Three Indian states prepare for the 2026-27 winter tourism season

Three Indian states are getting ready for the 2026-27 winter travel season in different ways. Kerala is focusing on careful backwater tourism, Goa is adding licensing and safety requirements, and Uttar Pradesh is planning for spiritual and cultural gatherings.

In Kerala, houseboats remain at the heart of tourism in Alappuzha and Kumarakom. The state tourism department sets operating rules covering waste treatment, hygienic facilities, eco-friendly building materials and safety equipment. It also encourages solar energy and keeps a list of approved houseboats so visitors can find recognised providers. Houseboat cruises are offered together with Ayurveda wellness stays and rural village visits.

In Goa, the tourism department kept its beach shack policy for another year in September 2026, started licensing earlier, and left shack fees unchanged. New rules mean private shacks inside Coastal Regulation Zone areas must register, while hotels, shacks and water sports businesses have to meet fire safety, proof of ownership or a valid lease, and third-party insurance conditions. The deadline for registration and renewal was moved to 31 October 2026. Uttar Pradesh is preparing for Ganga Mahotsav, held from 20 to 23 November, and for the Dev Deepawali celebrations at the end of the same month.

What it means for travellers from India

• Travellers planning a winter break in Kerala can look for officially listed, certified houseboats in Alappuzha and Kumarakom, where cruises combine with Ayurveda and village experiences.
• In Goa, expect licensed beach shacks to offer electronic payment facilities, and check that water sports operators hold proper registration and safety documents.
• Those visiting Varanasi in late November can plan around Dev Deepawali, which falls at the end of the month, and Ganga Mahotsav from 20 to 23 November.