Panaji, Apr 29 (IANS): Waterfalls, dams, lakes, temples and wildlife sanctuaries are being upgraded in a bid to diversify Goa's tourism bouquet, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said Monday.

The plan is part of a concerted move to diversify Goa's tourism focus from beaches to the hinterland, Parulekar said in a written reply in the legislative assembly.

One of the areas of focus is the place surrounding the Selaulim dam, in south Goa, which provides water to nearly half of Goa's population.

"(It is) proposed to construct an interpretation centre for dissemination of knowledge of natural or cultural heritage at the Selaulim dam. The GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) cottages are also proposed to be leased on a long-term basis to private investors for providing good quality accommodation to tourists," Parulekar said.

The dam and its reservoir, which are surrounded by lush green forests are a breathtaking sight and serve as a picnic spot for domestic tourists.

Parulekar said two waterfalls at Bamonbuddo, in Gadondongre area, 50 km from here, and at Charvane, in northern Goa, will also be beautified.

The minister said various temples, including the ones at Shantadurga and Chandreshwar Bhutnath, located atop a hillock at Paroda in south Goa, 40 km from here, will also be beautified for tourism.

The move away from beaches and into the hinterland has been the mantra of the state tourism department as well as the tourism industry, which is worried about saturation of coastal Goa as a tourism hub.

Goa eyes floating hotels, amphibian planes
Heli-tourism isn't the only innovation Goa tourism officials are working actively on. Amphibian planes and floating hotels too are being planned to woo vacationers.

Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said Monday in the legislative assembly that amphibian planes, which can take off and land on water, would also be seen buzzing along the Goa tourist circuit soon.

"Amphibian aircraft are those which can operate on both land as well as water bodies and commute tourists from one place to another. It is being worked out," Parulekar said.

He said the Goa government had also expressed interest "inviting offers from open market" to set up tourist circuits with amphibian aircraft, helicopters and floatel, or floating hotel.

Parulekar said heli-tourism would "boost tourism and enable ease in travel, reduce commuting time and connect inaccessible areas", while the floating hotel could be set up both in a river or sea.

Goa already has four operating offshore casinos, the first state to boast of such a set up in the country.

Goa annually attracts 2.4 million tourists, of which half a million are foreigners.