Starting early this month, Goa was in the news for both the good and the bad. Brand Goa has been making headlines. More so, it has been under the scrutiny of the media and social media with stories criticising, and, at the same time, praising the State.
No tourism destination on earth is without its flaws, and Goa, too, has its own challenges and imperfections to deal with. The current chaos Goa is witnessing in some places is a given. It's only a matter of time before the authorities learn to handle it with a firm hand.
Despite the bad publicity, Goa still figures in the top 5 destinations for global travellers to visit in India, if a report in Business Today is to be believed.
The report quotes figures shared by Away Holidays, a UK-based travel agency that has Goa on top of the list, followed by destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai and Darjeeling.
With its European influence, Goa stands apart as it has everything a tourist desires – architecture, tradition, cuisine and a way of life that is so very different.
Goa has a lot to offer. It has charm different from other tourist destinations. With its European influence, Goa stands apart as it has everything a tourist desires – architecture, tradition, cuisine and a way of life that is so very different.
To judge Goa based on a few untoward incidents is akin to judging a basket of fruits based on one rotten fruit in it. From Pernem to Canacona, Goa offers different worlds – an azure coastline, pristine forests of the Western Ghats and a green landscape.
However, those who come to Goa solely for its parties, take away a very different picture. Intoxicated they see nothing, get into fights, drive their cars on the beaches and have accidents. This is nothing but abuse and Goa does not endorse these acts.
These types of tourists fail to see the real essence of Goa because they are blinded by their own excesses. And when they are confronted for the wrongs they do, they go back and spread canards about this tropical paradise. Goa deserves better.
Dare to look deeper and the picture that will emerge will last with you forever.
Goa is more than just a party destination. Its offerings are myriad. Tourists need to come here with an open mind to explore the real truth about the State. Dare to look deeper and the picture that will emerge will last with you forever.
Goa is a place from where you can take back many souvenirs of quiet mornings, soulful conversations and deep connections, but only if you come as a responsible tourist. Goa is not asking much of you. It just needs your respect!
In Goa, every village is an opportunity to explore. Here, you start believing in the real brand Goa, the one that is far removed from the beauty of its beaches. But here too every step you take will have to be of a responsible tourist.
Come to Goa for all things good, you will be surprised there are so many. Just walk to any shore and stand silently…something will stir your soul. You will not be able to enjoy this kind of moment by being intoxicated.
Yes, the noise and the parties are too hard to resist, but once you disconnect from these, the real Goa will unfold before you.
Yes, the noise and the parties are too hard to resist, but once you disconnect from these, the real Goa will unfold before you.
Are you ready for it?
Seriously, ask yourself, have you walked down the narrow lanes of Fontainhas in Panjim and tried to find out about its real history rather than posing for photos for your Instagram account? If you do this, you will achieve nothing because the real Goa will stay hidden from you.
So, the next time you come to Goa, leave your checklist behind, open your heart a bit more, slow down and be in the present. Goa will reveal itself to you.