Goa's tourism sector has got a new attraction with luxury cruise boats being introduced for the first time in river Mandovi across Panaji for commercial use.
"Though private players have their own cruise boats for several years, we have introduced the same service for general tourists comprising middle class families," said Bhargav Desai, managing director, Desai Voyages, a Goa-based company.
The company has introduced motorised boats in Mandovi river, which is the major river in the coastal state, with vast picturesque backwaters.
"The concept is to show other side of Goa which is not beaches," Desai said.
Tourists can now charter a boat and spend time cruising the river line which has on it's bank several villages, Old Goa heritage monuments and islands.
The company has launched open deck and open lounge boats which are ideal for a group, while main attraction is luxury boats which are ideal for honeymoon couples.
"Comfort is the hallmark of entire experience.
“Boats are built to ensure that person in it is highly safe and also enjoys the best of cruising," said Joe Ralph, Project Manager, Floating Cruising River Residencies, a company which has constructed these boats.
The image is used for representational purpose only
Image: Casino Royale Goa, an off-shore casino on a ship, is anchored on the Mandovi river, which runs through Goa's capital Panaji; Photograph: Reuters
