Goa – best known for its beaches – will tap rivers to attract tourists

Panaji: With its crowded beaches crunching under pressure of growing footfalls, Goa now wants to tap its rivers for their ability to attract tourists as well as share and shoulder the burden of transportation and commuting within the state.

With the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government looking to start water parks tourism and river-based transport systems, the onus, according to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, is not to bank too much on funding from the state or central governments, but instead scout for the right investors who can bring in the money and the technical knowhow to execute such projects.

"Government will give priority to waterways and we have scope to develop waterfronts like the Chapora river. From Chapora to Colvale (villages located along the course of the river), we could develop some points (of tourist interest)," Parsekar told IANS.

Known for its beaches, the tiny state of Goa is also rich as far as flowing water-bodies are concerned. Apart from the main rivers, the Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and the Kushwati, several smaller rivers criss-cross the state, especially in the hinterland areas, which do not possess a healthy tourism profile.

Currently, government records suggest that the state has waterways which are around 650 km in length. According to Parsekar, an additional 250 km can be also utilised, through adequate dredging and deepening of the navigation channels of the rivers.

"The rest can be extended by dredging. Waterways and tourist attractions are two important points to remember. A tourist who lands at Dabolim (international airport) should be able to head for Panaji or Calangute by a boat instead of by road alone. This will be an added attraction for a tourist coming to Goa," Parsekar said.

Parsekar returned earlier this week from the three-day Maritime Summit organized by the union shipping ministry in Mumbai that was aimed at increasing the connect between shipping industry stakeholders in the private sector and government representatives.

Goa, with its unique advantage of being already a popular beach tourism destination, without fully tapping its rivers and backwaters, appears to be in a good position to encash on this opportunity.

"We should use our rivers as waterways and further reduce the pressure on our roads. And Goa being a touristic destination it could be a major attraction. We could also build river jetties in coastal villages and the hinterland so that the pressure created by tourism can be spread across Goa and not just along the beaches," Parsekar said.

The chief minister also said that instead of moaning about whether the state or the central government would be footing the bill for development of water fronts and waterways, efforts should be taken to find the right investors for the project.

We want investors to invest and once we have investment, we could have job creation and diversify tourism in the hinterland from the coast," Parsekar said.

Goa attracts nearly four million tourists every year, about half a million of whom are foreigners.

Offbeat places to ring in the New Year

Tired of ringing in the New Year with typical parties and get-togethers? Want to escape from the noisy and ever crowded city? 

We bring to you some offbeat places that you can visit to spend this New Year!

1)      Guhagar- Amalgamation of beauty
From hills, beaches, mangroves to rivers, this place is the perfect one to visit if you want peace and tranquillity while welcoming the New Year. This Konkan village is located 280 km away from Mumbai. Visit Durga Devi and Vyadeshwar temples to seek blessings from god on the first morning of New Year.

2)      Bhandardara- Island Camping
A heaven for travellers, this place offers bonfire, games and activities, musical nights, boat ride and most importantly a picturesque landscape of mountains and lakes. This one-night-two-day stay is cost effective. 

3)      Zarwad Bk village- Karaoke and barbeque
This village falls in Nashik district of Maharashtra. This is a place exclusively for vegetarian lovers and non-alcoholics. For just Rs 2500/- the package includes a musical night with lots of barbeque making.  

4)      Revdanda- Beach Camping Party
What better than spending the New Year with you beloved and romantic walks on the beach under the moonlight? Book yourself for this amazing camping trip to Revdanda and enjoy music, fireworks, bonfire, barbeque and wish lanterns under the starry nights. Highlight- stay in cozy tents! 

5)      Aamby Valley- Mountains and dense jungle
Camp by the magnificent Saltar Lake, located 50 km from Lonavla. The cost of the two-day trek is just 1800/-. The offer includes veg and non-veg barbeque, breakfast, evening snacks, local sightseeing and lots of fun activities.  The seats are limited and it is on first come first serve basis. 

6)      Dhanu- a unique Tribal Camp

Located in the heart of tribal belt, pay Rs 2500/- for a fun-filled night. It offers you Chiku Farms, outdoor DJ and live band, delicious food startling light effects, bonfire, barbeque, firework show, bottle and fire juggling and a comfortable tent stay. 

Destination beach wedding? Would-be bride needs to take care of a few things

A destination wedding is a lot of fun for the couple as well as guests. After all, it turns out to be mini vacation for everyone around. But the preparations for such an occasion also depend on the kind of location youre choosing along with many other aspects, says an expert.

Sanchita Kalra, Wedding Planning Expert at ShaadiSaga.com, lists down a few steps that the would-be bride should keep in mind before preparing for her big day.
* Time of your functions: You're having the wedding functions at the beach, make sure you pick the right month. Avoid summers or monsoons because not only will you be feeling hot and humid in your wedding attire but also your family and friends who will be running around doing most of the work for you!

And when you have decided the season for the wedding, set the time of every function too. For the beach wedding, it's best to get married when the sunlight is not too harsh. Therefore, sunset is the best time to get pretty pictures! Don't forget to carry sunglasses!
* Deciding the outfit for beach functions: While picking a wedding outfit, make sure you go for something light both in colour as well as the fabric. Also, hassle-free outfits in pastel colours work extremely well for day weddings.

* No heels: Heels are a big no-no because they will sink in the sand. And don't even think of walking barefoot on the sand as it will be very hot. But if you want to add some extra height, opt for wedges because they won't sink. The ideal thing to do is to make sure you have the outfits tailored according to your actual height.
* Hair and makeup: For functions at the beach, you'll have to apply lots of sunscreen to avoid tanning. Go for matt lip colours as the glossy ones might make the sand stick on your lips. Also, weather at the beach can become breezy in the evening, therefore, go for an updo hairstyle so that your hair is tied and you're able to move freely.

Incredible Beaches In India You Shouldn't Miss To Visit

This article is dedicated to the beach life – tan skin, messy hair, sandy toes, shorter clothes, sun chills and sugary memories. Beaches are the best escape one can ever have!

Here are some beautiful beaches in India. Go through the list and add them in your bucket list.

Palolem beach (Goa) is very famous for its nightlife, the beach turns into this beautiful place after sundown. 

Radhanagar beach is considered to be one of Andman's best possessions. The beach has lush green trees and crystal clear water. One might just take a walk on the beach and feel so content and peaceful. 

Varkala beach is the beach where cliffs of Western ghats are found adjacent to the great Arabian Sea. It is one of the black sand beachs of Kerala and the most popular tourist destination in Kerala.

Tarkali is one of the cleanest beaches with pristine white sands, and has all sorts of water sports - Parasailing, banana ride and even camel rides.

Varca is one the most beautiful and crowd free beaches in Goa. 

Bangaram beach is said to be one of the last paradises on Earth. 

Marari beach is considered to be the best destination for a casual swim. 

Arambol is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa because of low hills and jungle valley and huge banyan trees. It is basically famous for its bohemian feel.

Baga beach is one of the very famous beaches in Goa.

SORCE: www.wittyfeed.com/story/23209/travel-poster-series-beaches-in-india