Goa (India): what a tourist needs to know about the resort. The truth about holidays in Goa from a former guide Holidays in India Goa

These are old Hindu and Portuguese temples, these are the bright colors of the night market and an incredible palette of tastes in a plate of seafood generously seasoned with curry...

Goa is a state of delight, where whole families come “for the winter” or, having simply visited once, return again and again.

Weather

Goa is a year-round resort; the air temperature here does not drop below +20 °C. There are three main seasons: summer, winter and monsoon (rainy season). Munsun begins in June and lasts until September, winter (tourist) lasts from late October to early April, summer - from May to September.

The best time to travel to Goa is in the months from October to March. The air temperature at this time ranges from +21 to +32 °C. At this time there is no stuffiness and sweltering heat, which begins in April.

Hotels

There are many hotels in Goa of various categories - from luxury hotel complexes with a huge territory to small hostels with a single proud star. “Stars” are very arbitrary and very different from European ones. In Goa, as in Thailand, most tourists stay in two- or three-star hotels.

Hotel Features

Expensive hotels with a large territory and a high level of service	A huge range of hotels - from small hostels to luxury boutique hotels. Prices for accommodation below, than in .
Most built on the first line(no closer than 250 m from the beach)	Most of the hotels are built across the road from the beach.
The hotels are located at a distance from the villages, all infrastructure is inside hotels.	Excellent infrastructure– there are restaurants, shops, markets near the hotels.
The hotel beaches are wide (there are fenced areas), the areas are cleaned, there are almost no locals.	The beaches are public, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid, many are local.
Entertainment outside the hotel almost not.	Many about discos, night bars, entertainment for every taste.

Resorts

The state of Goa is divided into three parts - Northern, Central and. They differ greatly from each other in the level of service and range of entertainment. is considered a respectable resort where wealthy Europeans relax; chosen by budget travelers and creative youth; Central Goa combines the properties of other parts of the state and is a major transport hub: there is an airport, railway station, port, and bus stations.

North Goa

A large spacious beach, many nightclubs and bars, and an interesting flea market.

The beach is spacious and there are several bars. In the evenings there are parties. The holiday is suitable for noisy companies and active youth. Located farthest from the airport.

Distance from the sea is 1.5 km. Many expensive comfortable hotels. Suitable for tourists with children.

A wide beach with volcanic sand, separated from the village by a river. A relatively quiet resort, suitable for families with children.

The oldest resort in all of Goa. Suitable for any type of holiday. The beach is wide, a river flows nearby.

Popular with creative youth. Known for its late-night parties. There are several beaches with rocky shores.

The most famous beach in all of Goa and the most popular resort. Wide range of hotels

Quiet resort with expensive hotels. The beach is sandy, wide, and the Portuguese fort of Aguada stands right on it. Located closest to the airport.

Located between two rivers. Accommodation for tourists is mainly in bungalows.

Calm resort with good infrastructure. Popular with Russian tourists.

A small quiet village with budget hotels and a clean beach.

Small village near the airport. Very clean beaches with white sand, mid-price hotels.

Large resort with spacious beaches and a good selection of hotels. Quiet place, suitable for relaxation.

A secluded village with a very good level of hotel service. The spacious, clean beach is suitable for families with children.

A popular resort with good infrastructure and budget hotels.

Popular resort. Suitable for holidays with small children. Located closest to the airport.

A resort with good infrastructure and expensive hotels. Surrounded on three sides by water.

One of the most beautiful beaches in all of Goa. Located farthest from the airport. One of the most expensive resorts.

Small village with a beautiful beach. Very quiet resort, suitable for privacy lovers

Attractions

Tourists usually begin their acquaintance with Goa at Dabolim Airport in the city of Vasco da Gama. The city is named after the famous navigator. The Portuguese heritage is well preserved in this Indian state and tourists will always find something to see.

Both have their own set of attractions. Excursion routes are organized to all attractions; they are easily accessible from any corner of Goa.

For example, in Old Goa(city in) beautiful cathedrals, ruins of churches and narrow streets have been preserved. In Panaji, the capital of Goa, you should definitely wander through the old Fontainhas district and see the architectural complex of Largo da Igreja. The Portuguese forts of Aguada and Alorna are also at the top of the list of Goa attractions. The Aguada fortress is located on the outskirts of Candolim beach - after sunbathing and swimming, you can look at this ancient stronghold.

On Wednesdays and Fridays in Goa there are grandiose markets. On Friday you need to go to Mapusa to bargain and buy colorful clothes, souvenirs, painted plates, spices, incense and a lot of what your heart desires. There is a flea market in Anjuna - it opens every Wednesday early in the morning and bustles until sunset.

The largest Christian temple in Asia is the cathedral St. Catherine's Cathedral (Old Goa). The relics of the Baptist of Asia, Saint Francis, can be seen in the Basilica of Jesus, one of the most famous churches not only in Goa but in the whole of India.

The most popular excursions in Goa are in Savoy spice garden and to the waterfalls. Spice plantations are not only interesting, but also very educational, and also delicious, because every tourist is sure to be fed dishes generously seasoned with curry and aromatic herbs. There are a lot of spice plantations in Goa; Savoy is located 23 km from the state capital of Panaji. Dudhsagar Falls Throws down streams of water from a height of more than 300 meters! It is also called the “milk ocean” - for the white color of the water. The waterfall is located in the eastern part of Goa and can be reached in a few hours by bus.

In the Cotigao Nature Reserve you can wander through a multi-story jungle. The reserve is located 12 km from the beach in.

There are many centers in Goa Ayurveda, where you can create your own healing program with medicinal herbs, massage and drugs based on natural ingredients.

Transport

Most tourists rent bike and travel around the outskirts of the state. To rent, you will need to leave a deposit in foreign currency (from 60 to 200 dollars). A driver's license is rarely required. Traffic in Goa, as throughout India, is chaotic, so we recommend brushing up on your driving skills in advance and being extremely careful on the roads. There are almost no gas stations in Goa; gasoline can be bought secondhand at roadside stalls and shops (sold in regular water bottles).

Those who do not risk riding a bike in India use the services Taxi. Taxis are quite expensive, all areas are divided between taxi drivers. Almost no one has meters.

Another option for moving between Goa resorts is bus. This service is very developed in India; buses call even in the most remote villages. Travel there is very cheap (from 5 to 40 rupees), and locals enjoy using it. The fee depends on the distance of the trip. The buses are old, they have no air conditioning, and the windows are protected by bars (from monkeys).

There is no direct connection between the resorts of Goa; you need to go with a transfer at a bus station (in Mapusa, Panaji or Margao). The buses do not have numbers, the route is written in the local language, but conductors and drivers loudly announce the direction at the stops. By the way, there are no stops in the usual sense; the bus stops anywhere on demand. Bus intervals are on average once every 15 minutes.

A trip on an Indian bus is like an attraction - a bright old bus rushes through the jungle to Indian music, the conductor jokes with the passengers, women in bright saris laugh...

Goa bus stations

Souvenirs

Most of the souvenirs that tourists bring from their trips to Goa are ethnic. People often buy saris (national Indian women's clothing) and bloomers (loose pants), textiles (bed linen, bedspreads, towels), jewelry with gems, incense sticks, and henna. Spices, toothpaste with red pepper, and natural cosmetics from the Hymalaya brand would be a good souvenir. Sandalwood and ebony deity figurines start at $3.

Popular dishes include lamb stewed in milk with curry, meatballs in spicy yogurt, and chicken in orange sauce with herbs. famous for its abundance of vegetarian dishes, such as rice cakes and curried lentil dumplings (dosa and samba). Vegetables are served with curry and rice.

Seafood and fish are incredibly popular in Goa. The fish is fried over a fire, baked in dough, stewed in yogurt with curry... Try mailai - shrimp with the same curry and coconut. Dhai - curdled milk with spices - is a great refreshing drink in the heat. Alcohol is sold freely in Goa; local moonshine called “feni” is made here - this is fermented coconut and cashew juice.

Good to know

• All tourists fly to Dabolim Airport. The flight from Moscow takes approximately 7.5 hours.
• Goa time is 2.5 hours ahead of Moscow.
• The Indian dialect Konkani, Portuguese and English are spoken in Goa.
• Sockets in Goa are no different from Russian ones.
• The currency in Goa, as elsewhere in India, is the rupee. There are 100 paise in one rupee. In August 2017, the exchange rate of the rupee and the ruble was approximately the same: for 1 ruble they gave 1 rupee and 6 paise.
• From India to Russia, no more than 3 liters of alcohol per person over 18 years of age can be exported duty-free, up to 5 liters - with payment of a duty.
• Wash vegetables and fruits purchased at markets thoroughly. Drink only bottled water.

From the travel agency "Rossiyanka" - 16 years in Goa

Sun in Goastrong. There is a high probability of “burning out” on the first day and ruining your vacation. Due to the influence of the sea and mountains from the East, the heat in Goa is easily tolerated, except for the period April-October, when it is very hot and humid. Use sunscreen and glasses, drink a little water every half hour, and cover your head. And don’t even think about falling asleep on the beach in the open sun. It's unlikely that anyone will wake up.

Click on any picture and it will enlarge

The sea in Goa is very warm.On the waterbe careful themselves and keep an eye on your children. This is not a trivial warning, the coast of Goa is washed by the open Arabian Sea or the Indian Ocean, and this is a powerful natural element. There are almost always waves near the shore. More calm in the morning. Do not go into the sea when there is a strong wind and the water knocks you off your feet as soon as you enter. Such days are rare, but occur during the period March-October. Many expensive glasses and beautiful swimsuits were left in the ocean. In November-February you can enjoy calmer seas. There are no sharks or stingrays in the sea near the beaches, since the shore is shallow. Small jellyfish and sea snakes are rarely found in the water near the shore, but they do not pose a danger. All beaches in Goa are sandy. Choose your beach in Goa

When is the best time to go on holiday to Goa?.The usual air temperature during the tourist season from November to February is no more than +30°C, and the water is at +27°C. Humidity is low. In the evening it is pleasant and not stuffy. It's cool at night and there's no need for air conditioning. In March, April and May it is more humid, the air temperature is +35°C, the sea is even warmer, but less calm. These months are humid and therefore difficult to sleep at night without air conditioning.

What to take with you. Take an empty suitcase. Leave your heels and evening dresses at home - there's nowhere to wear them. You won't need anything other than shorts, a T-shirt, sandals and hygiene items. All of the above can be bought locally, although in the south of Goa the stores may be far from some hotels. Return tourists are usually packed with kilograms of souvenirs and various purchases, mostly unnecessary, such as drums, but for some reason people find out about this already at home. Local alcoholic drinks in Goa are of high quality and cheap; there is no need to stock up on bottles at the airport Duty Free.

Be positive.According to reviews, every third tourist on the first day of their stay in Goa sadly asks himself the question: “Why did I come here?” The next morning, or by the evening, everyone is absolutely happy, and when they leave they literally cry and then return again. Keep it up! Try to notice pleasant things, and treat unusual ones, such as: cows on the beach, garbage here and there, the service is leisurely and far from ideal, a lizard in the room (even in a 5* hotel room) as local exotica. You can’t live here, and you still can’t change India, where 17% of the Earth’s inhabitants live. Goa is good. And it’s good not only because of the beautiful weather and sea, but when we have slush and cold. Good psychologically. In our material world, we go crazy from unnecessary thoughts, such as: “I need to behave in society this way and not otherwise; what I look like; what they will say about me; what to wear...” In Goa it is enough to wear at least something and forward - be yourself. In Goa, it’s like in a village, where everything is simple and that’s why it’s good. If you smile, all doors are open for you and problems are solved. “Who would have thought that happy people, it turns out, live in India,” you say.

Roads and traffic in Goa. Driving in India is on the left. Roads are often repaired, but in some places they quickly become unusable due to heavy rains in summer. INdriving on country roads are present hummocks, holes, not marked in any way"speed bumps". Sidewalks are a rare occurrence and only in developed areas. The lighting on the streets is poor. When you are driving, you must always be attentive in order to have time to react to a dog, cow or person that suddenly jumps onto the road. Speeds in Goa are low, often no more than 50 km/h. It is a myth that there are no road rules in India. Drivers simply do not follow some points of these rules: they never turn on the turn signal when moving, they rarely turn it on even when making turns, they are often blinded by high beam headlights, they may accelerate too much inappropriately, they often honk for the wrong reasons (for example, a bus with its “just in case” signal it can “scare the hell out of” tourists on the road), almost all of them do not know how to make quick reverse maneuvers. All local drivers, however, have a driving license. Having dealt with some of the subtleties, you understand that the roads in Goa are generally safe. Most often, safety depends on the tourist himself.

Goa is not an island andnot even a peninsula. This The smallest of the 28 states of India, the coastline is only 105 km long if you fly by plane in a straight line. The local population is 1 million 300 thousand (with up to 2 million people coming from other places in India to work and tourists). The state is divided into 2 parts: south Goa and north Goa, which differ from each other.

South Goa. Almost all hotels here are 4-5*. In response to demand, many simpler hotels have appeared. The seven best hotels in south Goa are Leela, Park Hayat, Grand Hayat, Taj Exotica, Lalit, Alila Diwa and Ramada. These hotels have their own large area with access to the beach. Hotels in south Goa are located at a considerable distance from the entertainment centers of the northern part of the state. Most often it is far from the busiest places in southern Goa. The beaches are wide with dense sand near the shore. In some places, the sand creaks underfoot, like snow in cold weather, for example, on Mobor-Cavelossim beach. It happens that tourists in south Goa become unbearably bored after a week, especially young people. There is no outside the hotel no entertainment. For a lazy or tired person from work, or a lover of a luxurious holiday, we advise you to stay in high-status hotels in South Goa, where there is everything you need for a comfortable stay. But even such people ask themselves the question: “What, exactly, is the state so famous for, what interesting places to visit in Goa and where to have fun here?” And in search of an answer they go to the northern part. Getting here will take from 1 hour and will cost at least 1500 - 2000 Rp for a taxi one way. We have an interesting excursion with a Russian guide Trip to North Goa, in which you can get to know Goa perfectly in a day, without missing out on a beach holiday and without experiencing fatigue after the trip.

North Goa. Want toinexpensive holiday? Is the hotel just a place to stay overnight? Can't sitAre you in one place and like to walk around shops and stores, markets and nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, so that there is plenty to choose from? Definitely you should go to the north of Goa. And if you can’t refuse a luxurious hotel room, then there are good hotels in this part, but without their own huge territory, like in south Goa. Description of North Goa.

Nightclubs in Goa devoted to separate page: Where to have fun in Goa.

Tips for tourists in Goa from tourists of the company "Rossiyanka" - excursions to Goa. Telephone/ WhatsApp: (+91) 98-90-39-1997, in Russia: +7 921 6363 986. Do you have your own advice? Write to us. Publication of this article and photographs is permitted only with an active link to.

Markets of North Goa. We recommend visiting the Arpora night market on Saturdays. This is a very popular place in Goa. Here you can buy fashionable things and wonderful souvenirs. And also eat, listen to a live concert, and show yourself and look at others. The authorities decided that the popularity of this night market is too high and is always accompanied by traffic jams unprecedented in Goa. Therefore, his backup appeared 500 m from the main one. It's basically the same thereoh, but it’s calmer and the atmosphere is not the same. On Wednesdays, you can visit the day market in Anjuna - the largest souvenir and clothing bazaar in Goa. The market is right next to the beach. Take swimsuits. All the benches at the market are covered, so you don’t have to walk under the scorching sun. If it's a little hot, head to Lillipoot Restaurant. There are sun loungers on the beach, you can have a snack and listen to good music. Another coastal restaurant, Looda, offers live concerts.

There are three Tibetan markets in Calangute and Baga. T I mainly buy women's jewelry made of silver and turquoise, various metal crafts, and music CDs. Bargaining with Tibetans is not easy. Among food markets, we note one Market in Calangute, a little further from the main street. There are the cheapest pineapples (about 70 Rp), grapes (110 Rp), papaya (40 Rp), apples (20 Rp per piece), passion fruit (25 Rp per piece), physalis, figs, bananas, lime, kiwi, vegetables and fresh seafood. The bazaar in Mapusa is even cheaper; the residents of northern Goa themselves buy women's clothing, saris, and other goods and products there, but it takes 25 minutes by taxi. There are no souvenirs for sale, as tourists rarely meet there.

Fun on the water. offered at Cavelossim, Colva and Utorda beaches in South Goa. In North Goa, points can be found at the very end of Baga Beach, in the center of Calangute Beach and at the very beginning of Candolim. The jet ski costs $30 for 20 minutes. Parachute ride behind the boat $30. There is a banana boat ride. Payment only in rupees. You won't catch anything big while fishing. We do not recommend the boat trip due to the dirty beach at the lunch location. You can snorkel from October to February at Grand Unity Islandlocated in Goa, but the depth is only 3-6 meters. In other months, waves begin and the water becomes cloudy. For excellent diving you should go to another state of Karnataka O. Netrani Tourists willingly bring from Goa silver jewelry (though they are of rough workmanship), cheap jewelry, jewelry stones, precious items, handmade cashmere shawls and silk carpets, souvenirs made of wood and bronze, hanging chairs and hammocks made of jute, cheap women's bags, Indian clothes and shoes. Tourists willingly buy unusual stylish items produced by hippies who live in Goa and sell at the night market in Arpora, who once came to Goa from Europe. Russians love the local 7-year-old Old Monk rum. In the shops of the capital Panaji, tourists buy bed linen and towels made of the highest quality cotton, women's Indian Punjabi clothing and saris, shoes, cashew nuts growing in Goa, products from stores: Hilfiger, Levi's, Adidas, Nike. Regular prices in Goa as for big sale in Russia. For example, a men's Lacoste shirt costs $50. Real Ray Ban sunglasses cost from $70 to $120. For comparison, in Russia such things are twice as expensive. You can buy good children's clothes in Beneton and Lillipoot stores, wonderful bags, backpacks and suitcases at Samsonite.

The tour operator's guide will definitely offer a shopping tour, and for free. The disadvantages are that they are delivered primarily to expensive stores, and that they pay a commission to the guide; you have to ride a bus with a large group and walk in a crowd, looking at your watch. We recommend that you take a taxi or take a bus yourself and come to Panaji. For example, it takes half an hour to drive from Candolim, Baga and Calangute. A car for three costs no more than 700 Rp. The driver is expected to wait for you for 3 hours at no additional charge. Pay the full amount after meeting the taxi driver. You can entrust "Russian Woman" with such a trip, for example, by teaming up with other tourists. Our Toyotas can accommodate 6-7 passengers and the price per car will be Rp 1400.

Profitable. While holidaying in Goa, many foreigners order glasses and have their teeth treated. It's cheaper than ours and quite high quality. The equipment of dental offices is Japanese or Italian. The most expensive filling made from German materials costs $40.

Indian massage called Ayurvedic. There are many salons in north Goa. Approximate prices: 60 minutes 4-hand massage + 20 minutes steam bath + 15 minutes face mask costs 1800 Rp. Head and face massage: 30 minutes for 350 Rp. Indian massage involves stroking the body rather than hard working on the muscles. The main goal of such a massage is to remove negative energy and restore the correct flow of energy in the body. Therapeutic massage costs more - from 2000 Rp per session. For example, during Shirodvara, oil is poured on the head for half an hour. This is how migraines and nervous disorders are treated.

For those who are accustomed to high service and perfect cleanliness, we recommend Snip Salon & Spa in Candolim. There are no Indians working there - only Thais and Indonesians. And the massage, respectively, is Thai, Japanese and Indonesian. There is no Ayurveda here. Massage and steam bath cost Rp 1800 + 13% tax. The salon also offers haircuts, manicures, pedicures, head and neck massage, and foot massage.

Where we do not recommend going is to large Ayurvedic centers, which are literally “sold” by the guides of the host travel company. Having figured out the prices in Goa after a couple of days, people realize that they overpaid twice. According to tourists, the best relaxing massage is on the beach. In most cases, it is the ideal combination of low price (450 Rp per hour), quality and pleasure. Beach massage therapists do not hide the fact that they do not use expensive oils and make do with coconut oil. And clients don’t mind.

Customs of the Russian Federation and p transportation of large and unaccompanied baggage Here .

“He went to Goa and disappeared,”a phrase that was born in the 60-70s of the pastcentury. Then, indeed, all post offices in the state of Goa were plastered with advertisements of parents trying to find their children who had left for Goa from European and American countries in search of paradise. And now people are disappearing, but only for six months, while the season and visa allow. And they often make such a decision spontaneously - they simply don’t want to return home. Just in case, when you go on vacation to Goa, don’t forget to finish important things at home and repay your debts...

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Goa is the smallest state of India, and the most popular among Russian tourists. It is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea in the southwest of the country. Most of those who have been there return to Goa again and again. And for those who have not yet been to Goa, I advise you to definitely go, and I hope that this article will help you with this.

What to choose - north or south

Cavelossima Beach

The capital of Goa is the city of Panaji.
Goa is traditionally divided into 2 parts - northern and southern. In the south there are expensive five-star hotels; in the north there are almost none. The beaches in the north are much more crowded, dirtier, and prices for accommodation and food are considered to be slightly lower. If you want a real party, then welcome to the north. The most famous youth beach, famous for its all-night parties, is Calangute. Not far away is Candolim, which is less noisy and cleaner.

Vagator is popular among dance music lovers. It is not as crowded as Calangute, but there are large stones there, including underwater. Morjim beach is popular with tourists from Russia, and if you want to meet your compatriots, then this is the place for you. Although, by the way, our compatriots can be found in large numbers on any beach in northern Goa. The cleanest of the northern beaches is Arambol; there is practically no infrastructure on it; the beach is popular among yoga lovers and hippies. Most beaches in north Goa have yellow or dark sand (volcanic origin).

And our path lies to the south. In the south, clean beaches with white sand predominate. Although it can still be called snow-white rather arbitrarily, it is quite light, clean and creaks underfoot. The main contingent of vacationers are retirees from the UK. The beaches closest to the airport are Valsao and Arossim. Ever since someone thought of building a large chemical plant not far from them, they have lost their popularity. The plant is clearly visible and looks really ugly. It's quite clean and deserted here. The beaches are favored mainly by fishermen, from whom you can buy seafood inexpensively.

Kolva is a large village where many locals vacation. Because of this, it is crowded and not very clean. Next is the village of Benaulim, where the 5* hotel Taj Exotica Goa is located.
I haven’t been to Benaulim beach myself, but those who vacationed there praised this place. In addition, just 3 km away is the city of Margao, which has two markets and many shops, as well as a railway station.
Further along the coast, beaches follow each other, smoothly turning into one another: Varca, Carmona, Cavelossim, Mobor, Betul. There are two 5-star hotels in Cavelossim:
Radisson Blu Resort Goa Cavelossim Beach, Dona Sylvia Beach Resort
Apparently, this is why there are so many jewelry stores in the village, whose sellers are actively inviting people to buy gold and diamonds from them. The village itself is quite clean and cozy by Goan standards. The beach strip is not very wide, the sand is clean and light. Mobor is the end point for walks on this coast, as soon after it the Sal River falls into the sea, blocking the path. The most expensive hotel in GOA, The Leela Goa, and another 5-star hotel, Holiday Inn Resort Goa, are located here. In my opinion, Mobor is an ideal beach; photographs from it are often used for advertising brochures in Goa. This is exactly what I chose for my vacation. Wide coastline, white sand creaking underfoot, clear sea. Dolphins are frequent guests on the beaches of Cavelossim and Mobor, but during our week of vacation we saw a dolphin only once. The sand is clean, there are no cows. Mobor Beach is ideal for families with children, as its waves are relatively small.

Agonda and Palolem are considered the most beautiful beaches in Goa. We haven’t been to Agonda, they say it’s deserted and quiet. The beach is ideal for meditation. Palolem is quite lively, crowded with people and boats that offer excursions to the butterfly beach. The beach is picturesque, framed by mountains, palm trees come quite close to the coastline. The entire perimeter of the beach is built up with shacks, which are also guest houses. The rooms are located above the necks themselves, as if hanging over the beach with picturesque superstructures, which gives Palolem a special flavor. However, I liked Mobor beach more - on Palolem the coastline is narrower, there are an order of magnitude more people, cows walk along the beach.

Weather and tourist season in Goa

The official tourist season in Goa lasts from mid-October to mid-May. The best months for vacation are December and January. At this time, dry, not very hot weather sets in here. Air temperature during the day is 30-32 degrees, at night - 22-25. The water temperature is about 28 degrees, which means you can comfortably swim all day without getting out. In October - early November, rain is still possible; in March - April it becomes very hot. In May, the season in Goa completely ends, the coast is deserted. At this time, it rains very heavily, the sea is stormy, and swimming in it is prohibited, the air temperature is 40-50 degrees.

Flight to Goa

Goa has its own Dabolim airport, which is called Vasco de Gama. It is small in size and does not receive many flights. These are mainly flights from Russia, Great Britain and domestic flights. This is a military airport and tickets are required to enter. From Russia, flights to Goa are arranged by tour operators. In the 2017-2018 season, these are Biblio-Globus (Russia Airlines), Anex Tour (Azur Air), Coral Travel (Royal Flight). These flights are considered regular, and tickets for them can often be seen on sale. In addition to Moscow, there are also flights from other Russian cities. The price of tickets depends on the demand for tours and can fluctuate greatly.

Despite the popular belief that flying to Goa takes too long, this is not entirely true. The flight there lasts only a little over 6 hours, and the flight back takes an hour longer. This is due to the rotation of the earth. Flights from Moscow there, as a rule, depart in the evening and arrive in the morning. Accordingly, planes fly back in the morning and arrive in the afternoon. During the flight, you are fed 2 times - first a hot lunch, and then sandwiches and tea.

Visa to India

Mobor beach

For Russians traveling to India, it is necessary to obtain a visa in advance. Visas on arrival are not currently available. The visa can be regular or electronic. A regular visa for a single entry costs $40 if you apply on your own, and $50 through a tour operator. An electronic visa is currently issued only for a double entry and costs $80. If adults are traveling, then no special documents other than photographs are required for a visa. But if a child is traveling with one of the parents or without parents, then when applying for a regular visa, you will need notarized consent and a notarized copy of the child’s birth certificate. Also, if the child and mother have different surnames, you need a notarized copy of the marriage or divorce certificate. All these documents require uncertified translations into Russian. Samples of filling out documents can be viewed.
The e-visa is much more popular because you don’t have to travel anywhere and no additional documents are required. The e-visa is not pasted into the passport, but rather printed on a separate sheet. At Dabolim airport, upon arrival, people with regular and electronic visas are sent to different queues. The majority of people are queuing with e-visas. But if you are traveling on a group transfer, then this does not matter to you. For example, after going through the line for about an hour with a regular visa, we waited for even more than an hour for those tourists who had an electronic one. Its production time is from 1 day, for a regular one - from 3 days.

What is the best way to go to Goa - on your own or through a tour operator?

In many ways, the answer to this question depends on how long you are going there. When traveling up to 2 weeks, as a rule, it is more profitable to buy a ready-made tour. Tour operators often include ticket prices in package tours that are lower than when selling them separately. In addition, they often negotiate lower rates with hotels. It also makes sense to buy a ready-made tour if you are going to an expensive hotel. Just order an individual transfer or take a taxi at the airport, remembering to notify the tour operator representative about this. When traveling for a long time, it makes sense to fly on your own. Should I book my stay in advance? In my opinion, this is worth doing for the first time, so as not to look for accommodation locally with suitcases and tired from the road. The most popular accommodation facilities in Goa are guest houses or, as they are called for short, guest houses. This is an analogue of the private sector in our Russian south. The price depends on the location, distance from the sea and the availability of amenities. In the north, the cost of a room starts from 400 rubles, in the south - from 700. If the price includes breakfast, then, as a rule, it is tea or instant coffee and toast. You can choose a ready-made tour to Goa.
And, as always, I wish you great trips!

Strikingly different from the rest of the country, the state of Goa is a real oasis, a resort that can impress even the most experienced traveler. If there is a place in the world that looks like heaven, it is in the southwestern part of India.

Description of Goa

Goa is the smallest state in India, but thanks to its well-developed tourism, the resort is considered the most prosperous and comfortable part of the country. It is usually divided into North and South Goa, which differ significantly from each other.

Lovers of a measured and secluded holiday go to the south to restore peace of mind and meditate; the northern part attracts those who are young, full of energy and plan to spend their vacation attending noisy beach parties.

The life of the resort is concentrated along the coast - there are numerous hotels of major global chains, local hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes.

Geography of Goa

The resort, with some of the cleanest beaches in the world, is located on an area of ​​3,700 km². It is separated from the main part of the country by the Western Ghats mountain ranges.

Holidays in Goa

Holidays in amazing India: . Visa and customs, how to get there, where to stay, attractions, culture and religion, shopping, souvenirs.

Everyone can find something to their liking here:

1. Lovers of a relaxing holiday will appreciate the endless beaches with the purest sand that stretch along the coast of the Arabian Sea.
2. People interested in the history and culture of other countries will be able to study the traditions of the aborigines by visiting numerous attractions in Goa.
3. National reserves and parks are open for families with children.
4. Young people who love to dance will be able to indulge in their favorite activity all night long at daily parties.
5. For lovers of water activities, Goa provides the opportunity to go diving or fishing.
6. Vedic medicine centers will help those who want to restore health and peace of mind.

Seasonality and climate of Goa

From February to the end of April, Goa experiences hot weather. At this time, the air temperature at the resort reaches 35 °C, and drought begins.

In May, short-term downpours begin, air humidity rises significantly, and dust storms occur. From July to the end of September, heavy rains fall on the territory of Goa, winds blow, and there are storms. During this period, the average air temperature of the resort is from 20 to 25 °C.

The most suitable period for visiting the resort is the season from late October to early March, when the weather conditions in Goa are ideal: warm, but not too hot (temperatures most often range from 27 to 30 ° C), the sea is calm, there is no rain or wind. .

Prices for tours to Goa

The cost of the tour will depend on what time of year is chosen to visit the Indian resort. During the peak season - winter and early spring - a trip for two with a flight from Moscow and accommodation in Goa in a modest two-star hotel will cost at least 45,000 rubles.

Advice: To reduce travel costs, it is worth booking tickets in advance or planning a trip to Goa in October - early November, when the cost of trips is reduced and climatic conditions are already returning to normal.

Types of recreation

The resort offers vacationers to spend time not only on the beach; In Goa you can also go shopping, attend excursions or club parties.

Beach holiday

You can enjoy the view of beaches with fine clean sand by going to North Goa. Along the coast there are numerous hotels with landscaped coastal areas, and restaurants, shops and cafes are also available to tourists.

South Goa is a quieter place, suitable for people who prefer privacy. There are also many beaches and well-developed infrastructure.

Shopping in Goa

Most shopping centers in Goa are located in the state capital, Panaji. Tourists can also go shopping to Calangute, Anjuna and Arambol.

On weekdays, shops are open from 9.00 to 17.00, and in tourist areas, shopping centers are open until late.

The range of goods is impressive; in addition to traditionally Indian spices and tea, you can purchase here:

• leather products;
• natural fabrics (cotton, cashmere and silk);
• souvenirs carved from rose or sandalwood;
• quality Indian shawls;
• jewelry and bijouterie;
• products made of bronze, brass or copper.

There is a flea market in Anjuna, which occupies a large area. From early morning, traders set up tents and lay out goods: ashtrays carved from coconut shells, handmade clothes, carved wooden figurines, bedspreads, carpets and much more.

Excursions to Goa

The main interest for tourists in Goa are the objects of temple architecture: the Basilica of Jesus - the church in which the remains of St. Francis Xavier are buried, the Cathedral of St. Catherine located in the old resort area of ​​​​India and the Catholic Church of the Infant Jesus.

You can also visit the Hindu temples - Shantadurga and Sri Mangesh.

Beaches of Goa

The length of the coastline of the Indian state is more than one hundred kilometers.

On the beaches of North Goa there is sand of an unusual color - dark gray. Its spectacular appearance is due to its volcanic origin. The coast in this part of the state is quite high, so most of the coastal areas of hotels are located in lagoons. The southern beaches have snow-white or golden sand, the coastline is flat.

The beaches in Goa are state-owned and therefore completely free. But sunbeds and umbrellas are the property of catering establishments or hotels. Those staying at the hotel or making an order at a restaurant can use them at no additional cost.

Transport

The public transport system in Goa is quite developed, but tourists should avoid traveling by bus. A safer and more reliable means would be to take a taxi.

Tip: When ordering a car, you should pay attention to the meter - the mark at the beginning of the trip should be at zero. You should ask the driver of a car without a meter in advance about the cost of the trip.

If you need to travel short distances in Goa, you can use the services of a rickshaw.

Transport rental

If you plan to make a lot of trips during your vacation, you can rent a car for convenience and reduce costs. To do this, you need to contact the tourist center, presenting your international license and insurance. Gasoline is paid additionally and is not included in the rental price. You can also rent a motorcycle. The conditions are the same.

As in all of India, traffic in Goa is on the left side, and less experienced motorists are better off booking a car with a driver.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an alternative medicine related to traditional Indian medicine. Ayurvedic treatment and health centers in India are located in all major hotels in Goa.

For treatment, only natural remedies are used: juices, herbs, and other components of natural origin. The main goal is to restore the lost balance and cleanse the body. For this purpose, acupressure and Ayurvedic massages, yoga, masks and nourishing baths, reflexology and aromatherapy are also used.

Features of Goa

When going to another country, you should know about its features in order to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. At Indian airports, you need to be aware of your luggage as it may be stolen.
2. Service personnel in India are leisurely - it’s worth preparing for this in advance so as not to get irritated.
3. When making purchases in the markets, it is worth bargaining - this way you can significantly reduce the cost of goods (almost 2-3 times).
4. It is not recommended for tourists to buy food from stalls in India. It is very important to carefully observe hygiene rules.
5. You can't drink local water - take bottled water. Also, do not try cocktails, drinks with ice and juices, you can get poisoned.
6. When visiting a temple in India, remove your shoes.
7. Place your valuables in the hotel safe.
8. Buy additional insurance that includes medical care in case of poisoning or injury.

To ensure a smooth holiday in India, you must respect local customs, norms of behavior, and laws and strictly adhere to them.

Sights of Goa

In the minds of many, Goa is an ideal place for a beach holiday, but there are also many attractions that are worth seeing.

Dudhsagar

One of the largest Indian waterfalls is located at a distance of 60 km from the state capital. Surrounded by tropical forest, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. The road to this attraction passes through the Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve, home to exotic animals and birds.

The cost of an excursion to the waterfall is about 1800 rupees; visit to the Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve - 20 rupees.

By St. Catherine

On the territory of Goa there is one of the largest Christian temples in Asia, built in the Indo-Portuguese style and included in the UNESCO list.

In one of the chapels of the temple there is a Miraculous Cross. According to legend, the “growing” cross has the ability to heal the sick.

Cotigao Nature Reserve

The second largest nature reserve in the state is Cotigao. It is located on the banks of Talpona, 12 km from the resort area of ​​Goa.

Here you can visit observation towers built in the forest and enjoy the view of the reserve from above. Wild animals come to drink in the mornings and evenings; In order not to miss this spectacle and enjoy the views of the Indian tropical forest at night, you can stay on the tower all night.

The cost of entry to the reserve is 5 rupees. Photography is paid separately, permission costs 25 rupees.

Spice plantations

In India there are many plantations where spices and herbs are grown: vanilla, cumin, cloves, curry, cardamom, cinnamon and much more. When going to Goa, you can visit famous plantations located just 10 km from the resort area and see the magnificent colorful fields with your own eyes.

Useful information for tourists

Tourists planning a holiday in Goa should find out some information that will be useful on their trip.

Visa

To enter Goa, you will need a visa. You can get it at visa centers located in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The procedure takes about 3-4 days.

Timezone

Time in Goa differs from Moscow: in winter it is 2.5 hours ahead of the capital, and in summer it is 1.5 hours ahead.

Currency

The national currency accepted throughout the state is the Indian rupee, which is equal to 100 paise. You can change money at exchange offices at the airport, restaurants and hotels, and in banks.

In large chain hotels and supermarkets in Goa, you can pay for purchases and services by credit card.

What to take with you to Goa

When packing for a trip, it is worth taking a first aid kit with an antiseptic, antipyretic and medicine against food poisoning. You will also need insect repellent and sunscreen.

To protect yourself from thieves, which are also common in Goa, take care of a safe place to store cash and credit cards: keep money in a neck or belt wallet, and hang miniature locks on bags and backpacks.

South Goa

The southern part of Goa is ideal for a family holiday: there are no noisy parties here, but you can go diving or fishing. Divers have a unique opportunity to see with their own eyes the remains of sunken ships: merchant ships, Portuguese galleons and warships. Fishermen will be able to catch mullet, tuna, lobsters, barracuda and lobsters.

North Goa

North Goa attracted the attention of hippies back in the early 60s of the last century. Since then, numerous hotels, hotels, and catering establishments have grown on the shores of the resort. In addition to large chain and medium-sized hotels, there are a large number of guest houses (bungalows), the cost of accommodation in which is very low.

Young people prefer the Northern part of Goa not only for this reason - the club life of the resort is also concentrated here: numerous dance floors, daily parties, carnivals.

A holiday in Goa can be unforgettable, but to have a pleasant experience visiting India, remember the safety rules, follow local laws and honor traditions. It's not that difficult, but in return you can immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this unique place and enjoy the view of endless beaches.

All beaches of South and North Goa are free. Sun loungers with umbrellas, as a rule, belong to restaurants and cafes. To use them, you need to order at least a bottle of water.

When to go

The tourist season lasts from November to April. From the end of spring, it begins to rain at the resorts of the state and continues until mid-autumn. To save money on your vacation, you need to come in October or May, when the beaches are not yet crowded with people, hotel prices have not increased, and the weather is/is still suitable for swimming and sunbathing. In the summer, Goa is only interesting to lovers of spiritual practices, who generally do not care at what temperature to comprehend the wisdom of Ayurveda.

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North Goa

First of all, people come here for emotions - unbridled fun and drive from dancing until you drop in nightclubs. They say there is powerful energy here and it is easy to achieve “enlightenment” by meditating at sunset to the sound of the waves. In between Goa trans marathons and sitting in the lotus position on the shore, tourists enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the pleasantly warm water of the Arabian Sea.

Most hotels in North Goa are mid-range, affordable for budget travelers, although there are a couple of five-star ones. Quite a lot of budget accommodation options are located near the beaches. Restaurants, cafes and bars are “stuck” along the entire coast, and even in a godforsaken village it’s difficult to stay hungry. The menu has everything that our tourists love: seafood, fresh tropical fruits, adapted Indian dishes and even Russian dumplings with borscht. The prices are ridiculous, the portions are decent.

Water activities include diving, boat trips, surfing and fishing.

The resorts of North Goa have their own specialization. The largest and most exciting parties take place in the nightclubs of Anjuna. But the beach there is far from ideal, and is also noisy and crowded. In quieter Arambol and Candolim you can sunbathe in a relaxed atmosphere. Russians prefer to settle in Morjim. Local Indians have already mastered the Russian language quite well, so it is not even necessary to speak English.

Cows on the beaches of North Goa are not uncommon. These sacred animals also roam the streets unhindered and lie anywhere. So don't be surprised.

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South Goa

This part of Goa is for tourists who come for a relaxed and respectable holiday. There are many 4 and 5* hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis, a clean and well-groomed coastline with white sand and a well-developed infrastructure.

The resort of Majorda with 30 km of beaches is considered the most popular. But it is crowded, and the ubiquitous cows and dogs are regular visitors. Europeans choose the quieter Varca and Cavelossim, surrounded by luxury hotels. Dona Paula is considered one of the best places. It is very loved by Bollywood directors who film their soap operas here.

South Goa is preferred by family tourists. There are fewer parties and rowdy young people here, although it cannot be said that after sunset there is a curfew and everyone goes to bed. Cafes and bars always have an interesting evening program: ethnic concerts, shows, discos.

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Where to go

You can diversify your lazy holiday and admire the heritage of the colonial era in Panaji. The city's brightly colored Fontaines district is the most attractive. It is lined with houses that are an interesting synthesis of Portuguese and Indian styles. For architectural impressions, they also go to Old Goa, where there are a couple of Baroque churches from the 17th and 18th centuries and the ruins of an Augustinian monastery.

Well, for Indian flavor, there is a direct route to the night market in Arpora - there you can buy souvenirs and watch colorful fire shows, while at the same time treating yourself to exotic delicacies.

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