Two women navy officers script maritime history after successful navigation of globe
GOA: The sea and sky bled into each other — dull grey and indistinguishable — when INSV Tarini reappeared on the Goan horizon on Thursday. The who's who of the Indian Navy had already assembled on the long pier extending into the Zuari River at Mormugao Port, Vasco da Gama, to welcome their flagship sailing vessel.
Aboard were Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K, from Kozhikode in Kerala, and Puducherry native Roopa Alagirisamy, who had successfully navigated over 25,400 nautical miles over eight months in a voyage around the world — part of the Navy's ambitious Navika Sagar Parikrama expeditions.
With their arrival in Goa, the two naval officers made history, becoming only the ninth and tenth Indians to have circumnavigated the globe. They are also the first all-woman pair to accomplish the feat in a double-handed mode.
Such was the magnitude of the occasion that even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stood waiting on the pier to receive them. Speaking as the chief guest, he said, 'The duo has made the nation proud by waving the tricolour across the globe.'
'This miraculous voyage is not only your achievement — it is ours as a nation,' he added, also acknowledging the many men and women who enabled the mission.
Rajnath urged the officers to document their experiences 'with the same spirit with which [they had] completed it.' 'Record your bittersweet experiences and learnings, so the future generation, especially young women, can draw inspiration,' he said.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Must-have experiences during monsoon in Goa
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Homestays and eco-lodges here offer an unplugged experience that's slow, sensual, and close to away in the Western Ghats, Chorla Ghat is a misty mountain pass connecting Goa to Karnataka. The cool air, dramatic clouds, and forest trails make it a scenic spot for long romantic drives. Resorts like Wildernest and Nature's Nest provide panoramic valley views, treetop accommodations, and wellness retreats—perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking nature therapy.A short ferry ride from Old Goa, Divar is an island frozen in time. With heritage homes, quiet lanes, lush paddies, and friendly locals, it's ideal for couples who prefer offbeat exploration. Ride bicycles through scenic fields, enjoy sunset views along the Mandovi, or stay at a heritage homestay for an authentic Goan village experience in the brings Goa's waterfalls to life—thundering, foaming, and wrapped in green. They offer the perfect setting for nature lovers and meaning "Sea of Milk," Dudhsagar is one of India's tallest waterfall. During the monsoon, it gushes with such power that it's both awe-inspiring and humbling. Access is via jeep safari from Collem through the dense Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. A trek to the base is also possible for seasoned a short trek away from the ancient Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (12th century), this lesser-known waterfall is ideal for a forest escape. Surrounded by thick forest and thriving flora, it offers a blend of history, heritage, and raw beauty—perfect for a monsoon day relatively accessible waterfall near Bicholim is known for its wide horseshoe cascade and scenic surroundings. Nearby attractions include the Rudreshwar Temple and Arvalem Caves, making it an ideal stop on a monsoon heritage in the heart of Canacona's Kuskem village, this waterfall is a pristine gem best explored between August and September. Located approximately 20 km from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, the journey to Kuskem Waterfall includes a trek through lush within the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, about 50 km from Margao, this monsoon marvel cascades into a natural pool after a forest trek. Known for its curtain-like flow, Netravali Waterfall is ideal for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful nature walks. The sanctuary's rich biodiversity turns every visit into a holistic eco-tourism 22 km from Panaji, Kesarval Waterfalls, near Verna plateau, is famed not only for its picturesque descent but also for its mineral-rich, healing waters. The area's cultural heritage is enhanced by proximity to Mormugao Fort and Santana Church, making it a perfect monsoon day in Goa is a time of fertility, abundance, and joy. The state celebrates its unique cultural roots through festivals that blend Christian, Hindu, and tribal the nativity of St. John the Baptist, the Sao Joao Festival is one of Goa's most anticipated monsoon celebrations. Young men leap into wells, ponds, and streams—a tradition rooted in joy and abundance. Locals don vibrant copels (floral wreaths), sing traditional songs, and parade colorful floats, transforming the villages into buzzing hubs of merriment. For visitors, it offers a rare window into Goa's deep-rooted faith and sense of by the fishing communities, Sangodd in Assolna marks the feast of Saints Peter and Paul and heralds the start of the traditional rampon fishing season. Held on rivers and backwaters, canoes are ingeniously lashed together to create floating stages, adorned with coconut palms, flowers, and church-inspired motifs. These vibrant platforms become the setting for folk dances, musical skits, and community prayers—a true celebration of Goa's maritime Marcel, Ponda, tradition takes a playful turn with Chikhal Kalo, popularly known as the Mud Festival. This unique celebration near the Devki Krishna Temple involves participants joyfully rolling in mud while playing traditional village games. The revelry, rooted in tales of Krishna's childhood, is both a cultural spectacle and a communal detox, inviting everyone to shed inhibitions and embrace at the St. Anne's Church in Talaulim, Touxeachem Fest—literally 'the Cucumber Festival'—is a thanksgiving celebration where devotees offer cucumbers to Our Lady of Miracles. The ritual, reflecting the season's first harvest, embodies a deep reverence for nature and fertility. The offered cucumbers are later shared with the community, reinforcing Goa's agrarian roots and its tradition of shared Divar Island, the monsoon reaches its crescendo with the Bonderam Festival—a riot of colors, flags, floats, and friendly rivalry. Inspired by a colonial-era land dispute resolution method, today it's a spirited event with music, food, and mock battles between village wards. Tourists and locals throng to witness this spectacle, which stands as a proud reminder of Goa's enduring village those who find joy in the unpredictable, the Goan monsoon is an open invitation. Adventure activities flourish amidst the fog, rains, and forest routes like the Charavane Waterfall trail (in Valpoi), and Satregad trek (Mhadei region) come alive with monsoon magic. Trails are lined with medicinal plants, gushing streams, and spontaneous waterfalls. Local guides and responsible eco-tour operators offer curated treks for safe and memorable those who seek a more adventurous take on Goa's monsoons, the state offers exhilarating white-water rafting experiences set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. The monsoon rapids in Mhadei river, strike the perfect balance between thrill and accessibility, making them ideal for both first-time adventurers and seasoned routes usually run along stretches where the roaring currents cut through dense rainforests teeming with wildlife. As you navigate the twists and turns, you're accompanied by the symphony of the wild birds, rustling leaves, and distant monkey calls. The cool monsoon rain only heightens the experience, offering an unmatched blend of adrenaline and natural spice plantations on Charao Island, drive through the misty Canacona countryside, or cruise along the Mandovi River banks—all with a monsoon drizzle for company. Bikers must be cautious of slippery roads, but the scenic routes and lesser traffic make for an unforgettable also conducts seasonal trekking expeditions into the verdant interiors of Goa. Popular trails include guided treks to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Tambdi Surla, and Netravali, where participants can explore forest trails, ancient shrines, and cascading waterfalls. These treks not only promote eco-tourism and physical wellness but also educate participants about Goa's biodiversity and indigenous forest you find joy in curling up with a book inside heritage mansions, or walking barefoot through a rain-drenched field, Goa has a monsoon story just for what's your monsoon vibe? Rain-soaked romance? Muddy adventure? Cultural immersion? Whatever it is, Goa invites you to rediscover her quieter side—a world where every drop tells a story. Let this monsoon be your invitation to experience Goa beyond its beaches—a Goa that's raw, real, and rhythmically in tune with by: Goa TourismAll Images Courtesy: istock
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Indian Express
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India.com
15 hours ago
- India.com
Check Countries Indians Can Visit Without Visa – Are Fiji Or Hong Kong On List?
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