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 in up to small hostels with a single proud star in . “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 furthest from the airport.

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

Wide beach with volcanic sand, separated from the village by a river. 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.

Most famous beach of all 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 good choice hotels. Quiet place, suitable for relaxation.

A secluded village with a very good level of hotel service. Spacious clean beach 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 all of Goa. Located furthest 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. 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 items of clothing, 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 White color 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 - bus. This service is very developed in India; buses go to even 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.

Visa India you need to know

To visit the country, you must obtain an Indian visa

Documents required for obtaining a tourist visa:

  • A foreign passport valid for at least six months.
  • a copy of the first page of the passport.
  • a copy of the internal passport (the first page and the page with the registration mark.
  • one passport size photo.
  • a completed application form (it can be downloaded from the embassy website).
  • Visa fee is US$40 for tourist visa.
  • a certificate from a bank with an account balance of at least 1000 USD.

The visa processing time is 3-4 working days.

Let us add that India recently simplified visa regime for 180 countries, allowing you to obtain visas upon arrival in the country. It is planned that the corresponding changes will take effect from September 2014. Thus, tourists will need to apply online for an electronic travel permit at least three days before their trip.

After arriving in India, you will only need to undergo biometric identification in order to receive tourist visa , which will be valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.
You can get a visa at 26 airports in India.

Flight India you need to know

On average, round-trip tickets to Delhi, India are approximately 400 USD, and to the Indian state of Goa will cost twice as much, 700-800 USD. Charter flights are cheaper, Goa, Dobolim.

Indian currency you need to know

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, but national currency is prohibited.
Amounts over 10,000 USD in cash must be declared.

You can exchange currency at the airport (the rate will not be the most favorable), at a bank, at certified exchange offices (by passport) or in offices travel companies. When exchanging, it is better to take a receipt - this will allow you to make, if necessary, a reverse exchange of money when leaving the country (but no more than 25% of the officially exchanged amount).
It is best to import dollars or euros; the currencies of other countries are not exchanged in all banks, and if they are exchanged, it is at a less favorable rate.

Banks are open on weekdays from 10:00 to 14:00, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00, closed on Sunday.
India is changing money, currency reform in India

Weather India need to know

The climate in the south of India is closer to equatorial, in the north - to mountain subtropical. The change of seasons is determined by the monsoons. The hot and dry season lasts from April to June, the average temperature at this time is +38...+46 °C, and from mid-June to early October the rainy season lasts (+35...+38 °C).

The tourist season in mainland and southern India lasts from early October to late March

Air temperature during the day is +25…+30 °C, at night +20…+25 °C. In Delhi and further north it is cool in December - January, at this time the average temperature is about +13 °C. In April, when it becomes too hot in the south and center of the country, favorable weather sets in in the Himalayan states.

You don’t need to know the state of Goa to understand that it’s the same there, only more comfortable.

Security India need to know

In India, as in many Asian countries, it is not recommended to drink tap water.
It is advisable to rinse vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating; order drinks without ice in cafes.
Be careful with street food: they are not always respected sanitary rules. Girls are advised not to wear short skirts or shirts that reveal their shoulders.
In hotels, keep money and valuables in a safe.

Indian codes of conduct you need to know

At the entrance to any temple, guests will be asked to remove their shoes.
Some temples will not allow entry to those with bare shoulders, or wearing short skirts or shorts. Therefore, when going on an excursion, it would be a good idea to inquire about the rules of the place where you are going.

Transport India need to know

The fastest way to travel around India is by plane; the cheaper way is by train (long distances) or bus (short distances). Since a first-class train ticket sometimes costs little less than an airfare to the same destination, it's cheaper to travel in air-conditioned second class.
A special train with air-conditioned carriages, the Taj Express, runs between Delhi and Agra: it leaves the capital in the morning and returns in the evening.
The bus network in India is well developed: state-owned transport companies and there are a large number of private ones in every state. The only difference is the level of comfort and cost.
There will be no problems with taxis. It is worth paying attention - cars that have a license to serve tourists have yellow license plates. You should definitely negotiate the price with the driver, and do this before departure.
At the main stations largest cities and in international airports there are separate “windows” or even halls for selling tickets to foreigners.

Shopping India

Goods in India are very cheap and you can find a lot of interesting things in the city markets.
Fabrics that are very popular as a souvenir or gift are cashmere, silk and Rajasthani cotton. They are used to make beautiful saris, scarves, skirts, shawls, and blouses.
Be sure to purchase tea and Indian spices: pepper, turmeric, saffron, cloves, cinnamon and many others.
Don't forget to bargain.
You can also take a closer look at jewelry made of copper, brass, bronze, silver and gold with inlay and bright enamel. And as a souvenir, bring beautiful figurines and figurines made of clay, copper, glass, sandalwood, bamboo, rosewood and Indian walnut.
Spices cannot be transported to hand luggage- only luggage.

Ayurveda India

Ayurveda (literally "science of life") is a complex of treatment, one of the few recognized World Organization health care effective system of alternative medicine.
Currently, approximately 150 thousand foreigners a year come to India for Ayurvedic treatment.

Hotels India

Hotels in Indian resorts are built no higher than a palm tree (9 meters) and no closer than 300 meters to the sea due to strong tides.
Five-star hotels make a lasting impression thanks to their design, wide range of services, and good service.
Popular hotels in this category are Taj Group, Marriott and Hyatt hotels.
City hotels of the same category will be much inferior to their resort prototypes.
Four- and three-star hotels in the city most often do not correspond to their category.

Mains voltage in India is 230-240 V, frequency 50 Hz. Sockets most often differ from standard European ones, but you can buy an adapter everywhere.

Cuisine India

Indian cuisine is unusual and attractive. Spicy lovers should definitely visit India and try the main dishes.
One of the most popular Indian dishes is sambji: vegetable stew with curry.
Sabji is served with rice and flatbreads. In different recipes, yogurt, coconut milk, Indian paneer cheese, various spices and herbs are added to vegetables.

India is a haven for vegetarians

It is recommended to try the vegetarian dhal cream soup. It includes coconut milk, lemon juice, tomatoes, fried onions, garlic and, of course, curry. Dhal is served with warm flatbreads.
If you are not a vegetarian, then you simply must try tandoori chicken.
For the dish, the bird, whole or in parts, is marinated in yogurt with spices (cayenne pepper, hot chili pepper, or other spicy mixtures), and then baked over high heat in a tandoori oven. The mixtures used for marinating are called tandoori masala.
Curry is not only the name of one of the most popular seasonings, but also a favorite dish among Indians. Curry is prepared from vegetables, legumes or meat, seasoned with the seasoning of the same name. The dish is always served with rice. At the end of your curry meal, you will be served pan - betel leaves wrapped in crushed betel nut and spices.

You won’t find a place in India where you don’t know and prepare the famous chapati bread. They cook quickly and are a healthy product. In addition, chapatis are baked in a completely dry frying pan, without oil.

A culinary hit is thali, which simply means “plate”. Thali is a complete set of different products. The thali is served with "lassi" - an Indian analogue of yogurt with various additives, most often bananas, mango or pineapple. It perfectly neutralizes the taste of spicy dishes.

Beaches in India you need to know

India's coastline, with a total length of almost 6,000 kilometers, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Most Popular beach resorts located in the states of Goa and Kerala.
The beaches of Mumbai also have a vibrant nightlife.
The beaches of Mumbai are famous incendiary discos, which attracts not only the local “golden youth”, but also wealthy tourists.

Resorts in India

Resorts in India are scattered literally throughout the country, especially on the coasts.

You need to know that Goa is the pearl of the Indian coast, a world famous resort

Goa is located in the middle west coast India. Washed by the Arabian Sea. Length coastline is 100 km.
Goa gained its fame thanks to the endless sandy beaches, a transparent ocean and a cloudless sky, attracting the Indian and world elite.
In the southwest of India is Kerala, the capital of spices and coconut palms, the land of rice, tea and coffee plantations.
Since ancient times, this land has attracted travelers and traders from all over the world not only with rare goods, but also picturesque nature and the hospitality of local residents.

Cities India attractions

Delhi capital of India
The city is located in the northern part of the country, on the high right bank of the Jamna River. Delhi has several world-famous luxury hotels whose sophisticated style and comfort will ensure a good stay for the traveler.

Agra India
World famous for its architectural monuments, Agra was the capital of the Mughal state.

The name of one of the rulers, Shah Jahan, went down in history thanks to the famous Taj Mahal he built.
Although Agra is primarily associated with the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is far from the only architectural masterpiece in this city.
Even Delhi, which was the capital of the Mughals for more than a millennium, cannot compare with Agra in its cultural heritage.

Varanasi is a sacred city for Hindus
Its ancient name "Kashi" is translated as "city of light".
Presumably this is one of the oldest cities peace.
Hindus believe that the city is a gateway to another world
It is believed that if a person dies in Varanasi, his soul will no longer be reincarnated, he will be freed from earthly captivity and will emerge from the wheel of Samsara.

Bombay is the capital of Maharashtra state
It is called the western gateway of India. This chain of seven islands is an important commercial, industrial and financial center, as well as largest port India.
Traditionally, Bombay is considered the center of the Indian film industry.

Jaipur India - capital of Rajasthan state
It is also called " Pink City" - because of the unusual pink color of the stone from which many buildings in the city are built.
The city is famous luxurious palaces, colorful bazaars where you can buy whatever your heart desires.

Udaipur India
Attracts with the grandeur of the marble palaces, the beauty of the gardens and the cultural heritage of the temples of the 16th - 17th centuries. One of the amazing views of Udaipur are the two islands of Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, which are located on Lake Pichola. On each of the islands there are luxurious royal palaces. It seems as if they are standing directly on the surface of the water.

Khajuraho
Khajuraho is the capital of the ancient Chandella dynasty, a warlike Rajput tribe.
During the reign of the dynasty, the city experienced an amazing flowering of architecture, thanks to which we can see the real architectural gem– thousand-year-old temple complex Khajuraho.

Luxurious palaces, bustling colorful bazaars full of skillful handicrafts, gems and colorful fabrics, historical monuments, a labyrinth of streets - the attractiveness and charm of India will not leave any traveler indifferent.

Goa is the most mysterious and controversial beach destination. It is impossible to predict whether you will fall completely in love with India or never return after your first trip. There will definitely be no halftones in relation to Goa - which means you have to go! We especially recommend it to those tourists who are looking for new sensations and vivid impressions. A vacation to Goa is an effective way to shake things up and even step outside your comfort zone. And there, as they say, the magic begins 😉

Goa is not an island

For some reason, many people believe that Goa is Paradise Island in a warm ocean, almost like the Maldives. This is undoubtedly a fabulous place, but it’s a bit far from the Maldives. And here’s why.

In fact, it is a state in India, which is located in the western part of the Hindustan Peninsula and is washed by the Arabian Sea, which is in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean. But the sea can easily be confused with the ocean - you can’t see the horizon, the waves don’t stop, so due to the suspension of sand, the local waters cannot be called transparent. The conclusion follows from this: if you want to swim calmly and not jump on the waves, choose a beach in a bay (for example, Palolem).

The state itself, compared to the rest of India, is not poor. About half of Goa's population, according to local guides, is educated and well-mannered. Although it is better not to walk in dark alleys after sunset, because in any country there is a marginal layer.

  • 1 ruble = 1.05 Indian rupees
  • Flight time - 7.5 hours
  • Official language - English, Hindi
  • Visa - electronic authorization ($60) and via consulate ($55)
  • Wi-Fi in the cafe is free, but the signal is weak and intermittent

Which beach is better?

Geographically, Goa is divided into North, Central and South. The beach strip, practically uninterrupted, stretches along the entire coast for tens of kilometers.

The beaches of North Goa are party, and often very busy (the leaders in crowds are Baga and Calangute). The Calangute area is also home to many locals, so it is always noisy, fun and colorful. About 80% of Russians live in Morjim, it is very calm here, and there are almost no barkers. If you move north, you will meet more hippies and so-called “inadequate” people.

The beaches of South Goa are cleaner and more comfortable than in the northern part. There are much fewer people here, and there are many coves where you can hide from the waves. In addition, the hotel facilities are more decent, the streets are cleaner, and therefore the prices are much higher. There are few Russian tourists here, and there are also no noisy parties. This area is suitable for families with children and romantic holidays.

Photo from personal archive

The central area is Old Goa, where locals live, life is in full swing, and there is a lot to see. We recommend renting a bike. Read about the features of renting bikes in the blog.

What to see?

Goa has inherited many superb architectural features from the Portuguese colonial expansion. St. Catherine's Cathedral and across the road the Basilica of Bon Jesus in Old Goa - the capital of Panaji. Chapora Fort near Vagator Beach and Aguada Fort near Sinquerim Beach and others.

Attractions are scattered throughout the state, and traveling by bus in the heat and on rough roads will be tiring. Some places are best explored on your own by traveling by car. regular bus. For example, the wonderful Dudh Sagar waterfall, located in a tropical reserveBhagwan Mahavir,where monkeys roam freely. Along with the excursion, you will be allowed to spend only an hour here, but here you will definitely want to stay longer.

Photo from personal archive

Be sure to go on a fishing excursion - you can catch beautiful local fish, fry them right there and watch a school of dolphins from afar.

On a Saturday evening, stop by the Arpora Market and listen to local bands perform. And of course, visit best club Goa - Club Cabana, which is located under open sky on several levels of a picturesque hill - the price tag for two is about 2,000 rubles, you only pay for entrance - drinks are included. The view of Goa at night is stunning!

How to get around?

If you have money, you can easily take a taxi - the price tag is noticeably lower than in Moscow. You can ride a regular bus or train almost free of charge. IN North Goa Mopeds are very popular; in Yuzhny, bicycles are more common. To rent a moped, you need to show the renter an international driving license and prove that you know how to drive a moped and drive carefully - just drive 100 meters and turn around. To be honest, Russians don’t like to be given mopeds - we have a reputation for being too reckless

What to eat?

Indian cuisine is for everyone. Basically it's fried chicken in batter, tandoori flatbreads and chicken again, only this time stewed in a thick creamy tomato sauce with an insane mix of spices. You can try local veal and spicy Goan sausages - but this is already quite exotic. However, the typical menu of any beach cafe is English breakfasts, American burgers, fresh seafood, chicken in different sauces, Italian pasta - in a word, very diverse , to suit the tastes of any tourist.

When is the best time to go?

The tourist season in Goa lasts from October to April. And it is strictly divided into dry (October - February) and wet (March-April). In the first case, the heat is easily tolerated, a pleasant breeze blows, in the second, the sun is very active and it becomes stuffy. If you love surfing, come here in February.

Traditionally, the smallest crowds will be at the beginning and end of the season. And from December 22 until the end of the first week of the new year, there is simply pandemonium in Goa. Many tourists come from Great Britain and Germany, and there are also many Catholics among Hindus. Therefore, Catholic Christmas is celebrated here on a special scale - within a week, decorations of everything possible begin, which look, although clumsy, but cute.

Where to stay?

  • good price
  • a large number of numbers (there is someone to chat with for a lonely girl)
  • location (a bit far from the beach - about 20 minutes on foot, but this is the main street where everything is - pharmacies, exchange offices, and many cafes)
  • a beautiful swimming pool that is illuminated at night

The cheapest room turned out to be a two-room room, 35 square meters, with a balcony, air conditioning and TV. Dilapidated, but very cozy. The linen is washed, like everywhere else in India, but you can bring your own. I was struck by the gallantry of the staff and very upset by the attitude of some British people towards the Russians. But if you don’t be negative, but laugh it off, you can get out of an unpleasant situation gracefully

During the entire vacation, no crawling or sucking reptiles were found! (and I am very, very afraid of them)

My parents stayed 10 minutes walk from me, at the Sea Breeze Inn (10 minutes walk to the sea).

Photo from personal archive

Cozy and comfortable, there are not many rooms, but mostly Russians live. The area is green, free wifi, catches well in the rooms. Due to the large amount of greenery, there are a lot of mosquitoes (take a fumigator) and there is a musty smell.

Cons of Goa

What should you remember before your trip?

The story of my shame, or how to apply for a visa correctly

As usual, it is the travel agency employees who end up in the most stupid and unpleasant situations. And I'm no exception.

I bought a tour (7 nights with breakfast in mid-December 2015 cost me about 24,000 rubles including flights), and contacted our visa officer.

They gave me a link to the Indian consulate, where you can fill out a visa application yourself, attach photographs and scans of your passport - and in a couple of days (maximum 6-8) you will receive your visa for only $60. Here is this link. I waited until the last minute and printed out a visa application form for the trip, not the visa itself, and tried to board my plane with this form. When I met the amazed look of the airport employee, I started calling my colleagues in Travelata. They remotely called a representative of my tour operator to the counter, and they immediately solved the problem - they printed out my visa and gave it to me.

A stupid and unpleasant situation ended successfully

Why is an electronic visa bad - upon arrival in Goa airport you will have to wait in a long line for fingerprints. This can be avoided by applying for a paper visa through the Indian Consulate. In this case, it costs less ($45), but it takes longer to process.

Read more about visas.

Artistic conclusion

I am a kinesthetic person, which means I perceive reality through sensations. What do you remember about Goa for me personally? When you run to breakfast in the morning along the creaky floor of your room, you open the doors - the thick smell of curry and aromatic candles hits your nose, and you are greeted by the cries of exotic birds. You will realize for a second that you have woken up again in this incredible world, and now you will take a step forward and live a new day in paradise, in Goa...

The standard of living in Goa leaves much to be desired, in small villages you are almost certain to see garbage, not very tidy residents and a deplorable level of neglect. But this is not a plague-ridden area, people on the streets are not lepers, infection does not fly in the air. And it’s unlikely that you will climb into the wilds of civilization. Well, you already know that you need to wash your hands and not drink tap water.

Myth No. 2. Hotel service is so-so

Photo: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock. com

No, that's not entirely true. In North Goa there are many small hotels of two or three stars and really mediocre service (they won’t be cleaned every day, the air conditioner may break down, and they won’t rush to you when you call). People come here to party, so if the hotel has a bed, it's already suitable.

If comfort and attention from the staff are important to you, South Goa is for you- four to five star hotels and European level service. Here you will find complete relaxation and helpful staff.

South. Top 3 hotels on Ostrovka:

  • : double rooms from 6190 rub./night*;
  • : double rooms from 10,590 rub./night;
  • : double rooms from RUB 17,390/night.

North.Top 3 hotels on Ostrovka:

  • : double rooms from 2999 rub./night;
  • : double rooms from RUB 8,671/night;
  • : double rooms from RUB 10,790/night.

Myth No. 3. All Goa beaches have snow-white sand and crystal clear water

Photo: Lena Serditova / Shutterstock. com

Alas, this is not the case everywhere. In order for the beach to look like the picture, you need to keep an eye on it, so heavenly beaches- this is in the South, where vacations are more expensive and the infrastructure is better. There are beaches in the North, but they don’t pretend to be picturesque.

Beaches of North Goa

  • Terekol: one of the few deserted beaches in North Goa.
  • Mandrem: there are many natural pools along the coastline, the water in them heats up quickly- It feels like you are bathing in fresh milk.
  • Small and Big Vagator: Bigknown for its incendiary parties, Maly- more secluded and wild beach, with rocks and bays.
  • Ashvem: Idyllically tranquil place, great for kite surfing.

Beaches of South Goa

  • Bogmalo: modern and very tourist beach with many cafes and bars serving excellent seafood.
  • Benaulim: the beach is famous for schools of dolphins that periodically delight vacationers with pirouettes.
  • Varca and Cavelossim: golden sand, lots of palm trees, and luxury hotels all around.
  • Palolem: the southernmost beach where you can find that same white sand, azure water and peace.

Myth No. 4. All food is fiery and spicy, you will have to starve

Photo: Erofeenkov / Shutterstock. com

No, you won't have to starve. Goa is adapting to the influx of tourists from all over the world; owners of cafes and restaurants often warn about particularly spicy dishes and offer a European menu. And some establishments even serve borscht, okroshka and dumplings. True, according to the author's recipes.

If you went to a remote village and went to a local eatery, the chance of eating something and breathing fire is very high, so be careful. Well, if you are really afraid of not being able to cope with local cuisine, book a hotel with meals included - for example, half board (breakfast + dinner).

Myth No. 5. The most fun is parties to Goa trance music, there is no more entertainment

Well, of course not. Goa trance- a trend in electronic music that originated here in the late 1980s. You can see trancers at one of the beach parties, these parties are not legal and you can meet very strange personalities there, but it’s interesting to watch from the outside. If this action does not interest you, here are some iconic places where you can while away the evening.

  • Deltin Royale Casino, Panaja- floating casino in the capital of Goa, beautiful lighting turns on in the evening, and you will never miss the ship with the casino. It doesn’t matter, if gambling doesn’t appeal to you, come and listen live music and drink a cocktail.
  • Club Cubana, Arpora - one of the popular nightclubs, from the roof of which a magnificent panorama of the city opens. There is an entrance fee, but drinks are included in the ticket price. The club has several spacious rooms and a swimming pool.
  • Night Market, Arpora- the best place to learn how to haggle and see what local sellers have to offer. You can find a lot of things: music CDs, handmade embroidered scarves, tea, souvenirs, spices. When you're fed up with shopping, switch to the food court and street concerts.

Myth No. 6. Goa - small province, nothing to see there

No matter how it is! Goa is a very special state of India with amazing nature and a colorful mixture of cultures. Write down what you need to see.

  • Chapora Fort: This defensive fortress- Portuguese heritage of the 17th century. From the hill there is a view of Indian Ocean and the coast. Travelers have a tradition- arrive at the fortress at sunset last day and spend the sun.
  • Church Square, Panaji: The main attraction is the snow-white Church of the Virgin Mary, and nearby there is a cozy garden that the locals adore.
  • Dudhsagar Falls: This multi-level waterfall is one of the top 100 high waterfalls peace. It is no coincidence that the name is translated as “Milk Ocean”: due to the contrast with the dark stone, it seems that the water is milky white.
  • Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda: To make the most of your time, book a tour right away. They will take you around the plantation and tell you what and how it grows here. For entertainment, they will ride elephants and teach you how to climb palm trees. Then there will be a lunch break and you will be treated to dishes with homegrown spices. You can buy the spices you like right there in the shop.

Traveler's reminder

Photo: Pavel Laputskov / Shutterstock. com

When is the best time to go?

June to September is the monsoon season in Goa, so visit between October and May. These are the winter months, the temperature is comfortable, up to +30°C, so there is no sweltering heat, you can drive around the surrounding area and swim.

Is it difficult to get a visa?

Elementary. You can apply for an Indian visa on the visa center website. The e-visa takes 4-10 working days to prepare, then you download it, print it and go to the airport. This visa gives you the right to stay in the country for no more than 30 days.

What is the currency in Goa?

Local currency - rupees The rate is very tempting: for $100 you will get 6,808.01 rupees (1 USD = 68.02 INR as of 01/27/2017). For residents this is a fortune, so at first everything will seem too cheap. But don’t be fooled, soon you will begin to distinguish between cheap and very cheap.

How to navigate?

By moped or scooter- a safe and convenient way to travel, you can also rent an autorickshaw. If you don't plan to travel a lot- order a taxi, this is the case when it won’t cost you a pretty penny.

Header photo: SOUTHERNTraveler / Shutterstock. com

Valentina | 21.01.2018 10:38

Mangaluru is certainly not the best place to vacation (I vacationed with my husband in 2006), but if we take into account the cheapness, it’s even very decent. If it weren’t for their age-old quirks, I might have left a better review.
Having looked at the wretched “mansions” in the hotel, we decided to stay in the private sector. The room seemed okay, even with air conditioning, but they suggested going to the toilet in the courtyard, since the inside one seemed to be under renovation. A very light wooden toilet with a huge hole over which you had to spread your legs wide apart, but I would never dare to use it for children.
The first thing that surprised me the next day was the disappearance of my panties, which I had planned to wash after the flights and the sheer stuffiness when we got a little settled in. I was ashamed to ask the friendly hostess Neisa about the missing unwashed, smelly panties, and decided that she would find them a little later. When a small pile of laundry had already accumulated over the week, I turned to the hostess for a basin to wash everything, but she made it clear with barely understandable gestures that I should put my laundry in a basket under the canopy, and she would wash it herself later for free. Having refused such services, when washing, I noticed that all three panties in the place where genitourinary discharge should be perfectly clean. As if I didn’t wear them, and two of them where the genitals were wet. This alarmed me, but even then I could not think that all this was not accidental. Approaching the hostess, I gestured at my panties with a wrinkled nose and tried to find out where my dirty, smelly panties in which I had arrived had disappeared, to which she, also with a wrinkled face, made it clear that she seemed to have thrown them away.
I threw it away like that, but one morning when I went to the toilet, I suddenly felt some movement of air from below. I looked into the toilet hole and jumped up with an exclamation, as her husband, 36 year old Darshit, was looking at me from below from the huge toilet hole. As it turned out, he had a huge container dug right under the floor of the toilet, separating it from feces, into which he lowered himself through the hatch in the morning, as soon as we woke up or when we returned from the beach. It turns out that almost all this time he was regularly looking at me from below from the hole when visiting their toilet. If he had not been a mature, curious boy, he would have been young and handsome, but he had come to this. Even now I remember and it becomes creepy. My husband has never seen me between my legs, but here I went to the ends of the earth to appear to a stranger.
Indignantly turning to the hostess, I not only did not find her understanding, but was even offended. It seemed that I should still be grateful that her husband wanted to examine me there, and if I made noise, she would immediately call the police. Knowing my husband’s character, it’s good that I didn’t dare to tell him everything. Firstly, he, as a man, would feel uncomfortable that someone was looking at me there or touching my panties, and secondly, he would definitely punch him in the face. Then it would definitely have happened without the police and an international scandal. After all, I could prove what and to whom in a foreign country.
That same day, I persuaded my husband to urgently move to the cheapest hotel, “Town Gate,” which is located 4-5 km away. from Mangalore. She told him that his wife had fallen ill with some dangerous infection.
During a conversation with a Belarusian woman who had been living there for a long time, I unexpectedly learned that, according to some local beliefs, female genitourinary secretions are very useful for the male body and have a very positive effect on male potency. It turns out that Neysa’s mistress not only stole my dirty panties for her husband, but even her husband regularly tracked her… . That’s when I realized why some of my unwashed panties in this place didn’t even have time to dry. As soon as I change my panties, feeling the sticky wetness, and my husband and I leave, her husband immediately takes my panties... And I didn’t throw up?
And as for hidden peeping in the toilet while vacationers are peeing, this seems to be the same norm among them. I don’t know how true this is, but according to the Belarusian woman, there is not a single family in the private sector where local husbands do not track the panties of vacationers and look for an opportunity to examine the genitals. It’s just that rare vacationers know about this, and I was caught by the stupidity of the idiot Darshit. It turns out that their wives themselves even select those holidaymakers for the settlement, where there are more young and unmarried people.
I once heard about this among some peoples, but to believe that this would happen to me? Even now I remember with a shudder.