The Grand Vision for Goa

26 December 2009

Vijayanagara Empire, Royal Palace

The soft glow of evening lanterns bathed the grand hall of the Vijayanagara Palace, casting long shadows across the polished marble floor. The scent of sandalwood and jasmine filled the air, a faint reminder of the empire's rich heritage. Seated at the head of a long ebony table, Krishna Deva Raya tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest of his gilded chair. His eyes were sharp, his mind already racing ahead to the future.

Across from him, Priya, his ever-efficient secretary, stood with a folder in hand, her posture poised but slightly tense. She knew Krishna Deva Raya's standards were high, and the proposals before them needed to be exceptional.

"Your Highness," Priya began, flipping open the folder, "this is the proposal submitted by Architect No. 1. Their plan envisions Goa transformed into a luxurious tropical paradise. A ring road will encircle the island, connecting two yacht and ferry terminals—one on the west, the other on the east. The coastline will host a series of high-end holiday villas, a commercial shopping district, a hotel complex, an amusement park, and even a zoo to draw in visitors."

She paused, awaiting his reaction.

Krishna Deva Raya arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. He leaned forward slightly, scrutinizing the architectural renderings displayed on the grand screen before him. The design was functional, aesthetically pleasing, but…

"Ordinary," he remarked, his voice carrying a quiet authority. "It lacks uniqueness. This is no different from any other tropical getaway. Next."

Priya nodded, swiftly turning the page. "Yes, Your Highness. The next proposal comes from Architect No. 5. Their concept is built around the themes of vacation, leisure, and entertainment, with a strong emphasis on tropical aesthetics. Key features include an expansive water amusement park, a tropical aquarium, and additional music and entertainment venues. Their idea is to invite internationally renowned artists to host regular concerts in the heart of the island."

As she spoke, Krishna Deva Raya's gaze sharpened. His fingers steepled beneath his chin as he absorbed the images on the screen. This was more in line with his vision. A destination that offered more than just beaches and sunsets—a place where people could return again and again, drawn by new experiences.

"Interesting," he murmured. Then, with a decisive nod, he added, "Take note of this."

Priya hesitated only for a moment before quickly jotting down his words, her pen scratching against the parchment.

Krishna Deva Raya leaned back, his mind already working through the next phase of his vision.

"I want Goa to be the premier tourist destination in the world. Not just another island getaway, but a place so immersive, so extravagant, that no one will want to leave. Here's what we'll do—"

He held up a hand, ticking off his points one by one:

"First, a world-class water park. Not just big—the biggest. It must be unrivaled, a place that will make other water parks pale in comparison. Have experts bid for the contract."

Priya's pen moved swiftly.

"Second, an ocean-themed park. It must be the largest in the world, filled with exotic marine life, deep-sea exploration experiences, and interactive exhibits. Cost is not a concern—I want it to be truly unique."

She nodded, writing as fast as she could.

"Third, a zoo unlike any other. Not just animals in enclosures. I want a wildlife conservation-focused experience, where visitors can engage with the animals, learn about their habitats, and be part of something meaningful."

Priya glanced up, her expression unreadable but tinged with admiration. This wasn't just a project—it was an empire-defining initiative.

"Fourth," Krishna Deva Raya continued, "we will build two major film and television theme parks. I want Dream Chaser Film Studios to be involved. Have them recreate entire fantasy worlds, based on novels, folklore, and history. Every corner should feel like stepping into another realm."

The weight of his vision settled over the room like an unspoken challenge.

Priya hesitated for just a second before clearing her throat. "Your Highness, based on these plans… a $1 billion investment won't be enough."

Krishna Deva Raya smirked. "Of course not. That's just the starting point. The final investment will range between $5 billion and $8 billion. If necessary, we'll go beyond that."

Priya felt a flicker of disbelief. "That's… an enormous sum," she admitted.

"Don't worry about the money." Krishna Deva Raya's voice was calm, assured. "The Goa infrastructure project will be funded through multiple revenue streams—land sales, real estate investments, and a massive surge in tourism. Companies will flock to build resorts, hotels, and luxury residences. As more people visit, demand will skyrocket. We sell the land strategically, reinvest in the city, and keep the cycle moving."

She nodded, processing the scale of the plan.

But Krishna Deva Raya wasn't finished. "And that's just the financial part," he added. "For me, this project isn't just about making money. The real goal is to boost the people's income. A thriving tourism sector means jobs—from construction to hospitality, from entertainment to local businesses. When people earn more, their quality of life improves. And when their lives improve, they support the royal family more."

His words held an undeniable weight.

Priya looked up, meeting his gaze. This was no ordinary leader. He wasn't just building a city—he was building a future.

With newfound determination, she closed the folder and said, "Understood, Your Highness. I will begin preparations immediately."

Krishna Deva Raya gave a slow nod. The pieces were falling into place.

This was just the beginning.