TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

GOA

GENERAL INFORMATION

Goa is the smallest and also the most prosperous state. Republic of India. It lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, about the middle of the West Coast of the Indian Peninsula. This small area is 3.5 thousand square meters. km.

CLIMATE

Goa is separated from the mainland of India, mountain ranges of the Western Gatow. The climate is subtropical. In Goa, usually there are three seasons in the year: hot, humid and cool. In the hot season (February to April-May), the temperature is kept at around 35 ° C during the drought. In May - high humidity, dust storms, short showers. Then comes the monsoon, which lasts from June to late September - heavy rain, strong storms and winds. The best season in Goa is the period from late October to early March. At this time, the weather in Goa is quite perfect: a cloudless blue sky, warm but not hot days and calm sea. The temperature at this time is 27 ... 30 ° C.

TIME

Time ahead of Moscow in the summer to 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours in winter.

LANGUAGE

Official language - Konkani and English. The population also knows Portuguese.

RULES OF ENTRY -EXIT

The stay in India need a national visa. Duty-free import 200 cigarettes or 50 pieces of cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, 0.95 liters of alcoholic beverages, and household items - in the range of personal needs, camera, movie cameras (5 films, 2 tapes), musical instruments, radios , VCR, TV, VCR, typewriter, sports equipment - in one subject each item; gifts and souvenirs to an amount of Rs 500. The import of gold bullion, gold coins, the National Indian currency, pornographic materials. The export of gold bullion and coins with the permission of the Central Bank of India. The export of skins of wild animals and feathers of birds (rare), leather and leather products reptile products from peacock feathers, old coins, antiques older than 100 years, the national currency, in any amount. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. Declaration is required if the amount exceeds $ 5,000 U.S.. The export of imported foreign currency, local currency - is forbidden. Tourists certificate of vaccination is required. When importing pets must present a veterinary certificate. In the absence of the certificate, the animal is sent to quarantine from 2 to 7 days.

 CURRENCY

Currency - Indian Rupee rate of 100 paise. Banking hours on weekdays from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 10.00 to 12.00 on Saturday. You can change money in exchange offices, and hotels. In the hotels and shops accept major credit cards: Visa, American Express, Master Card and others.

TRANSPORT

Goa developed bus service, but it is better not to travel by public transport. Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport for tourists. Taxis are the counters - watch for it to be set to "0" and without meters - negotiate the price in advance. For short trips are very convenient to use and exotic rickshaw, which on Goa vast.

CAR RENTAL

In any town, in tourist centers, you can arrange a rental car. Basic conditions - the presence of the international driver's license, insurance. Gasoline completely at your expense, as not included in the rental. Traffic in the state of Goa (as, indeed, in the whole of India) left hand, which requires special care. Therefore it is better to hire a car and driver. Also offer rental bikes.

LINK

For phone calls it's best to use the telephone call offices (STD / ISD). Payment visited-cond (cost about $ 1 a minute.) Call from Russia to Goa 10/08/91 + 0832 (Code of Goa) + phone number; from Goa to Russia 007 + area code + phone number. Leading mobile operators in Goa - INA AIR Tel and BPL (cost of 1 minute 4.5 $).

HOTELS

Checkout time for Goa Hotels - 12 am (day). Voltage is 220 watts, socket - "European standards." On the eve of departure from the hotel to pay for additional services (telephone, mini-bar, etc.).

CUISINE

National cuisine of India is very diverse and each region has its own characteristics. The usual daily menu Goans, irrespective of his religion, be sure to include rice (from local grains with thick brown to white, well seasoned with spices basmati) and curry sauce. To rice and curry usually served "tondak" (fried in coconut oil, fish), "sukem" (a dish of shrimp and clams), "kissmur" (salad with dried shrimp and fried grated coconut), etc. Local people a passion for different types of cheese, leafy vegetables, which are called "tambdi bhaji" and "goenchi bhaji" that are usually cooked with onions and shredded coconut. A popular side dish is breadfruit cooked in coconut milk. Of local sweets is encouraged to try to juice fermented coconut palm (toddy) rice cakes "sannas." You can try brand Goan pork "Vindaloo" or pork sausages, which are recommended to drink a local hard liquor "feni" (vodka made from cashew nuts and coconut). Goa - it is definitely a paradise for vegetarians: you can try a variety of dishes from a variety of fruits and vegetables of local origin. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can in the hotel, and in the numerous small restaurants Goa, serving not only national, but also typical of European cuisine. The only difficulty faced by most Europeans - is the abundance of hot spices.

SHOPS

Operate on weekdays from 09.00 (10.00) to 17.00, in the tourist centers until late. Shops in the hotel a good level of trade is really quality goods. Souvenirs: traditional Indian shawls, silk and cotton fabrics, jewelery, leather products, figures from sandalwood and rosewood items made of brass, copper, bronze, jewelry, tea, and spices.

TIP

In hotels and restaurants, service charges 10% is usually included in the bill, but a tip - all happy. The size depends on the type of service and the level of institutions (porter, porter - 5.10 lakh).

AYURVERDA IN GOA

Goa - it is also a perfect place for those who want to combine rest with rehabilitation. Famous therapeutic centers Ayurveda and Spa, there are in all the major hotels. Ayurveda (translated from Sanskrit as "the science of life") - originally a traditional Indian medicine. In this case, there a lot of attention is paid to restore the imbalance between different parts of the organism, its purification. As a medical means are used only herbs, juices and substances of natural origin. Also popular Ayurvedic and acupressure, aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga, nutritional baths, masks.

SAFETY

There is a slowness in service, which is especially true for the South Goa.

When exchanging money in banks and exchange offices is desirable to have smaller bills, because law forbids give change in currency. Remaining rupee exchange only at the airport when leaving the country and only with help from the exchange point. Keep it! Sometimes may ask passport. In markets necessarily bargain, so you can reduce the price of 2-3. Food is very spicy. Follow all health and hygiene regulations. Drink only bottled water. It is strongly recommended to drink milk shakes, juices, beverages with ice (as the ice - it's the same local water). Do not eat on the street. The temples remove their shoes. Do not feed the poor in places clusters. Watch for baggage loading and unloading, and not only - theft is booming.

North Goa has become a real Mecca for lovers of exotic, traditional pilgrimage hippies from all over the world.

In Goa, a very narrow road, idiosyncratic style of driving - be careful when driving. Some fans of extreme sports come to Goa for the thrill of a very specific nature - Drug and transvecherinki. But they should remember that, despite the apparent loyalty to the local authorities for such a kind of entertainment, the Indian legislation on drugs rather severe - up to 30 years in prison.

Attention! Tourists are required to comply with local laws, norms of behavior, respect the traditions, cultural and religious customs. Failure to comply with the law may result in prosecution. Caution should be exercised when traveling, good personal security, to keep safe their property and documents. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe, make a photocopy of the passport and visa. Read the terms of insurance specified in the insurance policy! It is recommended to pay extra insurance-specific travel.

WHAT TO SEE

GoaPanadzhi or Panjim - the capital of Goa, and the administrative center of the state, situated on the River Mandovi. Do not see the Portuguese influence in this town can not: the architecture of the city, the narrow streets, the area of ​​the church, built above the street with overhanging balconies and plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants in the Portuguese style. And we can not forget about the symbol of the city - the statue of Abbe Faria, born in Goa and died in the Chateau d'If (as we have from my school know from the work of Dumas)

We recommend to visit: The Church of the Immaculate Conception (16th century), the Chapel of St. Sebastian and architectural complex of Largo da Igreja.

Just walking around, go to a cafe, where you can indulge amazing seafood and, of course, a glass of the popular local drink "Fenny".

Margao - the second largest city in Goa.

Mapusa - the main town in North Goa. This city is famous for its interesting temples Maruti, vozvignutym in honor of Maruti, the son of the wind god. The history of this church. Entrance to the temple was originally facing south and God Maruti (or rather figurine god, kept in the church) was to protect members from evil spirits coming to the Indian legends from the south. The temple has become a place of pilgrimage devotees of God Maruti. Goans revere the temple and now, but it is now facing entrance to the north, as in all churches of induitskih.

In Mapusa is the Christian Church of St. Jerome. The main altar (one of three) is dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous. In Goa, the image of the Mother of God and worshiping Hindus and Christians. Together they celebrate a religious festival dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous after Catholic Easter.

It is best to visit in Mapusa on Friday not to miss the famous Friday market.

Old Goa - the former capital - once grand, but now it is not even a city, but a small village, surrounded by magnificent cathedrals and monasteries.

Stunningly beautiful Cathedral of St. Catherine, the construction of which was carried out over 100 years. This is the first cathedral, built the Portuguese in Goa. Is a Christian church in the style of Renaissance architecture. Cathedral is famous for its gilded altar and baptismal font in the Hindu style.

Chapel of the Basilica of Bom - Jesus, built in the 16th century in the Baroque style, recognized in the Catholic world, is famous for the fact that in it the relics of St. Francis Xavier (the patron of the colony). The interior of the chapel is different beauty and wealth. Visit the chapel, consider interior and more, the guide always tells you why the relics of St. Francis now under sealed glass case.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi admire its frescoes from the so-called "Vegetative ornament", harmoniously combining the elements of European and Indian paintings.

Cathedral of Saint Cayetano certainly surprise you with a stunning resemblance to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome.

Also of interest: the Cathedral Se, the Church and Convent of Santa Monica, San Agustin Church, the Church of St. Francis Xavier.

Old Goa again remind you of Portugal and its glorious son - Vasco da Gama, in memory of the landing is on the land in 1597 from the red laterite was built "Arch of Viceroys."

Temples of Goa

In Goa, the most beautiful temples induitskie. The architecture of these temples more than original: here at the same time shows the influence of the Maratha architecture and Islamic (dome), Christian (the layout of the temples) and Hinduism (turret with windows, original oriental ornaments, original lamp).

Sri Manguesh - amazing temple, built in honor of Lord Shiva is said to have attained complete spiritual perfection is possible in the human body. This god is very revered in India. With the god Shiva and his wife goddess Parvati Many legends.

Shri Shanta Durga - another great temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati, who managed to realize his divinity.