Dona Paula : As part of efforts to promote curated and responsible visitor experiences, a guided Lok Bhavan Tour was organised today by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Department of Tourism, allowing visitors to explore the heritage, architecture, and natural surroundings of the Lok Bhavan premises through a structured and interpretative walking trail.
Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju along with the First Lady of Goa, Smt. Suneela Raju, flagged off the tour at the Lok Bhavan in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte; Secretary to Governor, Arjun Mohan, IAS; Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC; Dy. General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar; Comptroller of Governor House, A K Harsha; Founder of Soul travelling, Shri Varun Hegde; representatives of various hotels and others.
The Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, appreciated the initiative and said that the guided tour provides visitors with an opportunity to understand and appreciate the heritage, surroundings, and values associated with the Lok Bhavan premises.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said that curated initiatives such as the Lok Bhavan Tour help present Goa’s heritage and natural surroundings in a structured and meaningful manner. He added that such experiences encourage visitors to engage responsibly with important public spaces while enhancing overall awareness about Goa’s cultural and ecological assets.
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said that guided tours such as the Lok Bhavan Tour reflect the growing focus on experiential tourism. He added that these initiatives allow visitors to gain a better understanding of heritage and ecology while promoting responsible tourism practices.
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), stated that the tour has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth, informative, and dignified visitor experience. He said that GTDC continues to support initiatives that add depth to tourism offerings.
Guests and dignitaries were welcomed with a traditional cultural programme featuring Ghodemodni and dhol tasha, setting a vibrant and ceremonial tone for the occasion.
The curated tour, designed by Soul Travelling on behalf of GTDC and Department of Tourism, covered key locations within the premises, including the chapel and a sea-facing viewpoint, followed by an exterior overview of the main building.
The tour included a stop at the vintage Cadillac car, providing visitors with an opportunity for interaction and photographs, and proceeded to the cannon point, where visitors were briefed on its historical relevance along with panoramic views.
The trail further included a visit to the gau shala and the adjoining sea-facing viewpoint. The tour concluded with a walk through the Aushadhi Vatika (medicinal plant nursery) and the bird tower, highlighting the ecological aspects of the Lok Bhavan premises.
The Lok Bhavan Tour forms part of ongoing efforts to promote well-organised and responsible tourism experiences in the State.
