Goa’s tourists are now heading to the hills instead of beaches. Here’s why
The Hindu
Sea spray, suntan and parties take a backseat as the greener, quieter side of the State sees a steady inflow of domestic travellers
The deep forest in Assonora is off limits. But steep, winding roads punctuated by tea shops lead to a plateau, just a short walk or climb away. Here, if you are lucky, you will see peacocks strut past, as brown-headed barbels startle you with abrupt calls. Here, dirt roads lead you to an impressive view of the village, replete with grazing lands and forests.
Two kilometers away, stands Club Mahindra’s largest property yet: tucked into this quiet village in North Goa. The 33-acre property is the newest to offer experiences that a typical Goa-bound tourist may not be familiar with. Devoid of sea spray, suntan and rave parties, the green, quiet side of Goa is the star here.
The State is seeing a image makeover, influenced by domestic tourists and long stay travellers who flocked here through the pandemic. Shunning the neon party scene and hustling beach shacks of Anjuna, Calangute and Baga, they now come looking for hiking trails, quiet villages and local food.
Vijay Gawade, a naturalist who leads hiking trails for Club Mahindra Assonora confirms that it is one of the most preferred outdoor activities of their guests, especially families. And, more so, since the pandemic began. As he leads us on a hike through Assonora’s inroads , we spot a Brahmani kite, swallows, cuckoos, magpies and a red-whiskered bulbul. We involve the local community to find more trails nearby,” says the avid trekker who is from North Goa himself adding, “When it rains, it is even more beautiful.”
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“We always felt that the Northern part of Goa was virgin in nature,” says Pratik Mazumder, chief marketing officer, Club Mahindra explaining how their objective was to stay clear of the commercial side of Goa, where they have three other properties. He adds. “Among tourists that keep visiting Goa, most have done the commercial part of Goa at least once — particularly people who are in the 35-plus age profile, with families and kids.” The property often hosts three generations of families, as this quieter side of Goa tends to be more inclusive for small children and elderly grandparents.
These visitors now want places where they can spend time with families, and with Nature. Since the pandemic began, Pratik says they have seen a huge uptick in experiential services: a keen interest in wanting to go for Nature walks, bird watching experiences. “Home-style and local food have also created a great interest in the mind of our guests,” says Amit Kumar, general manager, ITC Grand Goa. Located amid swaying coconut trees and gleaming lagoons in Cansaulim, South Goa, the luxury resort is now looking to cater to the changing demands of the post-pandemic traveller with curated village trails and Goan culinary masterclasses. “More groups are looking for meaningful experiences even in a leisure destination like Goa,” adds Amit.
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