Goa

Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Konkani

The history of Goa dates back to prehistoric times, though the present-day state of Goa was only established as recently as 1987. ... The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture. In 1961, the Indian Army invaded and annexed Goa after a 36 hour battle.

A civilization of warm, happy people, Goa sees a mix of different religions like Christians, Catholics, Muslims and Hindus that live together in consonance. Following their age-old traditions and customs, Goan's celebrate all major festivals with fervour without bringing any religious barriers within the society.

After the Portuguese arrived Goa in 1510, they adopted the Portuguese culture but retained their Hindu caste system and few other customs and traditions. Contemporary Goan Catholic culture can be best described as an increasingly anglicised Indo-Latin culture.

Goa state is situated along the west coast of India touching the Arabian Sea. Goa is well known for tourism, fisheries and iron ore mining industries. It has partly hilly terrain with Western Ghats in the east. The climate of Goa is overall pleasant throughout the year.

The period of June to September is South West Monsoon Season. This is most rainy season for Goa state. Whole infrastructure of state like agriculture, drinking water and electricity etc. depends upon the monsoon season. Goa experiences an average rainfall of about 330 centimeters annually and about 90% of annual rainfall occurs during this season only. However rainfall is more in the areas which are nearer to the Western Ghats in east parts of Goa. The state receives abundant of precipitation during these monsoon months. July is the wettest month of the year with more than 995 mm of rainfall. The average high stands around 30°C while the low falls to mid-teens. During this time the city receives a reduced level of sunshine as July gets not more than three hours of sunshine per day.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

There are many options for you to get around in Goa. Public transport largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis and, in urban areas, auto-rickshaws. A popular mode of transportation in Goa is the motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers who are locally called ‘pilots’. These vehicles transport a single pillion rider, at fares that are usually negotiated. Other than buses, ‘pilots’ tend to be the cheapest mode of transport. You can also rent out a motorcycle and explore the many contrasts that Goa has to offer around every twist and turn.

River crossings in Goa are serviced by flat-bottomed ferry boats. Crammed with people and vehicles, they go about their task in an unhurried manner. They are extremely reasonable and run from dawn till late in the evening.

You can book taxi or vehicles run by Govt. of Goa itself ie. GTDC which would ensure you a hassle free transport. Experience by clicking the link below.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

• Do explore more.
• Do not do the lungi dance at the beach.
• Do not wear heels on the beach.
• Do not drool over our bikini- clad sisters.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Do not get wasted and sleep on the beach.
• Do not take PDA to the next level.