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The official language of the conference is English.
You are advised to carry your identification documents. Always keep spare copies of identity and travel related documents.
The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Foreign currency exchange facility is available in the Goa Airport. Indian currency can be withdrawn using credit cards at the ATMs. These facilities are also available at the conference venue.
Goa has beautifully hot days in March, with an average temperature of 27°C and highs of 32°C in the hottest part of the day.
The temperature fluctuation may be high during the summer period. Keep your medications handy. There would be a medical booth at the conference venue to assist you in case of need. There are several hospitals in the vicinity of the conference venue. Do not hesitate to ask the volunteers for assistance.
Goan cuisine consists of regional foods popular in Goa, an Indian state located along India's west coast on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables, meat, bread, pork and local spices are some of the main ingredients in Goan cuisine. Use of kokum and vinegar is another distinct feature. Goan food is considered incomplete without fish. The cuisine of Goa originated from its Konkani roots, and was influenced by the 451 years of Portuguese rule and the Sultanate rule that preceded the Portuguese. Many Catholic dishes are either similar to or variants of their Portuguese counterparts in both naming or their use of ingredients.
When you land at Manohar International Airport (GOX), you can right away rent one of the many car options available at Goa Car and start breezing through Goa at your own pace and comfort. With a self-drive car, you can easily reach popular destinations like Anjuna Beach, Palolem Beach, Old Goa and explore the nightlife. You can also explore the lush Western Ghats, visit spice plantations. The convenience of a rental car allows you to set your own pace, avoid crowded tourist spots, and immerse yourself in the authentic Goan culture.Goa, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable vacation experience. To fully explore this stunning state, renting a car is an excellent option. Goa Airport self-drive car rentals provide the freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems, venture off the beaten path, and create personalized itineraries.
Here’s how to have a safe Goa holiday. Goa is a safe for travellers. However as with any new place, caution is advised to maintain safety so that you can enjoy your holiday in Goa to the fullest. When in Goa, do like the Goans do. Follow the laws of the land. Be a responsible traveller. Don’t drink and drive. Fun, frolic and high spirits can be dangerous. We advise you to help us maintain public decorum to avoid unruly behaviour and avoid injury to yourself and others around you. Avoid walking on the beach late at night. It’s unsafe and it’ll attract trouble. Stay away from lonely, secluded areas that have no activity. Women travelling solo are advised to remain vigilant. Befriending strangers is unadvisable and avoid travelling late nights alone as the village roads get deserted at that time. Dress appropriately to avoid unnecessary glances and stares especially on crowded beaches. Don’t accept rides from strangers at night. Swimming at times is unsafe due to under currents that are often unknown to visitors. Please check with the lifeguard stationed at the beaches and follow their instructions to ensure your safety is met. Goa’s beaches attract a lot of vendors selling all sorts of items. Be careful of scams that might put you in an uncomfortable situation. Kindly decline their offers. The temperatures soar in the summer. Visitors not used to warmer climates are requested to carry sun lotion, hats and comfortable clothing to avoid sun rashes. Beware of eating at street stalls. Kindly check for sanitation and water before placing an order or you’ll be at the risk of falling ill. Be careful of any sorts of unauthorised agents, brokers who offer to book accommodation, transport or even expensive guides that will take you around. GTDC offers world-class stays at various locations that are conveniently located. You can book for Goa Miles cab or rent your own transport. We wish you a safe and pleasant holiday.
The power outlets in India follow the 220 volts / 50 Hz standard. Use suitable adaptors to interface your devices with the Indian power outlets. Plugs and sockets have either grounded/earthed three- pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded two-pin connections (Type C).
Public Smoking is an offence in Goa. Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking zones. Consumption of Alcohol is not permitted at public places. Violators are liable to be prosecuted. Bars are allowed business till 11 pm while certain hotels have permission till 4 am, which will be restricted in the coming days,” the official said. So also, each of these wholesalers, retailers and bars must submit daily reports to the excise department to monitor sales.
The organizers are not liable for any claims for damages and/or losses if the entire conference has to be cancelled due to a force majeure incident.
The organizers are not liable for damages and/or losses of any kind that may be incurred by the conference delegates or by any other individuals accompanying them, both during the official activities as well as going to/from the conference. Delegates are responsible for their own safety and belongings.
The registration fee does not cover insurance for the delegates. The organizers recommend that the delegates take out insurance in their home country to cover pre-journey cancellation for personal reasons and necessary insurance to cover accidents, medical expenses and loss of personal belongings during the visit.
Please check with your general physician about getting vaccinations before visiting India.
The prominent local languages Konkani, being the official language, is spoken by the majority of the people in Goa, followed by the co-official language Marathi. Other languages spoken in the state are Hindi, English, Kannada, Urdu and Gujarati. Some old citizens can speak Portuguese as well. Most cab drivers speak English.
Geographical Location: Geographically Goa lies between 14° 53′ 54′′ N and 15° 40′ 00′′ N latitudes and 73° 40′ 33′′ E and 74° 20′ 13′′ E longitudes. Total Area: 3, 702 sq. km Goa is a land of amazing contrasts. Of tangible and intangible heritage; of human endeavour and natural wonders; of music and stillness. No other place in the world lets you discover so many worlds in the space of a few hours: outside you and inside you! Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the West and the imposing Sahyadri mountains on the East, the Goan landscape rises from sea-level to a towering 1022 metres. Several rivers crisscross the state and add to its natural beauty. Emergency Numbers Ambulance: 108 Fire service: 191. Police: 100 Roadways Enquiry KTC (Kadamba-Goa) 2438034 to 2438037 MSRTC (Maharashtra) 2438253 KSRTC (Karnataka) 2438256 Goa Tourism Helpline Call center No.: 1364.
Goa conjures picture postcard memories, images of surreal landscapes and endless misty shores. Thus Asia’s most coveted holiday destination is one of the most sought after holiday destinations amongst travellers in India and the world. A quick check on how to get here will throw up multiple connectivity options. You can opt for the quickest or cheapest preference based on time and budget. Now-a-days you can even opt for travel on board the latest luxury cruise line Angrya offering Goa- Mumbai packages.
Goa has 2 airports one at Dabolim and the other at Mopa, Pernem both of which cater to domestic and international flyers. Dabolim airport is approximately 26 kms from Panaji, the capital city, and from Margao 33 min (24.4 km) via NH566. The airport terminal, 1 is for domestic arrivals, whereas 2 is for international travellers. All major airline carriers such as Air India, GoAir, Jet Airways, Air Asia, Spice Jet have regular scheduled flights on a daily basis. They bring in eager guests from all the major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Indore, Chennai, Pune, and others. The newly Inaugurated Manohar International Airport at Mopa is 34.1 kms away from the Capital city of Panaji. The airport is around 29.7 kms from Calangute which is famous for beaches and tourist places. The airport is currently operational for Domestic flyers. Outside you can take Government run Goa Taxi cab or book a Goa Miles cab for a safe, and affordable journey.
For those looking for a long road trip, Goa is connected via all the major highways NH 4 and NH 17. You can easily drive or ride in or take the bus. All the State run bus transport services like KarnatakaState Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and KTC run their operations in Goa.
Goa has four major railway stations that bring in passengers from across the country. Trains depart from Thivim, Karmali, Madgaon and Vasco da Gama at regular intervals. The stations are in proximity to major towns and Madgaon railway station is about 38 km away from Panaji, Vasco da Gama railway is approximately 29 km away.
Once you’re in Goa it’s time to unpack and head out to explore the different must-see activities. Getting around in Goa is easy, reliable and safe. You can avail of public transport, private owned cabs and rented vehicles.
You can now book a cab via the Goa Miles App. Download the app here on your smart phone and you can book a cab to any destination across the State.
You can even take the regular airport shuttle that operates from the airport. Location The shuttle bus departs from outside the airport premises. Fares Goa Airport to Calangute: INR 150.00 Calangute to Goa Airport: INR 150.00 Panaji to Airport: INR 100.00.
For further information about this service, please call: +91 832 2438830 or 2438831 or visit www.goakadamba.com | www.redbus.in
| Sr No. | From Airport | From Calangute |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 08:00 | 10:30 |
| 2 | 13:00 | 11:00 |
| 3 | 13:30 | 15:00 |
| 4 | 14:30 | 15:30 |
| 5 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
| 6 | 18:00 | 19:15 |
Goa has a unique and very popular mode of transport known as a ‘pilot’. This is in reality a motorcycle taxi. This is the fastest and most economical way of getting about in Goan towns and sometimes to locations at short distances on the outskirts. The motorcycle taxis are easily recognized by the yellow mudguards and yellow number plates. The driver who is known as the ‘pilot’ carries only one pillion rider at a time. They even have special taxi stand of their own. Bargain with the pilot for a good rate for the trip before you set out. Hired motorbikes, moped, scooters and bicycles are also a very economical mode of transport to travel around Goa, especially in the interiors. These are available in the cities as well as near most beach areas. The cost of hiring a bike for a day ranges anywhere from Rs 200 to Rs 400. Usually, a down payment as security or deposit of your passport is required at most such places which rent out motorbikes.
At quite a few places around Goa, especially in the rural hinterland, you will have to cross a small river to get to your destination. Most such rivers now have a bridge across them, which has made the flow of traffic smooth all over Goa. However, where a bridge is yet to come up, you will be able to enjoy another mode of transport unique to Goa. This is the ferry also known as ferryboat by the locals, which carries people and cars from one shore to the other, across the rivers and estuaries all around Goa. In some places, the ferry remains the only mode of transport to get to the mainland. Popular river crossings include: Old Goa to Divar Island, Divar to Narve, Querim to Tiracol, and Cavelossim to Assolna. There is a ferry from the capital city of Panaji across the Mandovi river to Betim, despite the presence of two excellent bridges across the Mandovi river. Travelers to Goa feel that the ferry ride is one of the most romantic mode of transport in Goa. This most enjoyable ride is well worth checking out.
Save on the exuberant travelling costs and hire a bike. It is easily available in the main towns in Goa, even in villages. The price range is Rs. 350 even Rs 500 per day depending on the kind of bike and season. Geared bikes range from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1000 per day.
Travelling around Goa is fairly easy. There is an extensive road network which connects most places in Goa with motorable roads. There is private as well as state transport corporation run bus services which service all the major locations. The airport now has a special AC bus that takes you toCalangute. Despite the overcrowding, noise and off-schedule service, there is a special charm in travelling in the private buses which are brightly painted and filled with colourful local characters. Do not be surprised if you see buses making unscheduled stops, especially in the rural areas, to pick up passengers waiting at all sorts of places besides the regular bus-stand.
If you are interested in exploring Goa on your own and at your own pace, then a car is a very good option. A number of companies offer rental cars, both self and chauffeur-driven. A list of companies offering car rentals is available in the travel services section of this website. Besides rented cars, there are the ubiquitous tourist taxis, which are available near most hotels and resorts and at all the tourist attractions. There are two types of taxis, the white-colored tourist taxis, and the yellow- topped black regular taxis. The private tourist taxis, are completely white in colour, and are found at the Goa Airport, the railway stations and outside most popular hotels. Almost all major towns and tourist attractions have a taxi stand, where both types of taxis are available. Most hotels also arrange a taxi for you on request. These taxis quite often have an interstate license and can take you to nearby destinations outside Goa. The taxi hire charges are fixed per kilometer, but with a little bit of bargaining you can arrive at a rate which is quite reasonable for the trip. The taxis can be hired per trip or for the whole day. Ensure that you fix a price for the entire journey before you sit in, so that you don’t get overcharged at the end of the trip.
The three-wheeled auto-rickshaw taxi, painted yellow and black, is a common site in all Goan towns. This taxi is basically the front half of a motor scooter with a couple of seats mounted on the back. They usually take two to three passengers and are quite speedy on the crowded roads of Goan towns. Above all, they are very cheap as compared to taxis for travelling around the town. The rickshaws have separate stands in most places. They have a meter system, according to which they are supposed to charge per km. However most don’t adhere to this, so in most cases bargaining is common before you set out on your trip.
Goa is blessed with physical features that range from dominating hilly ranges to a sandy shoreline and serpentine rivers cutting across the land. India’s smallest state, Goa encompasses 3,702 km2 (1,429 sq mi). Placed between the latitudes 14°53′54′′ N and 15°40′00′′ N and longitudes 73°40′33′′ E and 74°20′13′′ E, Goa lies along the Konkan coast of India. The towering Western Ghats separate Goa from the Deccan Plateau. The highest point at Sonsogor stands at an attitude of 1,167 metres (3,829 ft). Goa’s golden coastline stretches to 160 (99 mi) kms. Goa has an enviable combination of sea and rivers. Seven rivers make their winding way inwards. These lifelines to Goa’s economy are Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona and Sal. The longest rivers Zuari and Mandovi form a complex network of backwaters and have been used for various activities, notably the transportation of mined ore. Each of the rivers is home to a rich biodiversity unique to these parts. The Southwest monsoons feed the rivers parched by the summer heat. The river basin covers 69% of the geographical area. Apart from a well-connected river system, the state has 40 estuarines, eight marine and about 90 riverine islands.The total navigable length of Goa’s rivers is 253 kms (157 mi). Apart from the various larger water bodies, Goa has ancient water banks dating to the Kadamba dynasty, not to mention medicinal springs. Murmugao harbour on the mouth of the river Zuari is considered to be one of the best natural harbours in South Asia. Goa is endowed with laterite reserves rich in ferric-aluminium oxides reddish in colour. The alluvial and loamy soil along the river banks is filled with minerals and humus, thus making it suitable for farming. Some of the oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent are located along the Goa-Karnataka border.
