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National Geographic explores Goa’s hidden gems in upcoming docuseries ‘Postcards from Goa’
Mumbai: Renowned for its beaches and vibrant celebrations, Goa boasts a cultural richness encompassing delectable cuisine and thrilling adventure sports. With its authentic and immersive style of storytelling, National Geographic India is all set to explore the undiscovered facets of Goa in the upcoming docu-series titled ‘Postcards from Goa’. Guided by Nat Geo explorer, adventure sports athlete and wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz, viewers will embark on an awe-inspiring journey as she rediscovers and reconnects with her homeland. Premiering on National Geographic on 25 January 2024 at 8 PM, this four-part series showcases the adventure, wildlife, food havens, and diverse heritage that lie beneath the surface of Goa.
With breath-taking cinematography, the series unfolds with Malaika immersing herself in a sequence of thrilling adventures across lesser-explored corners of Goa. Delve into the uncharted territories of this coastal paradise, from the majestic landscapes of the Western Ghats to the biodiverse mangroves of Chorão Island. Explore the region’s rich biodiversity, traversing through pristine forests in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey also explores historical ruins, and revered sites such as the Saptakoteshwar temple, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Namazgah.
National Geographic spokesperson said, “At National Geographic, we strive to entertain and enlighten our viewers by pushing the boundaries of exploration. With our Postcard series, it has been our endeavour to present the most distinctive facets of a state combined with captivating visuals and compelling narratives. This series captures Goa’s unparalleled beauty, offering viewers an immersive journey into its unseen and unexplored realms. We are happy to have our explorer Malaika Vaz, who as a local, brings an authentic and enriching perspective, elevating the viewer’s experience,”
Minister of tourism, information technology, electronics and communication and printing and stationery, Goa, Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Postcards from Goa are heartfelt. It is a personal journey of a Goan. It gives me immense joy and pride to associate with this venture even as our state embarks on a journey towards regenerative tourism. We are building Goa as a model for regenerative tourism in India and we are happy that our aspiration and ambition is seen and shown by the professional lens of National Geographic,”
IAS, director, department of tourism and managing director, GTDC, Goa, Suneel Anchipaka said, “Goa has many unexplored dimensions to it. Goa is vibrant, youthful, and aspiring and at the same time it is immaculate, meditative, and spiritual. We are pleased to be associated with a credible brand like National Geographic, which has captured the fantastic variety of Goa’s rich culture, its biodiversity hotspots, its lesser-known adventures, and wellness experiences, in its unique lens. We invite all travellers, adventure and nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and spiritual seekers to join with us in this beautiful audio-visual journey uncovered by Postcards from Goa,”
National Geographic explorer Malaika Vaz said, “I am Goan by birth. ‘Postcards from Goa’ is a journey of rediscovery and connection for me. Through the National Geographic lens, I showcase the hidden treasures of my home state through unexplored paths, ancient tales, and vibrant landscapes. I aim to bring Goa’s soul to life for all travellers. This experience goes beyond adventure; it’s an authentic celebration of the rich heritage, diverse wildlife, and cultural tapestry that makes Goa truly extraordinary,”
‘Postcards from Goa’ will premiere on 25 January 2024 at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel in India.’
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BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
