Panaji: Get ready, Goa lovers! The tourism department is all set to spice up the state's travel scene beyond its famous beaches. Two exciting projects are on the way to showcase Goa’s rich culture and history in fresh, thrilling ways. First up is the "Experiential Goan village" at Colva. Spreading over a huge 24,000 square meters, this unique village will be built under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis. What’s the idea? To bring alive a real “model Goan village” that captures Goa’s true soul, say officials. This colorful destination will be packed with zones dedicated to Goa’s heritage. Imagine walking through Portuguese-style homes and fishing villages, watching traditional arts like pottery and toddy tapping, and even seeing how Feni—a famous local spirit—is made. Plus, visitors can enjoy live folk dance shows like dhalo and fugdi, with traditional tunes from the ghumat drum vibrating the air. The village will use temporary, non-permanent structures, keeping it lively and flexible. Meanwhile, over at Farmagudi, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has unveiled plans for an ultra-modern Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. The Union tourism ministry has pitched in a hefty Rs 97.5 crore to renovate Ponda fort and build this cutting-edge digital museum. But hold on, this isn’t your regular museum! Funded by the central government’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), it promises a "walk-through cinematic world" packed with 3D and 4D animation, holograms, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and projection mapping. The goal? To bring the legendary Maratha ruler’s life and Goa’s epic history to full, stunning life. This digital marvel will take visitors on a time-travel journey starting from the stone age, showing the Usgalimal rock carvings, passing through the Satavahana empire, the Kadamba dynasty, the arrival of the Portuguese, the freedom movement, and Goa's leap into the modern 21st century. With these dazzling projects, Goa aims to enchant tourists with more than just sun and sand. Culture buffs and history fans, get ready to explore and experience the vibrant stories and traditions that make Goa truly special!