GOA:  HOMELAND OF THE TEACHER COLUMN MONTEKRISTO 

Who didn't read, with bated breath, a romantic narration about the prisoner of Château d'If?  But here that Hoz Custodio Faria, training Edmon Dantes to languages, history and mysterious science about poisons was a sort with Goa very few people know.  Duma was mistaken.  Not the Italian was that.  Its homeland - legendary Gormant – beautiful Gold Goa.  Yes.  …  This time the great author only confused a nationality, but didn't violate the truth, having entered into the novel of the real person which, having left Goa, really took part in storm of the Bastille and died in Château d'If in 1819.  And to look in prophetical eyes of the great hypnotist and the humanist it is possible in Panaji:  costs there, stretching over the sick woman bronze, forever motionless hands, this legendary abbey who has brought to the west wisdom of the East. 

Goa. … How to tell about this marvelous small country which was stretched by a narrow strip along the Malabarsky coast of India. It isn't easy to find the words, capable though remotely to transfer smells of its woody hills, shine of lagoons at sunset, noise of falls and a motley dissonance of carnivals. Probably, to Alexander Green, created power of imagination of Zurbagan and Gel-Gyyu, something seemed similar to the captivating goansky cities of Panaji and Mapus. Be led up it to visit Goa, he, probably, would "recognize" at once the cape of Don of Paúl and lazy breath of a trade wind over Marmagao's bay.

Here the earth is penetrated by history. In "Mahabharata" the local earth is called "Indra's paradise". Not casually Goa became the first scrap of the Indian territory in which the European colonialists, and the last stronghold of colonialism were approved. Passed more than thirty years before Portugal officially recognized Goa as part of the Indian territory. But India hardly worth calling this earth. Here all another – the mix of the Indian and European cultures formed unique color of eras. And resorts on the coast that began to develop especially roughly in recent years, aren't so similar to the Indian. To admire Goa, it needs to be seen. To see surprisingly beautiful people which keeps with the advantage and emphasized independence that, however, doesn't prevent it to be open and friendly.

Goa isn't similar to one state of India. It blinds, as a sunlight at the exit from a vault. Here you will catch yourselves on thought that you smile without any reason on that. They say that something similar was tested by Gauguin, for the first time having seen Tahiti. Typical goansky landscape: the rice field surrounded with bosks of coconut and nut palm trees, mango young growth where in a shadow imperceptible trees on which directly on a trunk grows prickly mysterious дурьян hide. And around – the real tropical paradise where in the winter and in the summer equally warmly, and the swimming season lasts from October to May.

On the coast the most known world chains of hotels settled down: KEMPINSKY, RENAISSANCE with the developed internal infrastructure. In many of them - a casino, pubs, restaurants, boutiques, beauty shops, gyms, tennis courts, occupations by yoga, daily – live music and dances. Water sports: windsurfing, diving, parasayling. And as for numbers, uncomfortable in known hotels simply isn't present. In some hotels there are even astrologers. And any wishing can order for himself an individual horoscope.

Goansky holidays and festivals became famous to all India. The annual Festival of light and cheerful carnivals in Don Paúl, Gaspar Diaz and Siridao attract here thousands tourists from the different countries. Russians meanwhile know about it a little as opened for itself the resorts of Goa quite recently. But the situation changes and, probably, many learn soon and will estimate multi-colored fireworks over a black mirror of lagoons, dances to the guitar in fine gardens and masquerades on Avenid – to - Bratsil along Mandavi Embankment. All holidays charming, scintillating easy fun and friendliness! And around there are so much beautiful girls!

A lot of surprising is on the ancient earth of Gold Goa.  Mangesha, Makhalsa and Dzhama Masdzhid's surrounded with bananas and a papaya the Hindu temples are beautiful.  The impressive and not conceding Lisbon cathedrals constructed by the Portuguese architects.  Silent charm curve small streets and the areas with fountains, with white lodges under a pink tile breathe.  It is necessary to admire magnificent beaches:  Miramar where the purest sand sparkle a frosty dust, Kalangutoma near Panandzhi and Kolva near Marmagan over which on a wind regally curved palm trees strunno hoot. 

Goa is a place where everyone can find class in the taste and temperament. To distract from rest on the coast, from noisy discos and exotic restaurants travel to a bosom of the wild nature where it is possible not only to get acquainted with a variety of local flora and fauna, but also with local customs will help. Cruises on the rivers Mandovi and Zuari are unforgettable. The most beautiful Hindu temples are in mountains. There it is better to reach on jeeps. Or perhaps you wish to visit magnificent falls Dadsadar and to bathe in his purest water? If this is so, the magnificent and multidimensional country of India is always ready to open to you the embraces.

The visa to India. Visa registration to India.

Entry into India, for inhabitants of many countries of the world including the Russian Federation, is carried out according to the visa. The tourist visa assumes 3 monthly stay in the country.

Documents for registration:  the international passport, 2 completed questionnaires in English, color photos – 2 pieces, a reservation of air tickets in both parties. 

For longer visa (6 months - year) need to be shown the certificate of that that you not to HIV-infected.

For businessmen in addition: 2 questionnaires, 2 photos, the invitation, the letter from the Russian company in which the employee (accompanying), a reservation of air tickets in both parties works.

For students: confirmation on transfer in one of educational institutions of the country

The visa is made out within 3-4 days from the date of filing of application.

For filing of application on registration it is necessary to choose any type of the visa, to fill in the questionnaire, to prepare all necessary documents, to pay services in registration

Excursions 

SIGHTSEEING TOUR ACROSS GOA

During excursion you visit one of Hindu temples in Goa:  Shantadurga Temple or Mangueshi Temple. 

Goa – first of all the Catholic state of India.  To see the eyes historical heritage of Goa and to feel local color visit of the former capital of Goa will allow.  In Old Goa there are more than ten Christian churches.  The most interesting in the architectural relation – the Cathedral and Church Sacred Franziska Assizskogo. 

Chapel of a basilica of Jesus (Basilica Bom Jesus) known in all Catholic world – a magnificent monument of architecture of baroque.  Here relics sacred Franziska Xavier are based.  After acquaintance to historical heritage of Goa you are waited by a trip by a ship down the river Mandovi.  The trip will come to the end in port of the present capital of Goa – the city of Panzhim. 

CROCODILES AND SPICES

From the town Kortalim Vy you will go to fascinating travel down the river Zuari on a canoe in habitats of crocodiles. 

Along river banks of Zuari mangrove thickets where the official Goa symbol – a bright birdie Kingfisher which will bring you good luck if it is possible to see it lives were stretched! 

Zuari – the natural natural reserve in which, except the largest reptiles and a birdie Kingfisher, lives a huge number of different types of birds.  After reserve visit you will have dinner on the well-known Plantation of spices in "Goansky style"!  You are expected by a national dinner of "waist" on plates from a banana leaf and tasting of local drink – the hair dryer. 

Indian cuisine differs a huge choice of aromatic seasonings and a variety of ways of preparation of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. On a plantation you will see how "gold of India" grows: pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and other spices. The local guide with pleasure will share with you ancient Indian secrets how it is possible to use spices for improvement of own health. On a plantation you will be waited by a kind elephant. With it it will be possible to be photographed, feed him and even to drive on it!

ON A VISIT At "BANDAR-LOGS" (Falls Dudkhsagar) 

One of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Goa – falls Dudkhsagar.  There is it in the national reserve Bkhagvan Makhavir.  The falls being in the foothills of the Western Ghats, are the second for height in India.  It isn't so simple to get to Dudkhsagar.  The safari on jeeps through the impassable jungle is necessary to you.  You will have an opportunity to bathe in clear mountain water of the lake and to visit on a visit at "Bandar-logs" - kind and friendly monkeys who with pleasure will get the soft pads from your hands the favourite delicacy – nutlets, grapes and bananas. 

CRUISE

Cruise from coast of the small peninsula of Dona Paula is a fine opportunity to observe game of the dolphins frolicing in waters of the natural gulf Murmogao.  Then you will go to St island.  George where all wishing will be able to fish, bathe, acquire a tan, to relax and practise meditation under surf noise.  Specially for you the goansky lunch of a barbecue will be organized. 

EXOTIC FISHING

Gifts of the warm Arabian Sea make a daily food allowance of local population and bring in the regular income to goansky fishermen.  But, unlike tourists foreigners, goanets prefer small species of fish.  If you join early in the morning local professionals, they will teach you to get their traditional food from an ocean subsoil. 

But before the fishing the trip by the wooden boat of the increased comfort is necessary to you. 

All necessary tackles will be provided to you: rods, coils, scaffold, sinkers, hooks, spinner and bait. For the best catch the boat will change from time to time a dislocation place, weighing anchor in search of a new fish place. Fishing will take place in the area of Agauda port, the cape Cabo and the bay Murmogao.

BOOK OF THE JUNGLE

It is a fascinating trip to the real "singing" jungle which the Western Ghats on border with the State of Karnataka remained at the bottom of mountains, and then - to Tambdi Surla town.  There is one of the few shrines which have escaped after the Portuguese invasion – Mahadeva - the Temple of the XIV century devoted to god Shiva.  After a dinner you will get acquainted with the cleverest giants occupying our planet, – Asian elephants, sweep on the jungle on a back of patient and obedient "Hatkhi" or on a vehicle harnessed by a buffalo.  When the jungle will plunge into a gloom, you should reach by the light of torches an ancient sanctuary of one of the most powerful Hindu gods – Shiva. 

Then you are waited by a dinner in the heart of the jungle and a song round a fire.  Night you will carry out in pise-walled lodges.  In the morning - travel continuation on the jungle.  About Shiva's temple, you will be able to master some asanas of yoga.  After a dinner of "waist", purchases of souvenirs and spices, you will go to hotel. 

TRACE OF THE TIGER

One of the most typical representatives of family of cats – a royal tiger:  on the one hand, this most beautiful of animals, with another – the most dangerous to the person from all wild animals. 

Now it is possible to see these furious cats in the native habitat only in reserved zones. One of the most known Indian reserves – the reserve Tyavarekoppa. After a dinner in hotel you will go from railway station to Margao to Udipi station. After a breakfast you will pass through the Western Ghats about 7 km to Gajanur village where you will see wild elephants. Further our way lies to the city of Shimoga.После of a dinner you will go to the reserve Tyavarekoppa. Here you will be able to watch life of wild animals: lion, peacock, antelopes. In the evening a dinner in hotel. In the morning you will go by train to Goa.

Councils to tourists

Going to India tour, it is necessary to remember the following features:

Electricity - 220вольт, 50герц, sockets three-phase. Adapters are necessary. In the majority of hotels you can take the adapter, having left the deposit.

Time - acts on all territory of India the Delhi.  On summertime clock isn't put.  Time difference with Moscow in the winter +2,5 hour, summer of +1,5 hours. 

Currency

Currency, customs and tax rules - the exchange rate fluctuates within 40-50rupiya for 1 US dollar. In the spring of 2006 it made 44рупии for 1доллар the USA. Tourists are recommended to exchange currency and traveler's checks only in banks or the certified points of an exchange, having at itself the declaration on currency import. It grants them the right of the return exchange at departure from the country.

Traveler's checks in the Indian currency can be got in the State bank of India.

It is forbidden to import or take out the Indian currency. The sum from 10 000 US dollars cash (in the form of banknotes or traveler's checks) needs to be declared when crossing border.

The customs duty doesn't assess subjects of private use. Personal jewelry, gifts fall under this category for the sum to 600ruppy, 200  cigarettes, 50 cigars, 0,95 l of alcoholic beverages. Expensive materials and subjects for professional activity are exempted from customs taxation if the person, them importing, issues the receipt on their return export.

All persons which aren't permanent residents of India, aren't obliged to show the certificate of payment of income tax provided that the period of their stay in the country made less than 90 days and they didn't work on hiring. All other persons at departure from the country have to show the certificate of release from payment of the income tax which is given out by foreign department of tax department. Such departments are available in Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Chennaye (Madras).

Collecting at the airports. The passengers leaving from India through the international airports, have to pay a tax of 500 rupees. With departing to Afghanistan, Butane, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, to the Maldives 250 rupees are raised.

Safety

India - the country with low level of violent crime.  But despite it at political life of the country there are such phenomena, as political terrorism, the intercommunal and interreligious conflicts.  Refrain from visit of areas where the political situation is unstable:  Kashmir, Assam, the Southeast States adjoining on Bangladesh. 

Inhabitants of India are friendly and friendly to tourists, however cases of small thefts and theft are frequent. You watch the things, especially the passport, money and air tickets. At loss of the passport it is necessary to address in the Russian consulate by phones:

Delhi 9111 - 6873800

Bombay 9122 - 3630403

Madras 9144-.832320

At loss of money communicate relatives or friends in Russia and ask them to send you money on Western Union network channels.

Moscow - 495 - 1198250, 1198266, 

Delhi - 011 - 3311122,

Poona - 627683.

If you lost the air ticket, it is necessary to address in the airline representation which services you used (Ayr India or Aeroflot). The ticket to you will restore at presentation of the passport and the statement for loss.

Drugs

The Indian legislation concerning drugs very severe (imprisonment terms to 30! years), and Indian prisons not so five-stars hotels.

Customs

India - the country of traditions, ancient religion and culture. Respect local customs and standards of behavior. Indians strictly observe religious instructions concerning clothes, the dwelling, temples, sacred people, communication between floors. You don't wear too open clothes. Hands at women have to be closed up to an elbow. Exclude from the clothes of a miniskirt, shorts, thin fitting trousers (an exception Goa where the atmosphere of a general relaxation, certainly, within limits reigns is).

Necessary medical certificates

If you go for a while, medical certificates aren't required.  Everything who plans to stay in India more than 3 months, have to show for receipt of a visa the medical certificate with the corresponding HIV certificate. 

we recommend to drink in the country water only from small bottles, carefully to wash hands, to wash out independently bought fruit and vegetables water with a small amount of potassium permanganate. 

Health regulations

Traveling across India, it is recommended: 

to drink water only from bottles in a factory packing. 2 bottles on 1,5 liters a day during a winter season and not me 4 bottles during a summer season, in - dehydration avoidance are recommended not me. And also tea, coffee, soft drinks factory production (Pepsi, Fanta, etc.).

it is dangerous to drink tap water, fresh juice, drinks with ice

carefully to wash hands

to wash out the bought fruit and vegetables water with a small amount of potassium permanganate

to accept a prophylactic against Maleriya "Delagil", it can be got in any Moscow drugstore if you decide to go to India tour. 

it is safe to use in food all svezheprigotovlenny, thermally processed (boiled, fried, stewed)

it is dangerous to use salads from fresh vegetables, meat and fish in any kind (except Goa where sanitary standards are higher, than in other country), fruit with which it is impossible to remove a skin, for example grapes, dried fruits, ice cream of handicraft preparation

in avoidance by enteric infection to observe rules of personal hygiene

to watch that you eat and especially you drink.

avoid casual communications, both among Indians, and among tourists

use condoms

don't do massage, dentistry, tattoos, etc. if you aren't sure of sterility of the equipment

for injections use only disposable syringes.

If you after all fell ill

Symptoms of enteric infection:  disorder of intestines in combination with fever and high temperature not passing within 3 days. 

don't self-medicate

don't take independently any medicine, especially antibiotics,

don't use means of traditional and ayurvedichesky medicine.

address in the nearest paid clinic for consultation by the doctor 

make tests. 

Medical services in India render at the low prices, thus quality of the Indian medicine at rather high level, the express analyses become within an hour, drugs are very effective. After establishment of the exact diagnosis strictly follow instructions of the doctor on reception of the registered drugs. The correct treatment will relieve you of an illness within 3 - 4 days.