Goa is the smallest state in India and is very different in terms of infrastructure and hygiene from other places in this multifaceted country. It is one of the best resorts in the world, where tourists are offered both high-class elite service and a budget option for recreation. It all depends on the location of the resort, and there are more than forty of them in Goa.
110 kilometers of beaches can be divided into North and South parts. This is a conditional division, since the warm sea, air temperature and nature on the coast are equally beautiful. The difference is expressed only in the "stars" of the hotels, the public and prices.
South Goa
These resorts are preferred by wealthy tourists, for whom comfort and luxury during their holidays play an important role. Well-maintained hotels, high-quality service, well-maintained beaches, spas, Ayurvedic schools, luxurious green parks, and so on. The hotels are located at a considerable distance from each other, so vacationers can fully enjoy the silence and find a secluded corner where you can practice meditation or simply contemplate the splendor created by nature.
North Goa
For those who prefer a budget holiday, North Goa is suitable. This place attracts young people who come here to actively relax, make new acquaintances and have fun in full. This tradition began in the late seventies, when the first hippies came here, and since then its character has changed little.
The level of hotels here is represented by one or two stars, prices are not high, food is of good quality. It should be noted that tap water is not recommended to be drunk either in cheap or expensive hotels. Tourists are offered only bottled water, which also needs to wash fruits. The beaches are at a short distance from each other. There are numerous bars, nightclubs and noisy discos on them.
Hotels in Goa 4 stars - an overview of the best options.
How to get to Goa
Just as a vacation in Goa can differ significantly in its cost, so the way to India can be fast and expensive, and it can be less expensive, but at the same time not so comfortable. Let's consider both options. Let's make a reservation right away that the reduction in travel expenses is presented within reasonable limits, therefore, rail, road transport and hitchhiking are not considered.
Convenient option
Dabolim is the only airport in Goa that accepts international airlines and charter flights. The flight time from Moscow to Dabolim is from seven to ten hours. Considering this factor and the carrier company, the price ranges from 15 to 23 thousand rubles one way. It is best to buy tickets one and a half to two months before departure. This makes it possible to find a cheaper option and significantly save money. Also, various tour operators periodically offer their customers discounts, and who are lucky - "last minute" vouchers. Tickets may go up about a month before departure.
A significant advantage of this method of transportation is the absence of transplants. For those who travel with small children, this is of great importance.
A budget option
It is very logical to assume that tourists choosing a vacation in North Goa choose a cheaper and more affordable flight option. It means a flight from Moscow to Mumbai. This is an Indian airport located about five hundred kilometers from the resort. There is also a transfer to local airlines to Dabolim. You can also use New Delhi airport for this. In terms of time, such flights can take from eleven to twenty-six hours, but the price will be about ten to eleven thousand rubles one way.
It is worth knowing in advance one nuance, which is that there are two airports in Mumbai. The international airport receives and dispatches the planes of international companies, while the domestic airport serves only domestic flights. A bus runs between them, which is easy to find by looking at the shuttle signs. If you need to get there quickly, you can use the services of local taxis by ordering them right at the airport at the Prepaid taxi counter.
There is a special warning for photography enthusiasts. The fact is that the Dabolim airport, in addition to civil aircraft, also accepts military aircraft. Tourists should not be photographed against their background, as this can lead to serious and rather unpleasant consequences.
Railway connection
From Mumbai to the beaches of Goa can be reached by train. This is a very economical option that also allows you to experience local sights and customs.
It all starts with buying a ticket, during which you must indicate your age and gender. These criteria are taken into account when choosing a seat, and it is possible that the husband and wife will be in different cars. Before leaving, it is worth checking the presence of your name in the lists posted in the station building, as well as on the train cars.
There are such classes of cars as: 1. 1 AC can be compared to a Russian compartment car. 2. 2 AC is a kind of reserved seat, in which there is an air conditioner. 3. 3 AC is similar to the previous version, but the berths are arranged in three rows, which makes six places in total instead of four. 4. Sleepper is a common carriage with bars instead of glass on the windows. It is mainly used by locals, so it is not worth purchasing tickets for this class.
Bus transportation
From Mumbai or Delhi to the beaches of Goa can be reached by bus. Tickets for these can be purchased at Indian Travel Agencies located near the bus stations.
There are two types of buses - night and day.
With daytime buses, everything is clear, since they do not differ from the usual buses. But the night option implies the ability to sleep while lying on a kind of shelf. Here it must be borne in mind that the shelf is double and you will have to sleep next to a fellow traveler. To avoid this, it is worth buying two tickets at once, especially since their price is not high.
Which to choose - North or South Goa? - our article will help dispel doubts.
