What do you need to enter India?
Latest Update: 13th February 2023
As per the latest government update, Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report are no longer mandatory for passengers travelling from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan. Please check here for the latest update. And also we recommend you to check your departing country travel requirements for exit and entry.
Valid Entry Visa
All passenger must have a valid entry visa to travel to India, obtained prior to departure, such as Tourist E-visa or Regular Tourist Visa. More details on all visas for India. Passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of visa.
- Regular paper Tourist visa will start from the date of issue (not from the date of travel) and its validity depends on your country of origin. It can be 1 to 10 years. Consult with the Indian Consulate in your country. Passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
- E-visas will start from the date of travel, and is valid 30 days/one year or five years. More details & application for E-visa.
NB: As per the latest updates (January 2023), India has restored the e-Visa services for Great Britain (U.K.) wishing to visit India.
How to reach us in Agonda, South Goa?
The easiest way to reach Goa is to fly to Dabolim airport (GOI) because travelling by train or bus in India can be a little exhausting, especially for those coming to India for the first time.
Dabolim International Airport is the closest airport to Agonda (approx. 60km). It is well connected by daily domestic flights mainly from Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bangalore and also international flights mainly from London, Dubai, Muscat and Doha. Click here for more details about flights to Dabolim.
As you reach Dabolim International Airport:
- We can organise a taxi pick-up (and drop-off) for you with our local partner. You will just have to look for your name on a board at the Exit Gate. It will cost you 30 Euros per way, to pay to us directly on arrival.
- Alternatively, hop on a taxi you can pre-book inside the arrival gate. There are a couple of official taxi counters as you just pass the security, located before the exit gate on the right side (Goa Miles and another taxi counter). They will assign you a taxi driver for a fixed amount between approx. 1,800 INR and 2,500 INR to pay by cash directly to the driver when you reach your final destination. Please have some local currency (Indian Rupees) to pay the taxi. Currency exchange booths can be found in Arrivals Hall, and ATM outside the Terminal building. Note that Goa Miles doesn’t run at night.
Other ways to travel to Agonda:
If you reach via train or bus to Margao (Madgaon) or Chaudi (Canacona), we can organise a taxi pick-up and drop-off for you.
Tip: We suggest our students to arrive 1 or 2 days earlier if possible in order to acclimate themselves and rest from the travel/jet lag to start afresh on Sunday afternoon. You can either book a room in advance via Booking.com & Agoda.com or book a room as you reach and walk around, or check-in your room earlier if it is available. There will be extra cost per night. Please ask us directly for more details and availability.
Practical information about Agonda
- Where to exchange currencies? There are few Money Exchange agencies in Agonda. You will need to show your passport. Please be informed that generally the bigger the notes are, the better the exchange rate will be.
- Where to withdraw Indian Rupees? You can swipe your card for cash withdrawal at a Money exchange agency (cash back system), they will charge an extra 4 to 5% of the sum and will require your passport. Or you can withdraw cash at the only ATM in Agonda from HDFC Bank in front of the Church, but because it is the only ATM in Agonda, it is sometimes empty. Alternatively, you can go to Chaudi, the nearest town, where you can find many ATM.
- Where to do my laundry? There are few local places in Agonda with Laundry sign. They usually charge per kilo or per item. Otherwise your room is equipped with a bucket so you can hand-wash your clothes.
- Where to find a doctor? In the unlikely event you need a doctor or nurse, there is a small local clinic located in Agonda with medicines available from 9:00am till 8.00pm (closed at lunch time), and a doctor available from 5.00pm till 8.00pm.
- Where to eat on my days off? During your time off on Saturday and Sunday, we specifically don’t include food so you are free to eat at your own timing and discover other types of cuisine available around. There are plenty of restaurants in Agonda, and also few local fruits, vegetables and groceries shops.
- What’s the weather like? The weather in Agonda is generally warm throughout the all year although from November to March/April is the most pleasant season because there is no rain and lots of blue sky and sunshine during the days. The average temperatures vary between 24 to 33 degrees and it gets cooler at night and in the morning. It is the local winter! Then humidity rises during the summer (April and May), followed by the monsoon from June to September/October.
What to bring for the course?
We recommend you to bring:
- Notebook, pens and file folder for your notes
- Light comfortable clothes and shoes/slippers as days are warm
- Shawl/jumpers as mornings and evenings can be little chilly, especially during December & January
- Swimsuit, suncream, sunglasses, hat
- Your preferred toiletries
- Any medication you are taking or may need
- White clothes for Opening and Certificate Ceremonies
- Electrical adapter
- Reusable water bottle (filtered water is available in the yogashala)
- We have yoga mats available in the yogashala although you are welcome to bring your own according to your physical preferences, or buy a new one in Agonda.
- Rain coat and umbrella if you come during the moonson!
