If you are planning to visit Goa anytime soon, this is your chance to indulge in a monsoon trek! The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) launched a special 'Monsoon Trekking' program, in an effort to increase tourism in the state's hinterland areas during the rainy season. The program was launched at Tambdi Surla on July 3rd.

On the occasion, GTDC Chairman and Sanvordem MLA Dr Ganesh Gaonkar mentioned how this project would help boost the economy and generate employment for the locals, while providing increased tourism in return.

According to reports, around eight million tourists who visit Goa every year prefer the sun, sand and sea. Now, with this trekking program, tourists will be able to learn about the hinterland areas of the state, while enjoying the rainy season, all for free.

Gaonkar said, "There are many things which you can't see on beaches. Here, in the pristine (hinterland), you will get 100 percent fresh air free of cost. You don't have to pay for it. You have to pay for something on the beaches."

The trek will unravel the meaning of "Atithi Devo Bhava", putting the tourists at the forefront of the adventure. The tour guides will be certified and specially trained by GTDC and the Forest Department, ensuring the safety of every tourist while trekking.

Registrations for the trek are live, and tourist movement along the four-hour trek has started. In the future, the trek will be extended further to areas like Dudhsagar waterfall, and more.