Goa to have two heritage tourism circuits soon

The Goa Government has started work on developing two heritage tourism circuits in a bid to showcase the state’s historical sites and promote tourism in the region. A government official in the know-how said that the State Archives and Archaeology Department has been working and making efforts to create such tourism circuits, where tourist will be given an opportunity to visit various architectural landmarks and historical monuments. The heritage tourism circuits will be developed in association with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).
Varad Sabanis, Assistant Superintendent Archaeologist, while talking to the press said that the first circuit will cover the Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narve village in Bicholim taluka and the monuments surrounding it, which will include ancient caves, springs, temples, and ruins of Jain community settlement.

Saptakoteshwar Temple was built in 1668 after Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji ordered it, and is 35 km away from Panaji. For the said purpose of developing tourism circuits, the Saptakoteshwar Temple is undergoing restoration process, which is expected to be completed on or before April next year.
The government official further informed that boards would be installed in those sites so that visitors get the necessary and required information of those places. He also stated that since visitors coming to Goa are not that aware of historical sites, this step is looked upon as a great initiative by the state government.
When both the heritage tourism circuits are up and ready for tourists, it will open up opportunities for tourists to take a break from the beaches, and experience offbeat travel.