SUN, SAND AND SPIRITUALITY

There's more to Goa beyond the beaches and bachelor parties! You can embark on a spiritual sojourn (yes you heard that right) with family in tow, no less

- Saptaparna Biswas

A typical Goa trip must consist of sun, sand and sea, isn't it? But what if we told you there's more to it than just beaches and water sports? In a bid to put Goa on the map of spiritual tourism, the state's tourism department is spotlighting the temples, churches, wellness programmes and cultural exchanges for visitors.

"With the launch of the Ekadasha Teertha (which involves visiting 11 temples in Goa), we are giving Indian tourism a fresh look, with an emphasis on spirituality, indigeneity, cultural and civilisational nationalism and conscious tourism," shares Rohan A Khanute, minister of tourism, Goa. He added that the idea is to revamp India's party destination as a place that "encourages meaningful engagement, soaking in the local culture and a genuine appreciation for the richness of our world".