Spiritual Travel

Not Just Sand and Surf: There’s More to Goa Than Beaches—Explore Its Hidden Spiritual Wonders!

Published

5 months ago

March 6, 2025

Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve (Photo: iStock)

Goa is rightfully famous for its gorgeous beaches, but the state has much more to offer—especially for those seeking spiritual and cultural tourism.

Despite concerns about a decline in tourism, recent data tells a different story. According to Goa Tourism, the state welcomed 4.67 lakh international tourists in 2024, up from 4.52 lakh in 2023—a significant rise from 1.69 lakh foreign tourists in 2022.

One key factor driving this growth is the rise of spiritual tourism, as the state government takes proactive steps to revive ancient temples and promote Goa’s rich spiritual heritage. Highlighting these efforts, Goa’s Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte, emphasised the government’s commitment to preserving heritage sites, improving infrastructure, and fostering cultural engagement.

“We are actively working towards enhancing spiritual tourism by preserving heritage sites, improving infrastructure, and creating meaningful cultural engagements,” he stated. “Our goal is to position Goa as a premier spiritual tourism destination while ensuring that we honour and uphold its rich cultural and religious traditions.”

When asked how the government plans to balance Goa’s identity as a vibrant tourist destination with its new focus on spiritual tourism, ensuring both forms of tourism thrive without overshadowing one another, Khaunte explained: “Goa’s tourism diversification strategy aims to complement its vibrant image as a leisure destination with emerging segments like adventure, wellness, spiritual, and heritage tourism. By promoting ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ through distinct locations, we allow various beach-centric activities, hinterland tourism, and spiritual experiences to coexist without overlap. Our focus is also on encouraging sustainable tourism that highlights Goa’s multifaceted appeal beyond its beaches.”

“We have also curated specialised itineraries that cater to different visitor demographics—adventure seekers, beach lovers, and spiritual tourists alike. Collaboration with stakeholders to promote Goa holistically ensures that spiritual tourism adds value rather than competes with its existing tourism strengths.”

One of the key projects under this initiative is the Ekadasha Teertha circuit, which integrates eleven significant temples to offer a fresh perspective on spiritual tourism.

Mangueshi temple or the Manguesh Devasthan (Photo: iStock)

The Ekadasha Teertha circuit is a curated spiritual trail that includes the Shree Mangueshi temple or the Manguesh Devasthan, Mangueshi; Shree Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol; Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla; Shee Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve; Shree Brahma Temple, Sattari; Shree Shantadurga Temple, Fatorpa; Hari Mandir, Margao; Shree Damodar Temple, Zambaulim; Parashuram Temple, Poinguinim; Shree Mahaganapati Temple, Khandola; and Shree Dattatreya Temple, Sanquelim.

Beyond temples, the government is also focused on promoting historic churches and mosques to preserve cultural traditions and highlight Goa’s deep spiritual roots. Khaunte added that improving accessibility and infrastructure around these sites will play a crucial role in attracting visitors.

“To attract both domestic and international visitors, we are enhancing infrastructure around key spiritual sites to ensure better accessibility,” he explained.

Shree Shantadurga Temple, Ponda, Goa (Photo: iStock)

A heritage conservation approach has been adopted by restoring and maintaining temple structures to safeguard their historical significance, “encouraging sustainable tourism practices that limit the environmental impact on these sites, integrating community-based tourism by engaging local families, artisans, and cultural groups, and incorporating educational and cultural programmes to highlight the rich heritage of these temples,” added Khaunte.

Famous Hindu Temples In Goa

Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve

This Shiva temple dates back to the 12th century and was the deity of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty. The temple was damaged after the Portuguese conquest in 1540. The Shiva linga was removed for safekeeping and was smuggled away by a local named Narayan Shenvi Suryarao, who took it to a place called Latambarsem, where it remained for three years. In 1543, it was installed in a temple near the island of Divar.

According to the official website of Goa Tourism, “The legend behind the name Saptakoteshwar is also quite interesting. According to the legend, seven holy sages once set out to pray to Lord Shiva near the place where five holy rivers met the sea. They prayed for seven crore years, at the end of which Lord Shiva appeared to grant their wishes and agreed to stay at the place in one of his incarnations. This incarnation is known as Saptakoteshwar (sapt means seven, and koteshwar means lord of crores).”

Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol

Shree Mahalasa Temple, Mardol

The Shree Mahalasa Temple is located on the plateau of Verna village in Salcete taluka. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa and finds its reference in the Skanda Purana. Mahalasa is considered the female avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Mallikarjuna Temple, Canacona

Believed to have been constructed in the 6th century, this temple is considered one of the oldest shrines in Goa. It is dedicated to Mallikarjuna, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple, with its beautiful wood and silver carvings, is said to have been built by the Habu Brahmins of the Dravidian dynasty.

Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem

One of the most stunning temples in Goa, it is located 33 km from Panaji in Kavlem, Ponda district, North Goa. With a rich history, the current structure was built between 1713 and 1738 AD and houses a mesmerising idol of Goddess Durga.

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Spiritual Travel

Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

admin

Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.

A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge

Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.

Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro

Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.

Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana

Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.

Bharari – The New Stopover Destination

Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.

Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.

Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.

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Spiritual Travel

Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

Published

4 hours ago

August 4, 2025

ANI

VMPL

New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

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