CM lays foundation stone for development and beautification of Bhagwati temple, launches Motorized Paragliding
GTDC has launched two special initiatives in Mandrem on Thursday with the auspicious hands of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar. The GTDC claims that the above initiatives will boost the adventure tourism and pilgrimage tourism in Pernem Taluka, North Goa. Mr. Parsekar launched motorized paragliding at Mandrem beach followed by the laying of the foundation stone for the development of the Shri Dev Sapteshwar Bhagwati Pramukh Panchayatan Devasthan.
According to the sources in the Goa Tourism, the following dignitaries were present for both events. Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral, and officials from Goa Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, and officials from the local level bodies.
About Motorized paragliding:
This new tourism adventure initiative is being launched in Goa for the first time and GTDC has tied up with Pune-based Flying Safari to get powered paragliding to the tourists of Goa. One can now enjoy holidays in the State with the thrill of soaring over the beaches of Goa, just like a bird in the sky!
The chief minister took keen interest and minutely inspected the motorized paraglide; a simple two-seater powered flying machine. The operations have been launched at Mandrem beach and will be introduced at other beaches in a phased manner.
Powered paragliders have earned the distinction of being the safest flying machines. It allows flying at various altitudes – from 2 feet above the ground to thousands of feet high in the sky! It is a slow flying aircraft, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery down below.
The paraglide operations will begin from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. Each ride would be for a duration of 10 to 15 minutes.
For booking, one can log on to Goa Tourism Website
Development and beautification of Shri Bhagwati temple:
The 300-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati located in Pernem taluka, North Goa located approx. 17 km from Mapusa. The complex has five temples, the main temple is dedicated to Shri. Sapteshwar and Bhagwati. Other temples are dedicated to Narayan, Ravalnath, and Satpurush.
At this complex, devotees throng for Dassehera, zatra, bhajani saptah which are celebrated with much fervor. Thousands of tourists from neighboring States of Maharashtra and Karnataka visit this temple complex while visiting the beaches in its close proximity.
The temple is in the close proximity of the famous beaches like Ashwem, Junaswada, Harmal and Keri.
The development and beautification plan of the temple includes providing public amenities for the tourist and devotees like toilet blocks, parking areas, pathways, amphitheater, illumination, landscaping etc. The wayside public utility services being provided will help tourists en route to the temple complex and the beach belt at Mandrem.
The development and beautification of the temple complex will also boost heritage and pilgrimage tourism in the State in a big way. The cost of the project is Rs 2.04 crore.
Chief Minister, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar said, “The Goa government is promoting adventure and spiritual tourism in a big way. Goa is known for its beaches, temples, and churches and adding new attractions and facilities will augment tourist arrivals to all these locations. The government is committed to promoting tourism and will support all such projects and initiatives that will go a long way in making the State more attractive.”
Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “Goa Tourism and GTDC are giving a facelift to religious monuments in the State. The Bhagwati temple, an ancient temple having great heritage value has been drawing tourists and pilgrims from far and wide. The project to develop facilities for pilgrims will be a big boon and also increase footfalls to this religious site similarly the launch of paragliding at Mandrem beach will give a new avenue for adventurous tourists. Goa has a variety of activities to attract to visit Goa for an exciting holiday.”
