There is no fuss, crowds of people and skyscrapers, and the air is saturated with positive energy and mysticism, full of romance and sun.
Every year, thousands of travelers flock to Goa, a resort where cultures from different countries are intertwined. They are attracted not only by endless beaches and amazing landscapes, but also by the opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient traditions and history of the Indian people, visit exotic parks and national reserves, get a powerful boost of vigor and improve their health in Ayurvedic centers. Local parties will give no less pleasure, where you can have fun until the morning, meeting the sunrise right on the dance floor to the sounds of Goa-trance.
Tours to Goa will give a lot of freedom and fun to real adventurers, here those who are young at heart and full of energy can shake the old days, and travelers who want peace and solitude can be alone with them. The northern part of the resort is popular with young people and inveterate party-goers looking for new experiences and acquaintances, and the southern part is ideal for those who seek to learn the philosophy of life and join the innermost secrets of yoga.
Seasonality and climate. When is it better to go to rest in Goa
Goa is famous for its mild subtropical climate, which keeps the water warm all year round. Those planning to go on a tour should be aware that there are prolonged rainy seasons in this region of India. The best time to relax in Goa is from December to March, when precipitation is extremely low and the air temperature is most comfortable (+ 21..30 ° С).
The hottest period is from April to June, when the mark of the thermometer can exceed + 33 ° С and dust storms often occur. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in June-July, these months are characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall. The time from the beginning of July to the end of September is ideal for a vacation in Goa for those who cannot stand the sweltering heat. The temperature during this period is +20 .. + 25 ° С.
Prices for tours to Goa
The fantastic popularity of Goa among lovers of sea recreation is due to the amazing diversity of the coastline. The resort is divided into south and north. The southern one is traditionally considered more prestigious and more expensive, famous for its snow-white and golden sandy beaches and luxury hotels. The northern coastline has a mysterious dark gray volcanic sand and a wide range of budget options. This feature has a direct impact on the cost of the tour.
The travel price also depends on the season. The peak tourist season is in winter and spring. At this time, the cost of the voucher starts from 60 thousand rubles for two with a flight from Moscow to a 2 * hotel. Even in June 2016, when the demand for tours is minimal, the trip will cost no less than 47 thousand rubles. How to relax at competitive prices?
Early booking will help to significantly reduce travel costs, which makes it possible to book an inexpensive tour in advance. You can buy a ticket on the eve of autumn in Goa, from October to approximately mid-November. After a long monsoon season, the weather is back to normal, everything is blooming, the water is amazingly clear, and the cost of accommodation is more affordable.
Types of recreation. Things to do?
Beach vacation
The coast of North Goa is considered the epicenter of beach tourism and is literally packed with hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. Many water activities await those who prefer to alternate active and passive pastime on many kilometers of beaches. With the onset of darkness, young people rush to discos under the stars near the sea, where you can dance to the wondrous sounds of trance until the morning. South Goa is famous for its respectable resorts with the most fashionable hotels and magnificent beaches. Although there are no trans parties, the entertainment infrastructure is well developed and you will not be bored during your vacation.
The main historical and architectural sights of Goa are directly related to religious beliefs. Thousands of pilgrims visit the famous Basilica with the remains of St. Francis Xavier every year. On your tours in Goa, do not miss the majestic Catholic temples - the Church of the Child Jesus and the Cathedral of St. Catherine, which are located in the oldest area of \u200b\u200bthe resort. The most famous Hindu shrines are the Shantadurga temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati and the Shri Mangesh temple to the god Shiva.
Wellness
All those who need to restore vital energy and replenish their strength are waiting for the famous healing and health centers of Ayurveda - traditional Indian medicine, dating back over a thousand years. Reflexology and aromatherapy, acupressure and Ayurvedic massage, nutritional baths and yoga are available to their guests. Only natural herbs and juices that have no side effects are used as remedies.
Shopping
Shopping in Goa amazes the inexperienced tourist with a variety of goods - from standard store products to exquisite handmade souvenirs. Most of the shopping centers are located in Panangi - the capital of the region, as well as in Arambol, Anjuna, Kanangut. Going on vacation to this amazing land, pay attention to high-quality Indian spices and teas, gorgeous stone jewelry and Nepalese wool scarves, silk and cashmere fabrics, as well as crafts and souvenirs that can be bought at a symbolic price.
Beaches and their types
Goa's coastline stretches for over 100 km. The southern beaches are represented by dazzling white and golden sand and a gentle entrance to the water. It is mainly for wealthy couples and families with children who prefer a quiet pastime. The beaches of the northern part of the resort - with dark gray sand due to its volcanic origin, have been chosen by young people. The coast is high enough, so the coastal areas of many hotels are located in the lagoons. All beaches in Goa are state owned and completely free. Parasols and sun loungers are usually reserved for hotels or beach restaurants. Payment for using them is not taken if tourists place an order at the institution.
sights
Although Goa is considered to be an extremely carefree beach holiday destination, there are many interesting things to do in the surrounding area. When going on a tour of the resort, do not miss its famous natural and architectural attractions.
Cathedral of St. Catherine
St. Catherine's Cathedral is the largest Christian church in Asia. In one of its chapels, according to legend, a priceless shrine is kept - a “growing cross”, comparable in size to the cross of Calvary. The original and sophisticated interior design of the cathedral with a rich altar will appeal not only to Catholics.
Dudhsagar
One of the grandest waterfalls in India is located 60 km from the capital of the region. Tourists are fascinated by the virgin rainforest, crazy water extravaganza and extraordinary landscapes. The road to the waterfall runs through the picturesque Bhagwan Mahavir nature reserve, which is home to many exotic inhabitants - mongooses, panthers, porcupines, tigers and macaques, as well as over 200 species of colorful birds. The most curious travelers do not miss the opportunity to visit Devil's Canyon and admire the Kandepar River.
Spice plantation
Many real "grassy" towns are scattered throughout India. To visit the homeland of cloves, vanilla and cardamom, inhale fragrant spices, enjoy aromatic dishes flavored with bright powders is one of the main desires of any tourist going on a tour to Goa. Just 10 km from the resort center are the most popular plantations - Sahakari, Pascoal, Savoi Plantation and Tropical Spice Plantation. According to tourists, you should definitely take a camera and take a photo on an excursion - you will find colorful, unforgettable views.
Friends! The new season in Goa is opening and many will find it useful to know the approximate prices for housing, transport, food and other living expenses.
Recall that the currency in India is the rupee. The exchange rate of rupees at the moment is closer to one to one. Those. 1 rupee \u003d 1 ruble. It is very convenient to calculate and estimate your vacation budget.
Housing prices
The most controversial point, since the price depends on many factors, for example, such as:
- Lease terms. The longer the period, the cheaper the price for 1 day stay.
- Seasonality. The peak is in December and January. At the beginning and at the end of the season, the cost is 20-30% lower.
- Location. Prices are different in different areas. In South Goa, prices are higher, in North - more democratic. But even there they may differ depending on the village in which you stay.
- Close to the sea. The closer to the sea, the more expensive, as a rule.
- Floor of the house. The first floors of guesthouses are cheaper, because there are uninvited guests in the form of various living creatures.
- Number of rooms.
- Additional amenities: kitchen, furniture, safe, water heater, refrigerator, mirrors, curtains, etc.
- Adequacy of the owners.
- Your bargaining skills.
Discuss in advance with the owner of the house whether gas and electricity are included in the rental price. There were times when the owners asked for additional money for gas and electricity from tourists before leaving. The amounts ranged from 300 to 1500 rupees.
The average statistical price for renting a house for a period of 1 month ranges from 200 to 500 dollars (i.e. approximately 13,500-35,000 rupees).
Daily accommodation in guesthouses and hotels will cost an average of 400 to 1500 rupees per day.
The cheapest holiday option is rent a bungalow.
This housing is worth considering for:
- who came to rest for a short time;
- who is ready to constantly hear the sound of the sea (bungalows grow old near the coastal zone near beach cafes);
- who is willing to sacrifice amenities;
- who wants to save money.
Scooter or bike rental prices
The most common form of transport in Goa is a scooter. We have already written, now we will discuss the prices.
The average price for scooters is 250-300 rupees per day.
For a month this pleasure will cost you 4000-6000 rupees.
The price depends on the condition of the vehicle, its brand and engine power.
The rental of the legendary motorcycle Enfield (Royal Enfield) will cost 500-700 rupees. If you take it for a month, you will have to pay about 12,000 rupees.
Communication prices (telephone, internet)
An optional item in the expenses, but you must agree, it's nice to stay in touch with loved ones.
Telephone
You can find out how to buy a local SIM card.
To receive a SIM card, you will have to pay 100 rupees + the amount of the tariff that you select.
The most optimal rate for a month for 401 rupees:
- 1 GB 3G Internet for 1 month;
- 1 minute of conversation to Russia 6-7 rupees;
- 1 minute by Indian number - 1 rupee;
- Sms within India (7 sms) - 5 rupees;
- For the first 7 days, 35 free SMS are given.
the Internet
The good news is there is 4G in India. The bad news is that 4G is not yet available in Goa.
If you need the Internet insofar as, then you will have enough free wi-fi points, which are available in almost every cafe.
Also, if you have purchased a SIM card with Internet traffic, then you can use the mobile Internet.
If you need a better internet connection, you can go to an internet cafe. The price of 1 hour of work will cost 40 rupees.
Well, if you are a freelancer and you can't go anywhere without the Internet, look for apartments where wired Internet is connected. This is quite a rare occurrence in Goa, but if you try, you can find it. The truth is, immediately put in expenses about 4000-5000 rupees per month.
Food prices in stores
These prices were taken in Arambol in November 2016.
Flatbread (instead of bread) - 5 rupees
Coffee 250 gr. - from 250 rupees
Tea 250 gr. - from 250 rupees
Drink in a bottle of 600 ml. - 34 rupee
Chocolate drink 200 gr. - 140 rupees
Milk 500 ml. - 21 rupees
Sour cream 200 gr. - 100 rupees
Cottage cheese 200 gr. - 130 rupees
Eggs 10 pieces - 50 rupees
Sunflower oil 300 gr. - 70 rupees
Salt (small salt shaker) - 15 rupees
Corn flakes 125 gr. - 55 rupees
Horns 500 gr. - 120 rupees
Almonds - 100 rupees
Walnut - 130 rupees
Cashew - 180 rupees
Old Monk rum 180 ml. - 42 rupees
Old Monk rum 750 ml. - 175 rupees
Cigarettes - 50 rupees Indian Win, the rest - from 150 and above
Prices for vegetables and fruits in the markets
Bananas 3 pcs. - 10 rupees
Pineapple 1 kg. - 40 rupees
Grapes 1 kg. - 120 rupees
Watermelon 1 kg. - 20 rupees
Melon 1 kg. - 40 rupees
Mango 1 kg. - 120 rupees
Passion fruit 1 pc. - 15 rupees
Pomegranate 1 kg. - 100-120 rupees
Lime 4 pcs - 10 rupees
Plum 1 kg. - 200 rupees
Chica 1 kg. - 60 rupees
Dragon's eye 1 kg. - 130 rupees
Castle Apple 1 kg. - 70 rupees
Tomatoes 1 kg. - 15-25 rupees
Cucumbers 1 kg. - 25 rupees
Onion 1 kg. - 15-20 rupees
Garlic 1 kg. - 150 rupees
Ginger 1 kg. - 60 rupees
Green pepper - 35 rupees
Yellow pepper - 70 rupees
Red pepper - 70 rupees
Prices for food in cafes and restaurants
Biriani - rice with vegetables and sauce, 120 rupees Prices may differ in one direction or another, depending on a particular cafe. Here are some prices for one of our favorite shake's.
Plain Roti - 10 rupees
Plain Naan - 40 rupees
Naan flatbread with cheese and garlic (Cheese Garlic Naan) - 80 rupees
Whole chicken baked in a tandoori oven (Tandoori Chiken Full) - 400 rupees
Oven baked cashew chicken (Malai Tikka) - 200 rupees
Fish Steak - 250 rupees
Mashed potatoes (Mash Potato) - 100 rupees
Shakshuka - fried eggs on fried vegetables with french fries and vegetable salad (Shak – Shuka) - 140 rupees
Italian pasta with spinach cream sauce (Algi Spinach) - 150 rupees
Classic pizza - pizza with mozzarella, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, spinach, French herbs and organo (Veg.classic Pizza) - 170 rupees
Fried rice with vegetables (Veg Fried Rice) - 100 rupees
Prawns Fried Rice - 170 rupees
Tibetan Noodle Soup with Vegetables (Veg Thukpa) - 100 rupees
French Onion Soup - 80 rupees
Mix Sea Food Soup - 150 rupees
Pancakes with honey (Honeypancake) - 80 rupees
Greek Salad - 150 rupees
Boiled egg - 70 rupees
Spanish Omelet - 90 rupees
Finger Chips - 60 rupees
Banana Porridge - 80 rupees
This is what the menu looks like in a seaside restaurant. Everything is quite clear and even in Russian:
Indian Masala Tea - 30 rupees
Black Tea - 20 rupees
Black coffee - 20 rupees
Hot Chocolate - 50 rupees
Freshly squeezed juices - 80 to 100 rupees
Milkshakes - 60 to 100 rupees
Soda (Plain Soda) - 20 rupees
Prices for household needs
The most necessary thing that can be useful in the household, especially if you come to Goa for a month or more.
1L bottle water - 20 rupees
Water in a bottle of 5 l - 65 rupees (then hand over the bottle for 20 rupees and take water for 45 rupees)
Small frying pan - 400 rupees
Pot for water - 190 rupees
Dishwashing liquid - Rs 45-65
Dish sponge - 18 rupees
Knife - 40 rupees
Shampoo 100 ml - 70 rupees
Shower gel 500 ml - 300 rupees (cheaper)
Washing powder 500 gr. - 88 rupees
Toilet paper - 28 rupees
Towel - 150 rupees
Sheet - 350 rupees
Feminine sanitary pads 8 pieces - 34 rupees
Plaster - 2.5 rupees
Basin - 120 rupees
Soap - 10 rupees
Toothpaste 50 gr. - 20 rupees
Insect repellent (charger and bottle) - Rs 75
Clothes prices
Let's indicate the average prices for clothes, since a lot depends on the quality of the products and the impudence of the merchants. In any case, don't forget to bargain!
Shorts - from 150-250 rupees
T-shirts - from 300 rupees
Skirts - from 300 rupees
Pants "Aladina" - from 300 rupees
Hoodies - from 350 rupees
Dresses - from 700 rupees
Slates - from 400 rupees
Leisure and entertainment prices
To make your holiday memorable, you can use various local services.
Local massage - from 400 rupees
Yoga classes - 300-400 rupees
Dancing lessons - 300-400 rupees
Surfing - 300 rupees, per month - 8000 rupees
Indian cuisine training - 1 day, 10 dishes - 2500 rupees
Photoshoot - from 800 rupees
Bottom line: how much money to take with you to Goa?
From all of the above and your personal preferences, it's easy to calculate how much money you need.
Estimate your obligatory expenses (for example, housing, food, communications, transport), add to them the desired ones (visit an excursion, use the services) and, just in case, add to the resulting price a certain amount for unforeseen expenses.
For example, I am going to Goa alone for one month, I want to live in a guesthouse with a kitchen, I don’t ride a bike, I don’t plan to travel around the country, but on occasion I would not refuse a trip, say $ 200 (13,500 rupees).
And then, the following alignment turns out:
Housing - 20,000 rupees.
Nutrition - 15,000 rupees (I am counting on 500 rupees a day, because I will eat at home and in a cafe once a day).
Household needs and leisure - 10,000 rupees (in fact, I think it will come out less, I'm a thrifty nature).
Souvenirs, gifts - 5,000 rupees (this is not the first time I am going to India, so maybe I will save on this too).
Excursions with a budget of $ 200 - 13,500 rupees (since for me the item with the excursion is questionable, I will not add money for unforeseen needs).
Total: 63,500 rupees ($ 940)
How much will come out in practice, we will find out when I return). How do you budget your trip to Goa? Share in the comments.
Goa is the smallest state in India in terms of area, but at the same time the most visited by tourists. A huge number of foreigners from different countries of the world come here every year. Local resorts are very popular with residents of Europe, America, Asia and other regions. Goa is washed by the Arabian Sea, which smoothly turns into soft sandy beaches. You can relax here both in a comfortable hotel and in a traditional bungalow.
Do you want to join the colorful Indian culture and fill your life with vivid impressions? But do you want to save your family budget? Last minute deals are the perfect solution.
What time to look for hot deals
Goa's climate can be roughly divided into 2 stages: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season begins in late May and lasts until mid-September. But from October to May, clouds scatter over Goa, and the beaches are illuminated with bright sunlight. The highest temperature is observed in May. The velvet season is from late November to February. At this time, the temperature returns to normal, there is neither sweltering heat (+38 - +40 degrees Celsius), nor coolness. Also during these months there is practically no rainfall, rare rains are accompanied by joyful shouts of local residents. In the velvet season, the sea is most calm, its color becomes turquoise with a dark shade. The sand and other pollution that the waves bring in during the rain gradually settle and the water becomes crystal clear.
So, if you decide to visit Goa in 2018 or 2019, the best time to do it is from November to February. It is necessary to take care of the last minute tour in advance. Travel agencies are starting to offer vacation discounts one week in advance, up to two weeks before departure. Therefore, we start searching in 2 weeks, but we are not in a hurry to buy the first tour we come across. But in the second week we are already becoming less capricious and we are trying to buy a ticket with an optimal price-quality ratio as soon as possible. Goa is a fairly democratic holiday, and when additional discounts appear, offers fly out very quickly.
How much is the last minute tour to Goa
The cost of tours with flights and Moscow depends on a number of reasons, of which the most important is the choice of a hotel. If you want to relax cheaply and you are not too lazy to walk to the beach - choose hotels on the third line. For example, Arambol plaza beach resorts, 720 meters from the sea, are suitable for families. But the price of a voucher for 7 nights per adult, including breakfast, is from 22,000 rubles. For a democratic holiday with your family, the second line will also go. For example, "Goa beach house 2 line", 400 meters from the coast, the price of the voucher is from 25,000. The first line will cost from 30,000 rubles. For example, “Alidia beach cottages” is a great option for a romantic trip. But for youth recreation it is worth choosing Amigo plaza for 29,000 per person.
Most hotels, even located on the first line, in Goa are three-star. It is very rare to find a four-star offer here. And five-star hotels are a one-off product that mainly works for European tourists.
Prices are given "in season". If you travel from the end of April to the end of September - the cost is reduced by 20-50%, as demand decreases due to the rainy season. Recently, however, the rainy season is often late. Even in May, you can have a great rest and enjoy the amazingly picturesque nature at the discounted price of the last minute tour.
Good day, friends! We have collected all the nuances of booking a vacation in Goa.
- About flight to Goa (Dabolim airport)
- Prices for last minute tours and regular tour packages in Goa
- How much money to take for Goa?
In 2019, tours to Goa are one of the most popular destinations. There are 3 reasons for this:
- Lots of flights. After the closure of Egypt and Turkey, most of the vacated charter flights were delivered to Dabolim airport in Goa. There are many charters, both from Moscow and from large cities of the Russian Federation (Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Tyumen, etc.). Not all charters are 100% full, so often very cheap tours to Goa from Moscow appear 1-2 days before departure.
- Fly close. Of the "tourist" destinations in Asia, flight times are the least to India. The direct flight time to Dabolim (airport in Goa) from Moscow is 7 hours 30 minutes, and from Ufa, Orenburg or Chelyabinsk, only 6 hours, which, for example, is a significant factor when flying with a restless child. To Thailand and Vietnam from 9 hours or more.
- Cheap. Low prices for food and excursions in Goa. Taking into account the new dollar rate, the approximate rate of the Indian rupee is equal to the ruble. Therefore, at the moment, holidays in India are the cheapest in terms of costs, even usually cheaper than eating in Russia. You can have a hearty dinner in Goa for about 300 rubles per person. And if you are a vegan, then in general you can live on 100 rupees \u003d 100 rubles. For example, for 10 days of rest, taking into account occasional trips to yoga and massages, small shopping, while actively eating steaks and fresh juices, I spent only $ 100. Although if you are a fan of seafood, then take $ 150-200 bucks on your nose. And if, on the contrary, you like to eat with locals, then $ 50 for 10 days should be enough.
About the prices for "last minute tours to Goa". In 2019, the cheapest tour from Moscow cost 9500 rubles per person for 10 days, but in my practice only 15 lucky ones managed to buy such affordable tours.
3 options for how to have a profitable vacation in Goa. The most common question is when is it better to buy a tour in Goa?
Last Minute Tours
Tickets for charters to Goa are usually not sold in advance, and if they are sold, prices start at $ 600 or more. Therefore, the most popular option among smart tourists is to make an electronic visa in advance and buy a "hot" tour 1-2 days before departure. Charter flights to Goa do not fly in summer (from May to September in India, Goa is the rainy season, and in winter, spring and autumn - dry, sunny weather and warm sea).
pros
- price (any tour package already includes a transfer to the resort and medical insurance)
- direct flight 6-7 hours
Minuses
- few hotels available. Choosing hotels from what is left
For those who are light on their feet and ready to quickly pack their bags. For people with good karma, who are always lucky to find super hotels at last minute prices. And if there are no (with a probability of 80%) normal hotels, then come only to spend the night or look for accommodation on the spot. ...
The usual "last minute" price is about 17,000 rubles per person for a 10-day tour from Moscow. Last-minute tours to India from Ufa or Samara are less frequent, since usually charters fly every 7-10 days and rarely the price of last-minute tours to India falls below 20,000 rubles per person. "Last minute" tours can be bought online in the tour search. (Choose your departure city and try changing the number of nights, sometimes the price for 8 nights is the same as for 13). "Last minute" tours to India, and to all other countries, are ONLY 1-3 days before departure. Tour operators usually do not sell charters in Goa, so you need to take the cheapest tour.
Early booking
Air + hotel in advance. If you are flying to Goa for a long time from 2 weeks or more, then it is more profitable to buy separately tickets to Goa-Dabolim airport and book a separate accommodation. It is more profitable to buy tickets completely in advance for 3-6 months, to catch promotions on regular airlines. The downside is that there are no direct regular flights from Moscow and the regions. Here, either with a transfer on the regular route (Aeroflot and Air India via Delhi; Qatar airlines via Doha; Emirate and FlyDubai via Dubai; Etihad via Abu Dhabi), or on a direct charter flight (then see paragraph # 1 or # 3 ). Regular flights to Goa fly all year round.pros
- flight comfort Emirates and Etihad flights are much more convenient than charters
- a stable schedule, you can safely plan connecting flights to Moscow from the regions of the Russian Federation. Flights fly all year round
Minuses
- the price without the stock is quite high. Also, do not forget about medical insurance and taxi from the airport)
- transfer flight time, taking into account connections, is usually about 12-16 hours
For those who like to plan ahead, love comfort and are willing to pay more for it. For those who travel for a long time.
About the prices for air tickets to Goa. In 2016, the prices for air tickets to Goa from Moscow on shares were about 20,000 rubles in both directions. The usual price is about 35,000 rubles per nose. Inexpensive apartments for a short term in Goa usually cost about 1000-1500 rupees per night in a 10-15 minute walk to the sea, on the coast, prices for decent housing are about 2000-3000 rubles per room / room / house. For example, if you are going for 10 days as a family of 2 adults + 1 child, then you get about 100,000-150,000 rubles. Therefore, this option is usually used by tourists who have gathered at the sea for a long time from a month or more. Housing for long-term rent can be found from 20,000 rubles per month.
Goa Standard Tour Package
The standard trip is planned 2-4 weeks before departure. Our search for tours contains all tour operators in India (Anex, Pegasus, Biblio-Globus, Coral, Sanmar, Pax). Therefore, you can compare prices on one site, choose the best one and buy a tour online. All prices are already with fuel surcharges and at a discount, do not include only a visa. By the way, our prices are the lowest, due to the large volumes (while in a regular travel agency they issue 1 tour, during the same time we book 10).pros
- large selection of hotels
- direct flight 6-7 hours
Minuses
- there is little comfort. Chairs do not fold out well, food is bad
- departure time is often postponed (check one day before departure)
For those who travel to Goa with children and who care about a comfortable hotel, or need a hotel on certain beaches.
Have a great stay at good prices!
Arriving home after India, we decided to take stock, so how much did it cost us the entire month of living in India, how much we spent on an air ticket, on housing, how much we spent on food and souvenirs. Let's once again plunge into this fabulous and unforgettable atmosphere of India and remember everything with us.
First of all, let me remind you of how we read a lot of material in order to learn more and already begin to know and comprehend the amazing country of India. Arriving there, we made our own conclusions about what you need to take with you () and about the rest in Goa, what you need to know while being there (). All this material is informative and interesting for and even for package tourists, even those who are only thinking about a trip to this amazing country.
India Visa and Travel Insurance
If you have to make a visa, then with insurance everyone decides for himself whether he needs it or not. My husband and I came to the conclusion that it is better to insure ourselves against non-departure, and took out an insurance policy only for the first days of the trip (you never know, illness before the flight or loss of luggage in the process). To find out which company is more suitable for our requirements, we rummaged through a lot of material and made sure that Tinkoff Insurance is one of the most reliable policyholders, because their policy covers most of the various problems that a traveling traveler may face and this company will help with their resolution. This is a purely subjective opinion of some traveling spouses, their prices are an order of magnitude higher, but after studying a number of advertised policyholders, we realized that not all of them cover different insurance claims (cheap does not mean good). I will write about the choice of insurance in a separate article.
The visa was made independently without the help of travel agencies. come with a trip to the visa center for filing and receiving (one visa for 3 months in Moscow costs 1880 rubles per person) or you can issue it electronically and receive it for 30 days upon arrival (but it will cost 60 USD). We didn’t get scared and got it, applied for a visa in Moscow and after 4 days we went and got it.
Rental housing in Goa
Everything was simple with housing, our friends already lived in Goa (in Arambol), and they had a free room in a two-room apartment, so we decided to stay with them until we find a separate one.However, getting used to the heat, we decided to stay in that very apartment, and the guys from half of our month have already gone home, and we were left alone. We lived in Goa (in Arambol) for one month (from mid-March to mid-April 2016), this period is considered too hot, and it is called “out of season”, so our housing cost us mere pennies.
While we were sharing an apartment with friends, we paid the owner 200 rupees per family (in total, 400 rupees per day for the entire apartment), when our friends moved out, we were able to bargain up to 220 rupees for the entire apartment per day. They paid the Indian owner for housing only after the days they lived, that is, not immediately upon arrival at the apartment, but after some time lived, and we also had to call and catch him ourselves in order to give the money. Our accommodation was located 8 minutes from and 5 minutes by scooter from the Arambol market with food and clothes. However, if we did not have accommodation, there was a plan to book a hotel for the first few days, come to it and look for accommodation that would suit us, while immediately taking off the scooter for ease of movement, read the paragraph below about this.
For a month of living they spent on housing: 6500 rupees (the rate of rupees is almost one to one to the ruble).
Scooter rental in India
There were no problems with the scooter either, our landlord also provided scooters (bikes) for rent, this is a common practice in Goa. We were able to bargain with him for a not new and in places scratched scooter - 4000 rupees per month. We gave the first half to him after half a month of driving it, and the second when we left, along with the remaining rent. I note that not everywhere are such good owners, because our guys vouched for us, and he knew that there would be no problems with us, because with them, too. At the end of the rest, we broke and scratched our faithful horse and ourselves (fell on its side due to the failed rear brakes), but honestly confessed to the owner, he drove the scooter to the workshop and presented us with an amount of 900 rupees, we immediately disagreed and bargained for 400 rupees.
Total spent on transport - 5400 rupees:
- they paid 4000 rupees for renting a scooter for a month,
- for damage 400 rupees.
- for gasoline 1000 rupees
- the impressions of what kind of sympathetic people (helped to rise) that in India are priceless.
Food in Goa
You can find pills for the gastrointestinal tract, joints, heart and many other ailments, and their cost varies from 50 to 300 rupees. I note that the cost of already packaged goods in India, including tablets, is regulated by the state, so the price is higher, which cannot be sold, the goods are indicated opposite the letters MRP, pay attention to this. For example, we bought a drug for cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol to parents, its packaging says MRP: 90 rupees (i.e. 60 tablets of the drug cost 90 rupees).
They spent 16,220 rupees for all brought gifts, cosmetics, pills and various souvenirs.
Total spending on a trip to Goa for a month
A total of 118,210 rubles were spent on a trip to India for 1 month for two, half of which is expensive. And a bunch of all sorts of souvenirs:
- 5 990 rubles - insurance and visas
- 57 200 rubles - round trip air tickets for two
- 800 rubles - a taxi to the airport only there, met a friend back
- 2,000 rupees - transfer to Goa there and back (the rate of rupees is almost one to one to the ruble)
- 6,500 rupees - for a two-room apartment (with increased trade with the owner)
- 4,000 rupees - scooter rental for a month
- Rs 400 - minor damage to the scooter
- 1,000 rupees - gasoline
- 24 100 rupees - meals for two, both in a cafe and at home
- 16 220 rupees - Ayurvedic pills and souvenirs
It turns out that you can quite safely go to Goa (Arambol) for a month for two people, keeping within 101,990 rubles, without gifts and souvenirs brought in for 16,220 rupees. True, you need to remember that we did not go during the high season (from December to March), but towards the end of it (from mid-March to mid-April), so housing prices in the high season will be higher, but if you arrive early and for a long period Usually, Indians go to a meeting and make a good discount, but you must not forget about this and, of course, bargain with them.
Read about our colorful and fragrant impressions of amazing India with my spouse - you will find a lot of interesting things there: how local Indians drive, and how tourists drive, how humid and during what period the real heat begins, that trade is the main occupation for which Indians give completely and bargain with you for at least half a day. We also managed to catch and participate, as these were generally very exciting and amazing days.