Herald had published a photograph in the edition dated June 9, of local tourists enjoying a swim in the sea at Baga beach even though the sea is rough due to the onset of monsoon with high waves beating the shore. The photograph aptly depicts how dangerous it is to swim in the seas during the monsoon season. It must be said that Goa has become a 365-day tourist destination. Even though the South West Monsoon has set in, there seems to be no decrease in the number of domestic tourists visiting the state even though the tourist season has ended. Goa has a lot to offer to the tourists even in the rainy season.
Rain-drop tourism is one way of promoting the state as a 365-day tourist destination. For the domestic tourists the Goan beaches have always been a matter of first preference when they visit the state. But then it must also be said that during the rainy seasons a swim in the rough sea at the beaches could be a very dangerous proposition. It is pertinent to note that during the rains the waterfalls in the state happen to be in full flow and present a beautiful site as a tourist attraction. When one speaks of waterfalls the one that immediately comes to mind is the famous Dudh Sagar waterfalls. But then Goa is blessed with several smaller waterfalls which nature lovers and adventurers can explore. There are waterfalls in Sattari district which include Hivrem, Charvanem, Shigne-Shelpe, Pal among others. These waterfalls are a sight to behold when in full flow in the monsoon. The government needs to promote the numerous waterfalls in the state as a place for the tourists to visit in the rainy season.
The villagers living near the waterfalls will also benefit in several ways as a result of tourists visiting these places. The local youth will be able to get gainful employment as tourist guides and villagers can open stalls selling wares of tourist interest and serve local food in hotels. Indeed the government should promote ‘waterfall tourism’ in a big way. This can be done by developing these waterfalls as tourist spots, building proper approach routes and providing lodging and boarding facilities for the tourists. With tourism being the major revenue for the state at present, the government should explore all avenues to attract tourists to the state and ‘waterfall tourism’ could achieve rich dividends.
