Independent trip to GOA, (India). Recommendations for those who travel to goa for the first time on their own

The Goan coast on the avenues for travelers looks like a real paradise. However, there are enough dangers and there are subtleties that need to be studied before the trip. It is impossible to ignore the vegetable and animal world: for example, are sharks or snakes dangerous in Goa.

The burning question, what do you need for a trip to Goa? What facts and holidays deserve special attention? And, of course, purely practical matters: tips, taxis in Goa, illnesses, medicines, sockets and the right to drive the ubiquitous scooter.

Plants in Goa

The coast, on which the former Portuguese colony is located, is covered with tropical jungle. The vegetation is lush and vibrant. Toward the end of the season, she withers, but does not lose her attractiveness. There are several spice plantations and national parks, where you can see not only birds and animals, but a rich flora.

Tourists are attracted by thickets of banyan trees and the impressive neighborhood of tropical palm trees and lianas with assorted conifers in Goa.

Holidays in Goa

Going to the former Portuguese colony, you need to be prepared that the holidays in Goa are held on an enchanting scale. Hindu rites are intricately intertwined with medieval Catholic traditions and have shown the world endless carnivals and processions.

Noisy processions accompany installations of images and sculptures of deities, saints, and talismans. Fresh flowers, fire shows and paints are required. It is necessary to go on holidays in clothes that you do not mind. Take an old T-shirt - it will be completely covered or filled with paint.

What you need to travel to Goa

It is impossible to give comprehensive advice to tourists in Goa. Travelers are different, everyone has their own needs and characteristics. If money is available, problems can be solved locally, but a supply of first aid medicines should be on hand.

What medicines to take to Goa

The difficulties of acclimatization are solved in Goan pharmacies. Usually there is an exhaustive list of Indian-made drugs, which is dispensed on the recommendation of a doctor. It is much more important to bring emergency supplies with you:

1. Antihistamines. Medicines must be carried with you. In case you suddenly develop a food allergy to some spices or you are exposed to jellyfish.
2. Painkillers and antispasmodics. No-shpa or citramone should be at hand.
3. Disinfectants: iodine, peroxide, brilliant green. Better in special pencils.

If there are children on the trip, then the list of what to take from medicines is wider. Definitely added antipyretic and dyspeptic drugs.

Reviews about Goa insist that while traveling you need to use sunscreens high sensitivity. But you can buy them locally.

How much money to take with you to Goa

Everyone has their own budget. A full-fledged vacation in Goa for one traveler is enough for $ 800-1000 per month, provided that you are not the king of glamorous parties and have not made a decision to provide work for all taxis in Goa. With a reserve, you can expand the program and look at neighboring states or dispose of them in your own way.

When paying for a trip to a tour operator, ask separately how much the fuel surcharge is and whether it is included in the price of the tour. Otherwise, there will be an unpleasant surprise before departure - additional expenses or refusal to travel with big losses. Fuel surcharge can be $50-75.

What do they wear to Goa

Reviews of Goa are full of the word "shanti". This is an indescribable atmosphere of absolute calmness and joy, which permeates everything around. Therefore, do not be surprised: tourists walk here in all sorts of things. Considering that the season on the coast is an eternal summer, you can take with you:

• swimwear;
• spacious shirts with long sleeves;
• shorts;
• hats.

Glamorous exits are only accepted on south goa, and even then the nightlife there is not particularly popular and any dress code is acceptable.

Experienced travelers do not take outerwear with them at all, but buy what they need in the markets - the price / quality ratio allows. In terms of dollars, it's not very expensive.

Attention It is better for women, even if accompanied by a stronger half, not to neglect the elementary rules of decency and appear dressed in public places. Swimsuits, transparent tunics and mini are more correct to leave for the beaches.

Dangers for tourists in Goa

Unpleasant and frankly dangerous situations are possible everywhere. There are many rumors about Goa: sharks, snakes, rays, poisonous jellyfish, tsunamis and all sorts of tropical scourges in the form of diseases. Although more injuries are caused by tourists who inadvertently hide under coconut trees during the wind or who think they know everything about Indian roads.

snakes in goa

When traveling to India, it is necessary to mentally prepare for a meeting with living creatures. Snakes in Goa are an unpleasant but inevitable phenomenon. There are marine and land species. On the coast and in nearby waters, tourists are interested in marine. However, there are not so many of them and they swim far from the coast. Indian fishermen fearlessly take snakes in their hands and assure that they are not poisonous. Reviews of tourists are periodically frightened with fearsome photographs, but not a single case of death from the meeting is reported.

Sharks in Goa

Sharks are also considered a danger in Goa. However, they, like snakes, do not swim close to the shore. Strong currents and natural instincts keep them away from noise and tourists. Activity is shown at night. They are found mainly on trays of fish markets. There are no cases of attacks on tourists, judging by the reviews. Shoals of dolphins often swim up to the shore.

Diseases in Goa

The tropics and unsanitary conditions in Goa carry the threat of intestinal infections - they develop here literally at lightning speed. What do you need to know? Maintain hygiene. Otherwise, you can do without even vaccinations. But insurance in case of force majeure must be issued. Faced with jellyfish or injuries, you will understand that she was not superfluous.

Tsunami in Goa

The west coast of India is in a relatively calm zone where the threat of tsunamis and tectonic instability is low. The last tsunami was recorded in 2004. The consequences were minor.

What you need to know about the tsunami: to disperse high wave deep water is needed, coming directly to the shore. The coastline in Goa is wide and gently sloping. The tsunami doesn't stand a chance.

Most small state India and the former Portuguese colony is interesting due to many features:

1. Wide coastline stretched for almost 100 km. The North will provide you with a lot of impressions and relative democratic prices. The south will delight you with peace and quiet. To find your Goa, you need to travel around it completely.
2. Friendly Indians speaking an amazing mix of Konkani, Porto and English. The set is not complete without Russian and German. Therefore, for 100% understanding, you will have to master the sign language.
3. Left side traffic. Roads where they are narrow and bad. Rules are a relative concept. Movement is often chaotic. Most participants prefer scooters and bikes.
4. Cows and dogs. They are not accepted to drive or offend in any other way. Cows are sacred animals.
5. Sunrise and sunset in Goa fascinate with beauty and transience. No more than half an hour and the night comes to change the day and vice versa.
6. Indian cleanliness stands apart. And not in the the best place. Garbage bins and landfills are on every corner, and intestinal infections waiting in the most unexpected places. Carry alcohol wipes with you.
7. Attractions. In addition to the stunning richness of the natural landscape, Goa has many Hindu and Catholic temples.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What can you encounter in Goa?

The first thing an inexperienced traveler will have to face is a taxi in Goa. Acquaintance with cunning and often rude owners of cars and rights discourages you from using their services for a long time. Meanwhile, the secret of a mutually beneficial relationship is the rule to always bargain and firmly but benevolently refuse the imposed service. The rest of the questions are easy to solve.

How much do they tip in Goa?

According to reviews, the standard tip is about 10-20 rupees. It is customary to leave them for any services. Starting from the airport, you are literally attacked locals in a sincere impulse to help with things. Next - maids. It is not customary to leave a standard dollar on a bed in hotels below 4 stars.

Even colorful Goans, who are enterprisingly selling various trifles on the beach, are much more willing to pose for money. In restaurants, they leave about 5% of the bill.

What are the outlets in Goa?

Tourists recommend taking 2-3 tees with you to India, preferably with grounding. They will allow you to safely use electrical networks. The voltage is the same as ours - 220, but the sockets are often loose and it can be difficult to fix the plug in them. Used standard: C,D,M. The first is for ordinary and "euro" plugs without grounding.

If the outlet does not work, it may be turned off - the toggle switch is usually located at the entrance to the room.

Where is it unsafe to exchange dollars in Goa?

Of course, it is best to change money in official institutions with the inscription Exchange. They exchange dollars upon arrival, in hotels, in special bureaus and banks. But these are classic safe options. Such an inscription can be found in shops and shops.

Less safe options are from taxi drivers, in random shacks, or from hands. The Goans will gladly exchange dollars, but safety large sums will be doubtful. Although reviews of Goa say that the criminal situation is strictly regulated by religious dogmas, you can’t take someone else’s. Therefore, the Indians limit themselves to scams of various scales: they inflate prices and cheat.

Do you need a scooter license in Goa?

Taxi in Goa is not the last means of transportation. After looking closely, tourists change to scooters and bikes. Officially - you must have an international driving license with category "A". Unofficially - other solutions are possible. When renting, documents are not required, and if you are stopped by valiant police officers, then you should know: corruption in India is also an attraction. Bargain.

Before the trip, you need to know in advance what you can’t bring from Goa. Tips for tourists who love expensive souvenirs: don't buy antiques. It needs certificates and lots of permits. In addition, you cannot export:

1. Indian currency.
2. Precious metals in bullion.
3. Representatives of the local flora and living specimens of the fauna.
4. Craft items: feathers, fur, skins.

The former Portuguese colony in India beckons with picturesque nature and no less vivid impressions of the original culture and its bearers. Before the trip, you should carefully study all the available information and reviews about Goa.

Many people go on their own and for this it is not necessary to use the services of travel agents. The whole process will consist of 4 main points that you can easily complete yourself.

Indian visa

If you decide to go to Goa on your own, then the first thing you will have to take care of is an Indian visa. If you are citizens of Russia or Ukraine, then the Indian consulate now issues six-month visas, according to which you can live without a break for 6 months. Citizens of Belarus are issued Indian visas for 1 month.

To make the most of your visa, you should plan your independent trip to Goa at the beginning of November, when the tourist season begins and favorable climatic conditions. Until the end of April, you will be able to enjoy an excellent resort environment.

It will be necessary to fill out a visa application form through the website of the consulate English language. The consulate will need to provide copies booked air tickets round trip and hotel reservation. In the near future, it is planned to make it easier for tourists to obtain a visa to India and it will be possible to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport.

To apply for a visa to India, you will need a round trip. If you buy direct flights to Goa, then this will be the most expensive option. The cheapest tickets will be to Delhi, where you will need to transfer to a plane local airlines and fly to Goa. This way is less comfortable, but more acceptable for budget travelers. You can also buy tickets to Mumbai, where you can buy tickets to Goa. You can take a taxi from Dabolim Airport to your hotel in Goa.

Optionally in Goa for the entire planned period of residence. It will be enough to book for a couple of days to rest from the road. Then you can find yourself on the spot cozy house not far from the sea. You can also rent part of the house at a price of $ 7 per day, which is naturally cheaper than living in a hotel.

Be sure to buy yourself while still at home travel insurance for a trip to India for the duration of your entire trip. It costs a little, but in which case, it will cover your expenses. Especially if you are planning to rent a motorbike, you will not do without insurance. You will observe accidents in Goa with the participation of Russians every day, and only very rich people can afford to pay for treatment in Indian hospitals from their own pocket. Keep in mind that standard insurance, which is issued by travel agencies for a trip to Goa, does not reimburse expenses in the event of an accident and extreme sports. When contacting the insurance company, immediately explain what kind of insurance you need and what you plan to do in Goa.

It is best to eat in Goa in beach cafes and restaurants, as they cook delicious food there, and the prices are quite reasonable. There are no supermarkets with a huge selection of food, and many do not want to cook on their own.

Getting around in Goa

Most popular view transport in Goa is a motorbike. You can either rent it or hire a taxi driver on a moped or motorcycle. Traffic on the roads is not according to the rules, so there is a high probability for foreigners to get into an accident, especially if they do not have great experience driving.

The inexhaustible flow of tourists from the Northern Hemisphere poses a real problem, how to get to Goa. Preferably, cheaply and quickly, with an independent purchase of tickets, without the involvement of travel agencies and intermediaries.

Regular flights

Before you get to Goa on your own, you need to monitor the supply market. First of all, non-stop. Airlines that operate direct flights, even those with the status of regular flights to Goa, fly to Dabolim exclusively during the high season. Therefore, it is easiest to fly from mid-October to the end of April. At the same time, the trip will cost on average cheaper than a charter. From other cities, for example, to Goa from Rostov, regular flights do not fly.

Cheap direct flights

Regular flights, namely direct flights to Goa, depart. Services are provided by Transaero and Rossiya Airlines. Buying a ticket on average costs about $650. The number of flights is strictly fixed. The schedule includes four flights to Dabolim and back. The price is valid only when buying directly from representatives of the airline or booking plane tickets on the official websites of carriers.

Independent travel planning

Direct scheduled flights are not the only way to fly to Goa. Charters fly during the season. Flights with transfers are available throughout the year.

Buying plane tickets will be cheaper if you book in advance and act without intermediaries through official websites.

The earlier the tickets are booked and purchased, the cheaper the trip will be. A round-trip flight also saves the traveler's money.

To fly to Dabolim for the first time without incident, it is better to use the services of tour operators. At a price, this will not be cheap, but it will save time and nerves when searching for and booking a flight, settle visa problems and get the opportunity to calmly look around the area in order to return to the fairy tale on your own.

How to buy a cheap charter ticket

Charter flights to Goa in Russia are operated by Azur Air and Royal Flight. The average cost is $ 715, subject to the purchase of round-trip tickets. Last minute flights to Goa will cost up to 40% cheaper. At the same time, in December 2017 - January 2018, there were no such bonuses. With a greater degree of probability, we can say that the situation will be the same for the 2017/2018 season. New Year holidays- This is the time of peak prices and rush demand.

You can wait until the end of the season - April or May, then charter tickets fall in price by an average of 10-15%. However, the number of departures is proportionally falling. Therefore, you need to separately specify how much the trip costs.

Charters in Goa fly according to their schedule, operators can change it up to the complete cancellation of the flight. Then you will have to get on your own. If you arrived by charter, you must fly from Goa on the same plane. This is a separate song related to Indian laws.

With one change in the UAE

The cheapest flights to Goa are sold for flights with transfers. This brings some inconvenience to travelers, but saves money.

AT United Arab Emirates the most popular hub cities are Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Doha. The duration of the flight reaches 24 hours, mainly due to waiting for a connection. You can use this time to visit local sights. The price of plane tickets ranges from $630. Early booking can save up to 5%.

Through Delhi

Air India operates almost regular flights. At airports, tickets to Goa are sold as direct. At the same time, a mandatory transfer is carried out in Delhi. Even if there are some overlaps and the flight is delayed, the connecting plane of the local air service will stand and wait for passengers to Dabolim. Delhi-Goa tickets do not need to be bought. Price within $615 round trip, may vary slightly.

Through Mumbai

Most often, the airline operates flights through Mumbai with two transfers. With the first hub in Europe or Turkey. The rest fly first to Delhi. When booking flights to Goa, India, please note that connections in Mumbai can take a very long time. You may need to stop somewhere. The destination is less popular than Delhi, but the price of tickets to Goa is the same.

How to get cheaper from different countries

Thanks to cheapness, India has become one of the most popular destinations for recreation in the modern post-Soviet space, especially Goa. Plane tickets are most in demand in winter.

From different cities of Russia

Of the most major cities Charters are sent to Russia. Otherwise, you have to first get to the capital, then to other hubs. There is a need to stop somewhere with a prolonged docking, and wait for a transfer.

Flight Rostov-Goa charter flight carried out in 6.5 hours. With transfers, it will take up to 2 days. The price of a ticket to Goa from Rostov-on-Don for early booking with a round-trip flight is at least $680. Flights from other cities of Russia are organized according to the same logic.

Below is a selection for some cities of the Russian Federation, as of the beginning of 2018. Destination to Goa with different airlines* from one to two transfers:

Any direction, especially Volgograd, needs to be monitored. During the high season, tour operators launch charters. Two to four flights per month. The greater the flow of passengers, the lower the price of tickets.

The most famous flight search engines update information almost on a second-to-second basis. This is due to the fact that reservations are redeemed, new ones appear or travel routes are added. Pricing information is indicative and outdated quickly.

From Kazakhstan

You can come on vacation to Goa from Kazakhstan by charter, but it will be more expensive. average price flight with transfers at the beginning of 2018 is $ 550. Subject to the purchase of round-trip air tickets Almaty-Goa. The cheapest flights are operated by AirArabia with a stopover in Sharjah. The price is about $479.

From Ukraine

In Ukraine, a flight Kyiv-Goa will cost an average of $650. This price is offered by airlines for flights with two transfers. The first hub is traditionally in Europe or Turkey. Less common in the UAE. Then a connection is made with a local Indian flight to Mumbai.

Direct charters to Goa from Kyiv cost less - in the range of $520-580, but the schedule often changes. Departures daily, except Wednesday. To get to Goa from Odessa, you will need about $520–590. The flight schedule is the same as from Kyiv.

It will take a lot of effort to get from Kharkov to Dabolim. There are no direct tickets as of the end of the 2017/2018 season. You will have to fly with 2-3 transfers. Routes are mainly through Minsk. Even under the condition early booking cheaper than $ 1150 to get impossible. Although the schedule is changing and new offers are constantly appearing.

Plan your time and finances. Cheap tickets do not always bring direct savings. If you have to fly for about two days with many hours of transfers at the docking ports, then the impression of the rest will be greatly spoiled.

Goa - very popular place rest of the British and Russians. Many people who can work remotely leave here for the “wintering”. Hot climate, warm sea, fruits and seafood, yoga classes - all this helps to escape from the hustle and bustle and look at the world in a new way. Tourist season begins and ends in May, with the onset of the rainy season.

It must be borne in mind that Russian citizens need a visa to travel to Goa. Usually there are no problems with obtaining a visa. You need to fill out a questionnaire, provide two color photographs, copies of the Russian passport and international passport, copies of air tickets and hotel reservations.
A little trick: if you plan to look for accommodation on the spot, you can book a hotel with the possibility of free cancellation on "", and after receiving a visa, cancel it.

The air ticket can be viewed on aggregator sites where offers are collected different airlines. Sometimes you can find a ready-made tour for the price of an air ticket - this is even easier, because in this case you can leave some things at the hotel and travel light.

Insurance. Be sure to arrange it, preferably in a large reliable insurance company. Insurance will cost you about 30-40 rubles per day. Read carefully what is not included in the concept of "insured event".

With accommodation, everything is very simple - just walk down the street and you will see a lot of signs with the inscription "Room for rent". In northern Goa, these are mostly mini-hotels, in southern Goa - bungalows. In addition, any taxi driver will be happy to tell you where you can and take you there.

Movement. There is left-hand traffic here. There are a lot of motorcycles in North Goa, and few people follow the rules, so it is highly recommended not to rent a vehicle, it can be dangerous. It's better to take a taxi. Of course, you also need to bargain with taxi drivers.

Indians are very sincere people. "White man" for them is like an alien from another planet. Therefore, do not be surprised that they will literally point the finger and take pictures with you, especially this fate awaits people with fair skin and hair. And, of course, every day you will be accompanied by offers of a taxi, massage, and every passer-by will not be too lazy to say hello to you. This is especially true of North Goa.

north goa characterized by crowded beaches and nightlife. Most famous beaches here - Baga, Calangute, Ashvem, Anjuna, Aguada.

South Goa.
Here are the most beautiful beaches and the most expensive hotels are located. It is calm here, and everything is conducive to contemplation and relaxation from civilization. The most favorite beach of Europeans is Palolem. The clear sea and palm forest on the shore attract tourists. There are also small bungalows here, so falling asleep, you can hear the sound of the sea.

It is best to visit several beaches during the trip, so you will get a complete picture of this state.

I would like to write some useful tips for those who are going to GOA as a savage for the first time. No matter how long, these tips are valid for everyone)

1. Pets. For some time now, the import of pets has been banned in India, so no matter how hard you try, you cannot bring your pet with you.

2. Vaccinations. Everyone's business. I have been living in GOA for six years, I travel around India calmly, and all this without a single vaccination. But if you want to play it safe - it's your personal choice.

3. Hygiene. Wash your hands! This is the main rule, following which, any gastrointestinal disorder will bypass you) And, of course, do not drink tap water, wash fruits and vegetables before eating. But most importantly, wash your hands!

4. Tickets. The season in GOA starts in the second half of October, charter flights start flying around the same time. You can buy tickets on your own, for example, through skyscanner.ru or aviasales.ru, or at a travel agency. Charter flights are not sold online, only through intermediaries. But sometimes, if cost is important to you, you can find a regular flight at a low price. True, the route, most likely, will be with several transfers.

5. Charters. By current rule, if you arrived at Dabolim Airport, GOA, on a charter flight, then you can fly ONLY on a charter flight of the SAME airline. There were precedents when people were simply not allowed on the plane. Now GOA has an electronic passenger tracking system, and control has become even stricter. If you arrived regular flight- then you can fly on any regular flight. To figure out which flight you have, look at its number - charters have 4 digits in the flight number (for example, UN 1234), and for regular flights - three (for example, UN 123). Transaero Airlines flight UN 542 has been REGULAR since 2013.

6. Money and taxis. I strongly recommend not to succumb to screaming taxi drivers at the airport, they will probably skin you three times. At the exit there is a Prepaid Taxi counter (prepaid taxi), which has a list settlements, and a fixed price to each of them. Payment is made at the counter, you are given a ticket, at the exit a taxi driver picks you up and takes you where you need to go. Regarding currency exchange - in no case do this at the airport! The course there is simply predatory. There are a lot of exchangers in GOA, and it is better to stop near one of them on the way, or use an ATM (there are no ATMs at the airport). Note - on weekends, the exchange rate falls, it is not profitable to change. Better wait until Monday.

7. Housing. If you already have a place to live, if friends or acquaintances are waiting for you, great. Otherwise, being with suitcases without an overnight stay is not the most the best way. Therefore, I recommend that you think about it in advance, and even in Russia book your accommodation for two or three days. There are many services for this, but I personally prefer Airbnb.ru, because there you can rent not a hotel, but an apartment in which it will be cozier and more comfortable. The undoubted advantage of this service is that there is no direct transfer of money from the tenant to the owner, all payment is made through the site. Considering that any Indian considers himself obligated to deceive a white man, this will save you unnecessary nerves. During the time you live in a rented apartment, you can either find suitable housing for yourself for a long time. Or you can stay in a rented place if you like.

8. Food. Never forget that Indian food is very spicy! Spice lovers will love this, but those with sensitive stomachs will not. Therefore, if you are in the latter category, never forget to remind the waiter not to put hot spices in your dish. Just say "Know spicy!" and you will be understood. By the way, when choosing places to eat, never focus on appearance. As a rule, in the most outwardly unattractive eateries, in which only local and rare English people sit, the most inexpensive and delicious food is served. Just remember correctly #3 - wash your hands!

9. Shopping. The main thing here is one - bargain. Before you buy something, divide the seller's price by three, you get approximate price that can be paid. Trade like last time in life! Note: never buy anything on the beach. No pareos, no fruits, no massages, nothing! Merchants on the beach are very bad at discounting prices, which are many times higher than in other places. Don't settle for offers from girls on the beach to give you a head or foot massage for free. It's NOT free! At the end of (not the most high-quality massage, by the way), they will start extorting money from you, and it will no longer be possible to bargain.

10. Ways of transportation and insurance. There are several ways to travel in GOA. The first is taxis and tuk-tuks. Convenient, but very expensive. If you decide - bargain. Just a little, but the driver will drop the price. The second is to rent a scooter or bike. If you have never sat behind the wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle before, but still decided on this particular method, then I strongly recommend that you practice in a quiet, deserted place. Long practice. Until you feel ready to hit the road with crazy traffic and a complete lack of rules. Again, a matter of choice, but I would take out insurance before driving. There were precedents when it helped a lot, treatment in GOA is not cheap. And, of course, you shouldn't drive drunk, it's really dangerous. In addition, I strongly recommend that you have either a driver's license with you (category B is also suitable) or at least a copy of them, this will help to avoid problems with the police. If you carry the original license with you, under no circumstances should you hand it over to the police, show it and hold it tight.

Well, the third way of transportation is buses. Buses run everywhere, anywhere in India can be reached by this type of transport. Buses plying GOA cost from 7 to 25 rupees, depending on the distance to the destination. Bus stops are not marked in any way, so here you need to navigate the area or ask the locals. This method of transportation, as they say, is "cheap and cheerful."

That's all, if there are any questions that I could not cover, then I will be happy to answer everyone! Of good)