Sharvani ChandvaleGoa packs the perfect vacation experience, come rain or sunshine. You can relax and unwind, partake in adventure activities, peep through history or just indulge in good local food. The state’s beauty has heads turning and feet hopping onto flights to experience it. However, in the past few years, Goa’s abundant hospitality has encouraged unprecedented behaviour from tourists. If you are planning a trip to Goa, it is time to inculcate a sense of responsible tourism. Here are some things you should not do when you are in Goa.
Responsible tourism in Goa – things to not do as a tourist
Everyone talks about the many things to do in Goa but no one ever brings up the things you shouldn’t do as a tourist in Goa. Hope this list helps you travel responsibly!
#1 Don’t disturb the residents of Fontainhas
Fontainhas is a tiny quarter in Goa’s capital city of Panjim. It dates all the way back to the 18th century and served as a domicile to important Portuguese officials. This slice of Panjim has a quaint charm of its own with themed bars and gorgeous architecture. However, Fontainhas is not an abandoned colony. People still continue occupying these homes and are often heard complaining about the behaviour of tourists.
Here are some things to avoid in Fontainhas to encrouage responsible tourism in Goa:
- Sticking your feet on the walls for a picture. Imagine if someone did that to your home and stained what you have carefully preserved for ages.
- Talking loudly, screaming and making noise in the residential area. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants in Fontainhas where you can spend time with your loved ones. However, when you pass through the streets, try to keep your voice down. These homes are mostly occupied by the senior population and it could affect their health.
- Littering the streets. This one goes without saying. It’s time we started taking care of the planet.
#2 Don’t crowd the Parra road
In a recently published news footage by Goa365, tourists were seen demanding reservations of the Parra road. This street is known for its gorgeously lined palm trees that make for the perfect backdrop. It was also featured in the movies Dear Zindagi and Dil Chahta Hai. However, the Parra road in Goa is an essential path of commuting for the locals and if you ever find yourself there, try not to block it up entirely. There is plenty of space to park your vehicles somewhere and it shows consideration when you make way for passers-by. Be a kind and responsible tourist such that your actions don’t affect the locals’ everyday life.
Here is another incident that happened in July 2023:
#3 Don’t drink on the beaches in Goa
Everyone dreams of beer bottles, sand and sunsets. Needless to say, Goan beaches are undeniably beautiful. As a tourist, it is your responsibility to keep them so. Currently, drinking on Goan beaches is prohibited. You can head to a shack or a restaurant and catch your sunset from there instead. What’s more, you can find plenty of dustbins on most beaches so don’t shy away from setting an example. Contribute to keeping your favourite tourist destination in India clean.
#4 Don’t park on the Goan bridges
You’re driving along a pretty road in Goa and find yourself zooming over a gorgeous bridge. The river below and the sunset charm you off your feet. You want to stop to take a picture. So you stop your car right on the bridge. But here’s the thing – Goan bridges don’t have parking spaces and they are usually really narrow. So instead of parking your vehicle on the bridge and disrupting traffic, try to find a spot close by. Usually, there are parking areas around and if not, taking a short walk in Goa is never a bad idea!
#5 Be respectful of private properties
Goa has a ton of gorgeous hidden locations. If you stumble upon them, good for you! Bask in their beauty and have a good time. However, before you share it on social media make sure that these places aren’t owned by someone. Quarries, kulaghars, waterfalls and even lakes are usually spaces owned by individuals or village communes. This means that they won’t like it if uninvited crowds of people decide to show up there. If you want to explore something new, do it with local tour operators. Soul Travelling has also collaborated with locals to offer you a bunch of fun, offbeat experiences. But the next time you find a hidden location in Goa, keep it hidden. Not only will it keep the owners/locals happy, but also keep them from getting polluted.
#6 Not littering the state is part of responsible tourism in Goa
There are trash cans everywhere! A little effort goes a long way in keeping your favourite tourist destination in India clean. The Goan government has amped up its efforts in ensuring that people aren’t encouraged to litter. Moreover, the locals are always out cleaning the beaches, the waterfalls and even the streets. So do your bit and collect your trash in a bag if you can’t find a dustbin. If you see someone else litter, be respectful and explain to them why they shouldn’t do it too.
#7 Don’t bargain with the local farmers
Goa’s local produce is impeccable. You can find all kinds of leafy vegetables, fruits and grains being sold on roadsides and in bigger markets. Now you need to know that these people work hard to make their produce. Moreover, they never really earn their work’s worth. If some produce doesn’t get sold, it just means they make even less money. So don’t bargain with the local farmers. They work with a small margin that doesn’t do justice to the time and effort they spend. What’s more, you are getting your hands on fresh produce – one that went from farm to store without any transportation or preservation.
#8 Respect religious buildings
Goan religious architecture has rules of its own. Be aware of what is permitted and what is not every time you walk into one. Most churches and temples require you to dress modestly. Short clothes are usually not allowed. So if you wish to witness their lovely architecture, be sure to respect its rules. If any space asks you to be quiet or not take any pictures, be sure to respect that as well. Being empathetic and respecting someone else’s beliefs only makes you a better human being.
Final Thoughts…
Planning your next trip to Goa? The land of mountains, beaches and stories is waiting for you. However, when you head out to explore a new land, be understanding of its culture and rules. Do your best to keep it clean and ensure that your joy does not become the cause of someone else’s suffering. Slow and responsible tourism in Goa is the future – for protecting and encouraging new experiences and local resources.
