Goa Unveils Immersive Cultural Village and Shivaji Digital Museum

In November 2025, Goa's tourism department has announced the launch of two ambitious projects to expand the state's tourism landscape beyond its renowned beaches. The first initiative is the development of an "Experiential Goan Village" at Colva, spanning 24,000 square meters. This project will be undertaken through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The core concept of the Colva project is to create an authentic "model Goan village" that reflects the state's true essence. Visitors will be able to experience Goan heritage, including Portuguese-era homes, fishing villages, traditional arts and crafts, and cultural expressions such as Feni distillation. The destination will also feature live performances of folk dances like dhalo and fugdi, accompanied by traditional music.

Separately, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has floated a tender for a fully immersive Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi. The Union tourism ministry has sanctioned Rs 97.5 crore for the development and renovation of the existing Ponda fort, as well as the construction of this digital museum. The project aims to bring the Maratha ruler's legacy to life through 3D/4D animation, holograms, AR/VR, and projection mapping, tracing Goa's historical journey from the stone age to the present day.

These initiatives are part of Goa's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and provide visitors with more immersive cultural and historical experiences beyond the state's renowned beaches.