Good To Know

Visa: Citizens of many countries can now apply for E-Tourist visa just few days before coming to India. Remember, this type of visa is only issued for 30 days. Regular tourist visas are usually issued for 6 months. You can find more information about Indian visas at www.incredibleindia.com  or visit the website of the Indian embassy at your country of residence.

Flight connections: There are few airlines flying directly to Goa. And you will find many flights between Mumbai and Goa, should Mumbai be your first port of call into India. Try makemytrip.com, skyscanner.net or kayak.com  to get a cheap flight ticket. You can hire a prepaid taxi at Dabolim Airport to get to Agonda for a fixed rate or we can arrange taxi pick up for you.

Currency exchange: There are plenty of currency exchange dealers located throughout Goa. We recommend that you bring sufficient €50, £50 or $50 notes to exchange. Exchanging travelers’ cheques in India can be a hassle. Automated Teller Machines (Cash Stations) accept most international credit cards and there is an ATM in Agonda too. However, machines might not always be working when you need cash the most. Click here for onlincue currency converter.

Food and drinks: Goa is a treasure trove of restaurants catering to Indian, Goan, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. A trip to Goa will not be complete without the savoring of the region’s fresh fish. Most places cater to an international clientele. Products in our restaurant are washed with filtered water – so that even salad can be eaten safely. Although the Indian cuisine is quite spicy and rich, it can usually be eaten without too much ado. Several good beers and wines are available in Goa. However, no evening should be concluded without the savoring of the well loved dark rum “Old Monk”. Filtered water is available everywhere for sale.

Things to do in Goa: Goa is famous for its beaches, but there are many more things to do and to see here. You can take a boat to the sea for dolphin watching or fishing, drive a rickshaw or a scooter to Cabo de Rama fort, go shopping and partying to nearby Palolem beach, visit one of states spice farms, enjoy day in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary observing animals and birds there or cooling down in one of waterfalls – all of this is in Agonda or around it. You can also take a couple of hours taxi ride and explore Portuguese heritage in Goa – visit churches of Old Goa or authentic Braganza house. For devoted shoppers and party lovers we recommend checking out Saturday market in North Goa – combination of music, performances, various foods and of course a big variety of clothes and souvenirs to buy.

Transportation: We recommend that you have an international Driver’s Permit, if you intend on driving or riding a motorcycle in India. Guests may rent the legendary Royal Enfield as well as Hondas or scooters from local dealers. Taxis and rickshaws can also be hired for simple transportation on an hourly or daily basis at reasonable rates.

Rail connections: Naturally, you may also want to consider taking a more adventurous train trip to and from Goa (getting off at Margao or Canacona stations). Check www.irctc.co.in/eticketing for fares and schedules. Taxis are available at Margao Station to take you to Agonda.

Vaccinations: Vaccinations are not mandatory for travel to India. We recommend you consult your personal physician to make an educated decision about vaccines. Make sure, however, that your tetanus and polio vaccinations are up-to-date. Other than your usual medication, we recommend you bring tablets against fever, diarrhea and stomach symptoms as well as creams against itching caused by mosquito bites with you.

Weather: During the travel season, the daytime temperatures average at 32 degrees Celsius. Evening temperatures differ in the summer and winter months. Evening temperatures in winter (December/January) can get as low as 18 degrees Celsius. In the summer (February through April), they can get as high as 28 degrees Celsius.