Tips for tourists in Goa. Holidays in Goa: what you need to know. Flying to Goa, what you need to know.

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 ordinary 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 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.

Tatiana Solomatina

Good afternoon dear friends!

How to get to Goa, when is the season and what currency is in use, do you need a visa, how much money to take with you, safety, where to eat, which resort to choose and what to see - I tried to collect all the information that interests people before their vacation. Read a short guide to the resort - Goa for tourists.

In this article I will answer the main questions that arise among tourists who look towards this place for the first time. There will be no information here for people who go to the resort in pursuit of informal movements; I myself do not belong to this category. This article is for those who just want to relax, enjoy the warm sea and local flavor.

I’ll say right away that for Russian tourists, the resort of Goa has become a popular destination quite recently, so the living conditions and surrounding infrastructure can be a real shock for those coming for the first time. Especially for those who are accustomed to European service, which, if encountered, is rather the exception rather than the rule for this resort. Therefore, I highly recommend that before going to a new place, read a little about Goa. Then there will be no spoiled holiday and no bad impressions.

Do you need a visa?

To visit India, and Goa is its state, a Russian tourist will have to obtain a visa. For residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, it is produced within a week; for other regions, the period can take up to 20 days. The easiest way is to apply for an electronic visa. But for this you need to submit documents through an online service (the most popular http://onlinevc.ru/visa/indiya.html). The cost of an electronic visa is 5800 rubles. You can save money and go to the embassy yourself, in which case the visa will cost 1,850 rubles.

When is the best time to relax?

Unfortunately, the beach season in Goa is very short. You can relax here comfortably only from December to March. The best month for vacation is January.

Goa is a wonderful resort for a beach holiday. However, there are distinct dry and wet seasons. And if you can safely relax even in the low season, then there is absolutely nothing to do in Goa at this time. Moreover, with the onset of monsoon rains, the entire tourism infrastructure of the state closes. The beaches are becoming uninhabited, all beach communities are being dismantled.

Which resort should you choose?

The state is divided into two parts South Goa and North Goa.

Holidays in the southern part are considered expensive for tourists. More respectable hotels are located here. Clean areas with developed infrastructure attract many foreign tourists. The beaches are more comfortable and less crowded. It’s great to relax here with children, because there are few noisy beach parties, and vacationers with informal views and behavior are rare. South Goa is more suitable for tourists looking for a quiet, comfortable holiday in good conditions.

North Goa is perfect for active holidaymakers. Here life does not stop even after sunset; night shows and trance parties are constantly held on the beach. The north is always noisy and crowded. By choosing a holiday in the north, you can significantly save on living costs. There are many cheap guest houses here, no one will be shocked to see you spending the night on the beach. A free ascetic life is welcomed here.

What money should I take?

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee. It is impossible for a tourist to exchange Russian rubles in Goa. Payment by credit cards is not developed here. This opportunity is only available in large stores and hotels. In inexpensive guest houses and small shops, you won’t be able to pay by card.

ATMs are rare, only one or two per village. They are usually located in the center; you have to walk quite a distance from the coast. When withdrawing cash from an ATM, a commission of 1-5% is charged, depending on your bank. However, keep in mind that there is a limit on cash withdrawals from ATMs. You can withdraw no more than 5,000 rupees at a time, and no more than 40,000 rupees in one day. The rate also depends on the bank.

It's better to bring dollars. You can exchange at bank offices or at exchange offices, of which there are also few. Exchange services are often offered in hotels. The exchange rate is inflated, but you can bargain with them.

It is more reliable with a card, but you can’t pay with it everywhere, and withdrawing cash is not profitable, and there are not enough ATMs. Cash is the most convenient, but there is a risk of theft from tourists; hotel rooms with flimsy locks and safes are a rarity. It's up to you to decide.

How to get around?

The cheapest way to travel to Goa is by bus; they run along tourist areas; the ticket price is fixed and depends on the distance of the trip (4-20 rupees). However, keep in mind that local residents are quite noisy and emotional, and the buses are often overcrowded.

Tourists most often travel to Goa by rickshaws (100-200 rupees), and for longer distances they take a taxi ($50 for the whole day). Many people prefer to rent a bike. This service is common here, the rental cost is 200-400 rupees per day, the only documents you need are a photocopy of your passport. You can rent bicycles from hotels and on the beach (50-100 rupees).

Is it worth renting a car?

In India, traffic is on the left. All roads in Goa, with the exception of the central highway, are two-lane and very narrow, with no shoulders. The traffic is quite intense and chaotic. From the series “I eat as I want.” Therefore, if you decide to rent a car, be careful. Accidents often happen to tourists driving.

Renting a car is not very common among tourists. This is due to the complex movement and opacity of insurance. As a rule, cars are taken from a private person. To rent you will need a license, a photocopy of your passport and money, approximately 800-1000 rupees per day. If they ask for a deposit or an original passport, don’t agree, look elsewhere.

It's up to you to decide whether to rent a car or not. The main thing is to correctly calculate your strengths and weigh all the pros and cons of this decision.

Where to eat?

There are no fancy restaurants or international chains like McDonald's in Goa. However, at any resort in the state there are many places where you can have a delicious meal. As a rule, these are cozy cafes in the center of villages or small cafes along the entire coast. The prices are reasonable (400-600 rupees for a hearty lunch for two with alcohol), the range consists of ordinary Indian dishes. Recently, due to the influx of Russian tourists, almost every cafe has a menu in Russian. Most often, rice prepared in different ways, chicken, and a wide variety of seafood are offered.

How much money should I take?

How much money you will need for a vacation in Goa largely depends on where in the state you are vacationing. I already wrote above that South Goa is a more expensive resort. Holidays in the Northern part will be much cheaper. I would put the price ratio at 2:1.

• If you are content with just the beach and don’t drink a lot of alcohol, 250-300 dollars will be enough for 10 days for two.
• If you are planning an excursion, renting a bike, or prefer expensive meals in a cafe, 400-700 dollars for the same period.
• You can take $1,500 and manage to spend it on a local babysitter, renting a car with a driver, etc.

Security measures

• Hindus are very peace-loving people. If they are looking at you, they are more likely to experience healthy curiosity, and not intend to cause any harm. However, I would not recommend women to walk in dark streets at night.
• Do not leave phones and wallets unattended on the beach.
• You need to be very careful when swimming in the sea. The waves often knock you off your feet, and the undercurrents are so strong in some places that even a strong man finds it difficult to stay on his feet.
• You should not drink tap water. I also do not recommend drinking alcoholic cocktails; they can be diluted with the same water.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, as Goa's climate encourages the rapid growth of germs.
• If possible, get basic vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis and diphtheria before traveling.
• While still at home, write down the emergency phone numbers, you may need them.

Useful phones

I took this information from the excellent Goa forum ogoa.ru. I strongly recommend that anyone traveling to Goa for the first time read about the resort. This resource contains the most complete and up-to-date information.

Police – 100
Ambulance – 102

HospitalsGoa Medical College
Panaji, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg: 0832-2458700
Mapusa Clinic Rd: 0832-2263343

Margao Hospicio
Margao, Padre Miranda Rd: 0832-2705664

Russian diplomatic missions in IndiaEmbassy in Delhi
Shantipath, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 21
Phone: 011-26873802, +91-11-26873800/02, 26110640/41/42
fax: 011-26876823
e-mail: [email protected], india.mid.ru

Consulate in Mumbai
42 Nepean Sea Rd, Palm Beach, Mumbai 400006
022-23633627 +91-22-23677566, fax 022-23630403
e-mail: [email protected], russiaconsulmumbai.mid.ru

What to see?

The state is not rich in attractions. In old Goa there is St. Catherine's Cathedral, it is interesting to visit the Aguada Ford and see the Dudhsagar waterfall.

The main historical sites are located in other states of India. You can go there, but the road to get there is long and tiring. The trip will take several days. I will not describe all the excursions, you can find out more on the resource http://rossyanka.ru/.

Goa is an interesting and promising resort. There is a friendly atmosphere, magnificent sandy beaches with a smooth entry into the water, a warm and clean Arabian Sea, excellent sunny weather during the season and a fairly budget-friendly level of accommodation. And most importantly, you can come here in winter.

Now I say goodbye to you for a while, see you soon!

Tatiana Solomatina

Somewhere by the ocean and without a significant hit to your wallet? In that case, Goa is for you. Often, spending the winter in Goa is even more profitable than spending the winter in your cold hometown, and if you are also not tied to a place for work, then you are doubly lucky.

Kostya and Katya travel a lot, but lately they most often go to Goa in winter. They told Lifehacker about it through the prism of their experience.

Each of us at least once in our lives. Preferably where it is always warm, where the ocean and sky are always blue, where coconuts can be plucked straight from palm trees and where everyone around you is happy. I am writing about Goa. Having visited there for the third time, I realized that yes, it is still an excellent place for wintering.

Who is suitable for wintering in Goa?

If you are a free soul, not attached to any stereotypes, if you are able to enjoy the most ordinary things in life, appreciate foreign cultures and are ready for adventure, then this place is definitely for you. Goa has two sides.

good- this is unique nature, beaches, sunsets and people. Delicious food, incredibly cheap life, freedom of movement and choice. These are nights in a bungalow on the shores of the Indian Ocean, fishing at sunset, freshly squeezed juices, mountains, clubs. There are no weekdays in Goa, every day is Friday. If you see it from the same side, you will definitely fall in love with this place.

The other side of Goa- this is what the people themselves did. Some could not stand the test of freedom and went downhill. In Goa, although not officially, all drugs are allowed, so recently strange characters are becoming more and more common. This is what upset me the last time I stayed. Goa is not suitable for those people who expect increased comfort and sterile cleanliness. Usually you see all these disadvantages only at first, but after time the advantages begin to prevail.

When to go

Season - from October to March. At other times, in my subjective opinion, the climate is not very pleasant. Stuffiness, insects, rain. Goa is suitable for wintering. Tickets to Goa will cost approximately €700 per person. You can fly either by charter or by regular flight, via Delhi or Mumbai.

Which region to choose

1. North Goa is a movement. Parties on the beaches, perpetual movement, clubs, lots of people, shops, markets. However, in the north you can find secluded places, for example, if you go to the end of Aranbol beach or come to Morjim beach.
2. South Goa is romance, tranquility, the sound of waves, high tides, low tides, sunsets. This includes fishing, boat trips to the islands to the blue lagoon and to white sand beaches.

I think it's worth visiting both parts of Goa and living in each place for a while.

This is the most interesting thing. There are many options. But it’s better not to look for any of them or book in advance. In my opinion, it is best to live in different places. All beaches are unique, and almost all of them have bungalows. The bungalows are made from palm leaves. Bed, fan, shower and toilet. Almost every bungalow has a cafe with excellent Wi-Fi. If you are a freelancer, then you can work right next to the bungalow, for example here:

These houses are located on Aranbol beach. There is a restaurant next to the houses where the food is simply delicious.

The price of a bungalow per night is €12. But if you are renting a house for a long time, you can bargain well for up to half the price. You just need to book a house on the spot. You come to the beach, and then they will find you, offer you and shelter you.

Near the beaches of Anjuna, Ashvem, Morzhim there are more serious houses. Our local compatriots mainly live in them.

They look like this:

If you book a cottage in advance, the price will be higher than if you find and agree on the spot. A small cottage with two rooms will cost €35–60 per day. Don't be afraid to look for housing locally. In Goa this is done very easily.

There are also villas in Goa. Some are more luxurious, others more modest. If you have a large company or family, then it turns out to be very profitable - about €200 per person per month. A complete villa with 3–6 bedrooms costs from €1,000 per month.

Food in Goa

The longer you stay in Goa, the more you realize that you can eat almost for free. In the first weeks, you want to visit all the restaurants, try all the local delicacies, which, by the way, are already inexpensive. Subsequently, you can eat on your own, buying food at the market and fresh fish from fishermen. Buy spices, rice and noodles and improvise in the kitchen every evening. In Goa you will be “vitaminized” so that not a single disease will take you in your cold homeland. In Goa you can eat for €200 a month.

Vehicle

How to survive in Goa if you run out of money. You never know... It happens

1. In Goa, you can exchange your belongings for other things or food. Verified.
2. In Goa you can take a fishing rod and catch a good meal.
3. In Goa you can tear coconuts.
4. It is safe to spend the night on the beach.

What to take with you

• Minimum clothing. You won’t need your city clothes, and you can buy everything “goash” on the spot very cheaply.
• Computer, camera, phone.
• Money and insurance.

You can buy everything else cheaper here. And if, God forbid, you need medications, there are many pharmacies and Ayurvedic centers in Goa where you will be treated.

Goa is freedom. If you have the opportunity to live there for at least two months, do it. The main thing is not to get sucked in. In Goa, the brain rests, inspiration comes, new facets open up, and values ​​change.

Oh, what an amazing country India is. It is from October to March, when it is cold and gray in Moscow, that it is best to go on an unforgettable journey to an exotic, vast state, the second largest in population and seventh largest in area. Holidays in India this is a great opportunity to find and see what you wanted to see; hear what you wanted to hear and touch what only you could dream of. This is what made India famous throughout the world.

These are the Gateway of India, the famous Taj Mahal, the Red Fort of Agra, the holy river Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi, the world's richest Hindu temple Padmanabhaswamy, the Museum of India and the Hamayun Mausoleum, the Jama Masjid mosque, touch the remains of St. Francis Havera which are kept in the Basilica of Jesus , Amritsar Golden Temple and Kailash Temple (carved from a monolithic rock), cave temples dating back to the second century BC, colorful lush festivals, salty hot springs in the mountains, sandy beaches and resorts of Kerala and Goa, treasure hunting on hundreds of sunken ships.

India will help you comprehend the sacred truth and improve your health through special yoga tours. The world's only health system, Ayurveda, has accumulated experience of almost five thousand years, or you can simply undergo a sound therapy session, massage with bowls, learn to draw symbols of good luck and get acquainted with the cultural heritage of the Himalayas.

The most important attraction of India is the Taj Mahal

Great Gate of India

There are thousands of places worth visiting, it’s impossible to count them all. After all, India is the birthplace of chess, algebra, geometry and the very first university, founded 700 years before the birth of Christ. In Hindi it sounds Brahat and is translated as the light of wisdom.

A visa is required to enter India. Documents to obtain it must be submitted to the Indian visa center in Moscow or St. Petersburg. And you can get an urgent visa through a travel agency.

The climate of India has seven climatic zones from tropical to alpine, depending on the altitude and local topography, the influence of the Thar Desert and the great Himmalaya Mountains.

Unforgettable beaches in India

The Indian coast alone has hundreds of kilometers of bays, sandy beaches with luxury hotels. Many of which are included in the list of the most beautiful and impeccable beaches in the world with world-class service.

Hotels, national parks, nature reserves, beaches are designed for tourists of different abilities. Depending on how much they can afford and want to spend: a hotel room starts at one dollar; on average, you can rent a decent home for one hundred dollars a month; and the cost of a luxury hotel room with its own elevator, gym sting, spa salon and Rolls Royce at the Leela Palace New Delhi is $325 per night.

This is what an Indian rupee looks like

If you want to rent a hotel, then you need to look for the name “Lodge” or “Guesthouse”. But most Hotels are cafes, restaurants, fast food that are usually closed for a break from 15:00 to 18:00. The only exceptions are large hotels; they actually use the name “Hotel” in the sense familiar to European tourists.

The main currency in India is the Indian Rupee. It is indicated by PS before the number on the price tags. A rupee is made up of one hundred paise. The year of issue of the rupee may vary and may differ in color. You should remember this and do not panic if banknotes of the same denomination differ in color. Everywhere there are exchangers and Western Union ATMs where dollars are exchanged at the most favorable rates.

Indian Bank. Banks in India are open only a few hours a day

Banks are open from 10:00 to 14:00, and on Saturday only 12:00, i.e. only two hours a day. The currencies of other countries are exchanged at a less favorable rate, but in the provinces this is not possible at all. Traveler's checks can only be cashed at major banks.

The best guide to the country is Lovely Planet. In large cities there are tourist offices “Tourist Office” where you can always consult and get a free map of the city. In cities and tourist centers there are restaurants for every taste and with a familiar menu. They are divided into vegetarian and regular (non-veg), and there are also pure vegetarian restaurants, for pure vegetarians who do not allow the presence, much less the preparation, of animal food in their kitchen

Alcohol is sold only in restaurants or in specially designated areas. During your trip you can travel by train, bus, taxi, motorcycle and pedicabs - traffic is on the left. Drivers always need to agree on a price in advance, because despite the presence of different tariffs in each city, prices for the services provided are always negotiable. East is a delicate matter.

Shoes must be removed before entering the temple.

It is necessary to follow rules that are unusual for European tourists. It is not recommended to dress too openly even in the heat, especially when visiting temples. Letting your hair down is considered disrespectful. When entering any temple you will need to take off your shoes. Men are not allowed to touch a woman in public, it will be interpreted as insanity. You cannot take photographs of local residents without permission. You should only drink bottled water and always have disinfectant wipes with you.

Planning holiday in India You need to remember that India ranks first in credit card fraud, but at the same time exports software to 90 countries.

And the best way to travel is by plane, it is fast, economical, not tiring, plus the absence of dirty problems. The cost of a plane ticket is slightly more than a train ticket with comfortable conditions. But buying a train ticket or booking it online is problematic without knowing the local specifics for issuing travel documents.

Sometimes, instead of a ticket, you can just buy a place on the waiting list. At special railway ticket offices for foreigners, tickets can be purchased no later than 4 hours before departure, adjusted for lunch and technical breaks with the interesting name “No Communication”

Train in India. Sometimes it's still worth buying a plane ticket

This is probably the result of the silent struggle of the Indians against the British colonialists - banal idleness. After all, before the arrival of the British, India was one of the richest countries in the world. It’s easy to learn bad things, but difficult to unlearn.

And despite all the difficulties, difficulties, dangers, inconveniences, surprises, you need to go to India to change your life, see a different world, enjoy new discoveries and pleasures. Holidays in India This is exactly the kind of vacation that can leave indelible impressions for a lifetime!

Before leaving for the airport

Don't forget to bring your passport (POP), travel documents and voucher. Your passport must contain an entry visa to India. The visa specifies the time period during which you are allowed to enter the country and the number of days of residence. We ask you to check in advance for the presence of photographs of children included in the passport, for the presence of appropriate stamps on all photographs. Check-in for the flight begins: in Russia - 2 hours before departure, in India - 4 hours before departure. Considering that seats are often resold (especially on peak dates), it is best to arrive at the airport before check-in begins. In the event of a delay in your flight, in accordance with the rules of international transportation, the air carrier is responsible for the flight delay.

At the airport in India

At the Indian airport upon arrival, an immigration card is filled out. The remaining part of the card after passing through passport control must be kept until your return flight.
During check-in in India (return flight or domestic flights), it is better to keep the volume of hand luggage to a minimum, since hand luggage is searched at Indian airports very carefully and at least three times. Items checked in as baggage are checked once (often right at the entrance to the airport building). It should also be taken into account that in hand luggage it is STRICTLY PROHIBITED to carry items considered potentially dangerous, such as: any aerosols, medicines, matches, lighters, metal combs, nail files, manicure scissors, cosmetics (including perfume), alcoholic beverages , SPICES, etc. Video and photographic equipment may be subject to particularly thorough inspection

Airport taxes

When departing from Goa on a charter flight, an airport tax of US$6 is payable.

Customs regulations

Customs duties do not apply to personal items, as well as personal jewelry, 0.95 liters of alcohol, 200 pieces of cigarettes and 50 pieces of cigars.

We inform you that from May 13, 2014, Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 398 of April 29, 2014 “On invalidating paragraph 7 of Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 31, 2005 No. 866 “On labeling alcoholic products with excise stamps” comes into force ". In this regard, the import of any alcoholic beverages into the territory of the Russian Federation from abroad is prohibited. The exception will be alcoholic beverages purchased at airports in Duty Free shops.

The document on the basis of which your accommodation is carried out is a voucher. If the voucher does not indicate the specific category of your room (sea view / garden / mountain view / main building / bungalow), the hotel administration will accommodate you in currently available rooms.
If you find any problems in the room, you must contact the administration to resolve them.
We recommend depositing documents, money and other valuables in a safe. The safe is usually located at the reception desk, in some hotels - directly in the rooms.
When checking into a hotel, inquire about the payment system for additional services. You can find out the status of your account for any day at the hotel reception by asking for a computer printout.
The meal option is indicated in your voucher - this can be breakfast BB, half board NV (breakfast and dinner), full board FB (breakfast, lunch and dinner) or all inclusive (this is usually breakfast, lunch, dinner + local drinks). In hotel restaurants, drinks for dinner are always paid separately (except for all-inclusive hotels). Please note that you are not allowed to bring your own drinks into the hotel restaurant. It is not allowed to take food taken from the buffet outside the restaurant.
Some hotels do not allow food purchased outside the hotel to be brought onto the premises. If you want to bring fruits or drinks purchased at the Duty Free store to your children's room, do so discreetly.

General information

India is a republic with a legislative assembly and a government headed by a prime minister. The head of state is the president. The capital is Delhi. India is located in South Asia and covers an area of ​​more than 3 million square kilometers, washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east, and bordered by Bangladesh, Burma, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Pakistan. The country also owns a number of islands. Two great rivers flow through the country: the Indus and the Ganges.
The nature of India is exotic and diverse. The lush greenery of tropical forests combined with a colorful variety of flora and fauna, snow-white and golden beaches, the highlands of the Himalayas and river valleys make a stunning impression on travelers from Europe.
The population is one of the highest in the world - about a billion people, of which 51% are men and 49% are women.

Transport

When using local ground transport (train or bus), you need to be prepared for the fact that there will be people nearby with various skin diseases (not necessarily contagious, but who knows about that). Therefore, this should only be used if absolutely necessary. It is better to order transport from the host company, or call a taxi. Almost every hotel has a taxi rank or you can call one by phone. A taxi is inexpensive: 1 km from 2.3 - 3 rupees in flat areas to 6 rupees in the mountains.

The monetary unit is the Indian rupee (Rs). 1 rupee = 100 paise. Coins: 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 paise and 1, 2 rupees. Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rupees. Indian rupees cannot be brought in or out of the country. Rate 1$ = 47 rupees (real rate at which you can exchange currency 1$ = 44-45 rupees). It is better to change currency in banks. Banknotes must be counted immediately, making sure that they are not torn or sealed. Traveler's checks can be cashed at a more favorable rate. Keep receipts confirming the legality of the currency exchange. Credit cards are accepted in many places (Diners, Visa, Master-card/Eurocard, American Express)
!!! When departing from the country, Indian rupees are NOT ACCEPTED at Duty Free. A return exchange at the airport is possible, but at a VERY UNFAVORABLE rate.

It is 2.5 hours ahead of Moscow in winter and 1.5 hours in summer.

Due to topographic heterogeneity and the size of the territory, the climate in the country is divided into several natural zones: humid equatorial in the extreme south, continental in the central part of the country and quite cool in the Himalayas. The temperature difference ranges from +12+23% in January-December to +35+45% in June-September, when the summer monsoon dominates, bringing precipitation.

The official languages ​​are Hindi and English. There are a total of 1,652 dialects and languages ​​in the country, of which 18 are official in different states. Portuguese is also widely spoken in Goa.

In India you can meet representatives of all known religions. Main: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam. The influence of religions also varies from state to state. For example, Islam is especially strong in the northern part of the country, in Bombay there is a huge Jain community, and in Goa the population is divided into Hindus and Catholics and only 2-3% of the population worships other cults.

Tips depend on your satisfaction with the service received. It is usually customary to leave 10% of the bill - in hotels and restaurants. If the bill (usually in large hotels) indicates a 10% service surcharge, tips in this case are not required.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 volts, the socket is three-pole (an adapter is required).

Features of staying in the country

CUSTOMS
Before entering temples, mosques and gudwaras (Sikh temples), you must remove your shoes. Some places will offer you special shoe covers for a small fee; they usually allow you to wear socks. Do not take any leather goods with you into temples, as this may be considered an insult. In many cases, photography is prohibited inside temples, so ask permission before using a camera. It is also necessary to ask local residents for permission to photograph them. Tourists are usually treated kindly and are sometimes allowed to attend religious rituals. When visiting sacred places, be careful about your clothing (do not wear short skirts, tops or shorts). In Siq temples, women should cover their heads and shoulders; in mosques, women should cover their heads and shoulders, and they should also wear long skirts (or trousers). As is tradition, drop some money into the donation box.
Namaste - palms folded in a greeting - is a traditional form of Indian greeting, and if you use it, Indians will appreciate it. However, men, especially in cities, will not hesitate to shake your hand if you are a man. A handshake will even be appreciated as a gesture of exceptional friendliness. For most Indian women, the loose morals between men and women found in the West are unacceptable, so physical contact with women should be avoided. Don't shake a woman's hand (unless she extends it first) or put your hand on her shoulder.
In private homes, tourists are treated as honored guests, and your ignorance of Indian customs will be treated with understanding and indulgence. If you want to try eating with your hands, remember to only use the fingers of your right hand.
Try not to have the soles of your shoes pointing in any direction, which could be seen as a sign of disrespect. Do not point with your index finger, use either outstretched arm or chin gestures. When talking, try never to shout or lose your temper, otherwise they will simply not communicate with you.
HEALTH
1. Special vaccinations are not required. In cities and resort areas, bites from dangerous insects and animals are not a threat. But when going on an excursion, it is better to take care of repellents in advance. Do not touch any objects unnecessarily. It is strictly necessary to follow all instructions from the guide. A dry twig can turn into a poisonous snake, spider, or scorpion, and a beautiful delicate flower can cause severe allergies.
2.The most important thing is to follow the rules of hygiene. Remember that this region is the source of most serious gastrointestinal infections. It is not difficult to avoid these diseases; you just need to strictly follow a number of rules:
- never buy food and drinks on the street, and, moreover, do not drink or eat on the street;
- wash your hands with disinfectant soap as soon as possible;
- wash fruits thoroughly;
- do not drink tap water, even just rinse your mouth and brush your teeth with mineral water. This is not due to the fact that tap water contains an infection (water is disinfected in hotels), but because each region has its own mineral composition of water and this can adversely affect the stomach. Therefore, Indian residents who drink tap water at home, when visiting another place, use bottled water. Even in expensive restaurants, water placed on the table in a decanter can turn out to be tap water and cause severe intestinal upset. You should only drink from bottles.
3.The sun is a serious danger in India. Severe sunburn can occur even in cloudy weather, so the use of high factor sunscreens is recommended.
MEDICAL SERVICE.
Qualified English-speaking doctors are available in all major cities. You can also get advice from a doctor at the hotel. Hospitals fully meet the necessary requirements. All tourists flying abroad on holiday have medical insurance. First of all, CAREFULLY read the insurance rules. If you go to a medical institution or call a doctor, you must immediately call one of the telephone numbers specified in the insurance policy and notify the insurance company about the use of medical services. If the disease is an insured event (see insurance policy), the costs will be compensated in accordance with the submitted paid invoices. It should also be taken into account that no insurance company covers the costs of treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and diseases caused by alcohol poisoning.
SAFETY
India is a safe country, but, nevertheless, in places with large crowds of people and especially in large cities: Delhi, Bombay, Agra, etc., where petty theft flourishes, it is necessary to be careful.
In good 4 and 5 star hotels, as a rule, there is no theft, but, nevertheless, it is recommended to keep money only in a safe. In most cases, the hotel administration will not be responsible for the loss of things from the room.
Local banknotes have a low denomination, and therefore you often have to carry thick wads of money with you, which is very inconvenient. However, it is not recommended, if possible, to take all the money with you to avoid loss; it is better to store it in a safe. If a large amount of cash is still needed, then you should not show it to others. It is better to divide the pack into several, setting aside banknotes separately for current payments: tips, toilet, etc. All of the above applies to cash; the life of plastic card holders is much simpler.
You should not serve it to the numerous beggars and beggars, who are countless near the hotel exit and in crowded places. Anyone who gives anything, even a little, becomes a potential victim of the local beggar community. Not only will it be extremely difficult to get rid of them, but in addition, the “potential victim” will be passed like a relay baton from one group of beggars to another.
When purchasing souvenirs on the street or taking photographs with exotic animals, it is better to conduct all negotiations through a guide. So, at least you can count on a reasonable price.
NUTRITION.
You can eat without fear of poisoning in hotel restaurants or in restaurants recommended by your host. Also an indicator of the quality of food is the presence of tourists in the hall. You need to be careful with spices. It’s better not to ask the locals whether this dish is spicy or not, try it yourself. Since local residents understand the question “is this food spicy or not” how spicy the food is, namely, how many types of spices are present in the dish. Therefore, even if a dish consists of hot pepper, but there are no other types of spices, then this dish (according to Indians) is not spicy or hot, but neutral.
BTW: Public toilets are usually paid and are located in the central part of the city, as well as in large hotels and restaurants, but you should take into account that not all restaurants have a public toilet, and toilet paper is also not available everywhere.

The shops

Opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00. State stores are closed on Sundays. At resorts, shops are usually open until late in the evening and seven days a week. It is customary to bargain everywhere, except for government stores (Government Emporium) and shops with the inscription “Fixed prices”. Traditional purchases and souvenirs: carpets, products made of precious and semi-precious stones, jewelry made of gold and silver, textiles (clothing, bed linen, scarves, stoles), leather and wood products, objects made of copper, brass, bronze with chasing, inlays , enamel, etc., miniatures on paper and silk, antiques and of course the famous tea and spices. Don't rush into shopping. Consult your guide about customs regulations and take care of the necessary certificates and certificates.

Car rent

Don't forget that in India, traffic is on the LEFT. Driving a car in India is quite difficult and is not recommended for novice drivers and people with weak nerves. Most highways are dangerous zones where you need to be prepared for any surprises, because... many drivers ignore traffic rules. In addition, the streets are full of pedestrians, cyclists, stray dogs, cows, potholes, carts, cars racing at high speed, or vice versa, parked in the middle of the road. Therefore, if you decide to rent a car, we recommend renting a car with a driver. The cost of such a service is about $20 per day. The cost of rental without a driver is about 30% less and ranges from 500 rupees per day + a deposit of 1000 rupees in case of damage to the car. In all cities there are branches of large international companies (Hertz, Budget Rent-a-Car, Eurocar).

Phones

All types of telephone communication in India are paid. You can contact Russia via automatic line using the code 007 + area code + telephone number. A call from a public telephone will cost you much less (2-3 times) than from a hotel.

Information about the time of departure from the hotel to the airport is provided by a representative of the host company. If this information is not provided on time, the departure time must be clarified directly with the host company or with a representative of this company no later than 1 day before departure. This should be done even if you have prior information received when purchasing the tour. If your bus is late, don't worry. He may be delayed at the previous hotel along the route. If for some unknown reason the transfer was not provided and you risk missing the plane, go to the airport by taxi. In this case, you should take a receipt for payment from the taxi driver and make sure that it indicates the date and time of boarding the taxi. The amount spent, in accordance with the check, will be returned to the agency that sold the tour. On the eve of departure, please pay for additional services: telephone calls, use of the mini-bar, other expenses. Check-out time is usually 12:00 noon. You must vacate your rooms before the specified time. If the return flight time is late in the evening, you need to take care in advance about the possible extension of your stay in the room - you can negotiate for a small fee at Reception for a later check-out, or you can transfer your luggage to a storage room and spend the rest of the day on the beach, in a restaurant, or walking around the city.