Goa is famous for its stunning beaches, but there’s so much more to explore in this beautiful state. Trending news is the best of Goa beyond the beaches. In this blog post, I’ll show you how you can experience the authentic culture, traditions, and biodiversity of Goa by opting for caravan and homestay tourism, a new initiative by the Goa government that offers various incentives and benefits to both tourists and locals.
What is Caravan and Homestay Tourism in Goa?
Caravan and homestay tourism is a new initiative by the Goa government to promote tourism in the hinterlands of Goa, beyond the beaches. It offers various incentives and benefits to the owners and operators of caravan parks and homestays, such as grants, reimbursements, tax waivers, and high-speed internet connectivity.
It also aims to provide tourists with a more authentic and immersive experience of Goa’s culture, traditions, and biodiversity. It helps to preserve and showcase the unique historic, ethnic, natural, and cultural locations and attractions of Goa. It makes Goa one of the safest and most sustainable tourist destinations in the world.
Caravan tourism involves travelling and staying in a caravan, which is a vehicle equipped with living facilities such as beds, kitchen, bathroom, and so on. Caravan parks are designated areas where caravans can be parked and connected to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sewage. Caravan tourism allows tourists to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring different places at their own pace and convenience.
Homestay tourism involves staying in a local’s home, where the host provides accommodation, food, and hospitality to the guests. Homestay tourism allows tourists to interact with the locals, learn about their culture and lifestyle, and taste their cuisine. Homestay tourism also helps the locals to generate income and improve their living standards.
Caravan and homestay tourism are good for Goa because they can:
- Diversify the tourism sector and attract new segments of tourists who are looking for alternative and experiential travel options.
- Reduce the pressure and congestion on the coastal areas and spread the benefits of tourism to the rural and interior regions of Goa.
- Conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of Goa by involving the local communities and stakeholders in the tourism development and management.
- Boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the youth, women, and marginalized groups.
How to Find and Book a Caravan Park or a Homestay in Goa?
If you are interested in caravan and homestay tourism in Goa, you might be wondering how to find and book a caravan park or a homestay in Goa. Here are some tips and resources to help you plan your trip.
- To find a caravan park in Goa, you can visit the official website of Goa Tourism, where you can browse through the list of approved caravan parks, check their location, facilities, tariff, and availability, and make an online booking. You can also contact the caravan park owners directly through their phone numbers or email addresses provided on the website.
- To find a homestay in Goa, you can visit the official website of Goa Tourism, where you can browse through the list of approved homestays, check their location, amenities, tariff, and availability, and make an online booking. You can also contact the homestay owners directly through their phone numbers or email addresses provided on the website.
- Alternatively, you can use online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or Tripadvisor to find and book a caravan park or a homestay in Goa. These platforms allow you to compare different options, read reviews from other travellers, and get the best deals and discounts.
What are the Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Goa’s Hinterlands?
Goa’s hinterlands are full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered by adventurous and curious travellers. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Goa’s hinterlands, depending on your interests and preferences.
- If you are a nature lover, you can visit the numerous wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers that are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the popular ones are Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Falls, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Selaulim Dam. You can also enjoy activities such as trekking, birdwatching, camping, fishing, and boating.
- If you are a culture enthusiast, you can visit the ancient temples, churches, forts, and museums that showcase the rich and diverse history and heritage of Goa. Some of the notable ones are Tambdi Surla Temple, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Tiracol, Goa Chitra Museum, and Big Foot Museum. You can also experience the local festivals, fairs, and markets that celebrate the customs and traditions of Goa.
- If you are a foodie, you can taste the authentic and delicious cuisine of Goa, which is influenced by the Portuguese, Konkani, and other regional flavors. You can try the famous dishes such as fish curry, xacuti, cafreal, vindaloo, sanna, bebinca, and feni. You can also learn how to cook these dishes from your homestay hosts or join a cooking class or workshop.
What are the Tips and Best Practices for Caravan and Homestay Tourism in Goa?
Caravan and homestay tourism in Goa can be a rewarding and memorable experience, but it also requires some preparation and responsibility. Here are some tips and best practices to help you make the most of your trip.
- Before you book a caravan park or a homestay, make sure you read the terms and conditions, policies, and rules of the place. You should also check the reviews and ratings from other travellers and contact the owners if you have any questions or doubts.
- When you arrive at the caravan park or the homestay, introduce yourself to the owners and the staff, and be polite and respectful. You should also follow the instructions and guidelines given by them regarding the use of the facilities and services.
- During your stay, be mindful of the environment and the culture of the place. You should avoid littering, wasting water and electricity, making noise, and disturbing the wildlife. You should also dress appropriately, ask for permission before taking photos or videos, and respect the beliefs and values of the locals.
- After your stay, thank the owners and the staff for their hospitality and leave a feedback or a review on their website or platform. You can also share your experience and recommendations with your friends and family on social media.
Conclusion
Goa is more than just a beach destination. It’s a place where you can discover the rich and diverse heritage, culture, and nature of India. By choosing caravan and homestay tourism, you can not only enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay, but also support the local communities and the environment. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Goa today and experience the best of both worlds. And don’t forget to share your stories and photos with me and your friends on social media.
