The Goa emblem among animals is gaur, among birds - the nightingale. The two main animals in Goa are cows and dogs. About 50 species of wild mammals live in Goa, including large ones such as bears, leopards, panthers, bison, and Bengal cats. Most of them live deep in the jungle of the Western Ghats, and to see them, you need to go to one of the open national parks. Snakes, monkeys, elephants, crabs and other shrimp are more exotic, they can be seen in nature reserves. Foxes, wild beavers and migratory birds - these are the main inhabitants of the jungle of Goa. The bird world includes several species of exotic birds. Numerous species of fish also live off the coast of Goa and in local rivers - crabs, lobsters, shrimps, mussels, jellyfish, oysters. South Goa is significantly different from the northern part of the state. The southern coast is much more diverse and picturesque in itself, and tropical flora and fauna prevail here.
Cows
As elsewhere in India, many cows roam the roads of Goa, they interfere with traffic, wander into the beaches, harass tourists and try to steal food. Despite the sacred status and respect that cows enjoy among Hindus, one can often see how locals use physical force against them - every restaurant or shop has a special stick to dare curious animals.
Cows and oxen are an integral part of Goa's landscape: they are allowed to walk wherever they want and eat wherever they are. In the afternoon, many cows roam the beaches and chew everything that lies badly - pineapple, banana peel or newspaper. It is strange to see inveterate beach-goers and cows basking nearby in the sun, like old friends. There are also clarifications of relations between bull-calves. The furious fighting bulls sweeping resort onlookers on their way is an unpleasant sight. By the way, cows in India do not moo.
Dogs
Dogs in Goa are good-natured creatures. No less than cows are interesting Indian dogs. They are all some kind of exceptional local breed, mostly reddish with elongated muzzles and expressive eyes. They embody wisdom and unhurriedness, carefully monitor the world around them and clearly know some secret. Here they are completely independent in the choice of solutions and exist almost equally with the owner. They themselves choose a person they are interested in. They can attach to you on the beach and walk a meter behind you for a while until they get bored. They do not beg, but joyfully run around you, looking and looking in your eyes, as if they hear something at the level of thoughts. They can call their friends, and then a flock of dogs will mince after you and cut circles around. It doesn’t matter that the dog does not speak humanly - in India it is enough to communicate thoughts. If the dog likes you, she will come up and lay her head on your knees, as if to an old friend. It will stand, take a sigh, look into your eyes and move on.
Cats
Much less often than dogs in India, cats are found. Cats, like cows and dogs, have elongated snouts and the same measuredly melancholic character. They even meow like little cows - they also growl abruptly. No purrs or gentle meow-meow.
Sambaras and barking deer
Monkeys
In the mornings, monkeys run across the road. Langur is the most common monkey species in India. Male langur reaches 75 cm in height, weight - up to 21 kg. Near the Dajsagar Falls you can get acquainted with the monkeys. You can’t call them very friendly, they are only interested in food, but it’s still nice to feed from hands and quarrel with males.
Cotigao Nature Reserve
The Cotigao Nature Reserve is home to a variety of monkey species, water buffaloes, panthers, hyenas ...
Gaur or Indian Bison
Gaur or Indian bison is India's largest ungulate. The male reaches 95 cm in height and weighs more than 900 kg.
Elephants
The Indian elephant is inferior in size to the African elephant. He, unlike the African one, lends himself well to training and has long become almost a pet. On the spice plantations, you can ride an elephant (there are about nine of them in Goa), so take this opportunity. Elephants on a spice plantation.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches in Goa are huge.
Snakes everywhere
There are snakes in Goa, as in any country located in the tropical zone. A lot or not - this is how you are lucky specifically. You can not meet a single, but you can see several pieces in one day. In India, 238 species of snakes live, 50 of which, including 20 species of sea snakes, are poisonous. Cobra, the most famous of poisonous snakes, can reach 5 meters in length. Of the non-toxic reptiles, one should note a rat snake, which looks like a cobra, a tree snake and a python.
Salim Ali
Goa has many famous national parks, including the world-famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located on the island of Chorao. It is worth mentioning such reserves as Bondla, Molem, Kotigao, Netravali. The smallest of them takes only eight square kilometers, and the largest is Netravali - more than two hundred thousand! hornbill
Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve
It covers an area of \u200b\u200bapproximately 240 square meters. km Panthers, gubachi bears, and zambars live. And at night tigers and elephants wander from the territory of the neighboring state of Karnataka. It's hard to see them, but you will definitely see the Indian bison, sika deer, macaque and striped mongoose! The reserve is home to many birds, including the Malabar rhinoceros bird, bee-eater, blue stone thrushes, as well as partridges.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles can be seen in large rivers - special excursions are organized for those who wish. Who can be found everywhere - these are monkeys - macaques and langurs - although there are not so many here and they are not as annoying as in the northern states. In the rivers you can easily meet large crocodiles (4-5 meters). They say they eat fish, but I saw how quietly they pick up, so they don’t advise washing their hands there, although it is unlikely that anyone will have such a desire - the water in the rivers is very muddy.
Marine life and stingray
The bottom is sandy, no algae. And no living creatures, everything is clean and even. For this reason, lovers of snorkeling (diving with a mask) have nothing to do here - there are no underwater beauties. Stingrays are indeed found in the sea, but mostly they swim far from the coast, and there are not so many of them. By themselves, they are completely non-aggressive and rather even cowardly, and if possible, if they see a person approaching, they try to hide. The wingspan of a large stingray-stingray reaches one and a half meters, and on the tail there is a spike up to 15 centimeters in length, with which it can inflict cutting and stitching wounds for self-defense. This spike is poisonous, although its venom is not fatal. Stingrays like to bask in shallow water, buried in the sand, and you can accidentally step on it.
400 species of birds
Goa also has up to 400 species of exotic birds, both native and migratory. Index 1 - the most common, such as sparrows, lanes and ravens. So, the same index 1 for two species of kingfisher and black kite. Most of them inhabit the jungle of the eastern regions, but some are also found on the coast: a green parrot, an Indian heron, an Asian heron, and a kingfisher, purpurea nectaria - Nectarinia zeylonica.
Common Coel Eudynamys scolopaceus
Common or Asian coel - Eudynamys scolopaceus - a bird with red eyes. In the nesting period, these cuckoos are very loud. The voice of the males sounds like a loud whistling trill, ending with the characteristic exclamation of “ga-el”, from where the name of the bird came. Females respond with short whistles.
In addition to absolutely crazy cries, this bird still climbs trees, resembles a monkey, or a cat at least). Like most Old World cuckoos, coels toss eggs into the nests of other birds. In India, ravens most often become coaches 'chicks' educators; in Australia, large species of honey-suckers and orioles become. The little cuckoo seeks to take possession of all the food delivered by the parents and either condemns its neighbors to starvation or completely throws them out of the nest. The basis of the diet of adult coels is a variety of fruits. These birds often visit gardens where they enjoy fruit.
Sal river, bird watching
Any "cruise" on the Sal river in southern Goa in one way or another turns into bird watching. And there really is something to see.
Eastern bee-eater
Eastern bee-eater - Merops orientalis - fyuk / Green Bee-eater. Asian birds are distinguished by a brown cap and blue cheeks.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
It occupies part of the island of Chorao, on the banks of which you can see storks, herons and ducks. In the mangrove swamps of the island of Chorao live crabs, mud jumpers. You can get to the reserve by ferry from Ribander. indian heron
Rice horse
Anthus rufulus
Green parrots
Early in the morning and before sunset, one could hear the singing of parrots - green, with a red beak and tail.
Herons
white heron
Brahmin kite
Korshunov in Goa, like a raven in Russia.
Pink-bellied Bulbul
Pink-bellied Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul. 20 cm long, has a long tail. The upper side and chest are brown or black. The back and belly are lighter and have a beautiful scale-like pattern.
Storkbill Gurial
Storkbill gurial - Pelargopsis capensis or Halcyon capensis, Eng. Stork-billed Kingfisher. It belongs to large kingfishers. Unlike most species of the family, it nests in the hollows of large trees growing along river banks in the mountainous part of the island. It is quite consistent with its name, because the huge red beak really looks like a stork. The stork kingfisher is painted original. The upper part of the head is light brown, the neck and lower part of the body are buffy-red, the back, wings and tail are of an even light blue color. Reds are the beak, leg, and ring of skin around the eyes.
Green beard
Green beard - Megalaima viridis - English. White-cheeked Barbet.
Red-billed kingfisher
Red-billed White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, another name is red-billed Alcyon. This kingfisher is not as attached to water as other kingfishers. It nests in dry cultural landscapes, in palm groves, parks and sometimes in forest glades, but still most often on steep banks near water. For a nest, dig holes to a length of 50 cm. In the clutch, 4-7 round white eggs.
Gecko on the wall
If the gecko is in the house, then there are no insects. He eats them.
Crabs on the beach
Turtles
there are masonry places in South Goa on Galcibaga Beach.
Spiders and scorpions
Spiders and scorpions rarely creep into houses, ants are a much bigger problem, they bite painfully and can spoil food supplies, as well as mosquitoes.
The Arabian Sea is not as rich in corals as the Red Sea, but just “teeming” with “undeterred” fish! Of particular interest is the island of Agatti of the Lakshadweep archipelago, where pristine underwater life resembles the Maldives.
Variety of fish
Goa waters are home to barracudas, chrysipters, snappers, sweet lips, sea bass and groupers, angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, lips, sharks, zebrasomes, tuna, plataks, scorpion fish, lion fish, gobies, Moorish idols, moray eels and others. There is a variety of hard corals. From other marine life you can find sea cucumbers, turtles, lobsters, cuttlefish, shrimp and shellfish. In warm waters there are many playful bottlenose dolphins, however, they are afraid of divers. Various sharks and stingrays are less common.
Sea snakes
In Goa, sea snakes actually live in the sea. But firstly, they swim far from the coast, however, sea snakes, known as Hydrophis Lapemoides, are often found on the beaches, because from November to February they live closer to the coastline than usual, and they are carried by waves on the coastal sand. Once on land, sea snakes cannot move due to a weak spine and seem dead. Nevertheless, most often they are alive and can strike, which can be fatal: their poison is deadly. Adult individuals reach a meter in length, but even cubs are very dangerous.
Before going to Goa, some (and very many) are interested in the presence of snakes in this region of India. You can understand this, because for many people India is associated with cobra. Of course, there are snakes in Goa, and there are quite a lot of them (both in quantitative terms and in terms of species diversity). Sometimes even Goa is called the "land of snakes." Is everything so scary? What snakes are in Goa? How to reduce the risk of a snakebite? We will talk about all this and much more in this article.
On this page:
1. The main myths about snakes in India
2. Types of snakes in Goa
3. What to do if you were bitten by a snake in Goa
4. Where is the antidote in Goa
5. Snakes on the beaches and hotels of Goa
6. "Serpentine" folklore in India
7. How to go now?
Myths about snakes in India
Many people, including quite adult Goans, still believe in some myths related to snakes. These myths only increase herpetophobia. In fact, many beliefs and misconceptions influence people's reactions to them.
Key myths
1. Snakes always attack. In fact, snakes almost always try to hide from a person, and attack only if they are provoked (step on the snake, quickly run towards her, put his hand in her hole, etc.). That is, if you are careful, then the risk of being bitten by a snake will be close to zero.2. Cobras can fly. The fact is that cobras do not have wings, like other snakes. They can only take short jumps.
3. Sand Boa (Malun in the local language) has two heads. Yes, many Goans believe in this myth.
4. Simple touching Russell's viper can cause rotting flesh. This is just a myth that I don’t even want to comment on.
5. The venom of a poisonous snake is fatal. This is a semi-myth, since the poison of some snakes is not so strong as to kill a person. In addition, even very poisonous snakes do not always inject a large amount of poison when bitten.
6. All snakes are poisonous. This is the most common myth. For some reason, the laity cannot understand that there are a lot of non-poisonous snakes, so they believe that they will die from the bite of any snake.
Types of snakes in Goa
23 species of snakes live in this province of India. This unsafe variety includes the usual blind snake, sand strangler, Indian python, Indian warty snake, tree snake, wolf snake, king cobra, etc. Goa's poisonous snakes include cobras, including king cobra, Indian kraut, coral snake, Russell's viper, bamboo keffiyeh and several other species.
All 23 types:
1. Blind snake
2. Beakhead snake
3. Thyroid
4. Indian Tiger Python
5. Sandy constrictor
6. Indian boa
7. Wolfhawk
8. Common oligodon
9. Volatile oligodon
10. Indian Boy
11. The Green Boy
12. Forest already
13. Green Kiebel-bellied
14. The angler
15. Indian spectacled cobra
16. Patterned runner
17. Indian krait
18. flying kite
19. Woody South Asian Snake
20. Longnose whip
21. Dog-headed
22. Coral snake
23. Russell's Viper
Theoretically can meet:
24. Sandy efa
25. Nose enhydrin
The "Big Four" of the deadliest snakes in India, because they live close to humans, include the Indian cobra, Indian kraut, Russell's viper and sandy eph. Some sea snakes are also poisonous. Rat snakes, pythons, water snakes and tree snakes are not poisonous.
What to do if you were bitten by a snake in Goa
Many local Indian doctors claim that panic is a bigger problem than poison. It’s important to stay calm when you are bitten by a snake and seek medical help from government hospitals that have an antidote. It is also important to avoid traditional treatments that have proven to be ineffective and dangerous. These methods include: creating local incisions or punctures at the site of the bite or bitten limb, trying to suck the venom out of the wound, use black “snake stones”, injuring the site of the bite with electric shock, and even using chemicals, herbs or ice packs. Understand correctly that these methods can help in some cases, but more often they only do harm.
Recommended Actions:
1. Calm down or calm the victim. It is very important to slow the spread of poison throughout the body.
2. Immobilize a bitten limb with a splint or slings (any movement or muscle contraction accelerates the spread of poison).
3. Consider applying pressure to the part above the bite (that is, tighten with a tourniquet or something similar). This method should not always be used. It is usually justified when bitten by snakes such as the Indian cobra, Indian kraut or sea snake, but is not suitable when bitten by a viper. There is much debate about this method, but using a local compression pad over the wound, dressing the entire limb can be very effective.
4. Avoid any intervention at the site of the bite, as this can cause an infection, increase poison absorption, and speed up local bleeding.
5. The patient should be taken to a place where he can receive medical care (dispensary or hospital) as quickly as possible, safely and comfortably. Any movement, especially a bitten limb, should be reduced to an absolute minimum to avoid accelerating blood circulation.
6. Remove the watch / ring / other jewelry from the bite site and pay attention to the bite time and the sequence of symptoms.
7. If possible, the patient should not walk, so try to wear it on a stretcher or even on a chair.
8. The best first aid for the victim will be to transport him to the nearest hospital in the least short time.
9. It is also important to try to remember what the snake looked like. You most likely will not even have to describe it in the hospital, as usually there are posters on which all poisonous snakes are painted. You just have to point to the one that bit you or another person.
In order to calm down or reassure a bitten person, it is enough to recall that 70% of all snake bites are made by non-toxic snakes, and in 50% of cases of bites of poisonous species of poison is not enough to lead to death. It is also important to remember that in the absence of panic, the likelihood of a cure after a bite of a deadly snake increases markedly.
Where is the antidote in Goa
Where to go to the hospital to get the antidote? There are several places in Goa. It is best to ask someone from the locals so as not to waste time traveling to the hospital.
The antidote is available at hospitals and primary health care centers in Goa. It is available at the Asilo Hospital in Mapusa (tel. 0832-2262372 / 2265119) and at the Primary Health Center in Candolim (0832-2489035 / 2276035). Perhaps there are still some places, so I advise you to ask the locals.
Goa also has snake capture services that always send a call specialist. This specialist catches a snake and releases it into the wild. You can turn to such specialists when a dangerous reptile has settled near your home.
Snakes on the beaches and hotels of Goa
Beaches and hotels are no different from other areas of the state, so a meeting with creeping reptiles is possible in these places. Of course, in hotels they try to do everything possible so that these dangerous reptiles are not on their territory (they establish barriers, mow lawns and trees), but this still does not completely eliminate the likelihood that the reptile will not creep into the territory. The likelihood of meeting a snake at the hotel, of course, is less than somewhere in the countryside, but this does not mean that you can lose vigilance. You need to be especially careful in the early morning and in the dark. Try evening and night to always walk with a flashlight, even on site. We do not recommend to come to the beach without a flashlight, since there you can step not only on the snake.
If you want to relax in a hotel in which a meeting with these dangerous creatures is unlikely to happen, then choose modern compact hotels with a small amount of vegetation. Already from the photographs of the hotel you can understand how likely it is to see a snake in it.
Snake Folklore in India
In Indian mythology and Hindu religion, snakes play an important role. The Hindu pantheon depicts them in different ways: Ganesha has a snake wrapped around his waist, almost like a belt; Shiva has a snake around his neck, like a scarf; and Vishna is depicted resting on a spiral serpent.
In rural folklore of India, there are countless stories about snakes eager for revenge on people, and the cobra stands out especially in this regard. Village elders often report that a cobra who has lost her assistant will keep an eye on the killer, regardless of distance or time, until she takes revenge on him, sometimes spreading revenge on the killer’s family. You can understand how they believed in these stories before, in the era before the antidotes for snake venom were created, and the probability of being bitten by a snake was much higher than today.
How to go now?
If you read this article to the end, then you might have a question. Indeed, many people, especially girls, may well be afraid and abandon the idea of \u200b\u200btraveling to a famous Indian state. If this is the case, then you should know that in Goa, local people die from snake bites much less often than in accidents. But you are unlikely to refuse to ride on the roads because of this? I can also add that in reality the probability of meeting with a snake is extremely low. You perfectly understand that snakes try to hide as soon as they feel the steps. Even if you see a snake, then most likely it will be a reptile fleeing from you. Don't want to run away? So let yourself lie and bask in the sun! Nobody forces you to approach her.
As you understand, the risk of being bitten by a snake in Goa is extremely low, but even if it comes to that, then the likelihood of a fatal outcome will be low.
In general, I would not call the snakes in Goa the main danger and that is why you should refuse to travel to this beautiful place. Just be careful and look under your feet.
I must warn you about important aspects of traveling to Goa! In other sections, I have repeatedly mentioned that Goa is not just a resort. Goa is part of India, the oldest civilization on Earth! India - Hearts of our planet! India - a great country in which everything breathes Love!
It may happen that you do not feel any of this. You see, each of us has his own way on this earth ... And his own perception of the world in which we live ...
Perhaps Goa will turn out to be just a lovely resort for you. And Goa will even disappoint someone with the poor service and lack of European polish. You must be very aware of where you are going!
Goa has a very simple, albeit decent in level of housing! There are no boutiques of world famous companies in Goa! In the northernmost part of Goa, from Siolim and above, there are no hotels with their own pool! Goa has a very simple taxi and simple taxi drivers! Big soft buses with air conditioning and foreign tourists do not drive in Goa! Thank God, none of this is there!
Goa reigns in the spirit of freedom and absolute permissiveness! In Goa, only you decide what story you get into and how successfully you get out of it! Each of your actions will have a consequence!
To smoke ganja or not to smoke? To use stupefying substances or not to use? Stay with your girlfriend or break up? Come home to sleep or hang out all night at a trance party forbidden by the Goan authorities, somewhere in the neighboring mountains? Do yoga or score on everything and sleep well? Only you are responsible for what decisions you make and what comes of them!
There are examples of the tragic consequences of a tourist stay in Goa. People unprepared for such a high degree of freedom begin to abuse it. Especially chemical poison! As you know, jokes with chemistry sometimes end very badly! ... If you like to drink, smoke or refuel with something thermonuclear, to indulge in prostitutes (which, by the way, are still absent in Goa) - then you should not play roulette with fate, accelerating it at a wild speed! Put Goa On Until Good Times!
Goa is a clean place! Let it remain clean! Do not litter here with soul and body!
Listen to the Heart!
Your every fantasy in Goa can be realized literally! Such a degree of freedom, so usual for the local latitudes, intoxicates to the sensation of universal happiness!
But it should be noted that in the real world that surrounds you now in Russia, irreversible changes may occur after visiting India. Every day in Goa, you can hear stories about how someone came here for the first time just to relax or travel. Further, everything develops in approximately the same scenario.
When the end date of the trip is approaching, a person seeks and finds an opportunity to extend his stay in Goa ... Vacationers tear tickets to Moscow, quit work, ask to send money to all relatives and friends, etc.
Few people expect this to turn out that way. Often, returning home from a trip to Goa, people can no longer live the way they lived before. Interests, social circle, work, life goals and priorities are changing. The meaning of life is changing. Consciousness is turning ...
People understand that there may be a completely different life on earth. Calm Happy! And full of love! But in reality, everything can be difficult at home. After pure and light energy, it is very difficult to exist in a dirty and heavy ...
Even if a person cannot formulate it so clearly, he feels that some kind force begins to turn his whole life in the opposite direction, and the inert past resists the process. True, not everyone is ready for this ...
Therefore, please, if something bothers you ... If you feel doubt and tension ... Then it’s better to postpone the trip to India or Goa for now. So, while this is not yours!
Independent travel is always a certain risk, especially when it comes to such exotic countries as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India and others. As for Goa specifically, this is the most popular Indian resort among Russian tourists and you won’t feel completely alone among local residents and if you wish you can find new friends on the spot. But this is ideal. In order for the vacation not to be spoiled by various unforeseen situations and local residents, you should be prepared for the fact that local people will just come up to you on the street, say hello, smile, ask something, speak, ask for a picture. This annoys many tourists, but you don’t need to be nervous - these people have such a mentality. Sometimes they may ask for money (especially children), but don’t get carried away with donations, because then you just don’t get disconnected from them, new beggars will appear. On the whole, the local population can be described as friendly, but if you are rude and aggressive, you will most likely be answered with the same double or even triple equivalent.
Goa is considered one of the most developed Indian states (apparently thanks to tourism) and many residents speak English fluently, which is required for study in local schools. For a single tourist, the absence of a language barrier is one of the most important moments on vacation. Every year, more and more local residents begin to understand and speak Russian, many cafes and restaurants offer a menu in Russian. Everywhere there is a variety of rental information and various services, written in plain Russian. You will not feel in some kind of isolation; what you saw is likely to pleasantly surprise you.
Most often, tourists who ask this kind of question, worry about the increased, and sometimes even annoying attention from local men. This problem is present not only in India, but there is nothing to be done about it - women of Slavic appearance are one of the most beautiful in the world and this is a fact. To avoid such problems, local men do not need to be provoked. To do this, you should not walk the streets in defiant clothes and force everyone to turn around (a swimsuit can also be taken more modestly). Any jokes and flirting do not need to be answered with smiles and reciprocity, any playing along can subsequently lead to serious troubles. If they begin to pester you, then try not to pay any attention to it or to make it as tolerant as possible that you are not interested in such communication. In no case can you leave your mobile phone number, otherwise calls and SMS messages will get you around the clock.
The crime rate in this state is much lower than in India as a whole, but this is not a reason to relax. First of all, you can’t leave things unattended, since when you return you are unlikely to find them in the same place. Hotel thefts are not common, but money and valuables must be kept in a safe. Attacks on tourists do happen, but this is an extremely rare occurrence and so that nothing like this happens, try not to walk alone in the dark, especially on unlit streets (in extreme cases, it is better to find a taxi, but not walk).
In addition to the local population and everything connected with it, certain dangers are fraught with local nature. If you came to the beach alone, then try to avoid distant swims, especially if you do not see lifeguards on the beach. In areas with dense vegetation you should always look under your feet. Meeting a snake in Goa is not a big possibility, but they are there. Refuse to rent a scooter, as it only at first glance seems convenient and safe, but in fact, everything is exactly the opposite. There are big problems with observing the rules of the road and even an experienced driver at first is hard to navigate and understand how to behave on the road. I think you should not say that you should not buy drugs from people who can offer them on the beach and in other places, as this can turn into huge troubles, including imprisonment.
If the budget is limited or you are simply always used to saving, then you need to bargain everywhere and with everyone, in the markets the cost of goods can be reduced up to five times. When choosing a hotel, note that there are many two and three star hotels in Goa. If you decide to stay in one of these hotels, then spend more time looking for such a hotel so that the living conditions are not bad or even terrible.
And you do not need to compare Goa with other resorts that you have visited before, India is a specific country, with its own characteristics and mentality of the local population.
The avenue of Goans on the avenues for travelers looks like a real paradise. At the same time, there are enough dangers and there are subtleties that need to be studied before the trip. You can not ignore the flora and fauna: for example, are sharks or snakes in Goa dangerous.
A burning question, what do you need to travel to Goa? What facts and holidays deserve special attention? And, of course, purely practical issues: tips, taxis in Goa, illnesses, medicines, sockets and the right to drive the ubiquitous scooter.
Plants in goa
The coast, on which the former Portuguese colony is located, is covered in a tropical jungle. The vegetation is lush and bright. Toward the end of the season, it dries, but does not lose its attractiveness. There are several spice plantations and national parks where you can see not only birds and animals, but also a rich flora.
Tourists are attracted by banyan trees and the impressive proximity of tropical palm trees and vines with variegated conifers in Goa.
Holidays in Goa
Going to the former Portuguese colony, you must be prepared that the holidays in Goa are held with enchanting proportions. Hindu rites intricately intertwined with medieval Catholic traditions and showed the world endless carnivals and processions.
Noisy processions accompany installations from images and sculptures of deities, saints, talismans. Fresh flowers, fire shows and paints are required. It is necessary to go on holidays in clothes which are not a pity. Take an old T-shirt - it will be completely bombarded or covered with paint.
What you need for a trip to Goa
It is impossible to give comprehensive advice to tourists in Goa. Travelers are different, everyone has their own needs and characteristics. If you have money, the problems that arise can be resolved locally, but the supply of medicines for first aid should be at hand.
What medicines to take on Goa
The difficulties of acclimatization are solved in Goan pharmacies. Usually here is an exhaustive list of Indian-made drugs, which is dispensed on the recommendation of a doctor. It is much more important to bring emergency equipment with you:
- Antihistamines. Medicines must be carried with you. In case you suddenly show a food allergy to some spices or you are exposed to jellyfish.
- Painkillers and antispasmodics. No-spa or citramone should be at hand.
- Disinfectants: iodine, peroxide, brilliant green. Better in special pencils.
If there will be children on the trip, then the list of what to take from the medicine is wider. Antipyretic and dyspeptic drugs are definitely added.
Reviews of Goa insist that during the trip you need to use high-sensitivity sunscreens. But they can be bought locally.
How much money to take with you to Goa
580 * 400 goa 13 block
Everyone calculates their budget. A full-fledged vacation in Goa for one traveler here is enough $ 800–1000 per month, provided that you are not the king of glamorous parties, and have not decided to provide all the taxis in Goa with work. Having stock, you can expand the program and see neighboring states or dispose of them in your own way.
When paying for a trip to a tour operator, ask separately how much the fuel surcharge is and whether it is included in the price of the ticket. Otherwise, there will be an unpleasant surprise before departure - additional expenses or refusal to travel with heavy losses. Fuel surcharge may be $ 50–75.
What go to Goa
Reviews of Goa are full of the word "shanti." This is an indescribable atmosphere of absolute calm and joy, which pervades everything around. Therefore, do not be surprised: tourists go here who in what. Given that the season on the coast is eternal summer, you can take with you:
- swimwear;
- spacious shirts with long sleeves;
- shorts;
- hats.
Glamorous exits are accepted only in southern Goa, and even then nightlife there is not very popular and any dress code is acceptable.
Experienced travelers do not take outerwear with them at all, but buy what they need in the markets - the price / quality ratio allows. In terms of dollars, it is not very expensive.
Attention Women, even accompanied by a strong half, it is better not to neglect the elementary rules of decency and appear dressed in public. Swimwear, sheer tunics and a mini are more appropriate to leave for the beaches.
Dangers for tourists in Goa
Unpleasant and frankly dangerous situations are possible everywhere. There are many rumors about Goa: sharks, snakes, stingrays, poisonous jellyfish, tsunamis and all kinds of tropical adversities in the form of diseases. Although more injuries are tourists who inadvertently hid under coconut palms in the wind or decided that they all knew about Indian roads.
Snakes in Goa
When traveling to India, it is necessary to mentally prepare for a meeting with animals. Snakes in Goa are an unpleasant but inevitable phenomenon. There are marine and land species. On the coast and in the nearby waters, tourists are interested in marine. However, there are not so many of them and they swim far from the coast. Indian fishermen fearlessly pick up snakes in their hands and assure that they are not poisonous. Reviews of tourists are periodically scared by fearsome photos, but they haven’t reported a single case of death from the meeting.
Sharks in Goa
Sharks are also considered a danger in Goa. However, they, like snakes, do not swim close to the shore. The obstacles are strong currents and natural instincts, forcing them to stay away from noise and tourists. Activity is shown at night. They are found mainly on fish market stalls. Judging by the reviews, there are no cases of attacks on tourists. Schools of dolphins often swim to the shore.
Diseases in Goa
The tropics and unsanitary conditions in Goa pose a threat of intestinal infections - they develop here literally with lightning speed. What do you need to know? Observe hygiene. Otherwise, you can do without vaccinations. But insurance in case of force majeure circumstances must be issued. Faced with jellyfish or injuries, you will realize that it was not superfluous.
Tsunami in Goa
The west coast of India is located in a relatively calm zone, where the threat of tsunamis and tectonic instability is low. The last tsunami was recorded in 2004. The consequences were minor.
What you need to know about the tsunami: to disperse a high wave, you need a deep water, approaching directly to the shore. The coastline in Goa is wide and gentle. The tsunami has no chance.
The smallest state of India and the former Portuguese colony is interesting due to many features:
- The wide coastline stretched for almost 100 km. The North will provide you with a lot of impressions and relative democracy in prices. The south will please you with calm and silence. To find your Goa, you must travel it completely.
- Friendly Indians, speaking in a striking mixture of Konkani, Porto and English. The set is not complete without Russian and German. Therefore, for 100% understanding, you will have to master the sign language.
- Left side traffic. Roads where they are narrow and bad. Rules are a relative concept. The movement is often chaotic. Most participants prefer scooters and bikes.
- Cows and dogs. They are not customary to drive or offend in any other way. Cows are sacred animals.
- The sunrise and sunset in Goa are mesmerizing with beauty and transience. Not more than half an hour and night replaces the day and vice versa.
- Clean Indians stands apart. And not in the best place. Garbage and landfill - on every corner, and intestinal infections await in the most unexpected places. Carry alcohol wipes with you.
- Sights. In addition to the stunning richness of the natural landscape in Goa, there are many Hindu and Catholic temples.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What can be encountered in Goa?
The first thing an inexperienced traveler will have to face is a taxi to Goa. Acquaintance with the cunning and often boorish owners of cars and rights discourages the use of their services for a long time. Meanwhile, the secret of mutually beneficial relations is the rule of always bargaining and firmly, but favorably refuse the imposed service. Other issues are easily resolved.
What tip in Goa?
According to reviews, the standard tip is about 10-20 rupees. They are usually left for any services. Starting from the airport, you are literally attacked by locals in a sincere impulse to help with things. Next - the maid. It is not customary to leave a standard dollar on beds in hotels below 4 stars.
Even the colorful Goans, enterprisingly selling various little things on the beach, are much more willing to pose for money. The restaurants leave about 5% of the bill.
What are the sockets in Goa?
Tourists recommend taking 2-3 tees with them to India, preferably with grounding. They will allow easy use of electric networks. The voltage is the same as ours - 220, but the sockets are often loose and it is difficult to fix the plug in them. Used Standard: C, D, M. The first is for ordinary and "euro" plugs without grounding.
If the outlet does not work, it may be turned off - the toggle switch is usually located at the entrance to the room.
Where is it unsafe to exchange dollars in Goa?
Of course, it is best to change money in official institutions with the inscription Exchange. Exchange dollars upon arrival, in hotels, in special bureaus and banks. But these are classic safe options. Such an inscription can be found in shops and stores.
Less safe options are for taxi drivers, in casual shakes or with arms. Goans are willing to exchange dollars, but the safety of large sums will be doubtful. Although reviews of Goa say that the criminal situation is strictly regulated by religious dogmas - you can’t take someone else’s. Therefore, Indians confine themselves to scams of various sizes: they inflate prices and cheat.
Do you need a scooter license for Goa?
Taxi in Goa is far from the last means of transportation. Having looked closely, tourists change to scooters and bikes. Officially - you must have international rights with category “A”. Unofficially - other solutions are possible. When renting documents are not required, and if you were stopped by valiant police officers, then you should know that corruption in India is also a tourist attraction. Bargain.
Before the trip you need to know in advance that you can not bring from Goa. Tips for tourists who love expensive souvenirs: do not buy antiques. He needs help and a lot of permissions. In addition, you cannot export:
- Indian currency.
- Precious metals in ingots.
- Representatives of local flora and live specimens of fauna.
- Crafts: feathers, fur, skins.
The former Portuguese colony in India attracts with its picturesque nature and no less vivid impressions of the original culture and its carriers. Before the trip, you should carefully study all available information and reviews about Goa.