Editorial Policy

Effective date: 15 July 2026

This Editorial Policy explains how content on Goa Diaries is researched, written, fact-checked, updated, and monetised. It exists to give readers, advertisers, and Google’s AdSense reviewers full transparency into how we work.

1. Who writes for Goa Diaries

All articles on Goa Diaries are written and edited by Bhavik Lodha, based in Panjim, Goa, India. Bhavik has been travelling and living in Goa since 2019, and every guide is grounded in first-hand visits. We do not currently accept guest posts, sponsored articles written by external agencies, or AI-only content.

2. How we research a story

Personal visits. Beaches, restaurants, shacks, forts, and viewpoints are visited in person before publication.
Primary sources. Prices, timings, and rules are verified directly with the venue, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), or the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), depending on the topic.
Secondary sources. Where we cite statistics or historical facts, we link to reputable sources — government sites, major newspapers, or academic references.
Local input. For nuance (best local shack, off-peak timing, safety), we speak to shack owners, taxi drivers, and long-term residents.

3. Fact-checking & updates

Every article displays a Last updated date at the bottom.
Prices, timings, and transport information are reviewed at least once every 6 months, and after every major season (post-monsoon and post-Christmas).
If a reader flags an error, we verify within 7 working days and update the article with a visible note where the correction is material.

4. AI use

We use AI tools (like large language models) only as writing assistants — for grammar checks, outline suggestions, and light editing. No article on Goa Diaries is published as AI-generated content without substantial human writing, on-ground verification, and editing by Bhavik Lodha.

5. Sourcing of images

Original photographs shot by Bhavik Lodha are marked as such and are © Goa Diaries.
Third-party images are used only under royalty-free licences (Unsplash, Pexels, Wikimedia Commons) and are credited within the article.
We never use copyrighted stock images without a valid licence.

6. Advertising, affiliate & sponsored content

Display ads (Google AdSense and similar networks) fund the site’s running costs. Ads are clearly distinguishable from editorial content.
Affiliate links are disclosed at the top or bottom of the relevant article. We only affiliate with products/services we would recommend regardless of commission.
Sponsored articles or sections are labelled with the word “Sponsored” or “Paid partnership” and follow ASCI Influencer Guidelines and India’s Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Sponsors do not get to approve or edit editorial copy. We retain final editorial control.

7. Independence

Goa Diaries is not owned by, affiliated with, or funded by any hotel chain, tour operator, airline, or government body. Editorial decisions — what to cover, what to praise, what to criticise — are made independently by Bhavik Lodha.

8. Corrections & complaints

If you find an error, believe a review is unfair, or want to lodge a complaint, email bhaviklodha10@gmail.com with the article URL and the specific concern. We aim to respond within 3 working days and resolve legitimate issues within 7 working days.

9. Contact

Bhavik Lodha — Editor, Goa Diaries
Email: bhaviklodha10@gmail.com
Location: Panjim, Goa, India