preferred destination for couples and travellers alike.

Reacting to the recognition, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte described the award as a proud moment for the state, noting that Goa offers far more than picturesque landscapes. He emphasised that the essence of romance in Goa lies in its culture, warmth, authenticity, and strong sense of place, while reiterating the government’s commitment to regenerative tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also welcomed the honour, stating that the recognition reflects the consistent efforts of the Department of Tourism, industry stakeholders, and local communities. He highlighted how curated experiences such as heritage stays, wellness retreats, immersive cultural encounters, and responsible tourism initiatives continue to strengthen Goa’s identity while keeping pace with evolving traveller expectations.

Now in its 14th year, the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards is a marquee celebration recognising excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This accolade reinforces Goa’s positioning as a destination that effortlessly blends celebration with serenity, luxury with simplicity, and romance with sustainability. The Department of Tourism expressed its gratitude to Travel + Leisure India, industry partners, and travellers for their continued trust and support, viewing the award as a strong endorsement of Goa’s vision for experience-led, responsible, and regenerative tourism.

Travel

Mumbai Tops Time Out’s 2025 List as the Happiest City in Asia

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Happiness means different things to different people, but sometimes, numbers tell a story of their own. According to Time Out’s City Life Index 2025, Mumbai has been named the happiest city in Asia, with an overwhelming 94% of residents saying that their city makes them happy. The global survey, which asked over 18,000 people across the world about their cities, measured factors such as culture, nightlife, food, quality of life, and overall positivity.

The findings reveal that 89% of Mumbaikars feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else, 88% say people in the city seem cheerful, and 87% believe happiness in Mumbai has grown recently. Experts point to Mumbai’s entertainment scene, diverse street food, and dynamic career opportunities as key drivers of this positivity. But perhaps more than anything, it’s the city’s deep sense of belonging, resilience, and community spirit that makes it stand out.

“Mumbai has always been more than just a city — it’s an emotion,” said one respondent. “Even in its chaos, there’s connection. Everyone’s chasing dreams together.”

Following Mumbai in the rankings are Beijing and Shanghai, where 93% and 92% of locals, respectively, reported feeling happy in their cities. Both scored high on safety, culture, and convenience and have been recognized as top destinations for Gen Z professionals due to their innovation and modern lifestyle.

Chiang Mai in Thailand and Hanoi in Vietnam also made it to the top five, each with 88% of residents saying their city makes them happy. Both cities were praised for their slower pace of life, community-driven living, and green environments — appealing to those seeking balance and connection.

Not all megacities fared equally well. Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore ranked lower, with Tokyo recording just 70% of residents saying they feel happy in their city — a figure that experts link to long working hours and high pressure.

The top 10 happiest cities in Asia for 2025 are:

  1. Mumbai, India
  2. Beijing, China
  3. Shanghai, China
  4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
  5. Hanoi, Vietnam
  6. Jakarta, Indonesia
  7. Hong Kong
  8. Bangkok, Thailand
  9. Singapore
  10. Seoul, South Korea

The results underline that the happiest cities are not necessarily the richest or most modern, but those with a strong sense of community and joy in everyday life. In 2025, Mumbai’s blend of ambition, culture, and connection has made it a symbol of urban happiness — proving that in the city of dreams, the biggest dream of all is simply to belong.

Travel

GTDC Announces Special Tour for Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025 at Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Publicity, has announced a Special Tour for the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival, which will take place on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at Vithalapur, Sankhali.

Celebrated under the full moon, Tripurari Poornima is one of Goa’s most captivating festivals, blending spirituality, creativity, and tradition. The highlight of the event is the magnificent boat show on the River Valvanti, where intricately decorated miniature boats are released, symbolizing devotion and community celebration. The festival attracts locals and visitors who come together to experience the beauty of Goa’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that Tripurari Poornima embodies the spirit of Regenerative Tourism, where each visitor contributes to preserving Goa’s traditions while enjoying an authentic experience. He invited both locals and travellers to join the celebration and witness Goa’s living cultural legacy.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, described the festival as a perfect representation of spirituality and community creativity, while GTDC Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, reaffirmed GTDC’s commitment to curating meaningful tourism experiences that support local engagement and sustainability.

To facilitate easy access, GTDC has organized a special coach tour from Panaji and Mapusa residencies, departing at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively, and returning from Sankhali at approximately 1:00 AM. Tickets are priced at ₹150 for adults and ₹50 for children (6–12 years). Guests staying at GTDC residencies in Panaji, Mapusa, Miramar, and Calangute who book the tour will also receive a 10% discount on room rates.

The initiative aims to encourage participation, promote local culture, and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

GTDC invites everyone to experience the magic of Goa’s moonlit waters, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit at the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025.