‘Goa Has Much More Than Beaches’: Tourism Department Launches Ekadasha Teertha Yatra

Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Department of Tourism has launched the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra, a specially curated three day pilgrimage circuit connecting eleven of the state’s most revered temples, marking a significant step in promoting Goa as a year round spiritual and cultural tourism destination.
The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant at the Shree Mahaganapati Temple in Khandola in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Kedar J. Naik, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, tourism officials, temple committee members and other dignitaries.
As part of the launch, the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation flagged off two dedicated pilgrimage buses to provide devotees and visitors with a convenient and seamless travel experience along the temple circuit.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said Goa’s rich spiritual legacy extends through its temples, churches and heritage monuments. He noted that the new pilgrimage initiative would encourage both devotees and tourists to explore sacred destinations across the state while strengthening efforts to promote Goa’s diverse cultural heritage.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said the initiative reflects the government’s ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ vision, which aims to showcase the state’s lesser known attractions through eco tourism, adventure tourism, hinterland experiences, homestays and now spiritual tourism. He described the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra as another milestone in expanding Goa’s tourism offerings while creating greater opportunities for local communities.
The three day pilgrimage has been designed to blend faith with heritage by connecting centuries old temples and allowing visitors to explore nearby cultural, historical and natural attractions.
The itinerary covers Shree Mahaganapati Temple, Shree Devki Krishna Temple, Shree Anant Devasthan and Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple on the first day. The second day includes Shree Brahmadev Devasthan, Shree Saunsthan Dattawadi and Shree Saptakoteshwar Devasthan, while the final day features Shree Parashuram Devalaya, Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Devasthan, Shree Damodar Temple and Shree Hari Mandir.
Officials said the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra forms part of Goa Tourism’s broader strategy to diversify the state’s tourism sector by promoting authentic spiritual, heritage and cultural experiences, positioning Goa as a destination that offers far more than its famous beaches.