1). About Goa.
Goa has a special charm that draws tourists from around the world. This former Portuguese colony is different to the rest of India, with it’s Portuguese influence of over 430 years. The Goan food, culture and architecture is admired by all and it’s reputation as a relaxing place of immense natural beauty and friendliness is the main reason for it’s high repeat clientele..
The sun-drenched beaches which stretch along the Arabian Sea with bright blue skies, spectacular sunsets, green rice fields, lush coconut groves and the sweet fragrance of the cashew and mango blossoms beckons tourists each year. Besides the natural beauty, Goa has many historical sites like Forts, churches, temples etc. With water sports such as wind surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing trips, dolphin watching, waterfalls, and live music entertainment, Goa is the place to holiday.
2). Essential information
a). Visa
A valid passport and visa are required for travel to India. The Indian government now offers two options for tourists, a traditional tourist visa or an e-Tourist Visa (eTV) issued electronically.
A traditional Indian tourist visa is stamped inside the traveler’s passport. The visa application process requires the original passport and original signed application form along with all required supporting documents to be sent to VFS Global to process with the Indian Consulate, so the official visa can be issued and stamped inside the traveler’s passport. It is possible to apply for a traditional Indian tourist visa up to several months in advance. A traditional Indian visa allows multiple visits to India and is generally valid for a stay of up to 90 days.
An Indian e- Tourist Visa on Arrival (eTV) is issued on-line; it is not necessary to submit an original passport or other documents for processing, but it is necessary to travel on the original passport. Submit the Online Visa Application no later than 4 days prior to departure for India, and no earlier than 34 days before the date of arrival in India. It allows one single entry for a stay of up to 30 days in India. A maximum of two ETA visas can be issued within one year. The extension of VOA (visa-on-arrival ) and ETA (electronic travel authorization ) facilities to citizens of 180 countries is being implemented initially at nine airports including Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Trivandrum. The Indian e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is issued and stored electronically. The traveler will not receive any document in the mail. You will be sent the approved e-Visa via email. This must be printed and carried with you and your valid passport upon entry to India. The visa on arrival will be stamped in India after biometric information is taken at the airport.
b). Airport Transfer
Albuquerque is 45 minutes drive from Goa International Airport in Dabolim.
Airport transfers are not included in our room rates but can be provided at a surcharge of Rs. 1200/- for a small car and Rs. 1500/- for a big car. However, we recommend engaging a taxi from the prepaid airport taxi counter as it is cheaper @ Rs.950/- (Govt., approved rates ). When leaving Goa make sure to get to the airport at least 3 hours prior to the departure of your flight as nowadays, many airlines flights overbook to minimize the effect of ” No Show ” passengers. If you go in for online boarding we are happy to print the boarding pass for you.
c). Duty free shopping.
Many familiar brands of alcohol, cigarettes and chocolates are available in Goa for half the price or less. So it may not be prudent to buy duty free stuff.
d). Changing Money.
Money exchange bureaus in the Indian airports do not offer good exchange rates. Besides they also charge high rates of commission. It may be a good idea to change a very small amount if required or better still wait till you get to Albuquerque and exchange with us at the best rates in town and that too without paying any commission.
e). Bike & Car rentals.
We arrange taxis, rent a scooter/ motorbike, car and jeep from respectable owners as part of our commitment to offer good service to our guest. A driving licence is compulsory in Goa and the traffic Police often stop tourists and fine if you do no have a valid licence. You are permitted to drive in Goa for the first 7 days of your stay using your own countries Driving Licences. Officially you require an International Driving Permit.
f). Mosquito Repellent.
Mosquito Repellent is provided in all rooms free of charge. You may bring your own from home but the Indian brands are more effective on The local Mosquitoes. It is always recommended to take Malaria tablets though sometimes the side effects are more than the actual benefit you get from from them.
g). Bottled Water.
We provide complimentary 2 + 5 Litres of bottled drinking water on arrival in every room. You may buy mineral water from local shops for your additional requirements.
f). Phone call.
Discard your home countries chip in favour of an Indian and text your friends the number. The chip will cost approx. 400 Rupees plus top up charge. Give your family a miss call and ask them to call back. Lyca mobile calls from Europe to India cost much less than calling from India.
h). Medicines.
Medicines are readily available for all your holiday ailments and you’ll find most local pharmacists are happy and capable of performing an on the spot diagnoses.
3). Recommendation
RESTAURANTS
Himalaya – Sinquerim- Run by Tibetian family serving generous portions.
Wok & Roll – Sinquerim – Thai, authentic Thai food good portion sizes
Banyan Tree –Taj Vivanta, Sinquerim– Thai, expensive but authentic.
Tuscany Gardens – Sinquerim – Italian, great thin crust pizzas .
Chocolatte Cafe– Candolim – Tea, coffee and confectionaries.
Vivenda Kafe – Candolim-Tea, coffee & confectionaries.
The Mermaid – Candolim – Tiger prawns and fillet steak the best
Horizon Grill – Candolim – Great steaks and grilled/BBQ food
Shree Ganga – Candolim – Pure veg
Navtara – Calangute – South Indian
Delhi Dharba – Panjim – North Indian
Ritz Classic- Panjim – Good Fish.
4). Places of tourist interest.
Panaji City. Fort Aguada
Basilica of Bom Jesus. Sinquerim Beach
Mangueshi Temple. Fort Reis Magos
Spice Plantation Houses of Goa Musuem
Elephant rides Mario Gallery
Butterfly Conservatory Miramar / Dona Paula
Bondla Zoo Panaji Sun Set Boat Cruise
Dudhsagar waterfalls
5). Places for shopping
Readymade Clothes: Bombay Bazar Panaji/ Pushak Panaji /Bharne Panaji
Goan Cashew nuts: Zantye Factory outlet in Panaji and Calangute.
Miscellaneous: 18th June Road Panaji.
6). Beaches
Candolim Beach – Best & Least Spoilt.
Calangute Beach – Famous & Overcrowded
Baga Beach – Shallow & Small
Anjuna – Rocky & Shaddy
Vagator Beach – Trendy and scenic
Morjim/ Ashvem – Turtle nesting grounds.
Arambol Beach – Hippy hangout
7) Markets
Panjim Market – Open everyday and is an all goods market.
Mapusa Market – Open everyday but best on Friday for local produce.
Anjuna Market – Open during season on Wednesday day time for flea market items.
Arpora Market. – Open during season on Saturday from 6 p.m to 2 a.m for tourist.
8). Entertainment
Club Cubana – Arpora – Nightclub in the hills.
Titos & Mambos – Baga – Popular music with themed nights.
Sinq – Candolim – Restaurant, Bar and club with good atmosphere.
LPK – Candolim – Nightclub – Candolim River.
Deltin Royal – Mandovi River – Casino