PANJIM: For the very first time in its history, common people will be allowed to explore the grandeur and architectural beauty of the sprawling Raj Bhavan, official residence of the Governor of Goa from the New Year with online bookings to begin from Sunday.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has been entrusted with the task to take selected visitors to the 450-century old venue.
Goa Governor Dr Mrs Mridula Sinha on the Liberation Day had announced that the Raj Bhavan would be accessible to the common citizens, including Goans, other Indian as well as foreign nationals, ‘to see its rich history and heritage, flora and fauna of the place and above all its mesmerising scenic beauty from January 5, 2019 on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.’
Official information shared with the media on Saturday mentions that the visit will be in two slots comprising each batch of 50 visitors starting from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
The visitors have been asked to do online booking at bookings.rajbhavan.goa. gov.in which will be accepted from December 30, 2018. This link is available on Raj Bhavan, Goa website.
“Visitor will have to register on the said portal at least three days before the date of visit and entry will be subject to police verification. Confirmation of the booking will be intimated on SMS/email to the applicant,” it states. The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 300 per person to be paid online at the time of booking. However, children below 12 years of age will not be charged the entry fee.
“A Visitor Information Centre at Raj Bhavan will carry out further facilitation. A tour guide will accompany the visitors. Drinking water, washroom/toilet facilities are provided inside Raj Bhavan, and visitors are prohibited to drink, smoke, litter, carry plastics or food in plastic. Entry route will be under surveillance. The visit to Raj Bhavan will be conducted by GTDC,” the information states.
Raj Bhavan, Goa, also known as Palacio-de-Cabo, is one of the finest residences of Indian Governors and also the oldest as no other residence of a Governor of a State in India has its origin dating back to over 450 years. This place has been restricted for several decades and would remain open for public on special days only.
